The first Formula 1 race in Valencia is over and since we couldn’t afford tickets (and didn’t get press passes … yeah right - Holavalencia is still too small!), we went down to the track afterward. Being a photographer, wandering around the deserted track was more exciting than watching the race on TV.

As you’ll see, they’re far from being done erasing the traces of Formula 1 left around the Harbor.

They even had a helicopter airport:

This Wednesday, the 27th of August, the small town of Buñol will once again play host to one of the world’s most famously bizarre festivals: The Tomatina.

Source: arroncorey@flickr

You’ve probably seen the images — hundreds of people throwing millions of tomatoes at each other, turning the city’s streets into a mushy, red mess. The celebration has been going on for 63 years, and serves as a way to get stress out before the beginning of fall. It’s always on the last Wednesday of August.

Buñol is just 45 minutes by train from Valencia, and Renfe has special service there on Wednesday. Below is a copy of their information flier. There are a lot of trains both there and back but please note — I have no idea how crowded or full the trains will be. Also note that the trains leave from Sant Isidre not the main train station.

There are numerous operators offering bus rides for about €30 — which is far more than what Renfe charges. There’s information on buses here.

It’s unbelievable, and goes against everything I’ve ever stood for as an educated member of civilized society: I am excited for a car race.

I can’t wait, despite being completely ignorant about Formula 1. In fact, here is the entire compendium of my knowledge of the sport:

Things I Know About F1

That’s it! The extent of my knowledge.

The most likely reason for my giddy state is that excitement is contagious, and all Valencia is excited about the European Grand Prix. It’s the only topic of conversation in the cafés, there are F1 paraphernalia and information stands in all the main city shops & squares, hordes of fans have invaded, and everyone just seems geared up. By most accounts, the unique race track at the harbor is a great one, which should offer the opportunity for a lot of drama. And it’s great to see the city, still unaccountably over-looked as a tourist destination, in the limelight.

ValenciaStreetCircuit.com

So who am I rooting for? Honestly, it makes absolutely no difference to me, so I’ll pull for the best looking. Now… which of you will it be?

Timo Glock, congratulations. I’m your biggest fan.

More information at ValenciaStreetCircuit.com

La Batalla de Flores from Valencia Blog on Vimeo.

Marking the end of Valencia’s Feria de Julio is the famous flower battle (la batalla de flores), established in 1892. Basically, falleras ride on parade floats, equip themselves with tennis rackets, and allow onlookers to pelt them with heavy little flowers. It’s great fun, and if you’d become sick of seeing the Fallera Mayor’s pretty, blond face everywhere… well, this was your chance to smack it with a flower. (Though, it must be said, while most her court was quickly overwhelmed by the onslaught, the Fallera Mayor never lost her composure, swatting away every flower with ice cold precision … perhaps it was this skill that won her the coveted position in the first place)

The battle was proceeded by a small parade on La Alameda, which went up and down the street 4 times before the warfare began. The girls on the floats all looked a little nervous regarding the warfare to come, and the public was impatient.

After the battle had finished, spectators ran into the street to gather up armfuls of flowers to throw at each other. Some of the more eager didn’t notice (or care) that they were picking up horse manure with the flowers.

The night ended with fireworks over the Turia.

Ballroom Dancing in Valencia from Valencia Blog on Vimeo.

Anyone who’s bored in Valencia is simply not trying. It seems like every night, there is something new and unexpected occurring, especially with the Feria de Julio going on.

This past Saturday, a ballroom dancing competition was held at the Plaza de la Virgen. It’s the first time the competition’s been held, but I think they’re making it an annual thing.

It was a lot of fun to watch. There were two levels of dancers. The first consisted of people seemingly plucked out of community Beginning Dance classes. Amateur, and not too impressive… but still better than me (hell, this thing is a better dancer than me).

But when the professionals came out, in the second group, the entertainment level went through the roof. The dancing was tight, but the outrageous outfits were really the highlight. There were at least 15 pairs, and they had to each perform 6 styles of dance, from jazz to paso doble.

My favorites went out early, which shows how little I know about dancing. We don’t know who won, because eventually we got tired of standing — ballroom dancing was more interesting than expected, but still not worth a sore back.

For two days in September, Valencia will play host to some of the world’s best electronic music at the T-Shirt Festival, being held on the 19th and 20th at the Centro de Eventos de Feria Valencia (location).

Well… the site selling tickets claims it will be some of the world’s best electronic and house music, which I suppose they would do. But so far, there’s no information about which acts are appearing. The festival’s website is well-designed, but devoid of content.

Still, I think the T-Shirt Festival is going to be a big deal, if only because of the full-page ad they’ve taken out in this morning’s dailies. And, I was able to to uncover this wonderful promotional video — worth watching!

Anyone able to put together a video this cool is going to put on a great show.

We’ll update this post once we know more about the DJs and bands playing the festival. And if you have more information, please feel free to share it in the comments or forums!

T-Shirt Festival: Official Website
Location on our Valencia Map

Bummed out about the America’s Cup and its questionable status for 2009? If you need a competitive sailing kick, then this weekend you’re in luck.

Image Source: http://www.trofeoreina.com/

From the 10th to 13th of July, the waters of Valencia are playing host to the Trofeo S.M. La Reina Rolex Cup. According to a site that probably knows a lot more about sailing than we do:

A year after the end of the 32nd America’s Cup, Valencia’s waters will once again be the host of top-notch sailing during the Trofeo de la Reina Rolex Cup, the third event of the 2008 Quebramar GP42 Cup. Everything is at stake in this event and practically any of the 8 participating teams can grab the top spot or get a place on the podium. Two new Spanish entries, Caser-Quum and Fermax, promise to make racing tighter and more exciting. (source bymnews.com)

So, while it’s not nearly as important as the America’s Cup, this does seem like a good chance to watch a high-quality regatta, probably at a fraction of the price. Does anyone have details about how best to view the sailing? Until I know more, my advice would be to just go down to the America’s Cup port, and try to ask someone there.

UPDATE: More information can be found here
Official Site: http://www.trofeoreina.com/

This past weekend, the Maritime District was the scene of Valencia’s Moors & Christians celebrations, which are a part of the Feria de Julio.

XIII Entry of the Moors & Christians from Valencia Blog on Vimeo.

Events occurred throughout the weekend, including a mock beach battle on Friday night, and the concluding entrada on Saturday evening. We missed the battle, but were there for the extremely colorful and entertaining parade, which proceeded down Calle La Reina to Plaza Armada Española.

It took a little time to get going — after the initial marching band passed, we thrilled to 15 minutes of nothing — but it turned into one of Valencia’s better parades. The music was nice, tinged with a bit of the Orient, and the costumes were shiny and ornate. And who can ask for more than shiny, ornate costumes?!

After the parade, we hurried down to the America’s Cup port for fireworks over the ocean.

The beautiful Gardens of the Viveros is playing host to 15 concerts during the month of July, as part of the city’s Feria de Julio. All begin at 22:15.

Boney M: Ain’t No Stoppin the Fuuuuuuuunk!

The series kicks off tonight with crooner Salvatore Adamo. Other highlights include Gloria Gaynor (whether she’ll sing “I Will Survive”? Even odds!), Boney M, the slightly disturbing Loreena McKennitt and Pereza. A full list of concerts is here.

We’re most excited about Elbicho, who play fusion flamenco (better than it sounds!) Check it:

Tickets prices vary according to the concert, and are available at El Corte Inglés, Bancaja, Carrefour, Fnac, Ticktackticket, or the ticket offices of the Viveros 2 hours before the concerts begin.

It’s always good to keep an eye on the Valencia webcam, pointed at Plaza de la Virgen, on the right-hand side of our blog. Yesterday I noticed this huge crowed gathering there. So, of course, we had to go. It was worth it - we got to see David Villa and other members of the Spanish team being interviewed after winning the EM 2008.

Here a short video of them leaving - no wave no nothing. They must be really busy men.