I thought I would upload this short video to give you a look at one of the fireworks displays during the recent Festivals of Burgos.  There were fireworks every night for an entire week during the celebration and I was pretty impressed with the quality of the shows.  Of course, I should let you [...]]]>

I thought I would upload this short video to give you a look at one of the fireworks displays during the recent Festivals of Burgos.  There were fireworks every night for an entire week during the celebration and I was pretty impressed with the quality of the shows.  Of course, I should let you decide on the show quality for yourself after viewing the video. 

If you’re having trouble seeing the above video, you might want to look at it on YouTube.  You may also be interested in viewing my other YouTube videos. 

This post is part of a mini-series about the 2009 Burgos Festivals.  To read about other aspects of the Burgos Fiestas, check out my Burgos Fiestas 2009 page.  You may also be interested in checking out my Fiesta Photos on Picasa.

Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com

Those of you who read my blog often know that I recently moved to a new apartment.  After the move, I decided to make a short video (“MTV Cribs” style) to show everyone what my new, improved place is like.  I’ll admit that my video might be a little bit “low [...]]]>

Those of you who read my blog often know that I recently moved to a new apartment.  After the move, I decided to make a short video (“MTV Cribs” style) to show everyone what my new, improved place is like.  I’ll admit that my video might be a little bit “low budget” in comparison with a typical “MTV Cribs” episode; but still, I think it’s worth a view.  You should especially pay attention to the hodgepodge of decorative items we have scattered through the house — Disney in the living room and half-naked girls and saints in the hallway.  It’s quite interesting, if I do say so myself. 

Let me know what you think of the new “pad” in the comments section below. 

Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com

I went to a Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession here in Burgos yesterday and have placed the video of it above for you to take a look at.  Semana Santa in Spain is always something curious for Americans like me because the processions that are celebrated here are not like anything that [...]]]>

I went to a Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession here in Burgos yesterday and have placed the video of it above for you to take a look at.  Semana Santa in Spain is always something curious for Americans like me because the processions that are celebrated here are not like anything that we have in the States. 

I still remember the first time that I saw a Semana Santa procession here in Spain.  It was back when I was living and studying in Valladolid in the year 2007.  It was actually a bit of a scary experience for me… after all, I wasn’t expecting to see people dressed like the Ku Klux Klan walking through the streets of Spain.  In fact, I remember that the absolute first procession that I ever went to was with an Irish friend of mine who, like me, also had never seen a Semana Santa procession before.  In my mind’s eye, I can still see the “cloaked individuals” coming out of that church in Valladolid, slowly making their way into view, and my Irish friend saying to me with a look of astonishment on her face and a thick Irish accent, “Oh my God, who are those people???” 

It’s true that as an American (or a foreigner in general), Semana Santa processions shock you at first.  There is silence everywhere, some spectators cry when they see the images of Jesus Christ pass by, and the people wearing their robes and cone-shaped hats do strangely resemble members of the Ku Klux Klan.  Yet, once you know the history behind the holiday it converts into something much more interesting culturally – at least I think it’s interesting.  After all, seeing all this happening has taught me something about how religion is valued and integrated into Spanish culture. 

For your information, the characteristic cloaks that are worn during the processions come from a tradition dating back centuries.  Many years ago, the people who walked in the Semana Santa processions in Spain were considered to be the “worst” sinners of the town.  In order to have God forgive them of their sins, these horrible sinners volunteered to carry Semana Santa “pasos” (the large wooden statues of Christ) in their churches’ Semana Santa processions.  But, there was a problem: the sinners didn’t want to be recognized in the processions because someone could see them and realize that they had done terrible things.  Thus, the cloak and pointed hat were born to allow the penitents of Semana Santa to demonstrate their penance while still disguising their identity.

If you’d like a little more information about Semana Santa in Spain, check out this Wikipedia Article.  You also may wish to look at my YouTube channel for more Semana Santa Videos or check out my Semana Santa photos on Picasa. 

In the comments of this post, I’d love to hear about your first reaction to Semana Santa in Spain… either from seeing it in person or from watching the video above. 

Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com

I decided to try my luck with the whole “video blogging” thing and so I made this video to let everyone know that my visa has “officially” been granted and now I’m one step closer to going to Spain in September. It’s probably not the best video on the internet… but hey, [...]]]>

I decided to try my luck with the whole “video blogging” thing and so I made this video to let everyone know that my visa has “officially” been granted and now I’m one step closer to going to Spain in September. It’s probably not the best video on the internet… but hey, it’s my first attempt. 

If you would like to read more about the visa process, you can read my post on how to get a visa to go to Spain.

If you can’t see the above video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com