V I TO R I A - G A S T E I Z

, A L AVA

AU G U S T

2 0 1 3

B A S QU E

C O UN T RY

VI P WINE T R I P

Festival in Vitoria- La Blanca! August 4-9th

If you havent been to the Basque Country in Northern Spain then you dont know what you are missing. The Basque have their own ancient language which is completely dierent to Spanish. Their cuisine is world famous and recognized to be one of the two best of Spain. Each summer from August 4th-9th, in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Gasteiz the Basque name for Vitoria), the Basque capital city, they hold their annual fesval full of acvies for all ages. The fesval starts when a life sized puppet (CELEDON) is lowered from the church steeple over the square where 60,000 people cheer him on while they drink and shower champagne, light cigars (women included!) and put on the tradional blue bandana. During the fesval, you can enjoy open air street concerts day and night, acvies in all the cies parks, watch the groups of (Blusas) movate the fesval by singing and dancing while they drink Kalimotxo, wine and spirits, amusement park, eat excellent food and most of all have fun and feel part of this special fesval.

CELEDON BEGINNING THE FESTIVAL SHANGHAI, CHINA MAY 7-9TH SIAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE EXHIBITION

BLUSAS IN TRADITIONAL DRESS

LET THE FESTIVAL BEGIN!

B A SQUE H I S TO RY, T R A DI T IO N AL S P O RT S , FO L KL O R E & CU LT URE

DURING THE FESTIVAL THE MAJORITY OF THE CITY WEARS THE TRADITIONAL CLOTHES WHILE MANY SING AND DANCE. BASQUES SPORTS INCLUDE WOOD CHOPPING, CARRYING HUGE STONES, LIFTING HEAVY IRON PIECES. THE BASQUE COUNTRY IS MOUNTAINOUS AND THESE SPORTS COME FROM THEIR ORIGINAL WORKS AS FORESTERS.

BOTH PROFE S S I O NA L B U L L F I GH T I N G AN D AMAT EU R S T RY T H EI R LUC K W I T H YO U N G BU L L S

EVERY AFTERNOON AT 18:00 THERE ARE BULL FIGHTS IN VITORIAS NEW MODERN BULL RING. THE WEATHER IS ALWAYS COOLER IN VITORIA THAN THE REST OF SPAIN AND VERY COMFORTABLE. AMATEURS AND KIDS CAN ALSO HAVE A GO WITH YOUNG BULLS THAT HAVE THEIR HORNS TAPED. AND GAMES ARE PLAYED MAKING IT VERY ENTERTAINING FOR THE AUDIENCE.

E NT E RTA I N MEN T & CU LT U R E

NUMEROUS MUSIC GROUP`S ANIMATING THE FESTIVAL

ANTIQUE LANTERN NOCTURNAL PROCESSION PARADING THE STREETS OF VITORIA

The Portaln was founded in the late fifteenth century as Post House, constituting one of the most emblematic buildings of VitoriaGasteiz at the time and today retains its charm and medieval appearance. Also famous is the Cathedral of Santa Mara, Doa Otxanda Tower and the Plaza de las Burulleras, a set inescapable visit for anyone who wants to know a little more thoroughly the history of the city and to enjoy excellent cuisine and traditional service.

VITO R I A - 2 0 1 2 - AWA R DED EU RO P EAN G R EEN C AP I TAL

VITORIA GASTEIZ 2012 EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL

WHAT TO SEE! 3 DAYS- FESTIVAL VITORIA 2-3 DAYS- RIOJA WINE REGION 1 DAY- BILBAO 1 DAY- SAN SEBASTIAN
Vitoria has been rated one of the best green cities in Europe due to its excellent environmental program and all of the green areas/parks that they build and take care of. It also is surrounded by mountains and green hills. Its a great place to take walks and hike. Many people leave their cars at home and use bicycles to enter the city center which is not so large and very manageable even by foot. 2012 Vitoria was named EUROPES GREEN CAPITAL and when you come here, you will see why. The HUMEDAL is a natural reserve just on the outside of the city full of wild birds, amphibians and deer. It has a great path all around it and you can rent bikes to enjoy the area. Many bird watchers enjoy the various shelters to take pictures. There are interests for all ages during LA BLANCA festival. For youths, the cities parks are converted into game centers and young ones can enjoy a number of different games including trampolines, etc... The GIANTS and CABEZUDOS are out everyday and if your not careful, a CABEZUDO might hit you gently with their soft punch gloves as is the tradition. Fireworks can be seen over the city each evening. The circus also is a favorite attraction for everyone as well as the amusement park.