Barcelona and Madrid - Corpus Christi Festival and Itinerary
Apr 11th, 2010, 11:35 AM
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Barcelona and Madrid - Corpus Christi Festival and Itinerary
So, I'm planning a trip to Madrid and Barcelona for two end of May - Beginning of June, and have set up a few things to do so far. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Madrid
1. Museo del Prado
2. Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
3. Madrid Zoo
4. Picnic at Parque de Retiro
5. Shopping - locations not sure yet...
6. Flamenco - Madrid or Barcelona?
7. Wine Tasting
Barcelona
1. Parque Guell
2.La Sagrada Familia
3. Picasso Museum
4. Beaches
5. Flamenco - Madrid or Barcelona?
6.Clubs/Dancing - Locations???
7. Corpus Christi
Q. I have been reading that the festival with the flower carpets is on either June 3 or June 6. The problem is that we leave June 4
I was wondering if anyone knew the correct dates and if it is on June 6, do they have some of the carpets made during the week that we may see them before we leave (if anyone has experienced this - your help is greatly appreciated).
Do you guys think i have too many things planned??- I'll be in Madrid for full 3 days and Barcelona for full 4 days. Any recommendations for locations to go to I would LOVE!! thanks in advance guys!!
-NYCWorldTraveler
Madrid
1. Museo del Prado
2. Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
3. Madrid Zoo
4. Picnic at Parque de Retiro
5. Shopping - locations not sure yet...
6. Flamenco - Madrid or Barcelona?
7. Wine Tasting
Barcelona
1. Parque Guell
2.La Sagrada Familia
3. Picasso Museum
4. Beaches
5. Flamenco - Madrid or Barcelona?
6.Clubs/Dancing - Locations???
7. Corpus Christi
Q. I have been reading that the festival with the flower carpets is on either June 3 or June 6. The problem is that we leave June 4
I was wondering if anyone knew the correct dates and if it is on June 6, do they have some of the carpets made during the week that we may see them before we leave (if anyone has experienced this - your help is greatly appreciated).Do you guys think i have too many things planned??- I'll be in Madrid for full 3 days and Barcelona for full 4 days. Any recommendations for locations to go to I would LOVE!! thanks in advance guys!!
-NYCWorldTraveler
Apr 11th, 2010, 12:53 PM
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It looks like the actual feast of Corpus Christi is on June 3 in 2010, but the processions I've seen have been on the Sunday following, which would be on June 6. Both times I've seen the procession, it has been in Germany, and it seems to me that the Monday following was a holiday.
The last time I saw the procession was in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. People from two nearby villages processed to Schwäbisch Hall, led by a band, the priest, and acolytes, and then went to Mass at St. Michaels, which has been Lutheran for 500 years. Since it was in Germany, the music was absolutely fabulous.
I don't think you're planning too much. I guess everyone who visits Spain has to see flamenco, but once in my lifetime was plenty for me.
I especially like the picnic in Retiro Park. I'd advise you to go on Sunday. There are lots of musicians, puppet shows, singers, etc., and I just loved it.
If you're in Barcelona on the right day of the week, many local people dance the sardana, the Catalan dance, sometimes in front of the Cathedral, sometimes in Placa Sant Jaume.
You'd need to check on times. I think we were in the Placa at 6:00 p.m. or so on a Thursday, but I've also read that it's danced on Sunday at noon in front of the Cathedral. Rick Steves (from 2003) says also at 6:00 or 6:30 p.m.
It's just an informal thing, where people gather to dance. The circle starts, people joint when they feel like it. When the circle gets too big, someone will start another circle.
The last time I saw the procession was in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. People from two nearby villages processed to Schwäbisch Hall, led by a band, the priest, and acolytes, and then went to Mass at St. Michaels, which has been Lutheran for 500 years. Since it was in Germany, the music was absolutely fabulous.
I don't think you're planning too much. I guess everyone who visits Spain has to see flamenco, but once in my lifetime was plenty for me.
I especially like the picnic in Retiro Park. I'd advise you to go on Sunday. There are lots of musicians, puppet shows, singers, etc., and I just loved it.
If you're in Barcelona on the right day of the week, many local people dance the sardana, the Catalan dance, sometimes in front of the Cathedral, sometimes in Placa Sant Jaume.
You'd need to check on times. I think we were in the Placa at 6:00 p.m. or so on a Thursday, but I've also read that it's danced on Sunday at noon in front of the Cathedral. Rick Steves (from 2003) says also at 6:00 or 6:30 p.m.
It's just an informal thing, where people gather to dance. The circle starts, people joint when they feel like it. When the circle gets too big, someone will start another circle.
Apr 11th, 2010, 06:00 PM
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Hey everyone thanks for the replies!!
Pegontheroad - thanks for the tip on the Catalan dance, and I am also really excited about the picnic at Retiro . . . and I may just go to Sitges to try and see the flower carpets - hopefully they are there
Danon - thanks for the flamenco tip. I also looked up Casa Mila and Casa Batllo in Barcelona. . . will definitely check those out - they look amazing!
Chapla - Yes, I read reviews and saw really cool pics on tripadvisor of the Zoo Aquarium de la Casa de Campo - so thinking of checking that out when we're out there
Pegontheroad - thanks for the tip on the Catalan dance, and I am also really excited about the picnic at Retiro . . . and I may just go to Sitges to try and see the flower carpets - hopefully they are there
Danon - thanks for the flamenco tip. I also looked up Casa Mila and Casa Batllo in Barcelona. . . will definitely check those out - they look amazing!
Chapla - Yes, I read reviews and saw really cool pics on tripadvisor of the Zoo Aquarium de la Casa de Campo - so thinking of checking that out when we're out there
Apr 11th, 2010, 06:46 PM
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Apr 11th, 2010, 06:57 PM
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They dance the Sardana Saturday nights and Sunday mornings in front the Cathedral (Se) in Barcelona.
They dance in a circle and the women leave their bags in the middle of the circle. If you wish to join, the Catalans are most agreeable. It is not complicated and their are people of all ages. If it rains they do not dance.
They dance in a circle and the women leave their bags in the middle of the circle. If you wish to join, the Catalans are most agreeable. It is not complicated and their are people of all ages. If it rains they do not dance.
Apr 12th, 2010, 05:33 AM
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The 26 yrs old flamenco dance genious Rocío Molina with her new show in Teatros del Canal in Madrid May 27-30. She won the Spanish critics best female flamenco dancer prizes for both 2007 and 2008. Reviews of her latest US performances:
NY Times: "Leading the audience into flamenco's heart"
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/ar...llow.html?_r=1
Financial Times: "The dancer as cubist painting": http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dadc5198-1...44feab49a.html
Information/Tickets:
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarBus...al=2580&tipo=5
The up and coming catalan whirlwind of a flamenco dancer, Belén López, dances at Cardamomo May 25-30. At 22 she has already been compared to the greatest of all times, Carmen Amaya (1913-63):
http://www.cardamomo.es/
NY Times: "Leading the audience into flamenco's heart"
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/ar...llow.html?_r=1
Financial Times: "The dancer as cubist painting": http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dadc5198-1...44feab49a.html
Information/Tickets:
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarBus...al=2580&tipo=5
The up and coming catalan whirlwind of a flamenco dancer, Belén López, dances at Cardamomo May 25-30. At 22 she has already been compared to the greatest of all times, Carmen Amaya (1913-63):
http://www.cardamomo.es/
Apr 12th, 2010, 07:21 AM
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Guided wine tasting and tapas tour in Madrid with a member of the Spanish Wine Tasting Association:
http://www.walksofspain.com/
Or do it yourself:
http://tapastalk.wordpress.com/tapas-bars/
Shopping at El Rastro market Sunday morning:
http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/el-rastro.html
In Barcelona, under the Plaza del Rei square, you can visit the archaeological remains of the city Barcino, founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.
http://www.spain.info/conoce/museo/b...la_ciudad.html
You might also want to visit one of Europes best and most famous food markets, La Boquería. Just off Las Ramblas. A couple of great tapas bars inside:
http://www.boqueria.info/Eng/index.php
http://www.worldsofflavorspain.com/node/746
http://www.worldsofflavorspain.com/node/745
http://www.walksofspain.com/
Or do it yourself:
http://tapastalk.wordpress.com/tapas-bars/
Shopping at El Rastro market Sunday morning:
http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/el-rastro.html
In Barcelona, under the Plaza del Rei square, you can visit the archaeological remains of the city Barcino, founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.
http://www.spain.info/conoce/museo/b...la_ciudad.html
You might also want to visit one of Europes best and most famous food markets, La Boquería. Just off Las Ramblas. A couple of great tapas bars inside:
http://www.boqueria.info/Eng/index.php
http://www.worldsofflavorspain.com/node/746
http://www.worldsofflavorspain.com/node/745
Apr 12th, 2010, 09:14 AM
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Be very conscious of pickpockets in Barcelona...I cannot stress this enough. Do not carry a purse unless you must, and leave your Passport in your hotel. For more helpful tips check out my blog: www.BarcelonaNative.com
safe travels, michael~
safe travels, michael~
Apr 12th, 2010, 01:02 PM
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kimhe - thanks for putting up those great links. I am anxiously waiting for information to be available for flamenco shows in Madrid for the beginning of June. Meanwhile I enjoyed reading what you posted.
Apr 12th, 2010, 06:42 PM
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Kimhe - let me just reiterate the thanks! they are great links. We were looking into Cardamomo, so I'm so happy to know others like the place. Thanks Barcelona Native - I will definitely watch out for that. I am so excited about the trip - too bad i have to wait two more months . . . don't worry jerseysusan, we'll GET THERE!! haha
. . . don't worry jerseysusan, we'll GET THERE!! haha
