It’s that time again! The TBEX Catalunya opens with a party. Around 800 participants gather in front of the town hall in Lloret de Mar.
Catalonia strongly benefits from tourism, not least because of the proximity to the sea and to the high peaks of the Pyrenees. During their stay, the international bloggers will be familiarized not only the landscape, but also the customs and the gastronomic delights of the region.
At the indicated time, a part of the participants is guided to the ship, while a bus is ready for the not seaworthy ones. We opt for the ship, in order to enjoy a scenic sailing along the coastline.
Crossing into the Santa Cristina does not take long, it passes by the Playa de Fenals and the Playa Boadella.
In between you always see the rocks that give the coast of Catalunya its characteristic appearance. The water is crystal clear and the swell moderate, even if some of the participants think it is already enough.
Shortly before our arrival we encounter a boat of Rowing Club of Santa Cristina. No wonder they became Catalan champion in 2014, if they exercise so hard.
We land on the sandy beach of Santa Cristina front of the hotel and restaurant Santa Marta, the host of the evening.
Please watch the 4k UHD video here
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationAt the beach of Santa Cristina we are welcomed by three larger than life characters, the Gigantes.
The Gigantes originally arose from religious worship. In the war against the Moors, the heroes of the war were increasingly depicted. Today, national or local heroes are in focus. The religious context has disappeared.
Later, we will see a dance of the Gigantes, which weigh up to 90 kg each.
Before and after welcoming the participants, physical sustenance is excellently provided for. Of course, the Pa amb tomàquet should not be missed. It is a toasted bread rubbed over with tomato and seasoned with olive oil and salt.
Delicious local specialties are offered, and of course drinks, like wine and champagne. Seafood, fish and pasta dishes are the focus.
The wine and champagne of Xavier Casamitjana from Viticulturers Espelt was quickly chosen to our favorite wine.
When a group of people, dressed identically, gathered in the middle, is became clear that the party approaches its peak. They are Castellers, who build human towers (Castells). This is also a special Catalan custom. Originally, the construction of the towers originated from a folk dance.
At the end of the dance one built a human tower. Over time, the building of the tower was separated from the dance and the towers got higher and higher. Traditionally, it is still accompanied by a Catalan shawm and timbales.
The construction of human towers has become a Catalan national symbol. It promotes team spirit, the strength, the skill and the stamina. So it is not surprising that competitions are held throughout the country. After building a successful tower, the participants, especially the youngest, who climb to the highest level, are exuberantly celebrated.
By nightfall, the party zone and the beach are fantastically illuminated. Over the one or other small glasses of wine, we get in contact with new people and exchange news with friends from the last year’s TBEX in Athens.
But even the most beautiful evening comes to an end and so we follow a string of lights on the beach. It indicates the way to the bus which brings us back to the hotel. We go uphill and see the chapel of Santa Cristina.
Here the “Centennial Pi”, a festival of all fishermen, is celebrated on 24 July. During the festival the people dance the traditional Sardana.
It was a great evening, we would like to say thank you to the organizers, like Catalunya , Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar, Hotel Santa Maria TBEX and all the sponsors who made it happen.
Disclosure : All views and opinions are our own and not influenced by the invitation!
Text, photos and video: Copyright © myVideoMedia
Did you attend the party? What were your highlights?