Valladolid Daily Photo

Awarded!

2012-01-31T00:01:00.008+01:00

Located on the banks of the river Pisuerga, near the Hispanoamérica Bridge, the AC Hotel Palacio de Santa Ana by Marriott occupies what was once the former Monastery of Jeronimos, built in the eighteenth century. In the recent Travellers' Choice Hotels Awards organized by TripAdvisor, it has been recognized as one of the best in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Spain. I haven´t had occasion to enter yet, so I´ll seek the opportunity to discover you the inside.

Our World Tuesday

Night Shot Monday

Sadly nothing to tell on the topic

2012-01-30T00:01:00.004+01:00

One year later, the Teatro Lope de Vega still remains closed and abandoned. I hope one day to show you that the building has been renovated and has some use for the city.

Samurai

2012-01-29T00:01:00.012+01:00

Edo Period, XVIII Century. Taken on a recent visit to the Oriental Museum. This is my contribution to Weekend Reflection.

20 Noviembre @ Sala Concha Velasco, LAVA

2012-01-28T00:01:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I attended the premiere of this interesting play, produced by Rayuela Producciones Teatrales and based on a text by Lars Noren. The Swedish writer has used an incident that took place in November 2006 at the College of Emsdetten, Germany. Sebastian Bosse opened fire, wounding 37 people before committing suicide. The text is based on Bosse´s diary, which had been circulated on the Internet and where he explains the reasons of his act.

Profile portrait

2012-01-27T00:01:00.004+01:00

This bust dedicated to the playwright and poet Leopoldo Cano was made by local sculptor Juan José Moreno Llebra "Cheche". Located in Campo Grande´s Paseo del Principe, was inaugurated in March 1936 and is made of galvanized copper supported on a pillar of white stone.

Asegurada de incendios

2012-01-26T00:01:00.005+01:00

Throughout the centuries, fire has not always been a useful tool for the man but has also proved a threat to the cities, and particularly for buildings. Especially when it comes to times when the main construction material was wood. It is for this reason that in the early nineteenth century created a partnership between property owners and residents of the city, in order to protect and indemnify each other in the event of fire in one of its buildings registered. This raises a kind of private insurance among certain owners, due to archaic and poor fire service. This association was established in 1822. This particular sign is on Cathedral Street.

B is for Baden-Powell, Robert

2012-01-25T00:01:00.007+01:00

Last Saturday was inaugurated the Baden-Powell Square (located at Parque Alameda), in honor of the founder of Scout Movement. It has also installed this stone monument where you can read "Scouts of Spain, building a better world". Besides you can see a fleur-de-lis, which is the main element in the emblem of most Scouting organizations, representing a major theme in Scouting: the outdoors and wilderness. Baden-Powell chose it based on the ancient cartographers symbol used to mark the north, which meant that scouts must guide theis lives by a good course.

Let´s enjoy lots of interesting B ideas at ABC Wednesday!

Wordless Tuesday

2012-01-24T00:01:00.002+01:00

Our World Tuesday

Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-23T00:01:00.001+01:00

Today January 23rd (at 5 pm in Spain) will be the change of year to almost 1.5 billion people around the world. Next year is the number 4710, and will be the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac. I took this picture at the entrance of the restaurant called Gran Muralla.

Blue Division´s bridge

2012-01-22T00:01:00.007+01:00

The Blue Division was a unit of Spanish volunteers that served in the German Army on the Eastern Front of the Second World War.

One more foggy day in town...

Sunday Bridges

Weekend Reflections

Oletvm

2012-01-21T00:01:00.003+01:00

This is one of the best bookstores in town, if not the best, and my favorite when it comes to buying books.

More sugar...

2012-01-20T00:01:00.003+01:00

The uniqueness of the Museo del Dulce is that has replicas of the most representative monuments of the city made only in sugar. And as you can see, it's amazing how they caught up to the smallest detail of Our Lady of La Antigua´s church (left), the Holy Cross Palace (right side) or the Town Hall.

The sweetest museum in the world

2012-01-19T00:01:00.004+01:00

And speaking of museums, one of the most curious of Valladolid and possibly unique in the world is the Museo del Dulce. This is the sign that looks at the entrance.

A is for Archangel Michael

2012-01-18T00:01:00.005+01:00

As we all can see, in art he is represented as an angel with a Roman general´s armor, threatening (with a spear or sword) a demon or dragon. But where is the sword? Anyway, I took this picture on my last visit to the Museum of Sculpture, which I told you yesterday. Today we begin the alphabet again....

A day at the museum

2012-01-17T00:01:00.004+01:00

National Sculpture Museum´s courtyard (also known as Colegio de San Gregorio), with St. Paul´s Church in the background.

Our World Tuesday...

26,715 bikers...

2012-01-16T00:01:00.001+01:00

...beating the 25,076 of 2011 edition. In the picture, bike stunt display by Emilio Zamora at Acera Recoletos.

Pingüinos 2012!

2012-01-15T00:01:00.002+01:00

This is the largest international winter motorcycle rally, and is held the second weekend in January in Valladolid. Yesterday took place the traditional Flags Parade.

Juan de Austria Bridge

2012-01-14T00:01:00.008+01:00

I don´t know what you think about it, but IMO the b&w mixed with the fog give it a spooky and mysterious style. And a little further you can slightly distinguish Puente Colgante´s silhouette and reflection too. BTW, if you like, you can read about Juan de Austria in Wikipedia. So Weekend Reflections and B&W Weekend. And if you want to see more bridges, here.

Red light

2012-01-13T00:01:00.005+01:00

Skywatch Friday from Paseo Isabel La Católica.

In absence of snow

2012-01-12T00:01:00.002+01:00

Soft rime (in spanish, cencellada) is a white ice deposition that forms when the water droplets in light freezing fog or mist freeze to the outer surfaces of objects, with calm or light wind. The fog freezes usually to the windward side of tree branches, wires, or any other solid objects. Or what is the same, winter has arrived in the city!

An almost perfect reflection

2012-01-11T00:01:00.005+01:00

Channel of Castile´s Dock, in the district of La Victoria. Watery Wednesday!

El Triunfo

2012-01-10T00:01:00.005+01:00

It was founded in 1914 and since then, you can find it at the corner of calles Lopez Gomez and Jose María Lacort.

Our World Tuesday

Old style movie projector

2012-01-09T00:01:00.001+01:00

Yesterday evening I watched The Iron Lady at Cines Casablanca. On the inside they had this old movie projector. As I said before, this is my favorite movie theatre amongst all of the city. As for the film, interesting with a splendid performance of Meryl Streep.

Bridge reflection

2012-01-08T00:01:00.004+01:00

Museum of Science´s footbridge, on a foggy morning a couple of days ago.

Sunday Bridges

Weekend Reflections

Bicycle parking

2012-01-07T00:01:00.003+01:00

I recently read Bicycle Diaries, by David Byrne. An interesting book that describes his experiences and personal reflections on the use of bicycle in cities around the world. In the case of Valladolid, the Town Hall is finalizing an ordinance for traffic, waiting to get approved in March and which is expected to regulate the (in my opinion) increased use of bicycles in the city.

Black And White Weekend

First skywatch friday of the year!

2012-01-06T00:05:00.004+01:00

Former University´s School of Business (until 1994) and since 2009, the new headquarters of Valladolid´s Property Registration. It´s located in calle Estación. BTW, today is bank holiday in Spain. We celebrate El Día de Reyes.

Skywatch Friday

In the kitchen

2012-01-05T00:01:00.003+01:00

I don´t remember this restaurant´s name (located in calle Reina, really close to Plaza Mayor) but I still wanted to post it today. If any local visitor can enlighten us, we´ll appreciate it. In any case, a curious sign, isn´t it?

Y is for yellow

2012-01-04T00:01:00.003+01:00

The post horn is a valveless cylindrical brass or copper instrument with cupped mouthpiece, used to signal the arrival or departure of a post rider or mail coach. It was used especially by postilions of the 18th and 19th centuries. The instrument is still used as the logo of national post services in many countries, Spain included. This is the first ABC Wednesday of the year!

The last race of last year

2012-01-03T00:01:00.003+01:00

Last Saturday took place the traditional Cross Rondilla "Las Doce Uvas" at Parque Ribera de Castilla. The participants ran the 9k that comprised the race.

Our World Tuesday

Protection

2012-01-02T00:01:00.002+01:00

A few days ago I attended a photo exhibition at Parquesol Civic Center. The title was Scent of a Woman, and one of the pictures (this one, of course) is the work of a good friend´s daughter. It is entitled "Protection".

Theme day: Photo of the year 2011

2012-01-01T00:01:00.005+01:00

It's really difficult to pick one single picture from all that I posted last year but after a careful review, my choice is this. I originally published it barely 15 days ago and as you can see it´s a carousel installed in Plaza Mayor during the Christmas period. Although some of you surprised that it was in black and white, for me it was very clear that detail since I made the photo. It gives a special touch that I quite like a lot. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-31T00:01:00.002+01:00

Best wishes to all of you! See you next year with many more daily photos from Valladolid (also known as Pucela). This is the Town Hall´s tower, BTW.

Cloudless skywatch friday

2011-12-30T00:01:00.001+01:00

The year is almost over so it's time to review the highlights and learn from the negative things that have happened to us. And of course, it's time to prepare the list of purposes for the next year, which is what seems to be doing our bearded friend at the Monument to Christopher Columbus.

Skywatch Friday

El Lion D´Or

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000+01:00

In Plaza Mayor, you can find this cafe which since early twentieth century is one of those places that shine on its own and where elegance and neatness overflow in every corner. The inside is elegant from head to toe and its decoration is just perfect, which gives a touch of distinction. Its entrance is striking from far and suggests what inside you will find. I promise to show you more pictures of this place in the future.

Wordless Wednesday at Santiago St.

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000+01:00

Wordless Wednesday!

Papa Noel

2011-12-27T00:01:00.002+01:00

Also known as Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply "Santa". I'm not sure if I caught him climbing to enter or already leaving the house.

Our World Tuesday

Vera Cruz´s Church

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000+01:00

Another Rivers of Light´s must see at calle Platerías.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:05:00.002+01:00

This is how it looks Plaza de Zorrilla this year, with the Tree of Wishes at its center.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T00:05:00.003+01:00

This year I have chosen this crib made with playmobil pieces installed in the hallway of Casa José Zorrilla. Wish you spend a good night with your families!

Blurry shot

2011-12-23T00:05:00.001+01:00

Some people enjoying the ice skating rink in Acera de Recoletos.

Lightsabers?

2011-12-22T00:05:00.005+01:00

Water jets, Millennium Square.

W is for windows

2011-12-21T00:05:00.003+01:00

On the ground floor of this elegant building in Plaza del Corrillo, you can find the Cafe Ideal Nacional. This shot is for ABC Wednesday...

XV Nougat Race

2011-12-20T00:05:00.004+01:00

Last Sunday morning took place the Nougat Race in the nearby village of Arroyo de la Encomienda. I ran the 10 km, so I couldn´t take my own photos. In fact, I have chosen this one in particular from a friend because I´m one of the runners who appear in it. Guess who?

This is my contribution to Our World Tuesday.

Justo Muñoz

2011-12-19T00:05:00.000+01:00

This is a traditional business dedicated to selling toys, sporting goods and gifts for the home. Justo Muñoz's commercial career dates back almost 100 years when it opened its first store in Plaza Fuente Dorada. This shop is characterized by the distribution of items like a bazaar. In 1969 it opened another store in calle Teresa Gil and both shops have been living together until 1995, which was centralized at a single point of sale.

An annual custom

2011-12-18T00:05:00.002+01:00

Going out to dinner with work colleagues is a classic in the weeks before Christmas.

Carousel

2011-12-17T00:05:00.003+01:00

Plaza Mayor. The Weekend in Black and White!

Our Lady Queen of Peace´ s Church

2011-12-16T00:05:00.003+01:00

Plaza de España. Skywatch Friday!

I was right behind you...

2011-12-15T00:05:00.004+01:00

...at the christmas street market, Acera Recoletos.

Cavalry Academy

2011-12-14T00:05:00.003+01:00

Watery Wednesday!

Choir stalls

2011-12-13T00:05:00.005+01:00

Former Iglesia de las Francesas. Chapter House. Our World Tuesday!

Rivers of Light: Cathedral at night

2011-12-12T00:05:00.002+01:00

Shadow shot and a little history

2011-12-11T00:05:00.001+01:00

I took this picture in calle Teresa Gil a few days ago, one morning that I went to downtown. I liked this wall full of posters announcing concerts and shows.

Let me tell you some information about the woman who gives name to the street: Teresa Gil was born in Portugal. Later she moved with her family to Castile, where her father was a confidant of King Alfonso X the Wise, becoming a witness to his will. She owned a large estate in Castile, Portugal and Valladolid. She founded the Monastery of Sacti Spiritu in Toro (Zamora), where she is buried, and is believed to have been abbess of the Monastery of Las Huelgas Reales de Valladolid, which retains two seventeenth-century paintings with her figure and name. It was famous for her generosity, confirmed fact by the detailed testament she left, in which valuable property bequeathed to her servants, squires and maidens. In 1369 Valladolid gave her name to one of the main streets, which today retains the same name.

Shadow shot!

Shopping time, calle Manteria

2011-12-10T00:05:00.001+01:00

Christmas is just round the corner, the streets are decorated with ornaments and the flow of people in the most commercial streets increases. The Weekend in Black & White and Walking In The Street.

Foggy morning...

2011-12-09T00:05:00.005+01:00

...and freezing temperatures. Puente Mayor, 8:10 a.m.

Imagine...

2011-12-08T00:05:00.004+01:00

Maybe it´s just my imagination, but when I saw this optician´s sign, I inmediately thought of John Lennon. Today's bank holiday is Spain so, let´s enjoy the day off.

U is for University´s baroque facade

2011-12-07T00:05:00.002+01:00

ABC Wednesday!

Tel 1879

2011-12-06T00:05:00.005+01:00

Santaolaya Brothers´ old fruit warehouse at calle Cardenal Cos (next to the cathedral), when telephone numbers were only four digits. Our World Tuesday

Champions!

2011-12-05T00:05:00.006+01:00

I borrowed this photo from Google to honor our brand new tennis champions. Yesterday the hero was Rafa Nadal, who defeated Juan Martin del Potro at Seville's Olympic Stadium to hand Spain their fifth Davis Cup title.

Café del Norte

2011-12-04T00:05:00.001+01:00

This coffee shop, located in Plaza Mayor just on the opposite side of the Town Hall, reopened its doors six months ago. Inaugurated in 1861, it´s probably one of the oldest in the city, perhaps the eldest.

Mocking boy

2011-12-03T00:05:00.002+01:00

...at Plaza de Fuente Dorada. B&W weekend

More memes

2011-12-02T00:05:00.003+01:00

These days the weather is quite wintry, with all day fogs and very low temperatures. So I decided to use this photo taken several weeks ago when the weather was kinder. This is Restaurante Angela´s sign. Once inside with its original decoration, it recreates the atmosphere of German beer gardens. The wood covering the walls and halls immediately provides a cozy atmosphere. Totally recommended! Skywatch Friday and Signs, signs.

Theme day: Action shot

2011-12-01T00:05:00.002+01:00

This photo was not taken in this way on purpose, but I liked the result so I want it to be my December theme day action shot. Anyway, it was taken at a handball match last month. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

T is for telephone booth

2011-11-30T00:05:00.001+01:00

Now that we are in the era of cell phones, iphones and smartphones, these booths have become simple reminders of another time, seemingly very distant, where nobody had more than one telephone at his home. Today is ABC Wednesday, where I come back after a couple of weeks of absence.

Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor

2011-11-29T00:05:00.001+01:00

This is another of the monuments included in the Rivers of Light route. You can see here its appearance in the daylight. This one´s for OurWorldTuesday.

450 years ago!

2011-11-28T00:05:00.004+01:00

Detail of frieze of tiles installed in the entrance hall of the Pimentel Palace between 1939 and 1940 with 12 scenes of historical events in the city, made by potter J. Ruiz de Luna. Specifically, this one recalled that on September 21, 1561, Valladolid suffered the most horrible fire that ever ignited in the city.

Final inline hockey update: Dismeva CPLV revalidates the European Championship by winning 2-0 to Anglet. Congratulations to the champions for this brilliant back to back!!

Sunday memes

2011-11-27T00:05:00.005+01:00

This is Isabel La Católica bridge, my contribution to Sunday Bridges and Weekend Reflections.

Inline hockey update: Dismeva CPLV won in semifinals by 2-0, so today they play the final game against other french team, Anglet.

Back to back, maybe

2011-11-26T00:05:00.003+01:00

This weekend Valladolid is hosting the inline hockey European Cup Finals. Our team, Dismeva CPLV, is defending the title won last year in France (I told you about it, remember?). Yesterday they defeated swiss Laupersdorf by a convincing 9-1. Today they´ll face french Rethel Diables for a place in Sunday´s final. Best luck to them, they deserve it!

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-25T00:05:00.002+01:00

You can distinguish the gargoyles on top of Our Lady of La Antigua´s church. Last Skywatch Friday of the month.

Bar sign

2011-11-24T07:41:00.000+01:00

Taberna Morgan, somewhere to have a beer with friends. Click here for more shots of signs from around the world.

Watery Wednesday

2011-11-23T00:05:00.001+01:00

Fountain at Zorrilla Square, night view. More Watery Wednesday, here.

Jenny & The Mexicats @ Café España

2011-11-22T00:05:00.003+01:00

If you are interested, please check their myspace or on of their live shows.

Our World Tuesday...

Rivers of Light awarded!

2011-11-21T00:05:00.004+01:00

The City People Light Awards jury recognized Rivers of Light as the best urban lighting project in the world to use the public lighting as a tool for the cultural construction of the city and because it helps tourists and locals, says the jury, "stay with their friends, take some tapas, relax with a coffee or simply enjoy a stroll through the streets." Rivers of Light illuminates 32 monuments and there is a path through them.

This building (which is one of them) is Marquis of Villena Palace, whose construction began in the mid-sixteenth century. Emperor Charles V spent the night on numerous occasions in this place, which is very close to Pimentel Palace, where his son, Philip II, was born. Today, the building is integrated in the National Museum Colegio de San Gregorio, housing the library, conference room, restoration workshops, warehouse and the Neapolitan crib. It also houses temporary exhibitions.

Night Shot Monday!

Matter of trust

2011-11-20T00:05:00.003+01:00

Today we are celebrating the general elections in Spain, in which will be elected the new President of the Government. You can read on the sticker: Deposit your vote here.

Who was Lopez Gomez?

2011-11-19T00:05:00.001+01:00

This is López Gómez street, which connects University Square and Spain Square. Here is some information about the person who gives it its name: Manuel López Gómez was born in Valladolid on January 1, 1823. He was rector of the University of Valladolid and Perpetual Honorary Dean. Throughout his life worked as a lawyer, professor, judge, magistrate and president of the Academy of Fine Arts. He died on September 7, 1893. B&W Weekend, BTW...

Pink view

2011-11-18T00:05:00.004+01:00

Pisuerga River as it passes through Mayor Bridge. Join us at Skywatch Friday!

Restaurant sign

2011-11-17T00:05:00.003+01:00

Restaurante La Mina (in english, The Mine) was inaugurated on February 6, 1978. Located in the heart of the city, it has a cozy atmosphere and kitchen to the public view. It is divided into two floors. Upon entering the restaurant we found the bar and tapas area, one of the busiest and most famous of the capital, where you can sample an amazing array of hot and cold tapas, pinchos and rations, always with the best wine. Signs meme again!

Barmanouche @ Sala Experimental, Teatro Zorrilla

2011-11-16T00:08:00.002+01:00

Barmanouche is a Valladolid´s group dedicated to known as Jazz manouche: this is an European style of jazz emerged in the 30's from Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli and his famous "Hot Club de France" Quintet. Basic formation is characterized by not using drums. The guitar and contrabass make a powerful rhythm section and the violin adds melody and improvisation. This music is a mix of 30´s American swing with influences from the gypsies of Eastern Europe and French music. You can visit myspace to listen their fabulous songs. All That Jazz!!!

And the winner is...

2011-11-15T00:05:00.009+01:00

A tapa full of good news. Daniel Mendez, from Madrid´s Loft 39 Restaurant, won first place in the VII Pinchos and Tapas National Competition with his "Good news from our land" in which a copy of the newspaper El Norte de Castilla, reproduced on edible paper, contains a tasty steak tartare topped with goat cheese and mustard. Please, check other original posts right here.

Rugby sunday

2011-11-14T00:05:00.007+01:00

VRAC Quesos Entrepinares (in blue uniform) took a step forward in its aspirations in the league by winning yesterday Ordizia by 25-18. Four trials also give a significant bonus to the locals. They built the victory in 20 magical minutes of the second half, which destroyed the defensive strength of the visitors. These minutes were the logical climax to a very great first half, and the confirmation that the best rugby in Spain is usually seen when there are two teams decided to play the hand. With this victory, VRAC now ranks second in the standings.

A solidarity race

2011-11-13T00:05:00.001+01:00

As a side event to next week´s Summit, yesterday took place a 5k solidarity race, whose collection will go to refugee camps in Ethiopia through a NGO, Entreculturas. Sorry about the low quality of the photo. I took it with my cell phone´s camera just before the start of the race. Because yes, this time I wasn´t a mere spectator but a participant. After it, not too tired and a really funny experience. I promise to repeat.

LEAF Tour

2011-11-12T00:05:00.002+01:00

The Leaf is a battery electric hatchback developed by Nissan released in the U.S. and Japan in December 2010. Leaf name corresponds to the abbreviation for "Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car." It has been introduced in European countries (Ireland, United Kingdom, Netherlands) in 2011, and will be available globally in 2012.

Black & White Weekend

Summit against poverty

2011-11-11T00:05:00.002+01:00

From November 14-17, Valladolid will host the Global Microcredit Summit 2011, the most important such event in the second half of the year on the world level and which is expected to be attended by numerous heads of state and government, experts and representatives of national and international entities who are working to fight hunger and poverty and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The main events will take place at Centro Cultural Miguel Delibes (in the picture).

Also, today is 11.11.11, funny date... I don´t know if it has any special meaning other than being a palindrome number (in Spanish, capicúa). And finally, we also participate in Skywatch Friday again.

Tapas contest

2011-11-10T00:05:00.002+01:00

From Monday and until yesterday has been celebrated the VII Pinchos and Tapas National Competition at the Millennium Dome. Unfortunately I was unable to attend, because access was by invitation only. However, the exterior view of the Dome at night is quite striking, so the trip wasn´t in vain. I hope you like it.

Q is for Queen tribute-band

2011-11-09T00:05:00.004+01:00

In the picture, you can see Dios Salve a la Reina, an Argentine Queen tribute-band formed in 1998. This photo was taken in Sept. 2007 during a performance in Valladolid. Because of my age, this concert was the closest thing I can ever be of a Queen show. Let this post serve to commemorate the band´s 40th anniversary and Mercury´s death 20th. You can enjoy dozens of abc Q ideas here.

Clock´s collage

2011-11-08T00:05:00.001+01:00

From left to right and clockwise: St. Andrew´s church, Hacienda Building, Bus Station, La Enseñanza School and Campillo Market. We´re participating in Our World Tuesday!

Bunny

2011-11-07T00:05:00.001+01:00

Critical Mass...

2011-11-06T00:05:00.004+01:00

...is a cycling event which takes place the first Friday of every month in over 300 cities around the world. Its purpose is to claim a greater presence of bicycles in cities to reduce discomfort caused by motorized traffic, noise, pollution, congestion, insecurity... Last Friday was Valladolid Critical Mass´ tenth anniversary.

Challenge Walk in the Street

Weekly Photo Challenge: Windows (Supporting our soccer team)

2011-11-05T00:05:00.002+01:00

Real Valladolid C.F. plays today against Xerez in José Zorrilla Stadium since 4 pm. An important game to continue near the top places of the Second Division.

Opening

2011-11-04T00:05:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was officially opened the new Laboratory for the Performing Arts´ Concha Velasco Hall, located in the old slaughterhouse. The LAVA fulfills the demands of rehearsal space and a performance hall for professionals. Its more than 500 seats and its conditions save all narrowness of the Nuñez de Arce High School´s gym where the former Sala Ambigú was settled. The actress herself highlighted during her visit last May the modernity of a hall that bears her name.

Here comes the rain...

2011-11-03T00:05:00.001+01:00

...after a long dry season. No doubt about it, autumn has arrived. In the background you can see the Duke of Lerma building.

Theme day: Fences

2011-11-02T00:05:00.001+01:00

In July 1998, Cristóbal Gabarrón made the fences that can be seen in Paseo de Renacimiento, separating the park called Ribera de Castilla, along the left bank of the river Pisuerga. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

All Saints Day

2011-11-01T00:05:00.004+01:00

The Pantheon of Distinguished People is located in a roundabout of the Carmen´s Cemetery. It is an octagon with stone base angles whose pillars rise funeral torch and topped by a sort of chandelier, both in bronze. In the center stands a pedestal, also octagonal, with the shield of the city and crowns of laurel, on which stands a bronze female statue representing Castile, with crown and sword, holding a cross in one hand and in the other an unlit torch. It was inaugurated in late 1902 with the burial of the mortal remains of the poet José Zorrilla, to which have been joined by other famous people of the city, some of them listed in this blog: Vicente Escudero, Rosa Chacel, Pío del Río Hortega and Miguel Delibes.

This is for Our World Tuesday meme.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:05:00.002+01:00

Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated mainly in the U.S., northern Mexico, and some provinces of Canada on the night of October 31. It originated in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday of All Saints' Day. Typical activities include the famous Halloween trick or treating and costume parties, besides bonfires, visiting haunted houses, jokes, reading scary stories and viewing horror films. Today, in many European cities, young people have decided to import the way in which the United States celebrate Halloween with parties and costumes.

The Locomotive Warehouse...

2011-10-30T00:05:00.002+02:00

...was a pioneer in its time. Designed in 1863 by french engineer Théophile Luc Ricour was the first in the world designed with a horseshoe shape rather than completely circular. This form has the advantage that it can be easily expanded as needs are increasing. In fact this is what happened and were expanded in later years both the ends and back. Today, it is probably the only one left in Europe with this form, because the rest were destroyed during the wars of the twentieth century. Furthermore, due to the successive reforms that have had, this roundabout is a representation of the industrial architecture of different eras.

Coming back home...

2011-10-29T00:05:00.001+02:00

...after a long, exhausting and unforgettable journey.

Unique Celebrities in Seminci´s history

2011-10-28T00:05:00.002+02:00

Another exhibition that can be visited during this week is this, where you can see photos of directors, actors and actresses who have gone through the festival in its 56 years. In the picture, director Norman Jewison. Over 1500 people packed the Cine Avenida (now disappeared) for the first pass of Jesus Christ Superstar in Spain in the 1974 edition. The scandal was tremendous.

Cines Casablanca

2011-10-27T00:05:00.003+02:00

This is another movie theater used to project films this week, and quite possibly my personal favorite one across the city.
More curiosities: After years working in television, actor Brad Pitt got a small but noticeable role in Thelma and Louise, which won the Audience Award in 1991.

Marilyn´s lips

2011-10-26T00:05:00.004+02:00

We talked last year about the Festival's logo.
About the Festival: Valladolid hosted the controversial nacional release of A Clockwork Orange directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring by Malcolm McDowell. The queues in front of the Teatro Carrión to try to see it are still remembered.

Zorrilla Theatre

2011-10-25T00:05:00.003+02:00

This is one of the spaces in which films are shown during the festival. The rest of the year is dedicated to theatrical performances.
About the Seminci: Spike Lee participated in the Official Section with Jungle Fever in 1991 and Summer of Sam in 1999.

Movie´s collage

2011-10-24T00:05:00.003+02:00

Some of the objects displayed in the exhibition of which I told you yesterday.
About the Festival: With his role as "Mortwell" in Mona Lisa (Neil Jordan, 1986), Michael Caine convinced the jury of the 31st Seminci to give the movie the Golden Spike ex aequo with Sacrifice, Tarkowski.