City Matters
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Floral tapestry for Corpus Christi celebrations in Orotava, Tenerife. Photo by Jose Mesa (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr.
The Tradition of Corpus Christi Floral Tapestries
If you’ve never seen a floral tapestry in person, it’s well worth investigating where you can spot one this June; they’re an impressive sight, and reflect the traditions and creativity of of generations of upon generations of local artisans. Read more
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Badalona's dimoni, 2006. Photo by Carquinyol (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
Badalona’s Fiery Festival: La Cremada Del Dimoni
For the whole month of May, Barcelona's neighbor to the north with be filled with the Festes de Maig celebrations, the highlight of which is the traditional burning of the devil on May 10th. Read more
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4-Day Work Week Trials Have Been Labeled a “Resounding Success”
Hopes of the 4-day week becoming reality have been buoyed by glowing reports of the success of four-day week trials, in which employers have reported cutting hours but maintaining productivity. But it’s still not clear whether the model would work. Read more
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Close-up of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, Monument to Miguel de Cervantes in Plaza de España, Madrid. Photo by Selbymay (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
From Hapless Parody to Knight Crusader, How Far-Right Nationalism Hijacked the Real Don Quixote
Don Quixote has undergone an odd metamorphosis, from a fallible antihero to an epic ideological hero, from a comic literary character to a national myth. This grotesque old man has become a clever crusader knight, inviting admiration. Read more
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Vendors selling books and roses fill the streets and squares of Barcelona on Sant Jordi's day. Photo by Antonio Lajusticia Bueno courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
What to Do for Sant Jordi’s Day
Ready to celebrate Sant Jordi? From a stroll among book sellers and rose vendors, to the BCN Film Fest and live music to the "portes obertes" at one of the city's historical buildings, we've got you covered. Check out our list of what to do! Read more
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Many iconic buildings in Barcelona, like Casa Batlló, are decked out in roses and proudly display the Catalan flag on Sant Jordi's Day. Photo by Vicente Zambrano González courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Saints and Lovers: The Story of Catalunya's Sant Jordi's Day
Every April 23rd, Catalunya celebrates love and remembers the legend of a man who killed a dragon to save a damsel in distress. Read more
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In Defense of Rodents—Why Healthy Ecosystems Need Them
Worryingly, at least 15% of rodent species are threatened with extinction. More than 100 are among the top 560-ranked Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) mammals. Read more
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An International Battle over Cheese Has Left European Producers Feeling Bitter
For most cheese lovers, whether it’s a tangy blue Stilton or a creamy oozing Camembert, the most important element is the eating. But cheese has profound political and economic properties too, with implications for international trade deals. Read more
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Recipe: Calçot & Romesco Puff Pastry
It's calçot season again! It's no replacement for the countryside calçotada experience, but this simple puff-pastry tart using traditional Catalan ingredients brings all the flavors of the calçotada to your table. Read more
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Recipe: Espàrrecs i Pèsols a la Catalana
This vegetarian dish of asparagus and peas is easy to prepare and, when paired with local sardines and a Priorat red wine, makes for a delicious, healthy and simple meal. Read more
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