The seventh art comes to Valencia: from 29th May to 8th June
The film festivals in Alicante and Peñíscola have become a major event for cinema professionals and film buffs alike, and from 29th May to 8th June both cities will be paying tribute not only to the stars in front of the camera but also to those who work behind it.
The programme for the Alicante Film Festival includes a healthy mix of shorts, TV movies and feature-length films that will be screened over the course of 10 days in the premises on avenida de Alcoy.
One of the most exciting events of the festival will undoubtedly be the awards ceremony. This year, Spanish film director Álex de la Iglesia will receive the Ciudad de la Luz award in recognition of his extensive filmmaking career. Tribute will also be paid to Portuguese actress and chanteuse Maria de Medeiros, who will be feted with the international award known as the Premio Internacional. In her honour there will be a screening of her film Riparo, which was shown within the Panorama section of the Berlin Film Festival.
The City of Alicante Prize of Honour will go on this occasion to seasoned actor Emilio Gutiérrez Caba, while Lucía Jiménez will receive the City of Alicante award as a rising young star of Spanish cinema.
Meanwhile the province of Castellón will be holding its own festival in the shape of the 20th Peñíscola Comedy Film Festival - an event that attracts directors, producers and artists from the international cinema scene year after year. This year's Official Selection will feature a series of films that have yet to be released, including Margot y su Boda (Margot at the Wedding) directed by Noah Baumbach; Glory to the Filmaker from Takeshi Kitano and Gente de mala calidad by Juan Cavestany, among others.
In Peñíscola, tribute will be paid to José Salcedo, a film editor who has left his mark on an impressive 120 films, and to one of the world's best-loved comedians, Canada's Leslie Nielsen
COME TO THE BENICARLÓ ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL WITH TARONJA
Benicarló invites you to enjoy its Artichoke Festival
The district of Baix Maestrat is home to Benicarló, a stunning town in the province of Castellón, surrounded by beaches that stretch for miles, such as Morrongo and La Caracola, beautiful tree-lined landscapes such as Basseta del Bovalar and interesting trips for example to Puig de la Nao, and of course, outstanding cuisine based around its star product: the Benicarló artichoke, awarded the highly prized Denomination of Origin status in 1998.
To honour this vegetable, the Artichoke Festival is taking place between 18th and 25th January, at which all kinds of popular dishes are prepared using this product. In fact, until 24th January, there will also be a Tapas fair. Over the course of the week, the town's restaurants will be serving tapas and drinks for a token price.
As well as this, between 20th and 22nd January, the Catering College will be providing bite-sized treats at the Casal de la Carxofa and on Saturday 24th January, you can enjoy the traditional torrà of artichokes. The popular Culinary Demonstration given by local restaurateurs begins on Sunday 25th January at midday. But if you're more of a nature lover, on Sunday 18th January you can discover Benicarló's Rainwater Cistern thanks to the route programmed as part of the activities at the Artichoke Festival. Don't even think about missing it!
The July Fair: 15 great concerts will liven up the July nights in Valencia!
The city of Valencia celebrates its traditional Feria de Julio, or July Fair, with an extensive and varied programme of events, that take place in emblematic areas of the city. This fair, which has been celebrated each year since 1871, includes a full concert programme, celebrated in the warmth of the pleasant summer nights of Valencia with the matchless scenic backdrop of the Jardines de Viveros Park.
15 great concerts will liven up the July nights, with a selection of artists that won’t leave you unmoved. Brazilian rhythm from Toquinho, international -style pop from a huge legend as Bob Dylan, Sara Baras with her special brand of magic on stage, the avant-garde electronic pop of Alan Parsons Project, los Secretos, and their style of pop, one of the groups that symbolized the new wave or movida madrileña. Noa, an important performer from the world of Israeli music, the eternal Blues Brothers Band, el Barrio, José Mercé, Cristopher Cross and more, even the final of Circuit Rock 2006, where the new Valencian groups compete to make themselves known in the Spanish music scene.
Tomorrow, 6th of July, don´t miss Toquinho in concert, with more than 60 records under his belt, he is still remembered for his collaboration with Vinicius De Moraes, with whom he recorded more than 100 songs in 1 years. Powerful Brazilian music in the jardines de Viveros park. On Thursday, make the most of the chance to enjoy listening live to Bob Dylan, a legend in full form, musician, singer, and poet with a career of more than 40 years
24 years of classical music in Peñíscola, between 21st Sept and 4th Oct. Come to Valencia!
Peñíscola is preparing for the nine concerts it will be hosting between 21st September and 4th October. The Peñíscola Classical Music Concert Series celebrates its 24th edition in 2008, making it one of the most prestigious classical festivals in Spain.
To whet your appetite, on Sunday 21st September, the Peñíscola Polyphonic Choir will be performing the Misa del Pescador (Fisherman's Mass) at the Church of Santa María guided by the baton of Carlos Casóliva. A free concert that starts at noon.
Five of the concerts will be performed in the Gothic room of Papa Luna Castle and the others will be taking place either in the Church of Santa María or the Palau de Congressos Exhibition Centre. Peñíscola gives you the chance to enjoy these performances in three venues that offer unbeatable acoustics
Valencia's European Nations Cup, the best golf on the Costa Blanca, between 23rd and 26th April
Comunitat Valenciana European NationsCup is the new name of the Women's Professional European Golf Cup, a new competition included as part of the Ladies European Tour which is being held for the second year in a row at La Sella golf course in Dénia, Alicante, between 23rd and 26th April.
Paula Martí and Tania Elósegui will be competing for
Spain. Both players have competed previously in this unique tournament,
which features representatives from a number of countries. The Spanish
team will be facing tough competition, not least from the English
golfer Laura Davies, one of the best players of all time, and the
French player Gwladys Nocera, number 1 in the Professional European
Ranking. Golf in the Region of Valencia has a woman's touch!
