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Planning a week in Salamanca?

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Are you studying Spanish in Salamanca and looking for ways in which to enrich your experience here, meet new people and practise your Spanish?  Then take a look at the activity programme offered throughout April in Salamanca!  Not matter what your idea of well-spent leisure time is – all night party, exploring the countryside, seeing a play, visiting an exhibition – there’ll definitely be something for you.

Salamanca's especiality - hornazo!

We start with the Lunes de Aguas festival which will be taking place on Monday!  It’s a typical Salamanca celebration which marks the XVI decision of King Felipe II who ordered the prostitutes of the city out, to cross the river and stay away from Salamanca during the period of Lent, for citizens to avoid temptation.  Later, the Monday after Easter, Lunes de Aguas, the prostitues would be allowed back to the city which was celebrated by the residents with picnics, drinking and dancing alongside the river – where they would eat the typical dish of hornazo. So, get your friends together and go enjoy the sun!

Moving indoors, why not take a look at the latest exhibition in DA2, one of Salamanca’s prominent art galleries? At the moment they have two exhibitions running: Merrie Melodies and Arctic Hysteria. There’s plenty of time to see them, given they don’t finish until May and June respectively, but make sure you do, they really are worth it and it’s a great way to open your eyes to what other cultures have to bring to Salamanca (Arctic Hysteria is an exhibition of several Finnish artists’ work, whilst Merrie Melodies brings together over 14 influential artists, all with their own unique offering).

However, if it’s nightlife which you prefer, then why not check out  the latest concerts in Salamanca?  Whilst in CAEM they are expecting the return of Salamanca’s very own Naïf, a stunning indie-pop band who’ll play on Saturday 17th April at 21:00, in the Multiusos venue you’ll have the chance to see chart-hit Antonio Orozco on the Saturday before, 10th April, at 22:00.

Antonio Orozco comes to Salamanca!

For more quieter activity, don’t forget there’s also the cinema cycle a the moment, “Películas que burlaron la censura en España“, which, thanks to the Filmoteca Regional and Instituto de la cinematografía y las artes audiovisuales, gives viewers the chance to see emblematic films which were still able to be produced, despite the censorship in Spain.  A different film is shown every week in the Liceo Theatre, an example being “Mi Querida Señorita“, a 1971 film from Jaime Armiñán which will be shown on 27th April.  It’s an exhibition which has already been shown by the MoMA of New York and the British Film Institute- and so certainly worth seeing!

Get out and see nature - La Alberca

Bear in mind you always have the events and excursions organised by Mester!  Including salsa club, cookery class, guitar lessons, guided trips around the city, excursions to nearby cities (Segovia, Madrid, Leon, Avila…) and film clubs.

So take advantage of your time at the school – it’s the best way to learn Spanish and to take 100% advantage of your time here in Salamanca!

What are you up to this weekend?

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Are you doing a language course in Salamanca?  Have you taken a group trip to Salamanca and need means of entertainment? Wanting to make the most out of your visit to the stunning university city? Then don’t spend your weekend in the cafes, on the sofa or in bed; get out, look around and take advantage of a city with so much to offer.  keeping yourself updated with the Mester activity guide, and of course here on our blog, there’s no excuse for being bored out of class!  No matter what your taste is – whether it’s loud pop music and dancing til dawn or a quiet afternoon spent at an art gallery, we’ve got something for you!

Firstly, tonight:  a stage production of Caligula, written by Nobel Prize winner Albert Camus, is being shown at the Liceo Theatre, right in the heart of Salamanca.  Dealing with themes such as the difficulty of dealing with maturing into adulthood, the consequences of power and the existence (or lack) of love in ones life, the play is an epic and a must see for ny literature or theatre lover.  Directed by Santiago Sanchéz Serra, tickets are available at 12, 16 and 20 Euros.  The show starts at 21:00h tonight (Friday 5th February) – so you’ll leave just in time to start your night out!

The spooky imagery from Erwin Olaf

The spooky imagery from Erwin Olaf

For a quieter following day, why not take a trip to one of Salamanca’s many art galleries?  DA2 are hosting the best works of Dutch contemporary artist Erwin Olaf.  Called “Darts of Pleasure“, the exhibition will occupy the entire ground floor of the gallery.  The work on show, we can guarantee, will not leave you indifferent.  From photos, to video footage to films,  it really is worth a visit!

DA2 - one of Salamanca's great art galleries!

DA2 - one of Salamanca's great art galleries!

Furthermore, if art’s your thing, check out the new exhibition Visión de Oriente por Occidente.  Hosted by the Santo Domingo de la Cruz gallery, the exhibition runs until 18th April.  Bringing us memories of Persia, China, India and Japan, there is all manner of art and objects on display.  From porcelain minatures, to paintings, maps and recordings, it really is a trip to another world and something to enjoy on a quiet afternoon weekend!

For a little more rowdy excitement, however, Sunday’s your day!  Returning to the Liceo, the theatre will be showing “Flamenco 4 Estaciones” on Sunday 7th February at 18:00h.  For 5 Euros, the show explains the theory, application and practice of one of Spain’s most traditional expressive art forms. With a distinctly pedological feel, the show is ideal for the younger audience, a truely family affair, communicating this typical Spanish dance to children and adults alike.

Learn about Flamenco!

Learn about Flamenco!

No matter what it is you decide to do with your weekend, do something!  Taking a language learning trip is a great experience and should be thoroughly taken advantage of, not spent watching tv or doing something you could do at home!  So have a look at the activity guides, plan your day and open your eyes to all Salamanca has to offer!

Supporting art – and young people – locally!

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Have you heard of the Espacio Joven? It’s a centre in Salamanca designed for and by young people.  Offering advice on everything from living and employment to health and travel, it’s a great resource for Salamanca’s youngsters ages between 14 and 30 years old.

A main feature of the centre is their support for local artists.  Offering a place to display their work, no matter what the material, the centre is actively promoting creativity in the city, which counts with one of the best Bellas Artes faculties in Spain.  The elected space is of 200 square metres, plenty to accommodate any artist.  Recent exhibitions  include “Caleidoscopio“, “Walking Broadway“, “Doria Paredes” and “Me Myself and I“.

With views like this, how could you not be inspired?

With views like this, how could you not be inspired?

Salamanca really is a city thriving with artists – with galleries such as DA2, where not so long ago Erwin Olaf exhibitied a selection of his works, and famous home grown artsists such as Pablo García – an artist who studied at the Faculty of Bellas Artes whose selection of photo-paintings, texturised on canvas really impact on his audience.

An example of the artwork in Espacio Joven

An example of the artwork in Espacio Joven

A great resource for young people, not only is it artsists who benefit but any young person too!  The centre organise excursions, have a lawyer on site to advise, can help with benefits and grants, help young people find a job and help look for accommodation – making life all the more easier for new students to the city – especially Erasmus students who may not be familiar with the way Spain do things.

Another highlight of the centre is what it has to offer in the way of resources.  There’s free Internet (great for school prjects and saving on cyber cafe fees!) and also a free meeting roomto be used – for ten people.  Promoting these resources amongst young people not only gives the young people with ideas opportunities but encourages young people to think outside the box for ways to use the resources to their best advantage.  This is something which makes Salamanca so famous for it’s univeristy life, the city is thriving with students with exciting plans, all helped to be realised by centres such as the Espacio Joven.

Another great point is the training offered, giving the young people of Salamanca a chance to widen their horizons and boost their CV for when it comes to finding a job – another aspect of life which the centre can help with!  Not only do they have many jobs listed, they will also help you to compile your CV and so make the most of any job opportunity which may come your way!

The Espacio Joven really is a great resource and something you should doubt in going to find.  It really could make your year abroad (if you’re studying Spanish in Spain for example!) a lot easier and more enjoyable!

Go now:  Calle José Jaúregui 16, Salamanca…Right next to calle Toro!

Salamanca Activities for December!

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

There’s a new selection of activities available for the people of Salamanca and the students who study Spanish here.  Ranging from art exhibitions and concerts to monologues and musicals, there really is something for everyone and the majority and a very student-friendly price!

To kick start the Christmas season, for one month in Salamanca there will be ice-skating available.  With a two-for-one deal on Wednesdays and special prices for groups, it really is an economic way to get into the Christmas spirit (and a fun exercise too!).

For a little quieter activity, the “Descubriendo Belén” exhibition is now open at the Sala Caja Duero, until the 10th January.  Fitting in with Christmas, it’s a vision of the birth of of Jesus from the point of biew of the artsist José Luis Mayo Lebrija.  There is a series of nativity scenes with realist figures, naturalist environment and hints at traditional nativity scenes.  It’s a great way to enjoy the build up to Christmas and see work from an artist so important in his sector.

And remember, if it’s art you’re interested in, not far away from Salamanca in Palencia, there’s a pop-art exhibition featuring work from vital artists of that sector – including the legendary Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns.  Art fans hav until the 3rd January to make the way to see it  – and it really is worth the trip – Salamanca is surrounded by fantastic places to which to take excursions!

Not far from Salamanca...Work from the legendary Andy Warhol

Not far from Salamanca...Work from the legendary Andy Warhol

Moving from the tranquil to the noisey, there’s lots of music on offer this holiday season in Salamanca.  Madrid pop-rock band Pereza will be playing at the Multiusos venue on Friday 4th December and then later, the venue will play host to David Bisbal on Friday 18th December.  Both stars of the “Cuarenta Principales”, they’re sure to be spectacular shows!  To see Pereza, prices range from 19 to 26 Euros whilst David Bisbal’s show comes out a little moer expensive at 28 to 36 Euros.  Either way, if you’re looking to treat yourself this Christmas, a Spanish pop concert’s a great way to do it!

Hit Madrid band arrive in Salamanca!

Hit Madrid band arrive in Salamanca!

No matter how you choose to spend your free time this Christmas period, you’re sure to have fun and these activties are a great way to make friends, meet people and practise your Spanish!

Autumnal Activities in Salamanca!

Sunday, November 15th, 2009
Download Salamanca Cultural Program (click in image)

Download Pdf Salamanca Cultural Program (click in image 10 Mb)

It’s a great time to be in Salamanca – whether it’s studying Spanish, working or visiting friends, there’s a great choice of activities to keep you busy all through the autumn and winter!

The Caja Duero and the Junta de Castilla y Leon have come together to offer the city a wide variety of cultural activities ideal for any age.

To start with somehting quiet, people who are lucky enough to be in Salamanca in November can enjoy the works of 11 national artists in the exposition “Realidades de la Realidad”.  With names including Antonio Lopez, and a display from a variety of disciplines, it will certainly interest anyone with an interest in  the arts, especially given these works are the less known of the artists and so making the show more intimate and real than ever.

An example of the work from "Realidades de la Realidad"

An example of the work from "Realidades de la Realidad"

Staying with art, “Vernissage Vegetal” from Cristina del Campo, a young (born in 1981) Spanish artist from Cantabria is another exposition which is sure to interest.  Working in a variety of disciplines, her abstract working keeps a natural beauty, something fascinating which has made her one of today’s top artists.

For something a little more noisy and dynamic, the Teatro Caja Duero are showing a variety of classic films over the next few weeks, giving the people of Salamanca to visit the cinema of the past and enjoy some great Hollywood moments.  Included in this cyle is “West Side Story” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”, both historic films which the people of Salamanca can see for just one euro!

Lastly, to music:  Salamanca’s music lovers have an enjoyable and exciting winter ahead of them.  Madrid’s pop-rock Pereza, pop super-star David Bisbal and the eclectic Soweto Gospel Choir are just a small part of the musical programme of the season.  The Spanish audiences are always so passionate – something which makes every concert a success and certainly enjoyable for whichever music fan.

The exciting Soweto Gospel Choir

The exciting Soweto Gospel Choir

So check out the programme today and decide how it is you would like to spend your language learning trip – these activities really are the highlights which will provide so many great memories you can look back on for years to come!  And whatsmore, they are a great way to meet people, to practise Spanish !

For the Mester Activity Programme in Salamanca, click here

http://www.mester.com/en/salamanca/newsletter.php