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Levi Ski Resort, located in Kittilä in Lapland, is the most popular ski resort in Finland and the northernmost ski resort in Europe. The resort is equipped with lifts, slopes, and services that make it possible to learn how to ski or snowboard at any age. Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Lapland's snowy wonderland, where the best skiing experiences await at Finland's renowned ski resort. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a novice eager to carve your first tracks, this winter paradise offers something for everyone. Explore meticulously groomed slopes, breathtaking vistas, and a host of exhilarating activities that promise an adventure like no other. From adrenaline-pumping downhill runs to serene cross-country trails, immerse yourself in the magic of Lapland's skiing paradise. Unveil the Thrills of Finland's Premier Ski Resort in Lapland Get ready to embrace the thrill of the slopes and create lasting memories at the ultimate ski destination in Finland. Levi is one of the best places you can go if you want to enjoy an Arctic winter vacation. It’s also one of the most northern ski resorts in Europe, so you can be sure that you’ll have plenty of fun on your trip to Levi! The resort has a wide array of slopes for every skill level, so whether you're an experienced skier or just starting, there will be something here for everyone. And if skiing isn't your thing, there's still plenty to do at Levi: go hiking, snowboarding, or ice skating. Levi is the place to go if you want an adventure. The ski resort offers something for everyone, from beginners to experts. There are plenty of cultural activities on offer as well as various festivals throughout the year, so there's always something new happening in Lapland! Find out more about the ski slopes in Levi. #SkiResort #Finland #WinterSports #LaplandBeauty #AdventureTravel #SnowyLandscapes #WinterMagic #SkiingParadise #ArcticExperience #WinterWonderland #SkiingParadise #LaplandAdventure #WinterEscape #SnowyWonderland #ArcticThrills #AdventureAwaits #SkiLapland #WinterVacation

On one of the sites I read: "What's the point of visiting a winery if you don't plan to buy boxes there? ...And climbing through cellars with barrels ... - is of dubious interest." I completely agree with this opinion: why should a person who has reached Dontsova's level in his life read some Proust or Marquez? Someone who drinks "Monk's Tear" or "Wine Arbatskoe" does not need to go to Bordeaux or Rioja. To each his own, as it was written on the gate of one concentration camp. Since I sincerely hope that among my readers are those who prefer to "climb cellars", then ... let's visit the cellars of the winery "Torres". Of course, the first thing that comes to your eyes in the articles about this famous winery is an enthusiastic phrase: "Did you know that Torres wines are preferred by Spanish monarch Juan Carlos and Antonio Banderas, the favourite of thousands of women?". Grigory Pasko, journalist, for Fenix.info. "So what?" Torres winery tour Video film. We've had some berries. Now for the tasting. Stories about the winery Retreat Torres Wine Empire. The wine lineup. What to drink? Speaking of quality Torres wines: the numbers... Catalonia, Torres and Jean Léon. Jean Léon's winery 1. It makes me want to ask: "So what?" The fact is that I'm the kind of amateur who prefers to see with my own eyes and try something out for myself before giving my opinion. An actor's opinion, for example, may not necessarily be the same as mine. Although with regard to Torres wines, I am more likely to agree with the praise. 2. Tour of the Torres winery: a hastily organised visit It is best to visit the winery alone or in a small group, without a quick tour. However, the Torres winery is more often visited during a holiday, for example, in Salou. From there there are buses for excursions to Montserrat, and on the way back stop in Vilafranca del Penedès, where, in fact, there is a part of the vineyards of the huge estate "Torres". Unfortunately, I went with this tour, so I did NOT enjoy the visit to the winery because I was deprived of the opportunity to stick my curious nose where I wanted to go. Otherwise... 3. A video about the history of the winery and the Torres family We were shown a video about the history of the winery and the Torres family (the film is old and bad in that it doesn't say a word about the main wealth of the famous winery - the people who actually grow the grapes and make the wine. By the way, in the promotional booklet "Vendimia. Torres Magazine 2015" does not have this flaw. The company's marvellous website also avoids this flaw). Then, on an almost toy, but comfortable, train, we were taken around the farm. Here, say, wine cellars (from afar); here is a tunnel room for maturation of wines in bottled condition (somewhere behind a fence and behind glass); over there - warehouses (from afar); over there - laboratory (even further away)... That's it, here we are. You can walk to the vineyards. Thank you. We walked. The vineyards are well-groomed, beautiful, with heavy ripe bunches. There are rose bushes by the straight rows. Beautiful. Once the rose had an applied meaning: phylloxera first struck the rose, and then, after a day, the vine. Thus, the rose as if warned the winemaker - it was time to join the fight against the contagion. They say there was also a reason to plant roses. Horses sometimes wandered into the vineyards and devoured the vines. The thorny rose bushes prevented this. Now there are neither phylloxera nor horses roaming uncontrolled in the vineyards. So roses have only one function left - beauty. 4. We've had some berries. Now for the tasting Tasted a drop of red and a drop of white. Then it's off to the shop and goodbye. No, I don't like that. I felt like I was getting rid of them for my own money. Ideally, an excursion to a winery implies leisurely inspection of cellars, barrels, plantations and leisurely wine tasting under the murmuring stories of a professional guide. And the more names in the tasting list, the better: to choose what you need and then buy it immediately. (By the way, it is not necessarily that a bottle of wine at a winery will be cheaper than in a supermarket. Quite the opposite - it will be more expensive. Oh, come on. Give me a tasting. Not just two wines, but at least five or six). Perhaps I was unlucky with that excursion. Perhaps, it is such an idea of the owners and marketers: the bait is given, the bait is swallowed - come again. I will! In exact accordance with my favourite rule: if someone somewhere is NOT waiting for me, I will not be late. And seriously, I liked the winery in general. You can see that everything is made according to the latest technology and with the use of modern technologies. Grigory Pasko, journalist, for FENIX.info 5. A little history about the Torres winery Born in 1839 in Catalonia (Villafranca del Penedes), Jaime Torres left for America at the age of 16. He didn't make it to America, he got stuck in Havana. After 15 years he returned to his native Catalonia with a Caribbean accent, a little money and a dream to create... a winery. He set up an office in Barcelona. Soon he started his own business: a winery, a textile factory and the newspaper Diario del Comercio. I don't know how the newspaper and textile business went, but in 1873 Torres' wines won an award at an exhibition in Vienna. After the death of Jaime Torres, his brother Miguel took over the management of the farm. Then Miguel's son Juan, then Juan's son Miguel. It was already 1939. 6. A small digression Besides Guernica in 1937, bombers of the fascist legion "Condor", it turns out, bombed in 1939 Barcelona and destroyed ...the winery of Torres. The name "Torres" is first mentioned in documents in 1870. Brothers Jaime and Miguel Torres, who founded the company, were clearly brave guys: they started winegrowing at a time when in neighbouring France, since 1863, the phylloxera epidemic was raging in full swing. However, the brothers were not only brave men, but also hereditary winemakers. A representative of the fourth generation of Torres, also Miguel, was the first in Spain to cultivate French "Sauvignon", "Chardonnay", "Cabernet", German "Riesling". He revitalised Spanish vines ("gras murales"). The Torres were the first to make organic wine. 7. Torres Wine Empire The Torres wine empire now encompasses vineyards not only in Spain, but also in Chile, California, Mexico and even China. If I understand anything about the business, the next Torres expansion will stretch into South Africa and Australia. The authoritative Wine Enthusiast named Torres the best European winery in 2007. It noted "innovation, research, relevance". What caught my eye here was the word "research". It is clear that nothing has been done "by eye" for a long time. Monitoring the maturity of the grapes, the condition of the vines and soil, acidity and degrees - all this and much more is "research". It is from the laboratory that the command to harvest comes. Grigory Pasko, journalist, for Fenix.info. And research also includes developing ways to reduce environmental impact; restoring ancient Catalan grape varieties... In short, ampelographers and oenologists will not be out of work. Torres has many vineyards in Spain in different regions: Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Conca de Barbera, Rueda, Rias Baixas, Jumilia, Priorat and, of course, Penedes. Given the overseas plantations, the wine range includes all types of wines - rosé, white, red, sweet wines, muscat and pisco, brandy and tequila...The company also produces sparkling wines, non-alcoholic wines, olive oil and grape vinegar. 8. The wine range. What to drink? There is one clever answer to this stupid question: drink everything! The average consumer, however, is unlikely to have enough money to buy it all. So let's listen to the advice of the experienced. The experienced recommend: Torres Ibericos, Salmos, Gran Sangre de Toro, Gran Coronas, Santa Digna, Atrium Merlot, Celeste, Vina Esmeralda.... For connoisseurs with a tight purse - Mas La Plana, Fransola, Celeste Crianza, Purgatori, Reserva Real, Perpetual, Grans Muralles, Milmanda, Conde de Superunda, Marimar Estate "Cristina" Pinot Noir and, of course, Jean Leon Vinya la Scala Gran Reserva. Somewhere I came across this characterisation: "The Torres company has changed not so much qualitatively as quantitatively, continuing to produce reliable, though not always interesting wines...". The company's website lists the characteristics of 45 (forty-five!) wines produced by Torres. In order to make a conclusion about "not always interesting" wines, I, at least, would have to try all 45 wines. I tried ten of them. And all ten of them seemed to me, a layman, to be of high quality. 9. Speaking of quality In 1979, Torres' wine Gran Coronas Black Label Mas la Plana from the 1970 vintage won the Paris wine competition of the Gault- Millau magazine. This wine beat out Chateau Latour and Chateau Haut-Brion. (It was this wine that former King Juan Carlos I of Spain ordered for his table). I have not tasted the California wines of Miguel Torres' sister Marimar ($50 to $100 a bottle). I fully admit that they are excellent. Mireya's daughter's Perpetual (technical director of Bodegas Torres), on the other hand, I have tasted. This wine, as it says on their website, is indeed "capable of defeating time". And when I was writing these lines, I uncorked a bottle of Celeste - and the nasty weather outside my Moscow window immediately improved. It should be noted that Torres wines are quite well known in Russia. Especially such wines as Sangre de Toro, Soronas, Ibericos... By the way, the owner of the company himself has been to Russia. It is written that he studies Russian and reads Leo Tolstoy in the original. Grigory Pasko, journalist, for Fenix.info. 10. Torres wines: figures ... Torres wines are exported to 142 countries of the world 1300 hectares - the total area of vineyards owned today by the Torres family. 50 varieties of vines from France, Italy and Germany were planted by Torres in the vineyards of Penedes in the middle of the last century. 12,000 oak barrels are stored in the Torres cellars in long underground galleries stretching for two kilometres. The winery in Penedes has 70 hybrid-powered machines. Solar panels generate about 11 per cent of the winery's energy. 11. Catalonia, Torres and Jean Lenon A few words about Jean Lenon. Miguel Torres recalled: "At the very beginning of the 60's I also went to America - at that time I went around the world to gain experience in winemaking, I was in France. And in America I met Jean Leon (Jean Leon) - once he worked as a waiter in Frank Sinatra's Hollywood establishment, served wine to Marilyn Monroe herself and always dreamed of his own winery. Then he got rich, and he succeeded - he started making wine. When Jean Leon got cancer, he asked me to buy his winery. And after Jean died, I did - we were very close friends." Jean Leon actually went by the name Ángel Ceferino Carrión (Ángel Ceferino Carrión). He was born in Santander in 1928. It is written that he had a "restless and adventurous character". (I would add: it is such a character that often leads to success). 12. Jean Leon winery Jean Leon's winery in Catalonia began operations in 1963. The 1969 vintage was such a success that President Ronald Reagan chose Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva for his inaugural reception in 1981. Fun fact: Torres wines from Jean Leon vineyards still bear the names that Jean Leon coined. For example, "3055 Jean Leon, Merlot-Petit Verdot." 3055 is Jean Leon's driving licence number when he was a taxi driver in New York. In Moscow, one of the websites sells this wine for 1733 roubles per bottle. In a faraway Russian town in a hotel restaurant, I found it for 1,600 roubles. ..And the Jean Leon winery, of course, is also a must-see. If you decide to visit the Torres winery, you can book a tour on the spot, without intermediaries. Author of the article: Russian-Ukrainian journalist Grigory Pasko for FENIX.info. Do you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of authentic Spanish wine? Or dream of arranging a unique celebration with an exciting tour of a Spanish winery? With Casamiga Events, your wishes will become a vibrant reality! Casamiga Events is the best organizer of private winery tours in Spain, including events in Barcelona and on the Costa Brava: birthdays, anniversaries, surprises, weddings, and corporate parties. With the Casamiga Events team, your special day, holiday, or celebration will turn into an unforgettable event filled with exquisite Spanish wines! Visit now: luxurywineventspain.com #TorresVineyard #WineTours #WinemakingTradition #SpanishWines #WineCulture #WineLovers #VineyardExploration #WineTasting #GetYourGuide #GastronomicEvents #HiddenGem

Discover Nerja, a charming city on the southern coast of Spain. From its beautiful beaches and historic old town to the famous Nerja Caves, immerse yourself in its cultural richness. Plan your trip today! Nerja is a city on the southern coast of Spain, located in the province of Malaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city is known for its beautiful beaches such as Burriana and Calahonda, as well as its picturesque old town and the Nerja Caves, a series of limestone caves containing prehistoric cave paintings. The city also boasts a lively cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events held throughout the year. Additionally, Nerja is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a wide range of accommodations and entertainment options. Nerja is a former fishing village Good location What to see here? Balcony of Europe Historical Museum Nerja Cave 1. Nerja is a former fishing village Nerja. When mentioning this Andalusian town located in Malaga on the Costa del Sol coast, two things immediately come to mind: the "Balcony of Europe" and the Nerja Caves. Then, of course, there are the wonderful beaches, museums, and so on. It's a typical Andalusian village. That's what it would have remained if it weren't for the region's booming tourism development. By the way, this development in the 1980s was also influenced by the Spanish TV series "Blue Summer" (Verano Azul). Quite popular. It is written that in recognition of this series, the local authorities created a park in the city of Nerja, allocating a protected area for recreation. 2. Nerja is well located close to Malaga, only 50 km away If it were further away and didn't have the unique cave nearby, there would be far fewer visitors. But since it's nearby... Imagine a tourist in Andalusia, who, tired of lying on the beach somewhere in Benalmadena; visited all the few attractions of this boring seaside resort town and even took a trip to Mijas... Of course, they will wonder: where else to go? And it shouldn't be far. And it should be interesting. Nerja will successfully diversify and revitalise the vacation of such a tourist. 3. What to See Here? Balcony of Europe Historical Museum Nerja Caves. The town itself, frankly, is nothing outstanding. If it weren't for the lookout point, loudly, with a light touch of the tongue of King Alfonso XII, called the "Balcony of Europe". Grigory Pasko, journalist. 4. Balcony of Europe The viewpoint is very nice. They are located high up (built on the site of an old watchtower of the Moorish castle). The views from it are extensive. You can stroll around the charming area around the "balcony", have coffee, buy souvenirs, go down - to lie on the beach... Or you can walk around all of Nerja and see other sights. For example, the statue of Europe, the fountain of Europe... Why not? Since the "party" started with Alfonso XII, why not attach the word "Europe" to anything that represents some interest? A rhetorical question. The viewpoint is very nice. They located high up (built on the site of an old watchtower of the Moorish castle). The views from it are extensive. You can stroll around the charming area around the "balcony", have coffee, buy souvenirs, go down - to lie on the beach... 5. You can also visit the historical museum ...No, not Europe this time. But it's near the "Balcony of Europe", in Plaza de España. In short, Nerja, a one-day tourist town, won't disappoint you. Walk around, enjoy... But smart people do all this after visiting the famous Nerja Caves - Cueva de Nerja. 6. The Famous Cave of Andalusia: Nerja Cave They say that local Andalusian boys discovered this cave in 1959. There's even a monument to these "speleologists" at the entrance. (It's unclear, though, why they were completely naked). The Andalusians: Francisco, José Luis, Miguel, José, and Manuel Muñoz were catching bats in the Sierra de Almijara mountains. They stumbled upon the cave entrance by accident. They climbed in and saw some human skeletons. They got scared. They told the adults. The adults reported to the "authorities" (the dictatorship of Franco's regime). The "authorities," as usual, ordered to forget about the cave. They forgot. Until the tourist boom in Andalusia. Tourists needed something to see. They remembered the cave. The age of the Nerja Cave is 5 million years! It stretches for 4 km. With skillful use of a camera's functions, you can take decent photos in the darkness. There's plenty to capture. For example, prehistoric cave paintings. Or the intricate shapes of stalactites and stalagmites (one column grew to a height of 32 meters and "made it" to the Guinness Book of Records). Or catch in a frame one of the Andalusian ghosts that are said to haunt the "ghost hall." In July, there's a chance to come here specifically for a music festival — there's a stage and amazing acoustics. Near the cave entrance, there's a restaurant, shops, leisure areas, parking... So, the Andalusian cave is "working" to its fullest. And what's more! Half a million visitors a year. A decent income for the local Andalusian treasury. Author of the article: journalist Grigory Pasko for Fenix.info. #Nerja #Malaga #Spain #Travel #Beaches #History #CulturalHeritage #NerjaCaves #Explore #MalagaProvince #Andalusia #SpainTravel #HistoricCities #CulturalHeritage #ExploreSpain #GetYourGuide #HiddenGem

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ronda, a historic city nestled in the heart of Malaga Province, Andalusia. Learn about its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. There are such amusingly beautiful towns on cliffs or mountain slopes that you can't stop admiring... And you always want to come back to them. Such are the Italian Positano, Amalfi, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Portovenere; the French Rocamadour; the Catalan Castellfollit de la Roca; the Mexican Acapulco; the Greek Santorini... And, of course, the Andalusian Ronda. Pueblos Blancos or White Villages This is one of the so-called "Pueblos Blancos" — white towns or white villages of Andalusia. But unlike most of these towns, Ronda has its outstanding features: A bridge over the gorge Old bullfighting arena Rich history. It's amazing: I remember every corner of this town in great detail even after several years. But I hardly remember yesterday's Krasnoyarsk (Izhevsk, Perm, Krasnodar, Chita, Nizhnevartovsk...) anymore. Andalusian Ronda: history and its connection with bullfighting Andalusian Ronda: history and its connection with bullfighting In the 6th century BC, a Celtic settlement was called Arunda. The Greeks called it Runda. In the times of Caesar, Ronda became a city. In 711, the Moors came here. Historians claim that in 1485, King Ferdinand I the Catholic barely ousted the Moors from the city. And even then, the elevation and the gorge themselves were fortifications. When people hear the word, Ronda, most travelers immediately recall the bullfighting arena (Spanish: Plaza de Toros) and the New Bridge (Spanish: Puente Nuevo) across the Tajo Gorge, which is 120 meters deep, over the Guadalevín River (Spanish: Guadalevín). It is noteworthy that both the arena and the bridge were designed by the same architect — José Martín de Aldehuela. History has it that in 1740, another architect built a single-arched bridge across the gorge. That bridge collapsed, killing about 50 people. The current three-arched bridge has been standing since 1793. Bridge in the Rock, in Ronda In my opinion, this bridge is not as simple as it seems. That is, it seems like such a natural addition to the rocks and the gorge that you don't immediately realize: this is a complex engineering creation! Grigory Pasko, journalist (partner material). You need to take a photo from the bridge — the views are stunning! But on the way to the bridge and the gorge, let's stop by the bullfighting arena (Spanish: Plaza de Toros). At the entrance to the arena, there are three monuments: a bull and two matadors. The name of the bull is unknown. The matadors are called Cayetano and Antonio Ordóñez (the first is the father, and the second is his son). The Ordóñez family is famous in Spain. About the younger one, Hemingway wrote in "The Dangerous Summer". The monument bears the words There is also a monument to the famous Pedro Romero in Ronda. The monument bears the words: "Fear is more terrible than the bull." A matador who killed five and a half thousand bulls during his career would certainly know better. Romero was probably not only a fearless man but also a very skillful matador: over a quarter of a century of performances in the arena, he did not receive a single injury. The prototype of the main character of another of Hemingway's novels, "Fiesta" ("The Sun Also Rises"), was... Pedro Romero. By the way, there is also a monument to Hemingway himself in Ronda. Not being a fan of bullfighting, I nevertheless walked around the entire arena and its "backstage". Plaza de toros was opened on May 19, 1785. Once, in the times of King Philip II, it, as is proper for such structures in those years, had a purely practical purpose: the cavalry trained there. What else to see in Ronda? After inspecting the arena and the bullfighting museum, we go further and come to Alameda del Tajo Park (Spanish: Alameda del Tajo). The author of "Ulysses" James Joyce considered this park the most beautiful in Europe. Well, let's assume we've seen even more beautiful. But the park is wonderful. Especially the views of the valley from the balcony (this wonderful balcony is visible in one of the photos). There are several monuments in the park One we already know — to the matador Pedro Romero. The second one is to a beautiful woman. It turns out that this monument is also connected with bullfighting. This is the Dama Goyesca sculpture by Paco Parra. The Dama Goyesca participated in the performance before the start of the (special) corrida — the Goyesca. Such a bullfight was first held in 1954, precisely in Ronda. Blas Infante Pérez de Vargas On the way from the park to the wine museum (how can we do without it!) we come across a monument to a peasant in a costume. Since this monument is often omitted, I'll remind you who this is. The inscription says that this is Blas Infante Pérez de Vargas. It is also written that he is the Father of the Fatherland. That is, the progenitor. Of what? It turns out, of the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia. And also — the anthem of Andalusia. He worked as a journalist, a writer, and a politician. In 1920, he founded the newspaper "Avante". The founder of the "Liberals' Junta of Andalusia". (Don't be afraid of the word "junta". In Spanish, it's just an "association", a political party). During Franco's time, he was arrested and shot. Mondragón Palace Guidebooks recommend visiting the Mondragón Palace (Spanish: Palacio de Mondragón). I haven't been there. But I can imagine that inside there is the splendor of Moorish architecture, ceilings in Arabic style, a garden with access to the inner courtyard, and... Alcazaba. (Who has seen the Alhambra has seen all the Moorish palaces at once). Grigory Pasko, journalist (partner material). Then we go to Plaza del Socorro square. Now it is called Socorro. But relatively recently it was named after... Oh, of course, Franco. Wine Museum in Andalusian Ronda And finally, another goal of a wonderful walk through Ronda - the wine museum (Spanish: Museo del Vino de Ronda). It sounds loud — a museum. It's an old house with a patio. Barrels can be seen under the arches, alas, empty. In the rooms, exhibitions tell about the history of winemaking in the region. Of course, the Phoenicians brought the vine to this region. Then winemaking culture developed with the help of Greeks, Romans, and Arabs... The exhibitions are informative, so you can understand everything even without a guide. We won't see any outstanding exhibits here. But when we return to the patio, let's pay attention to one of the walls, from which taps stick out... Above there is a sign — "Sources of Ronda wine". Most tourists pass by them. And in vain. Taps are made to be opened. We open one — red wine flows. We open another — white. Beautiful! And the wine is good. Now we can continue our journey to Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery (Spanish: Palacio de Congresos de Ronda — Convento de Santo Domingo); the Santa María la Mayor Church (Spanish: Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor); the Bandit Museum (Spanish: Museo del Bandolero); the Salvaterra Palace (Spanish: Palacio Salvaterra)... Hopefully, there will be enough time for all this and much more! Grigory Pasko, journalist (partner material). And you also need to stroll through the shops, have lunch (for example, at the Pedro Romero restaurant near Plaza de Toros), visit a souvenir shop... By the way, about the shop. One such is located next to the New Bridge (Spanish: Puente Nuevo). It's a mix of an antique shop and an art salon. I assure you, you won't leave without a purchase. Author of the article: journalist Grigory Pasko for Fenix.info #Ronda #MalagaProvince #Andalusia #SpainTravel #HistoricCities #CulturalHeritage #ExploreSpain #GetYourGuide #HiddenGem

Explore the beauty and attractions of Europe Park in Madrid. Learn about its history, features, and must-see spots. Read more on Fenix.info! Europe Park in Madrid What to see How to get there Park Features 1. Europe Park in Madrid is a vast nature reserve Europe Park in Madrid (Spanish: Parque Europa) is a vast Spanish nature reserve, one of the country's major attractions. Europe Park in Madrid is considered Spain's green lungs with over 5000 trees. This is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, covering an area of ​​over 1,200 hectares. Europe Park also features three lakes, the largest of which covers an area of ​​12,000 square meters with a depth of 60 centimeters. This lake is even navigable. 2. What to see? The park features diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, lakes, and marshes, as well as a range of recreational areas such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Here you can also find various species of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The park also has a section dedicated to the history of Torrejón de Ardoz, which includes a replica of the medieval castle of Torrejón. The park is open to the public and offers free admission. 3. How to get to the park? The park is also the largest green leisure area in the Torrejón de Ardoz area. The Spanish park covers an area of ​​233,000 square meters, located between the districts of Torrenieve and South Ronda. 4. Europe Park Features The features of Europe Park include reproductions of important monuments of major European cities, as well as various leisure and adventure zones, as well as an unprecedented cyber source for the whole of Europe, with a large water, light, and sound show. It's hard to believe that over 40 years ago, this place was a dump for abandoned ships, and now it's the green lungs of the city with unique infrastructure. Europe Park in Madrid is one of the most important examples of the Spanish urban transformation process. Spanish botanists have planted a green zone with more than 5000 trees, 120,000 shrubs, and 60,000 seasonal flowers. In addition, 190,000 square meters of green areas have been created here, which are maintained using drip irrigation and a fire extinguishing system. #EuropePark #MadridAttractions #TravelSpain #ParksofMadrid #EuropeanCulture #OutdoorActivities #MadridParks #TourismInMadrid #ExploreEurope

Dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding in Barcelona, Spain? Let Casamiga Wedding Planners bring your vision to life with personalized, full-service wedding planning in the heart of Catalonia. Are you dreaming of a fairy tale wedding in the enchanting city of Barcelona, Spain? Look no further than Casamiga Wedding Planners, your trusted destination wedding experts in the heart of Catalonia. Barcelona, with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking views, offers the perfect backdrop for your special day. As experienced wedding planners in Barcelona, Casamiga Wedding company understands the importance of creating a truly unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. From intimate ceremonies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to lavish receptions in historic palaces, they have access to the most exclusive wedding venues in Barcelona to bring your vision to life. Casamiga's team of dedicated professionals will handle every aspect of your wedding planning journey, from venue selection and vendor coordination to transportation and guest accommodations. They work closely with top-rated vendors and suppliers to ensure that every detail is executed flawlessly, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day. At Casamiga Wedding Planners, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach to wedding planning. We take the time to understand your unique love story and vision for your wedding day, allowing us to create a customized experience that reflects your personality and preferences. Whether you're dreaming of a traditional Spanish wedding or a romantic beachfront celebration, Casamiga's team will work tirelessly to bring your dreams to life. Let them take the process out of wedding planning so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. Contact Casamiga Wedding Planners today to start planning your dream wedding in Barcelona, Spain. You are happily ever after begins here. For exclusive wedding venues and expert planning services in Spain, visit Wedding-Spain.com. #BarcelonaWedding #WeddingPlanners #DestinationWedding #SpainWedding #WeddingVenues #WeddingPlanning #CasamigaWeddings #DreamWedding #BespokeWedding #DestinationManagement #WeddingPhotographers

Discover the origins and rich history of Spanish flamenco dance and music. Explore the cultural significance and evolution of this iconic art form. Dance drives you crazy: the hands of the dancer flutter like light butterflies, then tenderly stroke the tongues of flame, then contort in deep suffering... Bright fairy-tale dresses, delicate lace mantillas, graceful shoes, a rose in the hair, rhythmic castanet clacks, a deep passionate voice, guitar riffs — they pour into the heart and spread in waves throughout the body: they caress, enchant, excite, carrying you into the open ocean of feelings... Singing, dancing, guitar: 3 components of flamenco What is flamenco? Voice, guitar, and dance — they fill and complement each other, intertwining into one and evolving independently, giving rise to new forms and rhythms... The ancient does not disappear, it grows and flourishes: on the streets of Seville and in the modern rhythms of young people. Flamenco for Spaniards has long become a symbol of love and passion. When, where, and from whom did this amazing art originate? It is easiest to answer the question "where." Flamenco as an art form originated in southern Spain, in Andalusia. Seville, Granada, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga — locals consider their city the "cradle" of flamenco. It is believed that singing (cante) was the first to appear. Later, singing was complemented by guitar, castanets, and dance. Flamenco did not appear overnight: the Arabic and Sephardic (Spanish-Jewish) cultures sprouted into each other, and the gaps were filled with Gypsy rhythms and Andalusian romances... Spanish Flamenco is a fusion of many cultures It is impossible for historians to accurately trace the entire path of flamenco formation, as this mix of rhythmic dance and singing was passed down from generation to generation as folk folklore. Romans, Arabs, Jews, and then Gypsies — they all played an important role in the emergence of flamenco. Andalusian "romances" (songs and ballads) were performed primitively, usually, without musical accompaniment. Born in the people from the fusion of all these cultures, they became the soil for the gypsies who arrived in the 15th century in Andalusian lands. With their help, the flamenco, which conquered the world, flourished brightly on this soil. Written evidence of flamenco appeared only in the 18th century. The first evidence, which appeared in 1761, was left by a certain Marquis de Casinas. In a note to the city council of Cadiz, of which the Marquis was a member, he mentioned the policy of holding various spectacles and performances in the city. In particular, it was said there: "The fandango dance (one of the popular Andalusian dances) excites voluptuousness when danced by Gypsies." 6 years later, he writes that the famous Giacomo Casanova mentioned in his "Diaries" about the "Fandango, which the Gypsies dance." In 1771 - 1774, another mention appears: in the "Moroccan Letters," Jose Cadalso describes in detail the flamenco holiday in one of the castles of Andalusian nobility. At the same time, in 1775, the first known flamenco singer is mentioned, Uncle Luis from Juliana, which is located in the Spanish province of Jerez (Tio Luis de Juliana, Jerez). It is still unknown (and flamenco researchers are not unanimous on this issue): whether Uncle Luis was a Gypsy (gitano) or a "payo" (payo, means "not Gypsy". This word, which Gypsies call a person of any nationality, except their own). In 1783, King Carlos III issued a decree regulating the social status of Gypsies in Spain. After centuries of persecution and harassment, they gained human rights. They became part of the Spanish kingdom and actively participated in the struggle of the Spanish people for liberation from the Napoleonic invaders in 1808 - 1812. This experience added facets to flamenco art: Gypsy dancers, musicians, and singers conquered the Royal Court in Madrid. Cafes "Cantante" At the same time, in Granada and other cities of Andalusia, cafes "Cantante" (Span .: Cafe Cantante) began to appear. Cantantes were nightclubs where you could have a drink and a snack, and at the same time enjoy some musical performance. At first, not all the performances resembled flamenco. Only in 1870, the famous cantador at the time, Silverio Franconetti, opened the first cafe-cantante, where flamenco ruled. Famous singers and dancers performed there in those years. In that cafe, in the competition for the best, real flamenco crystallized. Gypsies taught the payor (not Gypsy) their dance or singing technique. And they — memorized folk Andalusian songs and dances, which enriched and diversified their repertoire. It was in these musical cafes that the art of flamenco was polished. The magnificent Spanish artist Ignacio Zuloaga y Zabaleta (Ignacio Zuloaga y Zabaleta 1870 - 1945) left many sketches of Gypsy life at the end of the XIX — beginning of the XX centuries. At that time, flamenco and cafes "Cantante" were in fashion, which allowed artists from amateurs to become professionals. Flamenco is a living organism Over the past hundred years, flamenco has evolved and turned into a true art form. And today, among the people, flamenco is still alive. Spanish flamenco emerged as a separate, synthetic genre of art in the late 19th century. At the same time, the word "flamenco" itself appeared, which became the name of this new direction in singing, dancing, and music. It is not exactly known why the art of flamenco is called "Flamenco." There are several hypotheses. One of them suggests that the name "flamenco" came from the pink "flamingo", the graceful long-legged bird, with which the character of the dance is associated. After all, in the east and south of Spain (especially where there are salt lagoons) — there are a lot of flamingos! Moorish Influence The second hypothesis is based on the idea of the emergence of typical flamenco singing in the depths of Moorish culture in the Spanish south. Landless peasants - Moors ("fellah min gueir ard", they were called in the Arabic-Spanish dialect) — merged into Gypsy communities that had just settled in Andalusia. They, like the Gypsies, were marginalized and persecuted by the church and the crown. This united them. The suffering of the persecuted peasants and Gypsies poured into mournful, prolonged songs, which some flamenco researchers consider the forerunners of "Cante Jondo" (Cante Jondo, a special, ancient manner of performing flamenco songs). It is hard not to agree that "cante jondo" really resembles viscous, throaty Arabic melodies. Historians and cultural researchers agree that flamenco absorbed the Moorish style of singing and dancing. However, most "flamencologists" consider this hypothesis too politicized and "far-fetched"... There are other hypotheses: one of them states that Spanish Gypsies came from Flanders (part of present-day Netherlands and Belgium). Spaniards still call the Flemish "flamenco." According to another hypothesis, Gypsies in Spain were also called "flamenco" in ancient times. There is some evidence for this, but they were called that in the 15th - 16th centuries, and the art with that name appeared later, in the 19th century. The Gypsies themselves believe that this word comes from the word "flamenco" ("flama" — flame, fire) and indicates a fiery, passionate, and scorching Gypsy temperament! Anything is possible... All explanations are quite well-argued, but the exact origin of the word "flamenco" remains unknown... Café Cantante and Cantaor Let's finish our brief foray into etymology and continue the story about flamenco from where we left off, with the appearance of café cantante (cafe cantante) in Spain. The first such establishment appeared on Lombard Street in Seville in 1842. It was a night café where wine flowed like a river and "firewater" Aguardiente (aguardiente — grape moonshine, popular on the Iberian Peninsula) was served. Women of easy virtue ignited the passions of not very sober but very temperamental men. Here they drank and danced, sang and fought with knives... All this happened to the music, but it was not the main feature of such establishments. It can be said that the first real café-cantante, as we have already written, where flamenco was the main dish, appeared only in 1870. It was opened in Seville by the famous cantador (flamenco singer) Silverio Franconetti. The café was called "Salon de Recreo" ("Recreation Salon") or "Cafe Botella" ("Bottle Cafe"). "Cafe Botella" quickly gained popularity among musicians, poets, artists, and bullfighters. All Spanish café-cantantes were made according to the same pattern: a spacious hall with tables, walls decorated with mirrors and posters of famous bullfighters, at the back of the hall, a high stage "tablao" for flamenco artists. Café Cantantes began to appear all over Spain Café Cantantes began to appear all over Spain: first in Andalusia — Seville, Cadiz, Jerez, and Malaga. These southern cities of Spain led in the number of such places per capita. There were plenty of them in Madrid, Barcelona, Cartagena, and even in the Basque Country. Soon the flamenco fashion outgrew the Iberian Peninsula and spilled out into the world, quickly and forever conquering it. In the development of flamenco as an art form, café cantantes played a crucial role. Before the appearance of such cafes, flamenco was performed, as a rule, at home, among friends, at improvised parties in taverns or inns, and sometimes at holidays at rich señors. Café Cantantes allowed this passionate art to flourish Café Cantantes allowed this passionate art to flourish: the best flamenco artists could now afford to professionally engage in guitar playing, dancing, or singing, as they were paid good money for performances. Flamenco researchers believe that during the heyday of café cantantes (the early 20th century), this art form took shape, was structured, and acquired all those characteristic features and styles that became its "foundation and superstructure." Basic standards of flamenco were developed It was during the dawn of café cantantes that the basic standards of flamenco were developed: the specific manner of singing was refined, guitar playing styles were structured, and the art of dance flourished. At the same time, flamenco began to acquire elegance and severity, and violins and tambourines disappeared from the musical accompaniment forever. Café Cantantes were night establishments that attracted a very diverse audience. In addition to the bohemians, flamenco artists, and bullfighters, such cafes were frequented by pimps, prostitutes, and other representatives of the criminal world. The contemporaries considered flamenco marginal art. Moreover, most artists were Gypsies, this did not add respectability to flamenco. However, the hatred of the bourgeoisie for freedom and beauty did not stop the triumphant march of flamenco across the planet. After all, talents like Federico Garcia Lorca (Spanish poet) and Manuel de Falla (composer) were on the side of passion and love, suffering and poetry. They were on the side of flamenco. Do you want to immerse yourself in the world of authentic flamenco right here, right now? Or dream of embellishing your special day with the thrilling dance of Spain? With Casamiga Events, your desires will become a reality! Casamiga Events are the best organizers of various events in Barcelona and on the Costa Brava — birthdays, anniversaries, surprises, weddings, and corporate events. With the Casamiga Events team of organizers, your celebration will become an unforgettable event filled with passionate Spanish flamenco! #FlamencoHistory #SpanishCulture #ArtEvolution #CafeCantante #FlamencoArtists #GypsyCulture #FlamencoMusic #FlamencoDance #FlamencoSinging #CulturalHeritage #PassionateArt #FlamencoEvolution

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Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a Husky tour in Rovaniemi, Finland, courtesy of Scandinavian Travel Group. Delve into the pristine wilderness of Lapland as you embark on an exhilarating adventure through the snowy landscapes. Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a Husky tour in Rovaniemi, Finland, courtesy of Scandinavian Travel Group. Delve into the pristine wilderness of Lapland as you embark on an exhilarating adventure through the snowy landscapes. Discover the beauty of Husky safaris in Rovaniemi Led by experienced guides, Husky Tours offers a unique opportunity to interact with these magnificent creatures while exploring the Arctic terrain. Feel the rush as you glide effortlessly across the snow-covered trails, pulled by a team of eager Huskies. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, these Husky tours cater to all skill levels and preferences. From short introductory rides to full-day excursions, there's an option for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Finnish wilderness as you journey through ancient forests and frozen lakes. Learn about the rich history and traditions of the local Sami people, whose livelihoods have long been intertwined with the land and its inhabitants. Experience the magic of Husky safaris in Rovaniemi with Scandinavian Travel Group As you traverse the Arctic landscape, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of wildlife, from reindeer grazing in the distance to elusive Arctic foxes darting between the trees. Capture unforgettable moments against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and endless expanses of pristine snow. With Scandinavian Travel Group, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Experienced guides ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish, allowing you to focus on the adventure at hand. Book your Husky safari in Rovaniemi with Scandinavian Travel Group for an unforgettable Arctic experience. #HuskyTour #Rovaniemi #Finland #ScandinavianTravelGroup #Adventure #WinterWonderland #SnowyLandscapes #ArcticWonders #HuskySafari #LeviAdventure #ArcticExperience #ScandinavianTravel #FinlandTravel #AdventureTravel #WildernessExperience #NatureExploration #NorthernLapland #TravelExperience #WinterWonderland Disclaimer: The Sponsored Link above is for promotional purposes and is not affiliated with Fenix.info. Please refer to the link for information about the tours offered by Scandinavian Travel Group.

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Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the pristine landscapes of Rovaniemi with a reindeer safari offered by Scandinavian Travel Group. Book your safari now! Immerse yourself in the magical world of Lapland with a Reindeer Safari in Rovaniemi, Finland, offered by the Scandinavian Travel Group. Experience the thrill of gliding through the enchanting Arctic landscapes while being pulled by majestic reindeer, an iconic symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage. Embark on a journey through the pristine wilderness of Rovaniemi, where snow-covered forests and sparkling lakes create a breathtaking backdrop for your adventure. As you glide across the snow, you'll have the opportunity to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the Arctic landscape up close. During your Reindeer Safari... During your Reindeer Safari, you'll have the chance to interact with these gentle creatures and learn about their importance to the indigenous Sami people. Discover fascinating insights into reindeer husbandry and traditional Sami culture as you visit a local reindeer farm and meet with experienced herders. An authentic cultural experience in Levi, Lapland Whether you're seeking a serene escape into nature or an authentic cultural experience, a Reindeer Safari in Rovaniemi offers something for everyone. Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, this unforgettable adventure promises to create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Reindeer Safari & Embark on a journey Book your Reindeer Safari with Scandinavian Travel Group today and embark on a journey to discover the true spirit of Lapland. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of Rovaniemi and create unforgettable memories in one of the world's most captivating destinations. Enhance your Lapland experience with a Reindeer Safari and farm visit. Book your adventure with Scandinavian Travel Group now! #ReindeerSafari #RovaniemiAdventure #ScandinavianTravel #FinlandTravel #AdventureTravel #WildernessExperience #NatureExploration #NorthernLapland #TravelExperience #WinterWonderland

Dive into the unique traditions of Semana Santa in Spain with our collection of curious and entertaining facts. Explore the essence of Easter celebrations in Spain on FENIX.info. Once again, Easter is approaching in Spain... Every year, we introduce you to various aspects of this holiday: from recipes for traditional Holy Week, fasting, and Easter Spanish dishes, to extraordinary religious customs in different cities and regions of the country... Today, dear readers, we will acquaint you with interesting and little-known facts related to Holy Week and Easter in Spain. This year, as meteorologists say, the first half of Holy Week will be warm. However, on Holy Thursday, expect rain and cooling temperatures, which will last until Bright Christ's Resurrection! That's the tradition established for Spain in the heavenly office! Passion Fruit — An Aphrodisiac? Another amusing fact that few people know... In Spain, there is such a wonderful fruit - passion fruit or, as it is also called, the fruit of passion (Spanish: la fruta de la passion). Most people believe that it is called so because it arouses passion, that is, it is an aphrodisiac. But that's not the case at all: although passion fruit is a very nutritious fruit, rich in vitamin C and various minerals, it has nothing to do with carnal passion... When Spanish conquistadors discovered this tropical fruit in South America, being devout Catholics, they saw reflections of the Passion of Christ, scenes of the Crucifixion of Christ: nails, cross, hammer... I examined the image of the passion fruit flower - it is very beautiful, but I did not see any hint of what the first Spanish missionaries saw... The images are gone, but the name remains... Spanish Matraca Let's talk about an amazing musical instrument, that almost disappeared from everyday life, but is still encountered in Spain, especially in certain Spanish churches. It has a peculiar-sounding name - "Matraca" (Spanish: Matraca). It looks unusual too: a huge wooden cross with hammers, which is spun using a protruding handle - the hammers strike metal plates, loudly and not very melodically... In the past, they were used in many monasteries and churches during morning liturgy and at Easter, replacing the sound of bells. And to this day, in some remote villages of Spain, in the last days of Holy Week, you can hear the dull hum of the Matraca, reminding believers of the death of Jesus Christ. Not long ago, in the Cathedral of St. Anne in the Canary Islands, in the bell tower, amidst the garbage on the floor, a huge Matraca was found, in a deplorable state. It was made over 300 years ago, and it was restored by one of the last surviving masters who understood Matracas - Jacobo González Velásquez - and now its sound again accompanies the church masses of Holy Week. Easter in Spain and the "Kuarezma" Ceremony There is another church custom in Spain that precedes the beginning of Lent - "Kuarezma" (Spanish: Cuaresma). It is not particularly curious, but I like it... This ceremony, held on the last Wednesday before the start of Lent, reminds us of the transience and ephemerality of earthly existence, its finiteness, and the infinity of the life of the soul... The day is called - Ash Wednesday or Ash Wednesday (Spanish: Miércoles de Ceniza). During the mass, the priest blesses the believers and applies a palm ash cross on the forehead of each of them, simultaneously saying: "Memento homo, quia pulvis es et in pulverem reverteris" - "Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return". However, Ash Wednesday has also acquired a secular-entertaining character. This day also marks the end of carnival celebrations in Spain. On Ash Wednesday (the eve of Lent), Spaniards carry Giant Sardines through the streets of the city (usually made of paper or cardboard), and then burn them. The ritual of burning the sardine means bidding farewell to the festivities and the beginning of abstinence (that is, the beginning of Lent). Theatrical Processions Pasos... We have already talked in other articles about traditional processions that take place during Holy Week throughout Spain. They are very diverse, and each town or region has its peculiarities in their conduct... But they have the same history: they all originated from medieval sacred performances, narrating the death and resurrection of Christ. Traveling Spanish actors, hired by the Church, traveled from village to village, organizing theatrical performances on Biblical themes. On the main square, 12 actors representing Christ, Mary, the Apostles, and the Saints would come out. They carried a platform on their shoulders, on which all the theatrical action took place. These Holy Week processions, or as they are called in Spain - Pasos (Spanish: Pasos). Over time, Holy Week processions abandoned theatrical stages, and now anyone can participate in them. Members of different church Brotherhoods dressed in tall pointed hats and capes, in one solemn rhythm, carry huge coffers with figures of the Savior and the Virgin Mary on their shoulders... Drums rumble... Candles burn... Chorales sound... I must say, it sends shivers down your spine! Brotherhoods in Capriote By the way, another curious fact: the classic cone-shaped hat - "Capriote" (Spanish: Capriote), which members of some brotherhoods wear during festive religious processions. This custom has come down to us from the time of the Spanish Inquisition when a condemned criminal was put on a cardboard cap decorated with illustrations on the theme of the crime he committed. It was believed that in this way the sinner would be closer to Heaven. The same Capriote, only covered with white fabric, completely covering the face and shoulders, was worn in the old days during Lent by repentant sinners. Spanish Capriotes have nothing to do with Ku Klux Klan hoods, although, undoubtedly, they have a common origin. Interesting fact: Amnesty in honor of Holy Week Yes, indeed... as a final note, another interesting tradition of Holy Week, which distinguishes Easter in Spain, is the humanitarian tradition! Every year, upon the request of the Brotherhoods participating in the celebrations, several well-behaved and genuinely repentant prisoners are granted amnesty. When and how did this merciful custom originate? There are two theories about the origin of this ancient tradition: some researchers believe that it is associated with King Juan II of Castile, who in 1447 proclaimed the Law of Forgiveness on Good Friday, according to which, in memory of the Passion of Christ, one prisoner was granted freedom each year. Most scholars lean towards another, more recent date... In 1759, a terrible plague of the plague ravaged the city of Malaga. Fearing contagion, the authorities of Spain banned the holding of religious processions during Holy Week. The prisoners of the local prison requested permission to conduct the procession themselves, but their request was denied. The prisoners then revolted and escaped from the prison. They entered the church, took the figures of the Savior and the Virgin Mary, and paraded through the entire city, after which they returned to the prison. According to legend, immediately after this, the plague left the city of Malaga. Upon learning of this miracle, King Carlos III of Spain ordered the release of one prisoner every year before Holy Week. This tradition is alive and well to this day: every year, during the great holiday, from 15 to 20 people are granted amnesty throughout Spain. #EasterInSpain #EasterInBarcelona #HolyWeekTraditions #SpanishCulture #PassionFruit #Matraca #ReligiousCeremonies #AshWednesday #EasterProcessions #SpanishTraditions #CulturalHeritage