Amazing Capitals Valencia

19/03/2024

The grand finale is in full swing. Officially held between March 1-19 every year, this massive undertaking already gets started during early February. “Fallas" in Valencia is an all-consuming affair. Local Valencians and expat residents alike either engage fully, attempt to join in, run for the hills or promise themselves never again!

The final crescendo has been building across this last weekend. Some 800 statues have been placed in the streets while celebrations and fireworks of varying styles have been happening at various times every day.

Since the early hours of this morning the final festivities continue until the “Crema” or burning of thee works of art. Some are massive constructions, others are smaller. In the tiniest of streets and squares, whole apartment block frontages are hung with huge fire-proof materials. The fire department is in attendance everywhere across the city until the last flames have died.

The final act is when the largest, most important effigy placed on city hall square has been raised to the ground way after midnight. Beyond the fires, black smoke from the wood and polystyrene structures as well as dreadful fumes are a major annual source of debate.

Since the festival has been recognised by UNESCO, the event is the largest tourist attraction, powerful people from many walks of life are involved and younger generations follow in their parents footsteps, that seems to be wishful thinking.

Wherever one sits, in the midst of these traditional festivities or on the fence, it is quite a sight to behold. The cleanup is rapid. Streets are cleaned, lights removed and food trucks are towed away. The scars remaining on residential streets are the only clues that something has happened. Until next year!


https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/

01/03/2024

And so the madness begins in earnest. From March 1 the Fallas celebrations are in full swing until March 19. That is the evening when all the many hundreds of effigies large, no enormous, and small adorning the streets are burned to the ground by midnight.

The annual event has been held for a very, very long time. It honours the time of spring when carpenters no longer require wood to light their workshops and so burned the leftover firewood. This morphed into works of art and is big in the Valencian Community.

People pour into city square every day for the extremely loud, choreographed mascletas, or firecrackers, and various other events take place, including an impressive offering of flowers. A true sight to behold.



https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/things-to-do/events/fallas/

03/02/2024

Chinese New Year is nearly upon us again. With a quarter of the world’s population living in China alone, it’s a big deal. Untold millions travel the length and breadth of the country to visit family back home. Others fly internationally and trade flows are interrupted for a month or so.

For “long noses” it’s also a time when a wise man named Confucius may come to mind. Many quotes can be found, one of which is rather poignant for professionals: “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”

Since we are on it, others such as Einstein have voiced similar wise words: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” While Gandhi expressed a similar theme very directly: “Action expresses priorities.”

Back to a fifteen day celebration with over three thousand years of tradition. This year’s zodiac sign is the Dragon, which is considered a symbol of strength, courage, and good fortune. More specifically, 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, associated with authority, prosperity, intelligence and success.

The Confucius Institute in Valencia organises many activities around the New Year. The highlight in 2024 is today February 3, when the Plaza del Ayuntamiento or city square presents a stage overflowing with activities. In typically colourful reds and yellows, a vibrant procession offering magnificent displays of dragons and lions arrives from Chinatown just after dark.

A perfect event for expat residents, and not only those from Zhongguo, Zhōnghuá, Huáxià Shénzhōu or Jiǔzhōu Jiǔzhōu.



https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/event/chinese-new-year/

Photo: Federación de Asociaciones Chinas de la Comunidad Valenciana
Sources: Brainy Quote, Wikipedia

05/01/2024

In the UK, a great debate takes place each year over when to remove the seasonal decorations and dispose f the tree. The consensus appears to be on Epiphany, the day following the twelfth night and gifts being offered to the newborn baby.

The twelfth day of Christmas in Valencia is positively the most exciting day of the year for children and their parents. That’s because January 5 is Three Kings. It is the day the three wise men deliver presents or regalos and a day of celebration all across Spain.

Excited youngsters have penned their wishes in a letter they send to Los Reyes. Weeks of nervous tension can ensue because they wonder if they will be found at, say, Grandma’s house or on holiday.

Of course, when they awake on the following morning, the presents are ready and waiting. Their gifts of biscuits and water for Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar have meanwhile mysteriously disappeared.

Procession

A long procession of the Three Kings flows from the port of Valencia and through countless city streets before arriving at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

They usually come ashore at 4:30 pm, gather along Paseo de la Alameda to then depart around 17:30 pm. The spectacle ends much later at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in front of the city hall balcony.

Enthusiastic spectators line the pavements to wait patiently before marvelling at the spectacular costumes. Cheers of joy carry far and wide. Especially when they catch the sweets being thrown by the participants of the parade.

Epiphany

A special cake is baked for the occasion. Known as Roscón de Reyes, it is normally in the shape of a circle. A decoration of candied fruits symbolises precious stones. The person who finds a surprise in their piece of cake is named king.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/things-to-do/events/three-kings/

25/11/2023

Amazing Capitals helps companies and cities to attract and retain expats. Knowledge is focussed on aspects of daily life and the location. Yet some may wish to go beyond the everyday and so do we. Topics in the mind, body and spirit space meander into different realms. One of them especially concerns the wellbeing of us all the near future.

Save Soil is a global movement launched by Sadhguru, to address the soil crisis by bringing together people from around the world to stand up for soil health, and supporting leaders of all nations to institute national policies and actions toward increasing the organic content in cultivable soil.

Conscious Planet
An effort to raise human consciousness and bring a sense of inclusiveness such that multifarious activities of our societies move into a conscious mode. An effort to align human activity to be supportive of nature and all life on our planet. Their work is towards creating a planet where a large number of human beings act consciously, governments are elected consciously, where ecological issues become election issues in the world.

Sadhguru
Yogi, Mystic and Visionary, Sadhguru is one of the most influential people of our times. An Enlightened Master of enormous capability, he has undertaken some gargantuan challenges, work that has been as sweeping as it has been varied.All his efforts, however, have always been towards just one goal: Raising human consciousness. Over the past four decades, Sadhguru has offered the technologies of well-being to millions of people across the world through his foundations, which are supported by over 16 million volunteers in 300 cities worldwide. Sadhguru has been conferred with three presidential awards among which are the Padma Vibhushan for distinguished service to the Nation and India’s highest environmental award, the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar, in 2010.

Over the years, Sadhguru has launched mega ecological initiatives. Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling address the urgent need to revitalise Indian rivers. These initiatives have been recognised globally as game-changers for establishing a blueprint for economic development that is ecologically sustainable. Sadhguru has been invited by various international agencies including the UN, UNE, UNEP, IUCN, UNCCD and WEF to discuss global solutions to the world’s ecological issues.

Save Soil
The Save Soil Movement will work to save soil by turning the world’s attention to our dying soil and inspiring about 3.5 billion people, which is 60% of the world’s electorate of 5.26 billion, to support policy redirections to safeguard, nurture and sustain soils. Also by driving national policy changes in 193 nations toward raising and maintaining the organic content of soils to a minimum of 3-6%. Soil is dying and 52% of agricultural soil is already degraded. A lack of organic content turns soil into sand, leading to global conflicts.
Food Crisis
In 20 years, 40% less food is expected to be produced for 9.3 billion people. Poor soil leads to poor nutritional value. Today’s fruits and vegetables already contain 90% fewer nutrients. 2 billion people suffer from nutritional deficiencies leading to a multitude of diseases.
Water Scarcity
Depleted soils cannot absorb and regulate water flows. Lack of water retention leads to water scarcity, droughts and floods. Organic matter can hold up to 90% of its weight in water and release it slowly over time. This is a big help in drought-prone areas.
Loss of Bio-Diversity
Scientists say that around 27,000 species of life forms are becoming extinct every year due to loss of habitat. The crisis has reached a point where 80% of the insect biomass has gone. Loss of biodiversity further disrupts the soil habitat and prevents soil regeneration.
Climate Change
Carbon stored in soil is 3x that in living plants, and 2x that in the atmosphere, which means soil is crucial for carbon sequestration. If the world’s soils are not revitalised, they could release 850 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere contributing to climate change. This is more than all of humanity’s emissions in the last 30 years combined.
Loss of Livelihood
Thousands of farmers are committing su***de due to depletion in soil. 74% of the poor are directly affected by land degradation globally. It is estimated that soil extinction is costing the world up to US$ 10.6 trillion every year.
Conflict and Migration
Population growth and food or water scarcity could cause over 1 billion to migrate to other regions and countries by 2050. Land issues have played a significant role in over 90% of major wars and conflicts in Africa since 1990. From the French revolution to the Arab spring, high food prices have been cited as a factor behind mass protest movements.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/expat-life/mind-body-sprit-life/save-soil/

09/11/2023

Indian Night Market with exhibit of various artists, boho clothes, tarot reading for the curious and other activities such as Bollywood dance, live singing. Plus their specialty of typical vegan and vegetarian Indian food, traditional sweets and chai tea. Free entry.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/things-to-do/happenings/

02/04/2023

In Spain Easter is known as Pasqua, whilst the Holy Week is referred to as Semana Santa. Celebrations in Valencia commence a week prior to Easter Friday.

Varying according to region, impressive festivities and processions take place across several days. Along the south coast of Spain, local men can be seen practicing for their mammoth task prior to Easter. They shuffle along the streets, huddled together bearing a massive concrete block of unfathomable weight upon their shoulders.

Celebrations

Locally, most activities are held in the coastal districts of Cabanyal, Grau and Canyamelar. Acts of remembrance can be viewed along the shores and in various streets of the neighbourhoods. Depending upon the day, they can be dramatic, create the impression of utter sadness due to the death of Christ with black costumes or joyous as is seen on the day of resurrection.

Meanwhile, yet more locals who may be dressed in traditional costumes enjoy mona de Pascua, which is cake with a hard-boiled or chocolate egg nestled on it or panquemao, a fluffy sponge cake with a tinged crust.



https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/things-to-do/events/pascua/

25/02/2023

Fair warning for tomorrow, Sunday February 26 when expats wake up to the surprise local sounds of delight in the early morning 🙏. The Children‘s Awakening, Desperta Infantil, of the Fallas 2023 commences at 7:15am on Calle de la Paz, San Vicente and Plaza del Ajuntamiento. This is rapidly followed at 7:30am by the Big Awakening and later...

Expats in Valencia wake up to surprise local sounds of delight this morning! From Children's Awakening to the Mayor and colourful fireworks.

18/02/2022

The magnificent Spanish city of is the ninth location to join a select collection of global cities and be named World Design Capital® 2022. It follows in the footsteps of Lille Metropole, Mexico City, Taipei, Cape Town, Helsinki, Seoul and Torino, all of which have been celebrated bi-annually since 2008. Straddling the Mexico and USA border, San Diego and Tijuana have been named for 2024.

Designers bear an enormous responsibility for the quality of life of humans on the planet. When it comes to cities, architecture also directly impacts other forms of life. Thankfully, with climate, natural resources, interaction with nature, ecology and well-being ever more in the spotlight, city environments are being far more scrutinised than ever before.

With its 365 days, the year 2022 is a mere blink of an eye on the scale of evolution. Events will bring professionals together, spotlight many elements and aspects of design, prompt interaction and change as well as possible discourse for the greater good.

As a city, the contrast of styles is ever-present, available to scrutiny by local or expat residents and visitors alike. The juxtaposition of historical, bland and contemporary buildings is ever-present. Green spaces sit well beside concrete plazas while narrow pedestrian and residential streets nestle alongside wide, tree-lined avenues.

Beyond bricks and mortar, the artistic qualities are, and have been, visible for a very long time. Graffiti comes in all sizes, styles and colours. Add placards, posters and the Fallas statues to the mix, then Valencia is surely a more than worthy host.

Yet another perfect reason for to be attracted to an city.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/things-to-do/events/world-design-capital/

Artists and designers have been born in, lived and worked in Valencia, Spain. The city has been designated the World Design Capital for 2022.

11/02/2022

Arrival in Valencia brings with it a few surprises, even though the general urban feel is excellent. First impressions of the locals may cause newcomers to doubt their friendliness. That misguided opinion is rectified rapidly. The city’s residents are extremely welcoming to foreigners.

It is less likely for locals in Valencia to look you straight in the eye on the streets. A certain indifference seems to exist, which stems from the fact that folks here are relatively private people. They tend to keep themselves to themselves when it comes to strangers. Many are far too timid or unpracticed to communicate in English. Times are changing though, with younger generations more verbal.

Surprises galore

Expats can be astonished at the contrast of provinciality and international feel of the place. This aspect is very prevalent since Valencia is often relatively unknown before a planned relocation. Another characteristic is its size. To be surrounded by so many languages in such a compact city is unusual. Most are tourists.

The city offers numerous celebrations throughout the year and the quality of food is legendary. Indeed, lovers of home cooking can wonder at the extent of fresh fruit and vegetables available in every season. The gastronomic scene also presents an enormous variety of delightful places to eat.

Orientation can be highly confusing at first. Narrow streets twist and turn at every opportunity in the old town of Carmen. These blend magnificently with expansive avenues. Some roads around the city are pedestrianised while other only appear so. Caution is often required. Architecture is extremely diverse.

Interestingly, most new arrivals need about a month or so to acquire a sense of direction.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/the-location/city-topics/urban-feel/

Arrival in Valencia brings with it a few surprises, even though the general urban feel is excellent. Locals are friendly and the streets are safe

04/02/2022

, Spain's third largest city reveals narrow streets that twist and turn at every opportunity in the old town of El Carmen. These blend magnificently with expansive, tree-lined avenues.

may be astonished at the juxtaposition of provincial and international feel of the place. Many English speakers are tourists, while locals are far too timid or unpracticed to use the language. Times are changing though, with younger generations more verbal.

The city’s residents are extremely welcoming to international residents. supports expats while helping companies and the city to attract and retain international talent.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com

Expat guide for Valencia full of insights to help international residents, expats. Full of information, facts, culture, events, favourites.

03/01/2022

Joy, Health, Success and a Happy New Year!

Time. A most precious gift. Often fleeting, at times appearing more lengthy. Relatively, a day in the life of my dear 100 year old Grandmother was perceived to be half the time of my day at the age of 50.

As the sun set on 2021, so many felt inspired to reflect upon the use of their gift over the past 12 months. Has time treated them well? What could they improve upon this year?

An expat’s life is especially affected by time. In a unique way and on a daily basis. Activities performed in a foreign environment can be unusual and thus more time-consuming. The clock ticks incessantly on the simplest of tasks. Settling into a new location, learning a language, making friends or merely getting to know new brands and trusted sources.

Time has also flown since Amazing Capitals online expat guides were introduced to raise efficiency for expats. The first eGuide was launched in , Germany on January 5 2007. Several locations have followed and, celebrating 15 years, more will be instigated during the new year while I follow my passion.

Location based online resources are packed with relevant information and insights. Beyond content, these local expat guides connect the dots and fill the gaps to create a comprehensive expat ecosystem. They help companies and the city attract international talent. And beyond. The support helps improve the lives of international residents and thus the likelihood that individuals and families will be happier to remain in their new city.

If you and your company, friends or colleagues wish for more support in attracting and retaining expat personnel in 2022, let’s talk. Whether in current locations or beyond, today or tomorrow, experienced or less so, Amazing Capitals could be a game-changer.

To learn more, check out the original Amazing Capitals Düsseldorf https://dusseldorf.amazingcapitals.com, Amazing Capitals Valencia https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com or discover concept and mechanism on Amazing Capitals https://amazingcapitals.com.

I wish you a very Happy New Year. May time treat you well!

Garry R Hurskainen-Green
Founder and Expat Expert

25/12/2021

Merry Christmas 🤶🧑‍🎄🎅

Were I to follow my family’s tradition, colourful decorations would be hung around the house in the nick of time before our guests arrived. A beautifully shaped, natural tree would be chosen after much thought and comparison. The decision between early purchase and needles on the carpet was an ongoing annual debate. However, regardless of where we lived, all was somehow in place ready to admire.

In one particular house in Cornwall, we had many friends staying over and shared packed bedrooms. The excitement of Christmas Eve was so intense that year, that the memory of seeing Santa Claus with his reindeers and sleigh crossing the night sky are etched permanently on my mind’s eye. Just imagine!

Living for many years in Germany revealed a new approach, so my place of residence has been cheerfully decorated from the first Sunday of Advent ever since. Time spent in Spain brought greater significance to Epiphany too. Falling as it does on Three Kings, this day is of higher value to local youngsters and adults alike.

With online publications for expats in several countries and readers in well over one hundred, this period of seasonal spirit is noteworthy to me for reasons beyond my own. From an early age, our cultural backgrounds influence the way we view life and define who we are. Meanwhile, later paths especially influence the way expats behave or interact. Also when and with whom they feel inspired to celebrate.

December 24 is important for residents in most European countries and in others December 25 is the important day. Some celebrate both, while most Americans place value on seeking familiar surroundings with family or friends at Thanksgiving. Yet more people spend time with strangers or by themselves, so a special Christmas thought goes out to them.

Christmastime is a unique period across very diverse societies. Whatever your personal beliefs and circumstances and wherever you may choose to read these words, I wish the holiday season 2021 may be one of good health and happiness for you.

A very Merry Christmas and good tidings to all. 🎄🌲🎄

05/09/2021

Fallas 2021 Cremà

A grand finale today forms the culmination of intense preparation by passionate enthusiasts throughout a whole year. The offering of flowers continues today in two locations. Queens of las Fallas, Falleras Mayores, of Valencia and their Courts of Honour head to the image of the Patriarch at San José Bridge at 10 am. A tribute to the poet Maximiliano Thous follows at 11 am at his monument located at the intersection of Sagunto and Maximiliano Thous streets. A further tribute follows. This time to the maestro Serrano, held at 12.30 pm at his monument in Reino de València Avenue.

Traditional firecracker displays, mascletà, are also held today at various locations throughout the city at 2 pm with a pause before the next phase at 6 pm, when High Mass in honour of St Joseph is held at Valencia Cathedral.

A choreographed burning of fallas then starts to light up the sky across the whole of the city, beginning with the infant sculptures at 8 pm. This is followed by the prize winner in the special category at 8:30 pm and then at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Finally, burning, cremà, of the rest of the ninots commences across the whole city at 10 pm. Massive bonfires ensue with flames licking high into the night sky. The prize winner in the special category is next at 10:30 pm. Then, attended by many of the fire brigade, the last to fall is the centrepiece standing at Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 11 pm.

It’s over for this year. Dismayed and cheerful souls roam the streets while city authorities begin a massive cleanup.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/event/fallas-2021-crema/

Centuries old celebration of Fallas in Valencia is a festival of costumes, processions, firework displays, burning of statues and fun.

04/09/2021

Fallas 2021 Nit del Foc

Processions throughout the whole day until midnight. Members of hundreds of Fallas guilds march through many neighbourhoods to bear their offerings of flowers to Our Lady of the Forsaken. The structure on Plaza de la Virgen remains centre stage when red and white flowers are thrown high as the stunning statue is created.

Traditional firecracker displays, mascletà, are also held today at various locations throughout the city at 2 pm. Impressive and colourful Nit del Foc firework displays will also staged in the city at 10 pm and 11:30 pm.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/event/fallas-2021-nit-del-foc/

Centuries old celebration of Fallas in Valencia is a festival of costumes, processions, firework displays, burning of statues and fun.

03/09/2021

Fallas 2021 Flowers

The day begins with the awards ceremony in different categories for the Ninot sculptures at 9 am. Traditional firecracker displays, mascletà, are held once again at various locations throughout the city at 2 pm. Then the next phase of Fallas celebrations commence.

A magnificent, ongoing procession of beautifully dressed babies, infants, children, adults and elderly locals march through the streets for two long days. They bear offerings of flowers from 5pm until midnight. The structure on Plaza de la Virgen becomes centrepiece when red and white flowers are thrown high to create the stunning statue of Our Lady of the Forsaken.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/event/fallas-2021-flowers/

Centuries old celebration of Fallas in Valencia is a festival of costumes, processions, firework displays, burning of statues and fun.

02/09/2021

Fallas 2021 Ninots

Setting up the sculptures, fallas, reaches completion today and the awards ceremony in different categories is held for the Ninot Infantil sculptures at 5:30 pm. Traditional firecracker displays, mascletà, are held at various locations throughout the city at 2 pm.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/event/fallas-2021-ninots/

Centuries old celebration of Fallas in Valencia is a festival of costumes, processions, firework displays, burning of statues and fun.

01/09/2021

Fallas is a time for expats to enthuse and partake or escape and hide. The streets are alive thru September 5. Extremely loud firecracker displays and firworks are accompanied by privately thrown versions. Pomp and ceremony can be seen everywhere. Every day is choreographed with activities building up to a tumultuous crescendo as sculptures light up in flames on Sunday. Discover a quick overview of daily highlights on the event entries.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/events/

Expat guide for Valencia full of insights to help international residents, expats. Full of information, facts, culture, events, favourites.

01/09/2021

Fallas 2021 Ninots Infantil

Enormously loud, traditional firecracker displays, mascletà, are held at various locations throughout the city at 2 pm. At 11 pm, the Nit de L’albà fireworks displays are also held on the fallas around the city.

Today also sees completion of setting up the infant sculptures, fallas. The closure of the traditional Ninot exhibition, following which, these larger figures will be transferred to their final display in all neighbourhoods too. The “people’s verdict” is proclaimed, which saves one figure from being burned this year.

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/event/fallas-2021-ninots-infantil/

Centuries old celebration of Fallas in Valencia is a festival of costumes, processions, firework displays, burning of statues and fun.

31/08/2021

Fallas 2021 Getting Serious

Fallas activities this year have been defined by circumstances and serious debate by all those involved. Five days of serous fun and celebrations are being held from September 1-5 2021. Daily events reveal what is happening:

https://valencia.amazingcapitals.com/events/

22/01/2021