The Blog » Special Days

Xacobeo 2010

Conchi — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:53:34 +0000

The 25th July is the feast day of the patron saint of Spain, Saint James (Santiago) His remains are said to be buried in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and people from all over the world make pilgrimages to this wonderful, historic city.

When the 25th July falls on a Sunday it is declared a Jubilee Year (Ano Xacobeo) as it is this year, and the city is full of people visiting and enjoying the special celebrations.

“San Juan” Celebrations

Conchi — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:48:09 +0000

In Spain on the eve of St. John’s day, people celebrate the arrival of summer by making bonfires. In Galicia there is a tradition of jumping over small bonfires to deter “bad spirits”. People have barbecues and eat grilled sardines with corn bread. It’s a great night and people of all ages have fun.

Click here to see more photos of this year’s celebrations.

Happy Easter!

Conchi — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 09:34:02 +0000

Spring is here, believe it or not …the weather here in A Coruña has not been very much like Spring, but the days are noticeably longer. It’s a beautiful time of the year and Summer is not so far away…

Saint Patrick’s Day

Conchi — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:20:46 +0000

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, the patron saint of Ireland. It is traditional to wear something green and if you don’t people will pinch you !!! Another custom is that of the leprechaun, a little Irish elf, who is believed to posess a pot of gold.

Here is an Irish Joke: Where will you always find gold?…………. In the dictionary! ha, ha!!!

International Women’s Day

Conchi — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:08:13 +0000

Today is International Women’s Day. It is a day that celebrates women’s achievements in the world, past and present. Most women today can enjoy freedom, rights and jobs, thanks to those who fought for equality in the past. But remember that in some parts of the world that is not the case, and many women still suffer in silence.

Remember the work of women around you and respect their role in society.

Carnival in Galicia

Conchi — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:12:09 +0000

It’s carnival time again and although the weather is very cold in Galicia, many people love to dress up in different costumes and go out to celebrate. It’s great fun and it’s amazing to see so many different costumes, some traditional, some classic and some that are incredibly original.

It could be as simple as a hat, a wig or some extra make-up or a complete costume that has been put together with great skill and attention to detail. You can see whole groups or families that have dressed up to represent a theme.

Congratulations to everyone who takes part in this big celebration!!

Animal Love

Conchi — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:58:15 +0000

Today is Valentine’s Day and we all think about the people we love, but what about animals. Here is a great selection of “Animal Love” photos. They are soooo adorable!

The Three Kings Have Arrived!

Conchi — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:23:43 +0000

Have you been good?

Will you get presents or coal?

Today these questions will be answered for many Spainsh children who will wake up to see what the Three Kings have left them…

For many it is the most exciting and magical time of the year.

Have a wonderful day!

But remember that in other countries children have to go to school

Happy St. Andrew’s Day!

Conchi — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:01:02 +0000

Today is Saint Andrew’s Day.

St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland.

Scotland is a country in the north of Great Britain. It is famous for its big lakes (lochs) and especially Loch Ness which is well known for its legend about the Loch Ness monster.

Scotland is also famous for bagpipes (as we have in Galicia), kilts – a traditional type of skirt for men and medieval castles.

Friday 13th. Unlucky for some…

Conchi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:12 +0000

Today is Friday the 13th which in English speaking countries is regarded as unlucky. This supesrstition began before the 19th century. Nowadays, some people continue to take it very seriously and avoid travelling or planning events on this day. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia – (that’s a difficult word in any language!!!)

The next session of The Blog will be on Thursday 19th November at Monte Alto Library and Friday 20th at Castrillón Library and we will be looking into superstitions and scary things…ooooohhhh!!!

Get your invitations!