Nit Mágica

I remember my first 'Nit Mágica'. Must be ten years ago, Castellón, part of the Magdalena celebrations. We had friends visiting from the UK.
"Let's go!" I said, "It'll be fun."
"What is it?" our friends asked.
"Ummm, magicians. You know, rabbits out of hats, sawing people in half. It'll be great..."

It wasn't a cold night, but Castellón looked like it'd been invaded by a bunch of ski-bums, ejected from the nearest slopes for loitering with intent. There were bobble-hats, buff-masks, ski goggles, gloves and jackets... the only ski-stuff I didn't see were the skis.

I was volunteered to ask the local police where the 'magicians' were. The two officers looked at me as if I was a lunatic or British, or worse - both. They convinced us to hang around, and we managed to understand that there wouldn't be any magicians.

How wrong they were...

Nit Mágica 2017, wouldn't miss it for the world...

If you like the blog, why not read the eBook? Zen Kyu Maestro: An English Teacher's Spanish Adventure, (Monday Books) available from Amazon. 

A year in the life of an English teacher, teaching a class of lively Spanish seven-year-olds, in English, in Spain.

What could possiobly go wrong?

“The detailed way Dean has described the atmosphere of this little city in Spain is magnificent.” Salford University, The Salfordian.

  For a free sample chapter, click HERE.

Don't Wear Your Best Coat... Xarxa are Back in Town!

Yes, it's hide-you-best-clothes time again, Xarxa Teatre are on the loose. 

This time the Vila-Real-based outfit of madcap artists, dancers, singers and fire-raisers decided to disrupt the (usually) peaceful town of Burriana. All started quietly enough with music and dancing and a few strange horses. 

But whenever Xarxa are around, you know something is going to explode sooner or later...

 

So, what do you want to be when you grow up...?

Who needs fancy clothes? Come back soon, Xarxa!

http://www.xarxateatre.com/

If you like the blog, why not read the eBook? Zen Kyu Maestro: An English Teacher's Spanish Adventure, (Monday Books) available from Amazon. 

A year in the life of an English teacher, teaching a class of lively Spanish seven-year-olds, in English, in Spain.

What could possiobly go wrong?

“The detailed way Dean has described the atmosphere of this little city in Spain is magnificent.” Salford University, The Salfordian.

  For a free sample chapter, click HERE.

Quiet Night Out in Castellón...

... but not if Xarxa Teatre group are in town.

I'm most used to bumping into Xarxa on one of their Correfoc (fire parade) espectáculos, which are a regular feature of fiesta-time in the towns around their home town (Vila-real). Here are some past meetings...

Correfoc

Correfoc in Vila-real 

Last Friday night was what they call a gran formato espectáculo, which I think translates as 'light the blue touchpaper...'

Xarxa (pronounced Char-cha) provide their audiences with a little bit of street-theatre; some mime; and an experience close to warfare - without putting them in (too much) danger. For a free (yes, free) one-hour show, it's outrageously good value.

Two tips if you ever get wind that Xarxa are coming to a town near you: 

First - don't hesitate, go!

Second, don't wear your best coat.

 

http://www.xarxateatre.com/

If you like the blog, why not read the eBook? Zen Kyu Maestro: An English Teacher's Spanish Adventure, (Monday Books) available from Amazon. 

A year in the life of an English teacher, teaching a class of lively Spanish seven-year-olds, in English, in Spain.

What could possiobly go wrong?

“...well-written, and full of hilarious misunderstandings.” “...very different from other ‘ex-pat’ type books.” Essex University, Rabbit newspaper.

  For a free sample chapter, click HERE.

Snake Island, Castellón

Well, OK, so there are no snakes left anymore (Colubraria means serpent in Latin). But there are poisonous spiders and scorpions!

Finally, after 11 years here we've made it to  Ias Islas Columbretes, two hours out of Oropesa by boat (you can also get there from Castellón).

If you're lucky, you might spot a pod of dolphins on the trip.

You can hike to the lighthouse (with a guide from the Parque Natural Islas Columbretes).

From here is the best view of the collapsed caldera.

After some snorkelling, then lunch, you can view the layers of lava at your leisure...

 

Then it's time to head home for sundowners.

If you like the blog, why not read the eBook? Zen Kyu Maestro, An English Teacher's Spanish Adventure available from Amazon. A Year in the life of an English teacher, teaching a class of lively Spanish primary children, in English, in Spain.

What could possibly go wrong...?

“...a wonderful book full of audacious humour.”

Liverpool University, Student Media.

  For a free sample chapter, click HERE.