MALAGA FAIR (SPAIN) 15th - 22nd AUGUST

On the Friday of the third half of August, Malaga celebrates a fiesta to commemorate the towns conquest by the Catholic King and Queen.

The ‘Feria’ (Fair) is a popular celebration lasting 8  days involving the whole town, whatever age: children, young and not so young people participate, and even all the foreigners feel ‘at home’. The showy flamenco suits, the sound of "malagueñas" and "verdiales" (the folclore dances of this province) and Malaga’s cool wine flood the streets with bursting merriment during all these vibrating days of the so-called Fair of Southern Europe.

The Fair of Malaga link here starts with an impressing light and sound spectacle of 30 minutes’ fireworks that are synchronized with classical music and let the thousands of people who are waiting in the Central Park and the harbour know that the Fair is being inaugurated. The next day (Saturday) and the following nine days, Malaga – downtown is celebrating fiesta with shows on all its squares, fiestas and music in all its streets. You can see hundreds of people in their typically Andalusian outfit, brightening the streets with color and contributing to the spectacular sight to the visitor who will feel like being among friends and invited to actively join the ‘fiesta’.

You can also admire the horse parades where jockeys present spectacular Andalusian horses showing elegant steps. At night, an amply organised bus transport system takes you to the fair in the outskirts, called "El Real de la Feria".

In one of the more tha 200 ‘casetas’– dance halls you can have a glass of Malaga wine while you listen and watch a ‘Malagueña’ or ‘Sevillana’ folclore dance of this region, and if you are up to it join the dance. You can enjoy first class shows for free in the official town hall – ‘caseta oficial’, and later go on one of the numerous roundabouts in the ‘Devil’s Street’ (calle del diablo). During all these days you have two main points of entertainment: in the morning and during the day downtown, and at night on the Fair, both events where all visitors no matter whether from here or not is invited to wine and beautiful dances.

If you find some time to sleep, take the chance, for the fiesta is to be continued....

FIRST MAN ON THE MOON

On 21 July 1969, American Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon. Eagle landing craft. As he put his left foot down first Armstrong declared: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." He described the surface as being like powdered charcoal and the landing craft left a crater about a foot deep.

Take off

On 16 July 1969, the Saturn V rocket launched Apollo 11 into the sky from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

The Crew

Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Michael Collins

The Lunar Module

To land on the moon, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin used a lunar module nicknamed Eagle. When they landed Neil sent the following message back to Earth

"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918. He served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Mandela was not afraid to challenge things that were wrong and he suffered for his beliefs.

Unfair system

Mandela grew up in South Africa under system of segregation called Apartheid. Non-white people couldn't use libraries, beaches, parks and toilets that were reserved for white people. Black people and people of mixed race could not go to school with white people or play on sport teams with them. All the rules of the country were made by white Africans.

Sent to prison for his beliefs

Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the struggle for racial equality in South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison for opposing the South African system of segregation.

South Africa today

Today, thanks to the self-sacrifice of Nelson Mandela, apartheid has been outlawed. Everyone in South Africa now has an equal opportunity at home and at work to live comfortable, productive lives. Nelson Mandela is one of the world's true freedom fighters, and his life and personal triumphs will be remembered for many years.

VIRGIN OF CARMEN_ 16TH JULY

The Virgin of Carmen is the patron saint and protector of fishermen and sailors. Religious Virgins are hugely popular in Andalucia (Spain); they are normally handcrafted from wood and porcelain and spend 99.9 per cent of the year at the local church. Most are dusted down and placed on flower-decked thrones at Easter-time when they are lovingly and solemnly borne through the streets. The Virgen del Carmen, however, has her own special day.

On the evening of July 16, in the fishing villages and towns up and down the Coast, her much-loved effigy is not only paraded through the streets but also taken for a spin round the bay on a flower-adorned boat, accompanied by a flotilla of "jábegas" (fishing boats). Brass bands play, crowds cheer, rockets shoot off and fireworks fill the late dusk sky.

Celebrations vary slightly from town to town. In Málaga, for example, the procession takes place not only on July 16, but on the following Sunday. A recent Malagueñan tradition, started in 1981, shows the Virgen del Carmen embracing all lovers of the sea - including scuba divers. That year, the City scuba diving club placed an image of their patron at the bottom of the sea and since then divers have paid their underwater homage annually.

The festival is especially important in the fishing villages of neighbouring Rincon de la Victoria and La Cala, both of which have the Virgen del Carmen as their town patron.

To understand why the Virgen del Carmen should be held so dear to the inhabitants of towns such as Estepona, Velez Malaga, Torremolinos and Rincon de la Victoria, we need to go back to the Old Testament. Downshifting in his old age, the prophet Elias retreated to a cave in Mount Carmelo near Haife (Israel). Many centuries later, hermits following in Elijah's footsteps asked for the protection of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmelo - the Virgin of Carmen. Stella Maris, as she was also known, was soon adopted by mariners and fishermen everywhere as their patron.

Although long overtaken by tourism, many Costa towns still retain fishing communities and a strong attachment to "la Reina de los Mares" (the Queen of the Seas). It was once believed - perhaps in the days before water-purifying plants! - that the Virgin cleared up the waters with her presence and that only after July 16 would the sea be fit for swimming in.

                                             

ST. SWITHIN'S DAY - 15 JULY

St. Swithin's Day is 15 July, a day on which people watch the weather for tradition says that whatever the weather is like on St. Swithin's Day, it will continue so for the next forty days.

There is a weather-rhyme is well known throughout the British Isles since Elizabethan times.

'St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain

For forty days it will remain
St. Swithin's day if thou be fair
For forty days 'twill rain nae mair.'

dost = does

thou = you
nae mair = no more.

Who was St. Swithin?

St. Swithin (or more properly, Swithun) was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester. He was born in the kingdom of Wessex and educated in its capital, Winchester. He was famous for charitable gifts and building churches.

Why do people watch the weather on St. Swithin's day?

A legend says that as the Bishop lay on his deathbed, he asked to be buried out of doors, where he would be trodden on and rained on. For nine years, his wishes were followed, but then, the monks of Winchester attempted to remove his remains to a splendid shrine inside the cathedral on 15 July 971. According to legend there was a heavy rain storm either during the ceremony or on its anniversary.

This led to the old wives' tale (folklore) that if it rains on St Swithin's Day (July 15th), it will rain for the next 40 days in succession, and a fine 15th July will be followed by 40 days of fine weather.

However, according to the Met Office, this old wives' tale is nothing other than a myth. It has been put to the test on 55 occasions*, when it has been wet on St Swithin's Day and 40 days of rain did not follow

* source: the book entitled 'Red Sky At Night'

What symbols are associated with St. Swithins?

The emblems of St. Swithin refer to the legend of the forty days' rain (raindrops) and the apples from the trees he planted.

Apples and St. Swithuns

"St Swithin is christening the apples" Brand, Popular Antiquities, 1813, i, 342

There is an old saying when it rains on St. Swithin's Day, it is the Saint christening the apples.

Apple growers ask St. Swithin for his blessing each year because they believe:

•Rain on St. Swithin's day 'blesses and christens the apples'.

•No apple should picked or eaten before July 15th.

•Apples still growing at St Swithin's day will ripen fully.

BASTILLE DAY 14TH JULY

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day is the French national holiday which is celebrated on 14 July each year. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

At one time in France, kings and queens ruled. Many people were very angry with the decisions made by the kings and queens.

What was Bastille?

The Bastille was a prison in France that the kings and queens often used to lock up the people that did not agree with their decisions.

Why was the Bastille prison attacked by the French people?

To many people, the prison was a symbol of all the bad things done by the kings and queens, so the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty (freedom) and the fight against oppression for all French citizens

The French Revolution and the End of the Monarchy

The storming of the Bastille was the beginning of the French Revolution. Like the American Revolution, the French Revolution brought great changes. Kings and queens no longer rule France. The people rule themselves and make their own decisions.

On 21 September 1792 France became a republic.

POBRE DE MÍ, THE END-CEREMONY OF SANFERMÍN

At midnight on the 14th July the fiesta formally closes with the ceremony called the "Pobre de Mí."

This takes place in front of the Town Hall, where the fiesta was opened 8½ days earlier. There are other events also taking place in the city, (such as the Peñas gathering in the main square - the Plaza del Castillo, for their own celebration).

However, in front of the Town Hall a large crowd gathers to sing "Pobre de Mí, Pobre de Mí, que se han acabado las fiestas, de San Fermín." (Poor me, poor me, for the fiesta of San Fermín has come to a close).

This is a very sad occasion because it is the end of the fiesta, (though many are relieved because they cannot take any more), but they still look forward to next year and even sing "Ya falta menos" (there is not long to go).

In fact, the Pobre de mí is the end of a long day of farewells; the farewell of the Giants takes place in the morning. There is also the farewell of the Peñas in the Plaza de Toros in the evening.

SAN FERMÍN 2014_ OPENING CEREMONY (CHUPINAZO)

MALAGA'S 'MUELLE UNO' IN SUMMER

Muelle Uno is a large open-space leisure and recreation area which opened just over 2 years ago as part the ambitious remodelling of MalagaPort. With more than 50 shops and restaurants as well as cultural activities and events, it’s a required stop for anyone visiting Málaga. 

Just a short walk from Malaga’s buzzing city centre, 

Muelle Uno is the perfect place to finish up your city tour. Why? Well here’s 9 reasons…

1)      The views: The large terrace area and wide selection of bars and restaurants provide the ideal location to sit and take in the breathtaking views of Málaga port and Málaga’s city’s main attractions – The Cathedral and the Alcazaba – providing the perfect backdrop. The sunset’s aren’t too bad either! (See photo above)

2)      The shops: Large name brands as well as smaller specialised businesses have establishments in Muelle Uno. If you’re looking for the latest fashion accessories, shoes and other complements, you won’t be disappointed. This shopping centre is open from midday until midnight in the summer months.

3)      Culture: During the summer months (July & August) there’s a wide selection of activities available to visitors including: Open air cinema, specialised workshops and live music concerts.

4)      The Street Markets: Muelle Uno’s main boulevard also hosts various street markets which sell ecological products, arts and crafts, natural products and more. The perfect place to find those elusive holiday gifts for family and friends back home!

5)      Classical Music Recitals: If you love classical music, then you’ll have to head down to the Chapel in the port where the Malaga Provincial Youth Orchestra offers classical music recitals every Sunday at 9:00pm (July & August).

6)      DJ Sessions and Live Saxophone: Watch the amazing sunset’s listening to the DJ sessions every Wednesday evening or live saxophone every Thursday; both take place at 9:00pm.

7)      The Food: You won’t leave Muelle Uno hungry, that’s for sure. There’s a wide and varied selection of restaurants and bars including: A Michelin star restaurant, Pizzeria, Typical Malaga fish restaurants, Mexican, Icecream parlour’s and Tapas bars to name but a few.

8)      Children’s activities: Muelle Uno is extremely child friendly with various areas dedicated to Kid’s parks with fun climbing frames and swings. There are also muppet shows and the possibility of hiring bicycles and scooter to whiz around the port on!

Thanks to Sunset Beach Club 

JUNE 20th IS E DAY, THE DAY OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE

In over 70 centers worldwide, the Instituto Cervantes celebrates the Spanish language on June 21st, the fourth annual Día E or Día del Español (Spanish Day). Spoken by 500 million people, Spanish is the official language of over 20 nations. This celebration promotes an ongoing effort to raise awareness about the importance of Spanish and to establish a meeting point for all Spanish speakers. The main objective is to recognize Spanish as an international language of communication. We celebrate its diversity & capacity to cultivate society with an entire day of exciting activities that honor Spanish as a means of international communication. We invite everybody to join us in celebrating this special day. 

For more information go to: http://www.eldiae.es/

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY_18 MAY 2015

Each year’s International Museum Day theme is proposed by ICOM’s network and aims to promote museum issues within society.

In 2015, the event will celebrate the theme:Museums for a sustainable society.

One of the most important contemporary challenges shared by people all over the world is to adapt new ways of living and developing within the limits of nature. This transition towards a sustainable society requires inventing new methods of thinking and acting. Museums play a key role in this transition, promoting sustainable development and serving as real laboratories for best practices. Modern museums must take a strong position in this context and make their voices heard.

The theme Museums for a sustainable society recognises the role of museums in raising public awareness about the need for a society that is less wasteful, more cooperative and uses resources in a way that respects living systems.

Bringing museums to the forefront of this model of a sustainable society, the International Museum Day theme aims to foster awareness among the whole society about the current consequences of human action in our planet and the absolute necessity of changing its economic and social model. 

PREPOSITIONS: IN, ON, AT

Do you know how to use these prepositions?


 

SPEAK ON THE TELEPHONE

Common phrases to help you speak politely on the telephone in English

SONG: FOUR FIVE SECONDS_RIHANNA

Rihanna and Kanye play two lovers talking, most likely at night, possibly to each other, possibly to themselves. We don’t even know if they’re in the same place at the same time. Rihanna’s been drinking but if Kanye has, we don’t hear about it. It’s unclear who’s done what to whom, but they’re both wound up. Things aren’t going well — Rihanna might wild out, Kanye might go to jail. The guitar chords resolve but the song does not. The combined length of Rihanna’s first verse and hook is forty-five seconds. The single’s cover reads “Four Five Seconds” in Braille. Since it’s release, the song has peaked at number four on the Hot 100, becoming Rihanna’s 26th top ten song, McCartney’s 23rd (not counting his 34 with the Beatles), and West’s 15th. With this new song, McCartney now holds the record for longest time between top tens — with 29 years between this and “Spies Like Us”, which reached the top ten on February 8th, 1986.

 

[Verse 1: Rihanna]
I think I've had enough
I might get a little drunk
I say what's on my mind
I might do a little time
Cause all of my kindness
Is taken for weakness

[Hook 1: Rihanna]
Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday
I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would tell me
Ooh, that's all I want

[Verse 2: Kanye West]
Woke up an optimist
Sun was shinin', I'm positive
Then I heard you was talkin' trash
Hold me back, I'm 'bout to spaz

[Hook 2: Rihanna and Kanye]
Yeah, 'bout FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days ‘til Friday
I’m tryna make it back home by Monday mornin'
I swear I wish somebody would try me
Ooh, that’s all I want

[Bridge: Rihanna]
And I know that you're up tonight
Thinkin', "How could I be so selfish?"
But you called 'bout a thousand times
Wondering where I've been
Now I know that you're up tonight
Thinkin' "How could I be so reckless?"
But I just can't apologize
I hope you can understand

[Verse 3: Kanye West]
If I go to jail tonight
Promise you'll pay my bail
See they want to buy my pride
But that just ain't up for sale
See all of my kindness
Is taken for weakness

karaoke version

ENGLISH SONGS: ELEANOR McEVOY -Only a woman's heart

Artist: Eleanor McEvoy & Mary Black
Tittle: ONLY A WOMAN’S HEART

My heart is low, my heart is so low
As only a woman's heart can be
As only a woman's, as only a woman's
As only a woman's heart can know

The tears that drip
From my bewildered eyes
Taste of bitter sweet romance
You're still in my hopes
You're still on my mind
And even though I manage on my own

(Chorus)

My heart is low, my heart is so low
As only a woman's heart can be
As only a woman's, as only a woman's
As only a woman's heart can know

When restless eyes
Reveal my troubled soul
And memories flood my weary heart
I mourn for my dreams
I mourn for my wasted love
And while I know that I'll survive alone
(Chorus)

My heart is low, my heart is so low
As only a woman's heart can be
As only a woman's, as only a woman's
As only a woman's heart can know

My heart is low, my heart is so low
As only a woman's heart can be
As only a woman's, as only a woman's
As only a woman's heart can know

WATCH VIDEO AND SING! Eleanor McEvoy - only a woman's heart

ANOTHER LINK TO LISTEN AND READ LYRICS

THE BOOK FAIR IN MALAGA 30th APRIL - 10th MAY

At Palmeral de las Sorpresas (Palm Garden of Surprises) at the Port takes place during 10 days the 45th edition of the Malaga Book Fair, with book signings, the latest releases, gatherings, storytelling … a perfect location next to the sea and close to the centre for a stroll or enjoying a coffee.

When: From April 30 to May 10

Where: Malaga Port, Palmeral de las Sorpresas

https://www.facebook.com/flmalaga
http://ferialibromalaga.com/

How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/ITq7r

EASTER IN BRITAIN

This year Easter will fall on 5th April 2015

Here you have a web page about Easter in Britain: Easter story, tradition and much more...

LINK HERE

EASTER CUSTOMS

Just like Christmas some customs have grown up round Easter, such as the Easter Bunny, which have their origins in folklore rather than being connected to the resurrection of Jesus. Find out here about Easter Eggs and what they symbolise to Christians.

HOLY WEEK OF MALAGA 2015_POSTER

The Holy Week will start on the 29 of March (Palm Sunday) and will end on the 5 of April 2015 (Easter Sunday).

The Malaga artist Francisco Naranjo of 40 years and born in Benalmádena, has been responsible for the poster of the Semana Santa de Málaga 2015. 
On January 9 in the mirror Hall of the Malaga city Council it was presented in the presence of the Malaga Mayor Francisco de Tower, Eduardo Pastor, President of the Association of fraternities and Agustín Gutiérrez, elder brother of the Archconfraternity of the garden that has been responsible for presenting the work. According to the author, is an allegorical vision of Holy week. Masterpiece has been performed on a table of 180 cm high by wide 85, made with mixed media painting techniques.

The poster is an allegorical vision of the Association of guilds of Malaga in which a woman can be seen in reference to the dynamism and vitality of the institution, dressed in a sackcloth of gold as a reflection of the divine glory and his head covered by a veil as a sign of respect and devotion. With the right hand holding a candle on and with the left carries the flag representing the different confraternities of Málaga.

The throne of the Virgen de la Esperanza accompanied a processional courtship, in a cleared with a bright full moon night and the Tower of the Cathedral of Málaga take the bottom of this original and excellent work of the painter from Málaga.

At the foot of the work and recovering an ancient tradition of Malaga rotulista posters Easter, you can read "SUMPTUOS PROCESSIONS EASTER , MALAGA 2015 ".

CRIER OF HOLY WEEK MALAGA 2015 .
Rafael de las Peñas is the responsible for giving the opening speech of the Holy Week in Malaga 2015 .
The brother known and is a director of the Confraternity of Sorrows of San Juan , where is the dressing of the Virgen de los Dolores of San Juan .

PRESIDENTS' DAY - 16TH FEBRUARY 2015

Presidents' Day is celebrated in February to honor two of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. The holiday is celebrated in the United States on the third Monday in February. 

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12 in 1809. Things were different then. When Abe was a boy, he lived in a log cabin. A log cabin is a small house made out of logs cut from trees. His father cut down the trees and made the cabin.

There were no electric lights in the cabin. Young Abe read books by firelight and drew with charcoal on a shovel. Abe's family was poor. Often he went barefoot because he didn't have any shoes.

When Abraham Lincoln grew up, he studied hard and became a lawyer. Then he was elected to be a law-maker. In 1861, Abraham Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States. Visit the White House - Information on Abraham Lincoln
Information about the 16th president of the United States directly from the White House.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. When he was born, America was not a nation yet. It belonged to England, a country across the ocean. People in America didn't want to belong to England so they fought a war to become a separate country. 

 George Washington was an American general in the war. America won the war and picked a new name for itself: The United States of America. George Washington was elected to be its first President.

Click on the link to see the alphabetical and chronological list of U.S. Presidents:

U.S. PRESIDENTS

Nowadays the President's Day is said to commemorate all US Presidents.

FROM WASHINGTON TO OBAMA - 16TH FEBRUARY PRESIDENTS' DAY

PRESIDENTS OF THE USA

Presidents of the USA

View more presentations from rudesa.

ST. VALENTINE'S ACTIVITIES

CLICK ON THE HEART TO  START

WAYS TO SAY "I LOVE YOU"

100ways

ENGLISH SONG: YOU AND ME - Lifehouse

ENGLISH SONG: YOU AND ME
Artist: Lifehouse




LYRIC: YOU AND ME-Lifehouse

What day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up
and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

all of the things that I want to say
just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping inwards
you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

there's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
everything she does is beautiful
everything she does is right

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive

INTERACTIVE BOOK - ST VALENTINE'S DAY

An interactive book to learn about  St.Valentine's Day : vocabulary,  oral activities, written, the origin of this Day, love in different countries of the world, etc.

Click here: INTERACTIVE BOOK



VALENTINE'S DAY GAMES

Online Valentine's Day Games

Don't Break My Heart Game: Keep the heart from breaking by keeping it from falling to the ground. 5 Hearts in a Row  Remove the hearts by placing 5 of the same color in a line. Row Swapping Puzzle Solve the puzzle by swapping the rows and the columns of the scrambled picture. Loves Me, Loves Me Not, Daisy Petal Game: Type in your name and his or hers name and pluck the daisy petals. Heart-Break Game: Break the hearts before they reach the top of the play area. Dress Up Doll for Valentine's Day Chocolate Candy Memory Sequencing Game Valentine Concentration Games: Match the hearts to reveal a secret Valentine.    (Java applet) Valentine Rebus              Heart Memory Match Game Match the words to the Bible verse - John 15:17 Capture my Heart:   How many of the 20 hearts can you get?   (Flash Game) Valentine Word Drop Game: Words associated with Valentine's Day are scrambled. Click on two letters to exchange their positions. The goal is to put all the letters in order before the word falls to the bottom of the play area.  Don't Cross My Heart Puzzles: Small, Medium, or Large I John 4:11:   Grab all the Bible words to the Bible verse as they whisk by. (Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. ~I John 4:11) (Flash Game) Biblical Couples:   See how well you can match the Biblical character with his Valentine.   (Javascript)

Find the Differences Game: Find the seven differences between the two pictures. Trap My Heart Game: Use the roses and chocolates to capture and trap the heart. Off the Edge Game: Keep the hearts from reaching the edges of the play area.   Catch The Hearts Game: Catch as many hearts as you can before time runs out. Valentine Break Out: Use the paddle to keep the ball bouncing and remove the pieces to reveal the Valentine picture. Dress Up Heart Figures  5 different heart figures to dress. Lots of lace and bows. Musical Heart Bells 9-Piece Tile Swap Puzzle Swap the puzzle pieces to put the picture back together.