CVNEWS
www.comunitatvalenciana.com
Alicante
Charming country houses
Cofrentes, Llíria and Alzira Horse-riding routes .............................................................................
Inma Bermúdez Valencian design .............................................................................
Espai d’Art Contemporani Through the eyes of Darcy Lange
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2012
NEWS ........................................................................................................... 03 • The third: The Festival in Algemesí Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.... 03 • Company of the month: Marjal Costa Blanca Eco Camping Resort in Crevillent .... 04 • Professional Photography Competition in Cullera ........................................ 04
Summary
• Santantonada de Forcall, an Asset of Cultural Interest ................................. 05 • La Luz de la Imágenes restore the Gorga Canopy ........................................ 05
SURFERS ON THE NET/ INTERNET NEWS ........................................................................................ 06
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• Meteorological information at comunitatvalenciana.com ................................ 06 • Guíadelocio.com, the best ......................................................................... 06 • Pago de Tharsys, new website ................ ................................................... 07 • Internet news ......... ................................................................................. 07
DOBLE PAGE ................................................................................................ 08 EACC Castellon Contemporary Art Centre exhibits the work of Darcy Lange 10
THOROUGHLY ........................................................................................................10 Rural Alicante, seven charming houses on the Costa Blanca
TRAVELLER’S CORNER .................................................................................16 Horse-riding routes Alzira, Cofrentes y Lliria
AN INTERVIEW WITH: Inma Bermúdez ......................................................... 24 Between ornament and functionality
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WHAT WE OFFER .. ....................................................................................... 28
CVNEWS Agència Valenciana del Turisme Av. Aragón, 30, 8º • 46021 Valencia Tel. 963 986 000 • Fax 963 986 001
• Wine: Verdil of Daniel Belda, Mediterranean white ................................................. 28 • Monstrance in San Esteban church in Valencia ....................................................... 28 • A thousand daffofils around the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons ......................... 29 • Presenting the Pearl of Valencia Oyster to society ................................................... 29
2012[79] Email: cvnews@comunitatvalenciana.com
FLASH ............................................................................................................. 30
© Agència Valenciana del Turisme. Área de Promoción y Comunicación Turística. Servicio de Comunicación Turística. Comité de redacción/Editorial committee: Paula de Cubas, Isabel Palafox, Carmen Sahuquillo, Javier Herraiz, Antonio Martín, Maica Botella. Maquetación/Layout and design: Catherine López.
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www.comunitatvalenciana.com
Spring in Mundomar Segorbe Nostrum in the 2012 Flos Olei Guide International scope at Berklee Valencia Nico Terol, a curve on the Circuit
PUBLICATIONS ............................................................................................ 31 WHAT’S ON ..................................................................................................32
News
UNESCO declared the Mare de Déu de la Salut Festival in Algemesí Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity UNESCO has placed Algemesí’s Mare de Déu de la Salut Festival on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the last meeting of the Intangible Heritage Committee that was held in Bali. The international organisation explained how the Algemesí Festival meets all of the requirements for registration, such as the promotion of intercultural dialogue and human creativity, which are apparent in its public celebrations. UNESCO stated that the Algemesí Festival combines the town’s ritual, artistic and festive aspects of intangible cultural heritage. The processions, which are an important part of the Algemesí Festival, pass through the heart of the city and strengthen the social bonds and sense of belonging of its people. The rituals, which have been passed down through the generations, are crystalised in a number of different manifestations: oral expressions such as theatre, music with 63 compositions, dance and performances reminiscent of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cults; cultures
Festa de Algemesí A divine treasure that wove the essence of this land and that have materialised in the creation of musical instruments, the inspiration for melodies and the variety of clothing used during the festivals. All these elements have turned this festival into a point of reference for traditional Valencian festivals. The festival of Algemesí, in honour of Mare de Déu de la Salut, the Virgin of Health, takes place on 7th and 8th September comes from the Middle Ages and is Algemesí’s largest religious festival. The festival has played an important role in the recovery of certain folk dances that existed in other towns and that, thanks to the Algemesí celebrations, have now been reestablished. Choreographed acrobatic routines such as Muixeranga, dances like els Bastonets or els Tornejants and even the tabal i dolçaina music that accompanies them are the product of those who have managed to maintain and preserve a fundamental aspect of Valencian culture.
INFORMACIÓN C/ Nou del Convent, 71 Museu Valencià de la Festa 46680 Algemesí Tel. 962018630 www.museuvalenciadelafesta.com
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COMPANY OF THE MONTH
News ........................................................................................................................................
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION ............................................................................................................................
MARJAL COSTA BLANCA ECO CAMPING RESORT AP-7. Salida 730 (Catral-Crevillent) 03330 Crevillente • Tel. 965 48 49 45 www.marjalcostablanca.com
The Marjal Costa Blanca Eco-Camping Resort in Crevillente is one of the most modern four star campsites in Europe. It covers an area of more than four thousand square metres next to the El Hondo Natural Park. The complex is self sustainable and energy efficient, recycling waste materials, using solar energy and collecting rainwater for irrigation purposes. The services and amenities include toilets and shower facilities, a tapas bar and restaurant, first-aid, a hair salon, a club house and supermarket, amongst others. There are also various sports facilities including tennis, padel tennis and basketball courts, as well as a climbing wall and a mini golf course. The resort has a fifteen hundred pitch campground ranging from ninety to one hundred and eighty square metres and all have electric hook ups, TV, water and drainage. The Marjal Costa Blanca Eco Camping Resort also has bungalows with two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, bathroom and a terrace. The communal areas include a restaurant, bar, pub, gym, outdoor swimming pools and two heated pools, a spa with a sauna and Turkish bath, a playground and an area to play boules and barbeque areas. The resort is surrounded by cultural, historical and leisure attractions such as the El Hondo Natural Park, Orihuela, Elx and Alicante.
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Last February, the Professional Photographers’ Association of Valencia (AFPV) held the Region of Valencia Professional Photography Competition in Cullera and has awarded the Region of Valencia Prize to Víctor Manuel López Postigo from Elche in the Portrait section. The Commercial Advertising Prize went to Xanti Rodríguez Urriaga from Azpeitia (Guipúzcoa), while the GraphicSocial Prize was won by Josu Izarra García from VitoriaGasteiz, with the Wedding category being awarded to Jorge Miguel Jaime Báez, from Canet d’En Berenguer in Valencia. The Professional Photography Competition is one of the most highly-regarded among professional Spanish photographers and has grown to be one of the most important artistic, image-related events in the Region of Valencia. Proof of this can be seen by the fact that over 400 photographs were presented in the Portrait, Advertising-Commercial, Graphic-Social and Wedding categories. The competition is held every two years, alongside the International Professional Photography and Video Conference organised by the AFPV. More than three thousand photographers have attended its ten editions and more than 150 specialists in all fields of photography from all over Europe and America have given presentations on different areas of photographic art, including fine art, wedding, studio, advertising, fashion, nature, glamour and artistic nude photography. www.afpv.es
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RESTORING THE GORGA CANOPY ............................................................................................................................
The Fundación de Luz de las Imágenes has completed the restoration of the Gorga Canopy, a piece of textile fabric made in 1808 of tissue silk and embroidered with metallic thread and silk. Miguel Olcina Sempere, who donated the canopy to the Parish Church of La Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Gorga, paid 5120 reales for the piece in the early nineteenth century. The silk designs of this canopy display a Valencian influence, which can be seen in the colours of the floral decoration and style of the neoclassical motifs. The canopy is rectangular in shape with an oval design in the centre displaying the Eucharist on rays of splendour. The completion date, 1808, is displayed on scrolls that hang from the top at the sides. The piece, which was moved to the Luz de las Imágenes workshop in the town of Bétera, showed signs of deterioration due to its exposure to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, as it is used in the Corpus Christi day procession, as well as the effects of ageing and improper storage. Certain marks were cleaned using a micro-suction process and misshapen areas were rectified using an ultrasonic humidifier with cold vapour. Due to its poor condition the original lining has been cleaned and repaired, and a new lining has been placed on top.
www.laluzdelasimagenes.com
SANTANTONADA DE FORCALL, AN ASSET OF CULTURAL INTEREST
The Santantonada festival has been celebrated in Forcall for six centuries and has been declared an Asset of Intangible Cultural Heritage by Valencia’s regional government. The Santantonada is a theatrical celebration honouring Saint Antonio Abad that ends with the burning of a hut made of heather. The festival of San Antonio is one of the most important and widespread celebrations in the winter calendar of the Valencia region. Around three hundred Valencian municipalities pay homage to the patron saint of working animals and pets with activities and events such as bonfires, the offering of blessed bread and cakes, the blessing of animals as well as re-enactments of the saint’s life. Forcall’s Santantonada is celebrated on the weekend closest to 17th January and lasts three days. The parades pass through the main streets of Forcall’s old quarter, as well as the square where the hut is erected. The festival is a theatrical representation of the life of the saint, in which a series of characters appear in a kind of ritual hierarchy. Although not one of them is more important than another, all have a specific function and are complementary. This then creates an overall impression that can appear to be contradictory at times and which combines the anarchy of movement and the order of performance. www.forcall.es
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Internet News Surfers on the net
GUÍADELOCIO.COM, THE FIRM FAVORITE WEATHER NFORMATION
Last January saw the incorporation of three new units into the weather station network run by the official Region of Valencia tourist website. The new stations are located in Alboraya, Calpe and Altea. These new units provide real-time information, which is updated every few seconds, on wind speed, temperature, precipitation, humidity and barometric pressure, as well as the strength of sunlight and the ultraviolet index. They also provide almanac information, including sunrise and sunset, as well as lunar phases. The new stations aim to provide a better service to lovers of water sports which is why they have been strategically sited in Calpe port, the Villa Gadea Hotel on l’Olla beach in Altea and on Port-Saplaya beach in Alboraya. The weather station network run by the Region of Valencia tourist website currently has 23 units throughout the provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante, both on the coast and inland. This service is offered in parallel with the weather forecasts for tourist towns and areas provided by the website’s Weather section, one of this site’s most visited areas, with considerably more than a million hits a year. www.comunitatvalenciana.com/tiempo-comunidad-valenciana
A recent survey by NetObserver confirmed the leadership of Guiadelocio.com among users, well ahead of other general or themed online leisure guides. The survey analysed user preferences in nine different categories: news, general information, food and drink, employment, careers, sports, videogames, small ads, price comparison, trip and leisure guides, personal sales and family portals. The 17% of users chose guiadelocio.com as their favourite website in the sector, well ahead of such others as Lanetro.com or Salir.com, which also appeared in the ranking. In fact, the runner up was Cinesa.es, preferred by 6.7% of users, while Lanetro.com ranked third with 5%. The NetObserver rankings were decided on the basis of the votes cast by regular users of each of the website categories selected by Harris Interactive for this second survey. The website keeps its visitors informed by continuously updating its content related to leisure activities taking place in all Spanish provinces as well as all the latest information regarding film, theatre, food and drink, music, nightlife, culture and children’s leisure activities. www.guiadelocio.com
INTERNET
NEWS
Routes and culture in the Mountains of Alicante · www.muntanyadalacant.com
NEW WEBSITE FOR THE PAGO DE THARSYS WINERY
The Alicante Mountain Rural Accommodation Association website aims to promote the unique nature of what the area offers its visitors, providing information on its tourist resources, valleys and towns. The website offers in-depth information on shared and unshared rural accommodation, country hotels with comprehensive services and hostels. The leisure section is subdivided into such sections as nature parks, greenways, festivals and customs. The website also describes upcoming courses held by the Red CdT Tourist Centre network, job offers, grants and financial assistance. ............................................................................................................................
The Pago de Tharsys winery website has an interactive menu in Spanish and English, as well as a number of attractive sections. The website corresponds to the winery’s philosophy regarding innovation, originality and quality and is divided into several different sections: the Winery, Wines, Night Harvesting, Visits and Shop, Country Hotel, Blog and Contact. The Winery section is also divided into three parts: Vineyard, Facilities and Production. The Wine section offers visitors to the site the chance to take a virtual tour of the production process and contains explanations and information about the tasting of each of the seven wines – Pago de Tharsys Gran Reserva, Pago de Tharsys Selección Bodega, Pago de Tharsys Merlot, Pago de Tharsys Nuestro Bobal, Pago de Tharsys Pago de Tharsys Vendimia nocturna, Carlota Suría Reserva and Pago de Tharsys Dulce. It also describes the tasting process of the eleven cavas produced by this Valencian winery - Pago de Tharsys Gran Reserva, Pago de Tharsys Millésime, Pago de Tharsys Millésime Rosé, Pago de Tharsys Único, Brut Nature, Pago de Tharsys Rosado Brut, Carlota Suria Brut Nature, Carlota Suría Brut, Dominio de Requena Brut Nature, Dominio de Requena Brut and Domino de Tharsys Brut. The Country Hotel section is particularly appealing as it offers practical information and photos of La Caseta de Tharsys, which provides accommodation as part of the services offered by the winery. Finally, the Blog allows us to interact with all the news, social events and other activities associated with the winery. www.pagodetharsys.com
A tour of the Desamparados Basilica · www.basilicadesamparados.org The website of the Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados Royal Basilica in Valencia offers internet users, visitors and parishioners comprehensive information, ranging from the history of the church to a virtual tour, as well as a photo gallery with almost fifty images, times of services, confession and rosary. From the Homepage, which is divided into fifteen sections, visitors can access History, Sacred Image, Services, Senior Brotherhood, Foundations, Honourable Association, Choir, Followers, Prayers, Marian Museum, Cultural visit, Mater Desertorum, Photo Gallery, Links and Contact. ............................................................................................................................
Coeliac Catering Club · www.restauracionparaceliacoscv.com The Catering and Tourism Confederation in the Region of Valencia (CONHOSTUR) has collaborated with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Coeliac Association of the Region of Valencia (ACECOVA) and the Spanish Coeliac Federation (FACE) to launch the Coeliac Catering Club. Participating restaurants display a sign at the entrance by way of identification. There is also a guide to the establishments belonging to the Coeliac Catering Club and a website.
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Darcy Lange Study of an artist at work
The latest exhibition at the EACC Contemporary Art
Centre in Castellón is dedicated to the work of Darcy Lange (1946-2005) and examines the artistic trajectory of this pioneering video artist. Born in Urenui, Taranaki, Aotearoa in New Zealand, Lange’s work spanned from sculpture, video, photography and film to flamenco. The exhi-
INFORMACIÓN INFORMATION
bition is at the EACC until April 29th of this year and offers visitors the chance to examine Lange’s project at the exact
Espai d’Art Contemporani de Castelló C/ Prim, s/n • 12003 Castelló Tel. 964 723 540
moment it was created, within its historical and social
www.eacc.es
context.
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Darcy Lange created his first sculptures in the late sixties, abandoning his career as a sculptor in 1971 to focus on film Darcy Lange used photography to explore and document People at work, which was filmed in The United Kingdom, Spain and New Zealand. In 1972, he documented work in English factories and mines. In 1975, he filmed Cantavieja, dealing with farm work in Spain. He returned to New Zealand shortly afterwards to document the way of life of workers in Taranaki and the struggle of Maori activists to recover their land rights in Auckland. The theme of People at work places Lange’s work firmly in the field of 1930s documentary film and social photography and shares their ideological genealogy. These works turned him into one of the first to use tracking shots to record the actions of people carrying out their daily work in real time. His experiments with moving and still images led to the parallel use of photography, film and video, all recorded simultaneously. The advantage of the first portable video-cameras over film and photography was that it could record real-time feedback and use it as a tool for criticism and analysis, as a catalyst for social change. Lange intensified the relationship of the subjects of his work by
showing them the recorded material. In his studies of work in schools in Birmingham and Oxfordshire, Lange recorded teachers in the classroom and then showed their reactions and those of the students to the recordings. There was no electronic editing when video began, meaning that tapes could not be converted into finished products, which stimulated the development of a “processual” view of video. Lange never saw his tapes as finished works, but as “research” and a “learning process”. His subjects’ reactions to the tapes became an integral part of his body of work, guiding his development. Parallel to the exhibition, a story about the artist and his contribution to the development of video as a media is to be published. The historian Benjamin H. D. Buchloh analyses the history of documentary photography and conceptual video to dignify Lange’s work on his portraits.
The critic Guy Brett looks at his work in the light of current trends in works aimed at the screen, recent decades of performance and the associated documentation. The film writer Lawrence McDonald analyses Lange’s work in relation to documentaries and ethnography. The photographer John Miller joins the media studies commentator Geraldene Peters to broaden the approach by concentrating on the Maori Land Project, linking it to video and film work and activism associated with Maori land rights in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Pedro G. Romero looks at flamenco as a tool for survival and a way of life, taking an in-depth look at Lange’s devotion to flamenco guitar and the maestro Diego del Gastor de Morón de la Frontera. The conceptual artist Dan Graham talks about Lange’s interest in flamenco music and the commitment of both to everything associated with the community and social justice.
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Thoroughly ...
www.ruralalicante.es
Six destinations Seven houses In their day they were stately homes and mansions where the upper classes lived or spent long periods of time, and others were places of work such as the riu-raus (typical farm buildings with arched terraces used to shelter harvested grapes from the rain) or oil mills, where the less privileged earned their wages. Rural Alicante’s seven houses are splendid vantage points which complement their high quality amenities with a respect for the local landscape, heritage, gastronomy and nature. They are houses that characterise the history of the province and are the perfect starting point for a journey through this geographically diverse region of southern Valencia. A route through quiet white-washed Mediterranean villages like Benimeli and Alpatró in the Marina Alta and others in green valleys and magnificent mountains such as Benilloba, Alcoleja or La Torre de Les Maçanes. Even some in flat farmland such as Catral, irrigated by the Mayor Segura irrigation channel, surrounded by the fertile lands of the Vega Baja, the southernmost region in the province of Alicante. CVNEWS presents a one by one, step by step guide of Rural Alicante’s seven houses and at the same time, six of Alicante’s beautiful and relatively unknown inland towns.
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UNIQUES HOUSES
Since 2008, Rural Alicante’s - Unique Houses Association offers a careful selection of charming country houses in different inland towns in the Province of Alicante. The association was formed thanks to the concern of a group of owners wishing to promote and market Quality Rural Tourism in Valencia. The aim is to provide professionally run, unique accommodation offering a high level of amenities and personal service. Most of the houses have received the Q for Quality award, the Categoría Superior (Highest Standard) rating or top class classification from ASETUR and the properties are run according to these guidelines. The houses are old or historical buildings, country houses, farmhouses, country estates or townhouses that have been restored by their owners with respect for the traditional architecture, whilst combining modern facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. The houses are located in rural areas or small inland towns and offer the option of either full rental of the property or by room, whilst others are country hotels. All accommodations that form part of Rural Alicante’s Unique Houses Association share the same philosophy: to offer their guests the best possible service.
The Rural Alicante-Unique Houses Association has carefully selected seven charming country houses in different towns within the province
EL MORAL. LA TORRE DE LES MAÇANES Torremanzanas or Torre de les Maçanes owes it’s name to an old Almohad fortification located on the town’s highest point and also evokes a past tradition of hospitality since the word maçanes in the Valencian dialect means country house or farmhouse. You can still see some of these constructions today, such as Los Castellanos, El Comanaor, Mareta, La Foia Boix and El Buitre, which are vestiges of an old agricultural society. In addition, Torre de les Maçanes has some remarkable buildings such as the Casa Alta, a 13th century Almohad tower, which was once a watchtower and now, following a magnificent restoration, houses the local Cultural Heritage Museum. The Santa Ana Church, the Snow Well and the Old Sanatorium are other attractions of this green town in the Alacantí region. La Torre de les Maçanes has a great selection of bars and restaurants where you can sample all of the region’s dishes. On Sunday there is a traditional market, where you can find the freshest fruit, vegetables, pickles and other products of the area. And in this historic rural town we find El Moral’s two houses: Casa Cañona and Casa Piteta. The two buildings have been renovated, keeping the traditional architecture, with stone walls, wooden beams and terracotta tiled floors but are also equipped with modern amenities to ensure guests have a top quality, unique and comfortable stay. The two houses are linked inside and each has two double rooms with an extra bed and bathroom in each, as well as a lounge, dining area and kitchen.
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Thoroughly ...
LA CARRASCA CASA RURAL. CATRAL Hidden away, in the fertile lands of the River Segura in the Vega Baja region, we find La Carrasca, an old farmhouse built at the beginning of the twentieth century, a mile away from the town of Catral, Alicante. These orchards and fields, mostly growing citrus trees, pomegranate trees, artichokes, broccoli, and cereals, cover more than one thousand five hundred hectares and are irrigated by the Acequia Mayor irrigation channel as well as some smaller aqueducts called arrobas such as La Madriguera, Hornos, Albellón and San Juan. From the sturdy Purísima Chapel, the oldest monument in the region dedicated to the worship of the Immaculate Conception, you can see across the orchards and patchwork green fields to beyond the Acequia Mayor basin, which is an ideal spot for bike rides. Other monuments include Santa Águeda Chapel and Santos Juanes Church. La Carrasca consists of two separate adjoining houses, the Orange House and Lemon House, with shared garden and orchard. La Carrasca also has a swimming pool with hydro-massage jets, water beds and a sheet waterfall for neck and shoulder massages, which is surrounded by orange trees and blends into the landscape perfectly. The Lemon House has room for eight guests in three twin and two single rooms and the Orange House sleeps another other eight people, with the option of two more extra beds. The house has been renovated and is equipped with modern facilities whilst still managing to retain its rustic charm. The house, surrounded by trees such as kermes oak, cork oak, mulberry, palm trees, pine trees, orange and lemon trees, also has a small plot where seasonal vegetables are grown organically and a hen house for the guests to enjoy. There is also a barbecue with firewood and two paella cookers. The house is close to El Hondo, which has recently been awarded the official title of Natural Park in the Region of Valencia and has been classified as offering Nature Tourism.
The houses are historical buildings, farmhouses, country estates, country houses or townhouses that have been restored with respect for their traditional architecture ALBEREDA, CASA RURAL. BENILLOBA Nestled in the Sierra de Aitana Mountains, Benilloba is an old farming community, whose steep streets reveal its Muslim past. From the foothills of Aitana, we can see the town and its narrow streets. There are also views over Salto, La Cruceta and the Frainós River Pools, where the remains of a Moorish aqueduct and two flourmills can still be seen today. It is in the heart of Benilloba where we find Albereda, which is also of Arabic origin. The building has been restored and although it has been modernised to offer comfort, it still retains its original charm and character. Tranquillity, peace, a friendly service and beautiful surroundings are words that are best used to describe this property. The house has three bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom, sleeping up to six people and a three level loft, also sleeping up to six people. This room has an area with a sofa bed, armchairs and a bathroom as well as two other areas with twin beds. All the rooms have wooden beam ceilings, as do the library, dining room, games room and cellar. The house also has a quiet terrace and is surrounded by a beautiful Mediterranean garden with spectacular mountain views. Albereda country house has been rated Categoría Superior(Highest Standard) by the Region of Valencia’s Tourist Board.
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CASA SASTRE SEGUÍ. ALPATRÓ The Asunción de Nuestra Señora Church’s slender bell tower emerges gracefully over Alpatró, a village toasted by the Mediterranean sun in the Vall de Gallinera valley. This stunning place becomes even more spectacular when the cherry trees come into flower; one of the most beautiful sights nature has to offer. In the Plaza de la Font, near the church bell tower, which is square in design with openings on each side, there is a fountain with crystal clear water flowing day and night and beside it is Casa Sastre Seguí. Casa Sastre Seguí was built in the early nineteenth century, has five bedrooms, four twin rooms and one double room. It is decorated with restored pieces as well as items with a functional purpose that add a touch of elegance whilst also lending it a modern feel. Of all the rooms in the house, some deserve particular mention such as the old stable, which has been converted into a cosy corner. The mill, where the oil was produced, has now been transformed into a beautiful room that can host a variety of events such as wine tasting, language courses, family celebrations or business meetings. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessary appliances, crockery and cutlery. Outside, there are two patios, one with a swimming pool and a barbecue. Casa Sastre Seguí is included in the Houses with History Guide, has been awarded five ears of wheat by the Spanish Association of Rural Tourism (ASETUR) and has been classified as Categoría Superior (Highest Standard) by the Region of Valencia’s Tourist Board and is also a member of the Temps Club.
The seven houses chosen by Rural Alicante offer splendid views and amenities and also respect the local landscape, heritage, gastronomy and nature LA LLAR D’AITANA. ALCOLEJA Nestled in the Sierra de Aitana, Alcoleja is a small, typical mountain village, surrounded by beautiful countryside with forests and fields, where every season is beautiful and you can enjoy unforgettable walks. The town has managed to preserve its stone buildings with tiled roofs. In one of its streets we find the Llar d’Aitana, an eighteenth century country house of the highest standard that has been renovated with great care to offer all the comfort and amenities of a modern home, while still retaining the beauty of its original architecture. Spread over three floors there is capacity for 14 guests. On the ground floor, suitable for people with disabilities, there is a bedroom, bathroom, reception area, lounge, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. On the first floor are three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, TV and DVD, a library, board games and a large collection of films. From this room you can access the jacuzzi. The top floor has a triple room with beautiful mountain views, a lovely open plan loft sleeping three guests, with wooden ceilings and stone walls, which is equipped with a kitchen, a living room with fireplace and a bathroom. Other amentities include Wi-Fi and rental of electric bicycles. Pets are welcome. As well as the natural surroundings, visitors, groups of friends, families and children can enjoy a relaxing jacuzzi, the local gastronomy and the Aitana Safari Park. Comfort, quality and beauty in a mountain village.
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EL SEQUER Y XAYMACA MEDITERRÁNEO RURAL. BENIMELI Benimeli is part of La Rectoría, which is a sub-district of the Marina Alta region and situated at the foot of the Sierra de Segaria mountain range. The 18th century San Andrés Apóstol Parish Church, La Casa del Senyor, with the remains of an ancient Arabic palace, and the Segaria Mirador, at the centre part of the old Moorish castle’s remains, are the must see sites of Benimeli, as are the Catalan and Campillo natural springs. In the foothills of Segaria, subtly emerging from amongst the orange, almond and carob trees, we find El Sequer and Xaymaca, two charming holiday homes where you can enjoy endless peace, between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in Benimeli. This privileged location offers visitors the chance to visit several nature parks, prehistoric caves and historical sites, practice outdoor activities and enjoy an excellent enogastronomic experience, all within a few kilometres. El Sequer, a typical nineteenth century Mediterranean building called a riu-rau, which was formerly used to keep grapes dry, has now become a cosy self-catering country cottage set amidst an orange grove on the outskirts of Benimeli. The house, decorated in a rustic style, has been restored preserving the original structure and incorporating traditional materials such as terracotta tiles, stone walls, wood and bamboo cane ceilings. El Sequer, which can comfortably accommodate four people, is pleasantly decorated with Mediterranean colours to make the visitor’s stay as enjoyable as possible. It has one twin bedroom and a double bedroom, a spacious and bright living- dining area with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Outdoors, the porch, under the shade of fruit trees, is a natural vantage point for enjoying the spectacular views over the Rectoría Valley, especially at sunset. From here you enter a secluded garden with a swimming pool and barbecue area, the perfect place for a refreshing swim, al fresco meals or a leisurely siesta. Adjoining this area is the ecologic fruit orchard, where guests can pick fresh fruit or aromatic herbs. Bicycles are provided for guests use.
The second house, Xaymaca, is a late nineteenth century, two-storey manor house situated on the outskirts of Benimeli, with facades facing the town and surrounding countryside. After a meticulous, well-planned renovation, incorporating the latest modern facilities, it has been converted into a beautiful self-catering holiday home, accommodating up to eight people. A huge wooden door leads us through to a large courtyard with stone walls, which once served as an oil mill. The ground floor comprises a spacious and sunny living room, a rustic-style kitchen, fully equipped with modern appliances to meet the most demanding culinary needs, a dining room and a second living room with a fireplace. Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, decorated in different styles, each with its own bathroom. From the courtyard we can access the garden area, which features a large swimming pool surrounded by lawn and fruit trees, a covered porch and a barbecue area with magnificent views. Both houses, which have received top tourist ratings such as ASETUR’s five ears of wheat, the Categoría Superior (Highest Standard) classification and the Q for Quality award, are designed to offer maximum comfort to guests, where the owners provide discreet but personal attention.
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EL LLAURADOR. BENIMELI In the heart of Benimeli, a town of Muslim origin conquered by James I in 1250, situated in the Girona River valley and at the foot of the Segaria mountain range we find El Llaurador country house, an elegant mansion built in the nineteenth century that sleeps eight people. The house has three floors, four bedrooms with en suite bathroom, a hall with a comfortable reading area, a living room with fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with barbecue and outdoor dining area, a jacuzzi for five people with large windows overlooking the village and mountains. El Llaurador also offers a massage service by a professional physiotherapist at a special price. The Llaurador has been restored in-keeping with its nineteenth-century style but also offers modern comforts such as air conditioning and heating in all rooms. There is a choice of services offered to suit everyone’s tastes, with options of accommodation only or including lunch and dinner. Also, there is a private company that organises tours for guests, which include transport, food and insurance. If you prefer to explore independently there is information available on local walks, as well as bike rental or horse riding. For guests who prefer a bit of peace and quiet they can take a stroll through the owners’ fruit orchards outside the village and pick their own oranges, as well as enjoying the beautiful views from the terrace, the sound of birds singing, the smell of fresh bread cooked in the bakery’s traditional wood firedoven or the sweet smell of orange blossom. El Llaurador has been awarded four ears of wheat by the Spanish Association of Rural Tourism (ASETUR).
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INFORMATION
Casa Sastre Segui Calle Mayor ,10 03788 Alpatró www.sastresegui.com Tel. 696 226 690 sastre-segui@sastre-segui.com La Carrasca casa rural Camino de Almoradí, 83 03158 Catral Tel. 660 789 741 www.lacarrasca.es
Casa Rural El Sequer Calle Traviesa, 17 03769 Benimeli Casa Rural Xaymaca Calle Pou, 9 03769 Benimeli www.mediterraneorural.com Tel. 966 424 056/626 20 00 17 reservasmedirural@gmail.com
La Llar d’Aitana C/ Nou 17 Alcoleja 03011 Alcoleja www.lallardaitana.com Tel. 965 171 253/966 509 051 /649 442 410 casarural@lallardaitana.com Casa rural El Llaurador C/ Llauradors Nº 2 Benimeli 03769 www.benimelirural.com Tel. 965 587 288/679 017 257 benimeli_rural@hotmail.com
El Moral. Casas Rurales Plaza de la Iglesia, 5 03108 La Torre de les Maçanes www.elmoral.es Tel. 690 293 329 info@elmoral.es Casa Rural Albereda C/ Almàssera, 3 03810 Benilloba www.casaruralalbereda.com
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Traveller’s Corner
Walk, trot and gallop! Alzira, Lliria and Cofrentes have the perfect plan for horse lovers. Riders are lucky enough to be able to enjoy five equestrian routes along tracks and pathways around these three Valencian towns. Art and sport, water and stone, woods and mountains, Traveller’s Corner offers five riding routes that pass besides fields, monasteries, rivers and reservoirs. The perfect excuse to visit the Montes de la Concordia mountains, cross broad valleys, visit monasteries such as Santa María de la Valldigna and La Murta, follow the Júcar and Cabriel rivers. Riding beautiful steeds with little luggage, walking, trotting and galloping, our Valencian adventure has only just begun.
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Green, how I want you green. Green wind. Green branches. The ship out on the sea and the horse on the mountain. Federico GarcĂa Lorca CVNEWS 17
Traveller’s Corner
Five equestrian routes along tracks and pathways around Lliria, Cofrentes and Alzira IE-001 The Els Monestirs ........................................................................
From monastery to monastery The Els Monestirs route is an exciting journey through the Valencian countryside, a surprising route that recovers the ancient pilgrim track between the monasteries of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir, Convent del Corpus Christi in Llutxent, Monestir de la Valldigna in Simat de la Valldigna, Convent d’Aigües Vives in La Barraca d’Aigües Vives and Monestir de la Murta in Alzira. Along the way, apart from visiting the monasteries, you also ride through the quiet, leafy countryside of the impassive Montdúver mountain. From monastery to monastery, IE-001 is one of the most exciting routes through the past of Valencia, a unique journey inherited from those who travelled in difficult circumstances and who travelled from monastery to monastery in order to survive. The route is one of the most fascinating in the province, combining art, culture, countryside and nature. The Els Monestirs-El Pas del Pobre equestrian route follows a specific signed path, ideal for riding along. It was the first equestrian tourism route approved by the Royal Riding Association of Spain (RFHE).
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The route starts at the Monestir de Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir and finishes at the Monestir de la Murta in Alzira, passing through La Safor, La Vall d’Albaida and La Ribera Alta. The monasteries were founded by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the Late Middle Ages and soon became major cultural centres, offering help and assistance to the most underprivileged.
The first route is the Monestirs-Pas del Pobre Route, which visits five monasteries in La Safor, La Vall d’Albaida and La Ribera Alta The Gothic outline of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba dominates the valley from on high. The Duke of Gandia commissioned the monastery to be built in 1388 and, thanks to his generous donations, it was raised by the Hieronymite monks who had fled Denia. The complex includes the monastic buildings and other early constructions such as the cloister, the chapterhouse, the bell tower
and a church joined to the monastery. We then trot towards the Corpus Christi Convent, a group of buildings built by the Order of Saint Dominic in the 14th century on the land of a hermitage devoted to the Holy Sacrament on top of Mont Sant. Santa María de la Valldigna is the third stop along the way, an elegant, silent monastery enveloped in a shroud of mystery and spiritual peace in the heart of La Valldigna. The route than crosses orange groves towards Santa María de Aigües Vives, a convent run by the Augustinian Fathers until the 16th century which has now been converted into a hotel and convention centre. We continue along the ancient pilgrim route to the last monastery, Santa María de la Murta, a convent protected by the immense rocky outcrops of La Creu del Cardenal and El Cavall Bernat. The marvellous ruins of the monastery mark the end of this equestrian route, a divine break that crosses La Ribera, La Vall d’Albaida and La Safor.
IE-002 Ríos Júcar y Cabriel ........................................................................
Between two rivers The Els Monestirs route is an exciting journey through the Valencian countryside, a surprising route that recovers the ancient pilgrim track between the monasteries of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir, Convent del Corpus Christi in Llutxent, Monestir de la Valldigna in Simat de la Valldigna, Convent d’Aigües Vives in La Barraca d’Aigües Vives and Monestir de la Murta in Alzira. Along the way, apart from visiting the monasteries, you also ride through the quiet, leafy countryside of the impassive Montdúver mountain. From monastery to monastery, IE-001 is one of the most exciting routes through the past of Valencia, a unique journey inherited from those who travelled in difficult circumstances and who travelled from monastery to monastery in order to survive. The route is one of the most fascinating in the province, combining art, culture, countryside and nature. The Els Monestirs-El Pas del Pobre equestrian route follows a specific signed path, ideal for riding along. It was the first equestrian tourism route approved by the Royal Riding Association of Spain (RFHE). The route starts at the Monestir de Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir and finishes at the Monestir de la Murta in Alzira, passing through La Safor, La Vall d’Albaida and La Ribera Alta. The monasteries were founded by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the Late Middle Ages and soon became major cultural centres, offering help and assistance to the most underprivileged. The Gothic outline of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba dominates the valley from on high. The Duke of Gandia commissioned the monastery to be built in 1388 and, thanks to his generous donations, it was raised by the Hieronymite monks who had fled Denia. The complex includes the monastic buildings and other early constructions such as the cloister, the chapterhouse, the bell tower and a church joined to the monastery. We then trot towards the Corpus Christi Convent, a group of buildings built by the Order of Saint Dominic in the 14th century on the land of a hermitage devoted to the Holy Sacrament on top of Mont Sant. Santa María de la Valldigna is the third stop along the way, CVNEWS 19
Traveller’s Corner
an elegant, silent monastery enveloped in a shroud of mystery and spiritual peace in the heart of La Valldigna. The route than crosses orange groves towards Santa María de Aigües Vives, a convent run by the Augustinian Fathers until the 16th century which has now been converted into a hotel and convention centre. We continue along the ancient pilgrim route to the last monastery, Santa María de la Murta, a convent protected by the immense rocky outcrops of La Creu del Cardenal and El Cavall Bernat. The marvellous ruins of the monastery mark the end of this equestrian route, a divine break that crosses La Ribera, La Vall d’Albaida and La Safor.
IE-003 The Volcanic Route ........................................................................
A dormant crater This equestrian route climbs for ten kilometres up country
roads to Cofrentes volcano. The roads were used by miners exploiting the minerals in the cone of the Volcán Cerro de Agras or Cerro Negro, a dormant volcano over 500 metres above sea level. The volcanic outcrop of Cofrentes has been known since 1907 and has always been associated with the spring at the Hervideros spa, where volcanic gases make the water well up as if it were permanently boiling. There was probably volcanic activity during the Pleistocene (Lower Quaternary), making it one of the most recent examples of volcanic activity in the Region of Valencia. The volcanic rocks of Cerro de Agras are basalt and contain aluminium silicates with calcium, iron and magnesium. The basalt also contains nodules with green olivine crystals. The route starts in the Campo del Cura recreational area on the banks of the Júcar and climbs easily to the remains of the crater. Here it links up with the River Cabriel, if we are following the main route, or continues along the secondary route to Casas de Alcance. All along the route there are panels describing the history of the area and viewpoint indicators.
IE-004 Alcola and Sácaras Mountain Route ........................................................................
Muflons, goats y palmettos The Alcola and Sácaras Mountain Route runs through the southeastern part of Cofrentes, though Los Cañones del Júcar, near the Muela de Cortes hunting reserve. Nature is at its purest on the steep banks of the Júcar, on its islands and beaches covered with pines, kermes oaks, palmettos, rosemary and lavender, among which gambol mountain goats and mouflons. La Muela de Cortes has been a national Big Game Hunting Reserve since 1973, meaning that we may see such animals on the rocky crags as
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The Region of Valencia owns the five first equestrian routes that the Real Spanish Equestrian Federation has accredited in Spain *QF Turisme, a company specialising in preparing and signing tourist resources, prepared routes IE-001 in Alzira and routes IE-002, IE-003 and IE-004 in Cofrentes. Route IE-005 in Llíria is sponsored by the Town Hall and was prepared by researchers from the Valencia Polytechnic University headed by María José Viñals.
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INFORMATION
we are riding along. We can also see fish eagles, mallards and herons. Like a living mural, the rock carved out by the water creates an abrupt but curiously soothing landscape. The secret must lie in nature itself, flourishing on its dizzying cliffs and smooth slopes. Here nature is spectacular and continuously changing, so that autumn appears in subtle shades of ochre, while spring is bright and colourful. The equestrian route is 23 kilometres long and affords spectacular views of the Cofrentes valley and the Júcar canyon.
IE-005 Llíria-Montes de la Concordia Route ........................................................................
• QF Turisme Tel. 962 402 690 www.qfturisme.com • Real Federación Española de Hípica Tel. 914 364 200 www.rfhe.com • Federación Hípica de la Comunitat Valenciana Tel. 963 925 695 www.fhcv.org • Tourist Info Alzira Tel. 962 419 551 / 961 116 776 • Tourist Info Cofrentes Tel. 961 894 316 • Tourist Info Llíria Tel. 962 791 522
Coming to La Concordia The last equestrian route links Lliria with the La Concordia mountains and is the fifth route approved by the Royal Riding Association of Spain. The IE-005 is a 26.8 kilometre circular route that runs along country roads and forest tracks, crossing woods and traditional vineyards with evidence of their ethnological heritage. It also passes through unirrigated farmland with almonds, carobs, olives and vines on the Camp del Turia plain, until it enters the Montes de la Concordia mountains, outliers of the Sierra Calderona range. The route has a low level of difficulty, meaning that it is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced riders, as the tracks are wide and the slopes never exceed 6% and it passes by several reservoirs where the horses can be watered. There are also roads designed for use by horse-drawn carts and carriages, while other similar animals of the species, such as donkeys and mules, have also been catered for. CVNEWS 21
Traveller’s Corner
LET’S VISIT: As part of the festivals in May, Cofrentes celebrates an age-old tradition that has been recovered to become the centrepiece of the town’s celebrations. The Maderada recreates the work of the gancheros or madereros, who used to guide logs down the River Cabriel, from the Serranía de Cuenca to the Valencian coast.
Madereros de Cofrentes: a recovered tradition La Maderada de Cofrentes recreates the work of the gancheros or madereros, a trade that has now disappeared For many centuries, the River Cabriel was the only way to transport tree trunks from the Serranía de Cuenca range to the sea. The madereros or gancheros were responsible for guiding the trunks around any obstacles on their long journey. As years went by, the trade became consolidated and the sight of the trunks floating downriver guided by the gancheros became a deep-seated tradition for those living in this town in the Ayora-Cofrentes Valley. The madereros developed an organisation consisting of a maestro de conducción, who managed everything, one mayoral for the front part and another for the back, the cudrilleros, who headed companies of 10 or 12 men, and a large support group that included the guisandero, who looked after the food, the centinelas, who were responsible for signalling and CVNEWS 22
opening the locks, and the mudaero who fetched and carried clean clothing. The construction of the Valencia-Utiel railway in 1885 meant that a landing stage could be built on the left bank downstream of the Contreras bridge, from where much of the wood was taken by cart along the road to Utiel. The madereros were last heard of in the 1920s when lorries started being used for the work. More than just a trade, the profession of ganchero was a tradition handed down
from father to son in Cofrentes. Times have changed and being a maderero is no longer a viable trade, but Cofrentes has recovered the tradition for its festivals in May with La Maderada and it has consolidated itself as a tribute to this risky profession. INFORMACIÓN
www.turismocofrentes.com
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El Caramelito El Caramelito Restaurant Club de Tenis Alzira Urbanización El Respirall 46600 Alzira Tel. 962419582 www.restauranteelcaramelito.com
TRADITIONAL CUISINE WITH A TWIST Tradition and innovation combine to create the signature feature at El Caramelito restaurant in Alzira. This charming establishment has been run by Vicky Sáez, maitre d’ and wine steward, over the last three years and is where head chef David Ramírez puts together different flavours to create surprising dishes, minimalist in form and baroque in flavours. El Caramelito is housed in the prestigious Club de Tenis Alzira. The restaurant opened in 1972 in exquisitely decorated modern premises surrounded by leafy orange groves, with views of the Santa María de la Murta Monastery and the Mediterranean Sea. This is all part of its charm, as is its market cuisine, which varies with the seasons. El Caramelito can hold 120 diners and also organises personally-tailored banquets for weddings and first communions. e restaurant specialises in rice dishes and offers such spectacular starters as sepietas con figatells (baby cuttlefish with Valencian meatballs), croquetas de chipirones en su tinta (baby squid croquettes in ink) and steak tartare, as well as desserts that include Minigofre con helado de queso de oveja (mini-waffle with sheep cheese ice cream) and strawberries in Pedro Ximenez sweet wine. El Caramelito opens every day and its 13 Euro Menu of the Day is available from Monday to Friday and includes a choice of three starters and two main courses. A la carte meals with wine included cost around 30 Euros per head.
Recipe for 4 servings SMOKED WHOLE FOIE GRAS MICUIT WITH ARROP I TALLAETES, BALSAMIC YOGHURT AND RYE SPONGE WITH SPICES Foie: 400 g foie extra 1.5 litres milk 150 g Amaretto Salt and Pepper Wood chips and an instant smoker gun Yogur balsámico: 90 gr. de yogur griego 2 gr. juanolas 25 gr. agua hirviendo Bizcocho: 5 huevos 60 grs. harina de centeno 60 grs. harina trigo integral 50 grs. miel 50 grs. azúcar moreno 5 grs. comino molido 20 grs. jengibre rallado 100 gr. de arrop i tallaetes Balsamic yoghurt: 90 g Greek yoghurt 2 g Juanola liquorice sweets 25 g boiling water Sponge: 5 eggs 60 g rye flour 60 g wholemeal wheat flour 50 g honey 50 g brown sugar 5 g ground cumin 20 g grated ginger 100 g arrop i tallaetes (pumpkin in grape must syrup)
Preparation: Smoke the Foie-gras with the instant smoker gun and leave it to settle at room temperature for 30 minutes. Season and carefully scorch all sides on the grill pan. Place in the milk and Amaretto mixture and leave in the cool room for 24 hours. Remove and place in a 99% cooking bag. Steam for 50 minutes at 65ºC. After 50 minutes, remove the foie and place in a bowl with cold water, ice and salt. Leave in the bowl for an hour, remove and cover with cling film. Press and roll with both hands until the foie forms a roll. Put back into the bowl and leave in the cool room until the following day. To make the balsamic yoghurt, dissolve the Juanola liquorice pills in boiling water to make a paste and slowly mix it with the yoghurt. To make the sponge, whip the egg yolks and sugar together, adding the cumin, honey and ginger. Then beat the whites until stiff and finally fold in the sieved flour mix. Place everything in a nonstick rectangular cake mould and place in the oven for 25 minutes at 170 ºC. Assembling the dish: Cut the foie-gras into 1.5 centimetre slices and arrange overlapped on a plate, alongside a dash of balsamic yoghurt and the chopped arrop i tallaetes. Finally, decorate with a sprig of herb and pumpkin seeds. Serve with the rye sponge. CVNEWS 23
CVNEWS 24
an interview with...
Inma Bermúdez DESIGN BY VOCATION
Designers have to be able to fulfil clients’ expectations
Inma Bermúdez has become what she has always wanted to be: a designer. For some time now she has worked from her base in Valencia for Ikea, the huge Swedish multinational, while creating exquisite pieces for Lladró and spectacular bottles for one of the champagnes from the Torre Oria winery. These very different projects allow her to switch from the functional to the superfluous, from the simple to the complex, from the natural to the effective. She began her professional career after graduating in Industrial Design from the Cardenal Herrera CEU University in Valencia and spending a year’s work experience at the Pforzheim School of Applied Sciences and Design in Germany. After spending some time at a Vitra Design Museum workshop in France, Bermúdez was persuaded by Sigga Heimis, one of her teachers, to send a sample of her projects to Ikea and she got the job. This commission led to the creation of the Lillangen washbasin, one of Ikea’s iconic designs. And that’s where it all began for Inma Bermúdez.
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inma
z e d ú m ber
Ever since I was little I’ve liked painting and drawing, I imagined what my room could look like, changing the furniture and colours What was your first design? The furniture in my room when I was a little girl. As a professional, and besides my university projects, I produced several product designs in Germany – a telephone and some refrigerators. That’s when I changed course, although with much more industrial design work than what I do now. And your first design for Ikea? I designed the Lillangen washbasin in 2006, although it didn’t appear in the catalogue for a couple of years, because you work well in advance at Ikea.
How did you get into the world of design? I’ve liked painting and drawing ever since I was little. I imagined what my room could look like, changing the furniture and colours. I had no idea what design was then but I enjoyed doing it. As I got older, I started studying Industrial Design in Valencia, although I finally opted for product design. The truth is that design is my vocation and I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life.
My dream is to be happy and enjoy life, my family, the countryside and my home
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You work for both Ikea and Lladró. How do you manage to conciliate two totally opposite brands? I love it, because I like both aspects, precisely because they are two sides of the same coin. I have to say that I believe designers need to be able fulfil clients’ expectations. On the one hand, I love working with the Lladró Internal Design Department because of the ornamental nature of its pieces, because they are decorative, romantic and tell stories. On the contrary, my work at Ikea involves designs which have to be functional and flat-pack friendly. I believe that designers have to adapt to what they are asked for, they need to be versatile. I always try to put myself in the shoes of the person who has commissioned the work. It’s not your case now because you’re very well-known in the design world, but the brand you work for gets all the recognition, doesn’t it? How do you come to terms with that? I’ve never looked for professional recognition because I’m happy doing what I do, I feel lucky, I have a great time and get paid for it as well. Although I am better known than I used to be a few years ago, it’s not something I’ve looked for. I’ve never wanted to be famous, just to work at what I do. Where do you find the inspiration for designing a collection? It all depends. Life, my personal experiences, chance… For example, at Ikea I get my inspiration from my own
that’s a little bit lethargic. I think you have to change with the times if you’re going to compete. However, despite the economic difficulties we’re going through, I’m positive about the future. Whereabouts in the Region of Valencia would you like to get away to? I love being at home. I also like going to the Hoces del Cabriel and Chulilla, walking in the country or along the beach with my dogs, but only in the spring and autumn, never in the summer.
www.inmabermudez.com
needs and from functionality. Lladró is different because, as I mentioned before, the pieces are artistic, with their own stories. However, inspiration doesn’t come out of thin air, you have to work at it. Is there any particular design you admire? I love Lego bricks. I think they’re exceptional, four coloured blocks that you can make thousands of things with. Many generations of children have Lego and it’s still popular. It’s a game that will never go out of fashion, it’s modern and will continue to be so.
There are excellent professionals in the Region of Valencia who have been working in the international market for many years
What are you working on at the moment? I’m working on lighting and the Parrot’s Party collection for Lladró. I’m working on lighting for Ikea as well, but with glass. I’m also building my own house. We’re nearly finished and, although it’s a bit stressful, I’m happy. What are your plans for the future? We want to finish the house we’re building in the country. My partner is an architect and we’ve designed the furniture and are going to make everything ourselves. As far as work goes, I’m open to anything and hope that life keeps on presenting me with gifts like it has done up to now. Have you got a dream? I want to be happy and enjoy life, my family, the countryside and my home, be with my dogs and, of course, be healthy. What do you think of design in the Region of Valencia? I think it’s incredible. There are excellent professionals who have been working in the international market for many years and we also have excellent training schools. I’d like the business community to make more of a commitment to design because we’ve got a fantastic industry CVNEWS 27
Verdil 2011 Bodega J. Belda
Bodega J. Belda. C/ Salvatierra, 54 46635 Fontanars dels Alforins Tel: 962 222 245 / 962 222 278 www.danielbelda.com
What we offer ................................................................................................................................
The J. Belda Winery was founded in 1931 and is run by the enologist Daniel Belda, who has managed to obtain highquality single varietals of wine. Daniel has combined family tradition with the improvements made by new technologies and the recovery of indigenous varieties. Verdil 2011 is the result of the confidence placed in Verdil, an indigenous short-cycle grape that had almost disappeared. Thanks to his personal commitment and enological knowhow, Daniel Belda has managed to recover this grape and create a modern wine that respects the unique nature and authenticity of the Verdil grape. The winery is located in Fontanars dels Alforins, a district in the Clariano subzone, one of the four that make up the Valencia Designation of Origin area. The vineyard lies in the heart of a valley at an altitude of six hundred metres. It is set in sandy soil with a low yield and is kept shaded in summer due to the amount of sunshine the area receives as a result of its continental climate. The Verdil is harvested early, in the second fortnight in August. Once picked, it is taken to the winery, pressed and cryomacerated for 7 to 8 hours at a temperature of 5ºC. The skins are then separated from the flower must, which moves on to controlled alcoholic fermentation with selected yeasts at 1516º C. FACT FILE: D.O.: Valencia. Subzone: Clariano Town: Fontanars del Alforins. Winery: J. Belda. Enologist: Daniel Belda. Variety: 100 % verdil.
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Type of wine: young white. Alcohol content: 12%. TASTING NOTES: Appearance: clean, bright and almost crystalline. Colour: strawish-yellow with greenish iridescence. Bouquet: very expressive, with the flowery notes characteristic of the variety, hints of green apple, pineapple and peach, together with herbaceous notes and elegant jasmine flower aromas. Palate: smooth, balanced and with a refreshing passage through the mouth. A light passage with a somewhat bitter finish that is very agreeable on the palate. Aftertaste: medium to long, highlighting a finish with marked citrus notes. Accompaniment: all kinds of grilled or steamed white fish, shellfish, crustaceans and molluscs. Also ideal as an aperitif. Serving temperature: 8ºC
MONSTRANCE IN SAN ESTEBAN ...............................................................................................................................
La Luz de las Imágenes Foundation has restored a monstrance from San Esteban Church in Valencia. The piece dates back to the second half of the 18th century and is made of delicately carved wood with acanthus leaves, scrolls and volutes that frame a small image of the face of Christ. Such devotional items showing the face of Christ became very important after the Council of Trent, as they were regarded as sanctuary items. When the technical staff from La Luz de las Imágenes decided to restore the monstrance, it was in pieces as a result of incorrect storage in a very damp atmosphere. In addition, wood-boring insects had attacked the base and the stem that connects it to the central body. Restoration of this valuable piece began with a slow process of consolidating and protecting all its parts, followed by cleaning and assembly. The parts were then consolidated with stuccowork to strengthen the wooden support. The restorers from La Luz de las Imágenes then gilded the worn areas, wearing down the new gold to match the original, and repainted the whole piece with water colours. www.laluzdelasimagenes.es
PRESENTING THE PEARL OF VALENCIA OYSTER TO SOCIETY
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DAFFOFILS AROUND LA MATA AND TORREVIEJA LAGOONS ............................................................................................................................
A survey carried out by the Department of Infrastructures, Territory and the Environment has counted 1,033 daffofils around the lagoons in the La Mata and Torrevieja nature park. This great number of plants shows the excellent health of this species that is endemic to the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. It should be pointed out that 865 plants were found in just twenty square metres near the Torrevieja lagoon. The Nature Park is also developing a daffodil conservation project, part of the Rare, Endemic and Threatened Flora Conservation Programme for this protected area. The area surrounding the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons is home to two species of daffodils: Narcissus miniatus, where the centre of the flower has an orange crown, with a leafless stalk and flowers on the tip, and Narcisus serotinus, with a green or greenish-yellow crown and a stalk with a single flower. The daffodil conservation work carried out by Infrastructures and the Environment has been performed by thirty volunteers from the Rutas y Caminos de la Sal Association, which also helps protect other plants, such as the Orchis collina orchid and Cynomorium coccineum, better known as fox’s brush. www.cma.gva.es
There’s a new star in Valencian gastronomy: the Valencian oyster. These molluscs are known as Perles de Valencia (Pearls of Valencia) and have been cultivated since last year on clóchina mussel rafts in the Port of Valencia. They are now being commercialised and have received an excellent welcome from the market. Deltimussel, the company heading the project to develop the first Valencian oysters known as Perles de Valencía, has over thirty years experience cultivating clóchina mussels and is a member of the Port of Valencia Mussel Association. The fact that they have been raised in Valencian waters gives the oysters extraordinary organoleptic qualities that have been praised by both critics and the very best Spanish restaurants. There are currently three rafts that have been authorised for the new crop and which will produce some fifty thousand dozen oysters before the summer, when the oysters will share centre stage with the Valencian clóchina mussel. The remaining rafts will gradually come into service, providing an excellent alternative as regards employment for the marine workers with a crop that, unlike the clóchina mussel, can be produced all year round.
www.lesperlesdevalencia.es
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NewsFlash ............................................................................................................................
NICO TEROL, UNA CURVA EN EL CIRCUIT ............................................................................................................................
The board of directors of the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo racetrack has decided to name one of the curves of the Cheste track after Nico Terol. Terol is the fourth Valencian rider to win a world motorcycle championship and joins Doohan, Aspar, Adrián Campos, Champi Herreros and Ángel Nieto, who also have curves named after them. www.circuitvalencia.com
INTERNATIONAL SCOPE AT BERKLEE VALENCIA
Thanks to Berklee Valencia, the Region of Valencia’s international presence has been further reinforced in the field of music teaching. This is the first time that the Berklee College of Music has opened a campus outside of Boston. The school will prepare students who will become leaders and creators of the world music community in the future. The campus covers 3,600 square meters and is housed in the southern annexe of the Palau de Les Arts. www.berkleevalencia.org
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SEGORBE NOSTRUM IN 2012 FLOS OLEI GUIDE
SPRING IN MUNDOMAR ....................................................................................................................................
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The extra virgin olive oil Segorbe Nostrum has Region of Valencia Protected Designation status and is produced by the San Isidro cooperative in Segorbe. The oil has been included in the 2012 Flos Olei Guide after taking part in its well-known international competition. Segorbe Nostrum Intenso sin Filtrar is an unfiltered and intense extra virgin olive oil made from the Serrana Espadán variety of olive and is now one of a privileged group made up of the best oils in the world. www.doaceitecomunitatvalenciana.com
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The members of the Cynomys family at Mundomar, better known as prairie dogs, are awakening from there hibernation in their burrows, real feats of underground engineering. The prairie dogs have been underground until the good weather returned and these happy little rodents have returned to run around in the sunshine and delight visitors to the most prestigious wildlife park in Spain.
www.mundomar.es
Publications Cocina tradicional valenciana ........................................................................... Rafael Mármol is a chef from Alcázar de San Juan who has spent over three and a half years travelling around the Region of Valencia, interviewing professionals and other people to prepare the book entitled Cocina tradicional valenciana. The book contains over 370 recipes for dishes that include salads, salted fish, vegetables, stews, casseroles, meat, fish, game and rice, as well as fruit and desserts, recovering long-forgotten flavours and tastes. These very simply prepared regional dishes from Alicante, Castellón and Valencia are excellent examples of the world-renowned Mediterranean cuisine.
Valencia Guía Total This 248 page guidebook was prepared by Pascual Izquierdo and describes eleven routes around the city on the River Turia. There is also a map of Valencia to help you get around and find the most important monuments. Valencia. Guía Total gives visitors the chance to learn more about Valencia’s history, art, food and drink and also contains interesting sections on the festivals and culture to be found in the city. The Practical Information chapter includes details on a number of hotels, a complete street map of the city as well as other maps of access routes to the city and the underground. www.anayatouring.com
www.carenaeditors.com
Elda footpath guide ......................................................................
Los murals of the Castellón regional council building
Through Elda, Around Bolón, Around Camara, Elda-Salinas and Las Cañadas are the six routes contained in this guide. It also has information on accommodation, useful telephone numbers, recommendations, diagrams, a map and other practical information for walkers. The routes vary in difficulty and range from 7.31 to 34.30 kilometres, so some take longer than others. The Elda footpath guide is very visual and helps you find the information you need very quickly, making it an essential addition to any nature lover’s backpack.
This book was written by Antonio José Gascó and contains descriptions and technical and iconographic analyses of the ten murals that decorate the lobby of the Provincial Council building in Castellón. Over the last ten years, the artist from Burriana, Vicente Travel Calzada, has devoted himself to capturing in these major paintings the most diverse features that form an integral part of the districts that lie within the Region of Valencia’s northernmost province. The Penyagolosa massif, the Valltorta cave paintings, the entrance of the bulls in Segorbe and the war dances of Todolella are some examples of the history and mythology that appear in the book.
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www.elda.es
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What’s on
GANDIA, THE ART OF FIDEUÀ
THE SOUND OF MUSIC COMES TO ALICANTE
The Teatro Principal in Alicante is set to stage 16 performances of The Sound of Music. The musical will run from 26th April to 6th May and is the biggest production to have ever toured Spain, with a cast and crew of over 100 people responsible for 22 set changes and the 140 costumes worn by the show’s child and adult stars. Set in Austria under the shadow of the Nazis, the two-and-a-half-hour show charts the changing relationships within a family with seven children upon the arrival of their new governess, a nun named Maria. The musical is based on the novel The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, in which the protagonists flee in a tale of great ingenuity and charm in which, in the words of the show’s director, veteran Jaime Azpilicueta, who has also directed Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Cabaret, “theatre and music combine to whisk us off to a world of emotions.” The Sound of Music is the latest addition in the lineup of top musicals to have graced the stage of the Teatro Principal in recent years, including the Spanish hits 40 El Musical, Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar, Chicago, Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever and Los Emigrantes. Teatro Principal Plaza Chapí, s/n 03001 Alicante Tel. 965 203 100 www.teatroprincipaldealicante.com
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On the 16th May, the Hotel Bayrén on Gandia beach will be hosting the 38th edition of the Gandia International Fideuà Competition. Held to honour and promote the town’s most original and delicious typical dish, this long-standing competition has now earned a name for itself both nationally and internationally. Over the years, the Gandia International Fideuà Competition has attracted entries from cookery school representatives and top chefs from all over the world, with regular appearances from Italy, France, Asia, America and even Mexico, who have faithfully sent a delegation every year for several years now. The best fideuà will be awarded 6,000 euros and will earn its creator the prestigious Collar de Santa Isabel chain, with 3,000 euros going to the best freestyle dish and 1,000 euros apiece for the best buffet and best dessert. Following a hard-fought selection process, some 20 chefs will earn themselves a place in the competition proper and will have to prepare a fideuà for 10 diners. There are several versions of how this dish first came into being, with one story being that it was invented by Gandia sailors who decided to cook a seafood paella out at sea before realising they had no rice, only noodles, and thus they made a noodle paella instead. www.visitgandia.com
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Information on festivals and events in the Region of Valencia is available at www.comunitatvalenciana.com