Temps de Flors Girona

Posted on 18. Jun, 2010 by catherine in festival, flower, Girona, may, original

FOR nine days in May the northern Spanish city of Girona becomes a giant garden with a wealth of scent and colours as it celebrates the festival of ‘Temps de Flors’.

The fiesta, now in its 49th year, sees traditional and innovative displays of flowers and plants in dozens of locations.

Based mainly in the old town, the festival includes monuments, churches, as well as public and private gardens and patios.

Whether you are a keen flower arranger or not the festival is well worth a visit as the doors to some of the most beautiful buildings in the city are opened to the public for these few days. And, if like me, you’re a bit of a nosy parker, it’s the perfect excuse to have a look around.

Seafood trail of the Costa Brava

Posted on 16. Jun, 2010 by catherine in Cadaques, L'Escala, Llafranc, Palamos, Pals

The Costa Brava is one of the most unspoilt of Spain’s Costas thanks to its rugged nature which rather inhibits building blocks of hotels. With so many little coves and bays hidden away there is always somewhere to explore. The climate of the Costa Brava in summer is less oppressive than other parts of the peninsular and in winter the sun still shines to cheer away those winter blues. This is my favourite part of Spain. The beaches are great for families and although the region doesn’t have an Ibiza party scene, there are a few spots to go for a bit of nightlife.

Along the Costa Brava, which means rugged or wild coast, are numerous little villages where, for centuries, the main income was fishing. This traditional link with the sea continues today and what better way to enjoy a plate of grilled sardines or a bowl of muscles than by sitting looking out to sea with the smell of the sea air and the sound of waves. Catherine Dolan goes in search of some of the most idyllic locations.

We start in the north at Cadaqués.

An inside look at las Fallas

Posted on 30. Mar, 2006 by catherine in dress, Fallas, material, petticoats, Valencia

LA FALLERA

BEING a fallera is more than just putting on a posh frock and it’s certainly not to be referred to as ‘fancy dress’.

The cost of the dress alone is enough to make one weep, then there are all the extras; the hair, the jewels, the underwear, not to mention the annual fee paid to be a member of one of Valencia’s 355 Fallas (a sort of cliquey club or association).

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