April Happenings In Spain

Easter Religious Celebrations
An unforgettable time to experience the culture of Spain and the warmth of its people, Easter week is filled with colorful processions, vibrant music, religious art, and a sense of emotion. With the Holy Week celebrations falling on the first week of the month (April 1st through 8th), nearly every city and town will be holding events worth checking out. Many of the following events have received the International Tourist Interest designation.

- Known for one of the most elaborate Easter processions in the country, Seville's cofrad?as (religious brotherhoods) put on a show as they carry the colossal weight of intricately decorated statues of the Virgin Mary, and parade through the narrow streets of the old town.

- The town of Murcia will take your breath away with its stunning Easter Sunday procession of 'Cristo Yacente' that passes under the Santo Domingo arch. Stop in at the Museo Salzillo, located in the baroque chapel of Ermita de Jesus. Dedicated to Murcian sculptor Francisco Salzillo, the museum is home to exquisite figurines that are used in the Holy Week processions.

- Those visiting the city of Cuenca can enjoy the Religious Music Festival as part of the Holy Week celebrations. Most performances take place in a cathedral or other historical buildings of this UNESCO-designated World Heritage city.

- For those visiting Valladolid, do not miss the rich display of Baroque and Castilian art pieces featured in the Good Friday processions. Historically rooted in Catholic tradition, the city is famous for its spectacular and emotional Holy Week celebrations. Don't miss Valladolid's National Museum of Sculpture that houses Spain's best collection of religious art dating back to the 15th century.

April Pagan Celebrations

Seville will host its highly popular annual April Fair from the 24th through the 29th. This international fiesta dates back to 1847. Once a cattle fair, today it's the highlight of the city's social calendar, complete with festive atmosphere, delicious treats, crafts, singing, and "sevillanas," the local version of flamenco dancing.

Trade Fairs

For those looking to experience Spain's trendsetting fairs and exhibits, April brings a must-see beauty event. Barcelona's renowned FIRA grounds will welcome beauty product innovators and enthusiasts from April 17th to 19th. The In-Cosmetics fair will feature the latest in personal care, cosmetic products, and technologies, offering master classes and workshops for those interested in the trade.

Mallorca IBATUR
Lodging and Accommodation News
Catalonia
El Hotel Do Placa Reial has been added to Barcelona's list of luxury accommodations. The 5-star boutique hotel with 18 rooms and three suites occupies a prestigious neoclassical building from 1856. The building has recently been renovated by a team that included architect Oriol Bohias and interior designer Lazaro Rosa Viol?n.

Madrid
Sheraton will open its first location in Madrid. The upscale 180-room property will be conveniently located near the financial district, the IFEMA Convention center, as well as the attractions of the northern Madrid.

Andalucia

- The Torreluz Hotel in Almeria was awarded the fourth star after a E2 million renovation. The upscale property is now called New Torreluz, and will operate as an energy-efficient hotel.

- The Alhambra Palace hotel in Granada will soon reopen after a major renovation. From modernizing the rooms to expanding the capacity, the 100-year old property aims to receive a five-star status following the upgrades.

- Located in the historic heart of Seville, the stunning Hotel Alfonso XIII completed its renovations earlier this year, perfectly blending the modern comfort and sophistication with homages to Andalusian, Castilian, and Moorish design styles. The 1929 landmark boasts