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Toledo, Spain: City of Wonder

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Toledo, Spain: A City of Wonder

Photo Credit: By Dina Spencer

 

Toledo, Spain is a cultural gem. Upon entering the old town through the keyhole-shaped city gate, visitors will feel as though they have been transported back several centuries to a magical kingdom. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, its quaint medieval charms make the city a hot destination and a must-see for any traveler’s list of places to see in Spain. Toledo was named a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1986, adding this famed status to its already impressive achievements. With more than 2000 years of history, settled since 193 BC, Toledo has been influenced by Jews, Christians and Muslims, noted in the city’s architectural styles. The diverse city was a center for culture and religion for several centuries as well as an important art center during the Renaissance and was home to El Greco. Today, Toledo is the capital of the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha and offers visitors a wealth of architecture, art, cuisine, and a glimpse into Spain’s colorful past. [Read more…]

Semana Santa in Southern Spain: Dos and Don’ts

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Semana Santa in Southern Spain - Dos and Don'ts

Photo Credit: By Posible2006 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Spain is a country full of colorful history, passionate people, and incredible food. Each region has its stereotypes, typical foods, and religious views. The predominant religion is Catholicism, with at least 70% of the population self-identifying as such. In many of the northern regions, religion is practically nonexistent as most people have shunned their Catholic roots, but in the south, religious traditions are still sacred. In the southern autonomous community of Andalucia, these traditions are so well-preserved that visitors from around Spain and the world descend upon the region to observe the festivities of Holy Week, known in Spanish as Semana Santa.

Semana Santa began over 500 years ago in Andalucia as a way for common people to understand the Passion of the Christ. To showcase the story, massive wooden floats are created – a labor that starts early in the year – with statues depicting Christ, Mary, and a number of saints. The heavy floats are carried by 25 to 50 men through the streets in somber processions amid thousands of onlookers. The festivities begin on the Thursday evening before Easter and continue through Sunday. The best places to see the processions are the cities of Seville and Malaga. If you’re planning to join in the festivities, particularly in Seville, there are a few things you should keep in mind. [Read more…]