Discover Catalan culture

Catalan culture is quite diverse given the fact that Catalonians are from one of the richest areas in terms historical traditions although most of them are much more informal today.  However, the culture is generally very celebratory and upbeat and while travelling through Catalonia you will find that most people are genial and friendly.

One of the most interesting marks of popular culture in Catalonia today dates back to the 18th century and is the actual practice of building human towers.  Teams across the country compete in this challenge in a literal attempt to build the largest human tower, which can be surprisingly quite thrilling to watch.

Also worth observing if you get the chance is the traditional and popular sardana Catalan dance form.  During the summer time around festivals you may get the chance to see groups of people dancing outdoors singing songs followed by the consumption of burned rum.  Fireworks and parades are also quite popular during celebrations and you will notice that it seems the people of Catalonia always seem to have something worth celebrating.

Bullfighting also used to a popular pastime in Catalonia but soon this activity will be banned and is now looked down on, so avoid asking the locals about catching a bull fight while visiting.  Do make sure to try out some of the local flavour of the cuisine however as it is spiced and memorable to say the very least.

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Weekend guide to Madrid

Madrid is one of the most intriguing capital cities of Europe and is to be found in Spain, in the heart of the castellan plain.  Built on an original site of a fort, the city is one of the most notable places to spend a weekend and there is plenty to see and do regardless of your interests.

During the day time the museums in Madrid are worth checking out as the city is famous for its wide array of art museums including the Salamanca Museo del Prado, the Museum Thyseen-Bornemisze, and the Reina Sofia where you can see Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso’s up close and personal.

Before leaving you should also take a guided tour of The Royal Palace.  Although the King and Queen of Spain do not actually live in this grand palace, its interior is stunning and one of the most visited attractions in Madrid.

If you find yourself in the need of some sunshine, indulge in the beautiful weather of Madrid from the Parque del Buen Retiro, which is one of the most relaxing and beautiful parks in the city.  The park is large and you can explore the gardens, the lake, and the Fallen Angel statue, which is thought to be the first statue created in the resemblance of Lucifer.

At night Madrid boasts one of the most active nightlife scenes in Europe although unlike other locations in the nation nightlife does not usually get started until 1am thus you may want to take advantage of the Spanish tradition of a siesta in order to make it through the entire night late into the AM hours.

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