The New Year’s Eve festival is one of the most prestigious festivals in Spain and is often a great spectacle, with millions of people partaking in celebrations. The New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) celebration is celebrated with families and friends gathering together to spend the evening singing and dancing as well as awaiting the midnight countdown and fireworks. New Year traditions in Spain portray the rich tradition of the country and bring out the charm of the festival.
Here are a few traditions that are followed by the people in Spain.
1. Spanish people make New Year's Eve fireworks, which are accompanied with a loud noise and fire, to repel evil spirits and bring happiness and good luck.
2. Another New Year custom is to prepare special cakes for the event. The cake is shaped like a ring and goodies and gifts are placed inside the cake. The cake is then divided among the people at the event. The one who gets the goodies in their slice of cake is to be blessed with good luck in the following year.
3. Another custom that begins when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve is the eating of 12 grapes. These 12 grapes represent 12 months of good luck in the coming year.
4. Many people wait for the midnight hour outside of their houses, on the squares and streets in town, waiting for the church bell chimes and fireworks that announce the arrival of the New Year.
5. People dress themselves in new clothes and gather at midnight to offer their prayers. This is one of the more important New Year traditions in Spain. After the prayers are over, people convey New Year’s greetings among themselves. The prayers are considered to bring good luck for the year ahead and drive away evil spirits.
6. Spanish tradition says that wearing new, red underwear on New Year's Eve brings good luck.
7. It is also a custom to enjoy a breakfast of hot chocolate and fried pastry (chocolate con churros) on New Year’s Day.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Feliz Navidad from Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort!
Last Minute Shopper?
Check out these shopping locations for everyone on your list!
El Corte Ingles department store-The main shopping area in Murcia is located in the modern part of the city near the El Corte Ingles department store which sells everything from food to haute couture, as well as high street brands including Mango, Zara, Springfield, and Pull and Bear.
Near the El Corte Ingles department store there are many small tourist shops where visitors can buy gifts and souvenirs. The most popular purchases at these shops include leather goods, pottery, embroidered linens and lace, as well as basketware and jewelry.
If shoppers are looking for a bargain, they will be sure to find them at the souvenir and flea market on Jeronimo de Roda, which is located behind the El Corte Inglés department store.
Nueva Condomnia Shopping Centre-This is Murcia’s newest mall and is situated on the north side of Murcia. One of the most popular stores here is the retailer Primark. This discount retailer sells large volumes of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes at extremely low prices. Other shops at this mall include H&M, Disney Store, Eroski, Gerry Weber, Geox, Esprit, Etam, Berschka, Mothercare, Mango, Levi, Kid Club, and many more.
Thader Shopping Centre– This is another mall in the Murcia area, and here you will find the massive furniture retailer Ikea. The Thader Shopping Centre has some good eateries including Muerde La Pasta, Pasta City, Lizzaran, and Rey Rios. The Thader Mall is a typical Spanish mall featuring all the normal shops like Massimo Dutti, Kiabi, Zara, Decathlon, Mango, Punto Roma, and Botticelli. There is also a movie theater in this complex.
Enjoy the Holidays on the Beach!
Mar Menor
Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea offer visitors some of the most beautiful beaches around. Mar Menor is Europe’s biggest natural salt-water lagoon, which is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by only a narrow strip of land known as La Manga (the strip).
The average depth of Mar Menor is about 13 feet which makes it possible to venture out several hundred meters before the water has any real depth. The shallowness of this lagoon makes it the perfect location for all kinds of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing.
The salinity of Mar Menor provides a great deal of buoyancy, making it one of the safest places to swim in the world. The combination of this buoyancy and the shallowness of the lagoon, make it a natural water park for people of all ages.
All of the beaches which surround Mar Menor offer guests watersport rental equipment and classes. There are also refreshment & food stands, as well as a variety of restaurants, making Mar Menor a definite hot spot for vacationers.
Check out these shopping locations for everyone on your list!
El Corte Ingles department store-The main shopping area in Murcia is located in the modern part of the city near the El Corte Ingles department store which sells everything from food to haute couture, as well as high street brands including Mango, Zara, Springfield, and Pull and Bear.
Near the El Corte Ingles department store there are many small tourist shops where visitors can buy gifts and souvenirs. The most popular purchases at these shops include leather goods, pottery, embroidered linens and lace, as well as basketware and jewelry.
If shoppers are looking for a bargain, they will be sure to find them at the souvenir and flea market on Jeronimo de Roda, which is located behind the El Corte Inglés department store.
Nueva Condomnia Shopping Centre-This is Murcia’s newest mall and is situated on the north side of Murcia. One of the most popular stores here is the retailer Primark. This discount retailer sells large volumes of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes at extremely low prices. Other shops at this mall include H&M, Disney Store, Eroski, Gerry Weber, Geox, Esprit, Etam, Berschka, Mothercare, Mango, Levi, Kid Club, and many more.
Thader Shopping Centre– This is another mall in the Murcia area, and here you will find the massive furniture retailer Ikea. The Thader Shopping Centre has some good eateries including Muerde La Pasta, Pasta City, Lizzaran, and Rey Rios. The Thader Mall is a typical Spanish mall featuring all the normal shops like Massimo Dutti, Kiabi, Zara, Decathlon, Mango, Punto Roma, and Botticelli. There is also a movie theater in this complex.
Enjoy the Holidays on the Beach!
Mar Menor
Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea offer visitors some of the most beautiful beaches around. Mar Menor is Europe’s biggest natural salt-water lagoon, which is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by only a narrow strip of land known as La Manga (the strip).
The average depth of Mar Menor is about 13 feet which makes it possible to venture out several hundred meters before the water has any real depth. The shallowness of this lagoon makes it the perfect location for all kinds of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing.
The salinity of Mar Menor provides a great deal of buoyancy, making it one of the safest places to swim in the world. The combination of this buoyancy and the shallowness of the lagoon, make it a natural water park for people of all ages.
All of the beaches which surround Mar Menor offer guests watersport rental equipment and classes. There are also refreshment & food stands, as well as a variety of restaurants, making Mar Menor a definite hot spot for vacationers.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Spend Christmas around Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort
Holiday Traditions in Spain
Christmas in Spain includes the usual Christmas festivities which can be found elsewhere, but there is one tradition that isn’t very common called Hogueras (bonfires), and it is a tradition that originated long before Christmas. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the beginning of winter. During these bonfires, people jump over fires as a symbolic protection against illness.
The more common traditions include very elaborate Nacimiento (nativity scenes), Christmas trees, and incredible Christmas markets scattered around villages and cities. These markets include fruits, flowers, sweets, candles, decorations, and various types of handmade gifts.
Christmas Eve is interrupted at midnight by the ringing of bells calling the families to La Misa Del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster).
On Christmas Day, children find gifts, not brought by Santa, but by the Three Wise Men.
Christmas in Spain continues for a few weeks past Christmas until January 6th. On January 5th, children place their shoes on their doorstep, and in the middle of the night, the three wise men pass leaving gifts behind. On January 6th, the day is celebrated with parades were candy and cakes are given out to children.
Christmas Holiday Dishes
Christmas dinner is never eaten until after midnight and is quite the feast. The most highlighted dish at the dinner is Pave Trufado de Navidad (Christmas turkey with truffles) and the one dessert you are likely to find on everyone’s tables is caramelized custard.
After the meal, all family members gather around and sing Christmas carols until the early morning hours.
There is an old Spanish saying that goes “Esta noche es Noche – Buena, Y no es noche de dormer”, which means, “This is the goodnight, therefore it is not meant for sleep”.
Christmas in Spain includes the usual Christmas festivities which can be found elsewhere, but there is one tradition that isn’t very common called Hogueras (bonfires), and it is a tradition that originated long before Christmas. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the beginning of winter. During these bonfires, people jump over fires as a symbolic protection against illness.
The more common traditions include very elaborate Nacimiento (nativity scenes), Christmas trees, and incredible Christmas markets scattered around villages and cities. These markets include fruits, flowers, sweets, candles, decorations, and various types of handmade gifts.
Christmas Eve is interrupted at midnight by the ringing of bells calling the families to La Misa Del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster).
On Christmas Day, children find gifts, not brought by Santa, but by the Three Wise Men.
Christmas in Spain continues for a few weeks past Christmas until January 6th. On January 5th, children place their shoes on their doorstep, and in the middle of the night, the three wise men pass leaving gifts behind. On January 6th, the day is celebrated with parades were candy and cakes are given out to children.
Christmas Holiday Dishes
Christmas dinner is never eaten until after midnight and is quite the feast. The most highlighted dish at the dinner is Pave Trufado de Navidad (Christmas turkey with truffles) and the one dessert you are likely to find on everyone’s tables is caramelized custard.
After the meal, all family members gather around and sing Christmas carols until the early morning hours.
There is an old Spanish saying that goes “Esta noche es Noche – Buena, Y no es noche de dormer”, which means, “This is the goodnight, therefore it is not meant for sleep”.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Traveling to Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort? You May Need a Passport
Important Passport Information
1.Passport processing times have increased drastically, so make sure you and your family apply early. Also, be sure to allow at least 10-12 weeks to receive your passport.
2.There are currently about 70% of Americans who do not have a passport. If this includes your family, or if your family’s passports have expired, here are some helpful tips for getting you ready for your vacation.
Steps for Getting Your First Passport
3.First, visit the website of the Department of State's Passport Services Office.
4.To apply for a new passport, you will need proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified (raised seal) birth certificate), as well as proof of identity (such as a valid driver's license, government or military ID, or naturalization papers). You will also need to complete Form DS-11. But make sure not to sign the Form until you or the applicant is in the presence of a passport official!
5.First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (post offices, libraries, or federal, state and probate courts, and county/municipal offices).
6.All children under the age of 14 must also apply in person, so plan to bring them with you when you apply. Parents/guardians must show proof of their relationship with the child. In addition, parents must bring proof of their own identities (such as a passport or valid driver’s license). Also, please note that both parents must appear together with the child when the passport application is filed.
7.You must provide two identical color passport photos for each applicant. These photos have to have been taken within six months of applying, and must be against a plain white or off-white background. Applicants should not be wearing hats.
8.First-time passports for people over the age of 16 currently cost $97, including a $67 application fee and a $30 execution fee. Passports for children under 16 cost $82, including a $52 application fee, and a $30 execution fee. If you need your passport quickly, it can be expedited for an additional $60.
9.Passports normally take about six weeks to arrive, but can take up to 10-12 weeks, so plan accordingly.
Steps for Renewing a Passport
10.If your passport was issued less than 15 years ago, if you were over 16 when you got your current passport, if you still have the same name or can legally document your name change, and if the passport has not been damaged, you can renew your passport by mail. If any of those requirements are not in effect however, you will still have to follow the same steps as first-time applicants.
11.To renew your passport, simply fill out the DS-82 Passport Renewal Form and attach to it your most recent passport, along with two passport photos and the $67 fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State.
12.Passport renewals generally take about 6-8 weeks. If you are traveling sooner, you can pay an additional $60 to expedite your passport or use a private passport expediting service.
1.Passport processing times have increased drastically, so make sure you and your family apply early. Also, be sure to allow at least 10-12 weeks to receive your passport.
2.There are currently about 70% of Americans who do not have a passport. If this includes your family, or if your family’s passports have expired, here are some helpful tips for getting you ready for your vacation.
Steps for Getting Your First Passport
3.First, visit the website of the Department of State's Passport Services Office.
4.To apply for a new passport, you will need proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified (raised seal) birth certificate), as well as proof of identity (such as a valid driver's license, government or military ID, or naturalization papers). You will also need to complete Form DS-11. But make sure not to sign the Form until you or the applicant is in the presence of a passport official!
5.First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (post offices, libraries, or federal, state and probate courts, and county/municipal offices).
6.All children under the age of 14 must also apply in person, so plan to bring them with you when you apply. Parents/guardians must show proof of their relationship with the child. In addition, parents must bring proof of their own identities (such as a passport or valid driver’s license). Also, please note that both parents must appear together with the child when the passport application is filed.
7.You must provide two identical color passport photos for each applicant. These photos have to have been taken within six months of applying, and must be against a plain white or off-white background. Applicants should not be wearing hats.
8.First-time passports for people over the age of 16 currently cost $97, including a $67 application fee and a $30 execution fee. Passports for children under 16 cost $82, including a $52 application fee, and a $30 execution fee. If you need your passport quickly, it can be expedited for an additional $60.
9.Passports normally take about six weeks to arrive, but can take up to 10-12 weeks, so plan accordingly.
Steps for Renewing a Passport
10.If your passport was issued less than 15 years ago, if you were over 16 when you got your current passport, if you still have the same name or can legally document your name change, and if the passport has not been damaged, you can renew your passport by mail. If any of those requirements are not in effect however, you will still have to follow the same steps as first-time applicants.
11.To renew your passport, simply fill out the DS-82 Passport Renewal Form and attach to it your most recent passport, along with two passport photos and the $67 fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State.
12.Passport renewals generally take about 6-8 weeks. If you are traveling sooner, you can pay an additional $60 to expedite your passport or use a private passport expediting service.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
It’s All About Location at Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort
Location around Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort knows it’s all about location…location….location! That is why it will be located near all the hot spots in Murcia, Spain!
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort will be situated within the prestigious, PGA approved golf resort of Mosa Trajectum, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a day of sporting activities at the resort.
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort will not only offer its guests an array of activities and amenities on site, but it will also be in close proximity to rugged mountains, beautiful beaches, and exciting cities for those wanting to venture away from the resort.
This resort boasts one of the most breathtaking views anywhere, as it is surrounded by the majestic Murcia Mountains, which can be seen from just about everywhere at the Resort, and offers guests many activities including horseback riding, biking, hiking, and walking trails.
For those who want to experience the daily culture around the area, Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort situates guests close to the grand cities of Granada, Cordoba, and Seville, as well as the glamorous cities of Marbella and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol.
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort also offers visitor’s miles of sandy beaches and beautiful lakes. The coast of Murcia is lined with over 200 beaches and shares two different bodies of water; the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor. These bodies of water offer guests with exceptional swimming areas and an array of water sports.
Mar Menor
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort’s location places it approximately 15 minutes from the spectacular beaches of Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea, offering guests some of the most beautiful beaches around. Mar Menor is Europe’s biggest natural salt-water lagoon, which is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by only a narrow strip of land known as La Manga (the strip).
During the summer months, Mar Menor’s temperatures rise due to the shallow water and warm atmosphere, making this lagoon a hot spot for water lovers. The average depth of Mar Menor is about 13 feet which makes it possible to venture out several hundred meters before the water has any real depth. The shallowness of this lagoon makes it the perfect location for all kinds of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing.
The salinity of Mar Menor provides a great deal of buoyancy, making it one of the safest places to swim in the world. The combination of this buoyancy and the shallowness of the lagoon make it a natural water park for people of all ages.
All of the beaches which surround Mar Menor offer guests watersport rental equipment and classes. There are also refreshment & food stands, as well as a variety of restaurants, making Mar Menor a definite hot spot for vacationers.
Murcia Offers a Beautiful Climate
The city of Murcia is described by many as the most beautiful and historic city in the country, with an estimated 230 days of sunshine per year. As a result, The World Health Organization has proclaimed it as the healthiest climate in Europe! It also boasts the highest temperatures in the region.
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort knows it’s all about location…location….location! That is why it will be located near all the hot spots in Murcia, Spain!
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort will be situated within the prestigious, PGA approved golf resort of Mosa Trajectum, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a day of sporting activities at the resort.
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort will not only offer its guests an array of activities and amenities on site, but it will also be in close proximity to rugged mountains, beautiful beaches, and exciting cities for those wanting to venture away from the resort.
This resort boasts one of the most breathtaking views anywhere, as it is surrounded by the majestic Murcia Mountains, which can be seen from just about everywhere at the Resort, and offers guests many activities including horseback riding, biking, hiking, and walking trails.
For those who want to experience the daily culture around the area, Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort situates guests close to the grand cities of Granada, Cordoba, and Seville, as well as the glamorous cities of Marbella and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol.
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort also offers visitor’s miles of sandy beaches and beautiful lakes. The coast of Murcia is lined with over 200 beaches and shares two different bodies of water; the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor. These bodies of water offer guests with exceptional swimming areas and an array of water sports.
Mar Menor
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort’s location places it approximately 15 minutes from the spectacular beaches of Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea, offering guests some of the most beautiful beaches around. Mar Menor is Europe’s biggest natural salt-water lagoon, which is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by only a narrow strip of land known as La Manga (the strip).
During the summer months, Mar Menor’s temperatures rise due to the shallow water and warm atmosphere, making this lagoon a hot spot for water lovers. The average depth of Mar Menor is about 13 feet which makes it possible to venture out several hundred meters before the water has any real depth. The shallowness of this lagoon makes it the perfect location for all kinds of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing.
The salinity of Mar Menor provides a great deal of buoyancy, making it one of the safest places to swim in the world. The combination of this buoyancy and the shallowness of the lagoon make it a natural water park for people of all ages.
All of the beaches which surround Mar Menor offer guests watersport rental equipment and classes. There are also refreshment & food stands, as well as a variety of restaurants, making Mar Menor a definite hot spot for vacationers.
Murcia Offers a Beautiful Climate
The city of Murcia is described by many as the most beautiful and historic city in the country, with an estimated 230 days of sunshine per year. As a result, The World Health Organization has proclaimed it as the healthiest climate in Europe! It also boasts the highest temperatures in the region.
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