Ratafia - Catalán liqueur

It is an alcoholic drink made with walnuts and various herbs: mint, lemongrass and sage. The liqueur is made through maceration, for at least two months, with alcohol and/or anise, with green walnuts, with plants and/or flowers and fruits and/or spices, together with sugar. Once done, the liquid is decanted and aged in wooden casks. The result is an intense sweet drink of caramel color with an alcohol content of 26-29%. It is usually taken after meals as digestive liqueur, at room temperature, but also as an aperitif or nightcap, with ice.

Making Ratafia is a tradition that is found in most of the old Catalonia (Girona, Pallars, Alt Urgell, Vallès, Segarra and Garrigues).

Ratafia can be found in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencian Country, Occitania, France, Corsica, Euskadi, Galicia, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, England, Scotland, USA, Poland, Ukraine and Brazil.

In Catalonia many people, especially in the countryside, make their own homemade Ratafia. They macerate the alcohol and/or anise with a piece of lemon, four or five cloves, a nutmeg, the peel of a green walnut in pieces and a pinch of cinnamon. Herbs like mint and lemon are also added to get a degree of aroma. All this is set for 40 days in sun and shade. This is the way that the peasants of Catalonia make Ratafia, the only country where this liqueur is made.
 

                                         Making homemade Ratafia                                 



The Ratafia Legend
…according to Jacint Verdaguer (one of the greatest poets of Catalán literature)

It is said that once, in a farmhouse in Catalonia land, three bishops met; one from Vic, the Archbishop from Barcelona and the one from Tarragona. They met to discuss an issue of a small territorial council.

After the meeting and having agreed on the subject by signing the agreement, they asked the farmer to give them a drink to quench their thirst. The farmer, as a major request, pulled a big bottle of Ratafia, which was served in three glasses. The drink was new to them, and they liked it very much.

- What drink is this so good? …they asked. What’s its name?
- It is a drink that we do here, ‘said the farmer.
- Does it not have a name? - ‘said one of the bishops.
- I do not know of a name for this drink, ‘said the farmer.
- Well, since no one has given it a name yet, let’s give it one now - said the bishop. What name shall we give it then? If we found one that was the hallmark of the treaty we just did, it really would be the best.
The three gentlemen bishops thought a bit, until one of them said:
- Rata fiat! (“It is signed” in Latin)

With the approval of the bishops, who celebrated the joke, this Catalán liqueur, which is the most Catalán of all liqueurs, was baptized with a Latin name, and that name is known everywhere.

Ratafia goes really well with cakes, with ice creams, as an aperitif and some people drink it also at bars in a tumbler with ice. Its aroma is quite powerful and it tastes of herbs and anise.


Ratafia Catalana

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The mountain of Montserrat

Montserrat is much more than a mountain in Catalonia, it is a symbol for all those who love Catalonia and want to know more about its culture. Montserrat is an extraordinary natural park with marked trails, it is a monastery with an active community of monks and a school choir known throughout.  There is a museum with paintings, jewellery and sculpture. Montserrat is the Sanctuary of “La Mare de Déu de Montserrat, La Moreneta “(the virgin of Montserrat, The Black Madonna), the patron saint of Catalonia. Thousands of people come yearly in pilgrimage to visit the virgin, together with many tourists.

The mountain is located at 50 Km northwest of Barcelona between the regions of the Anoia, the Bajo Llobregat and Bages.      

Montserrat Mountain is an isolated mountain of great uniqueness for its geomorphology. It is a steep rock formation with numerous cliffs in which people practice climbing. A place where you can spend hours looking at beautiful sites, beautiful paths and amazing scenery. This mountain of rocks can be described as “magic” for several reasons, but certainly the way and where it stands are one of the reasons. In reality, this is one of the most impressive mythical Catalán places in the whole of Catalonia. It is a mountain that somebody once called “sea of rocks”.       

Mountain of Montserrat

Montserrat Natural Park has a wealth of flora and fauna, typical of the Mediterranean climate. When you venture into its paths you discover that the vegetation is dense and fauna live wildly. Big trees live there together with aromatic herbs such as rosemary and the popular thyme. Loads of mammals, reptiles, birds and occasionally birds of prey live there too.

Montserrat means in Catalán “saw-like mountain” and, in fact, this natural saw seems to drill the earth from below. In the middle, is the monastery where you can visit the “Black Madonna” and also delight your ears with the children’s choir “The Virolai” (take a minute to listen to it – it is enchanting). I advise you to be patient when visiting the virgin, as there are normally queues of hundreds of people.

The Monastery and La Moreneta



If you like hiking, from this point begin countless routes with breath-taking views. You can also take the funicular to go to the top of the mountain to begin your route.

The highest peak of the mountain is the “Sant Jeroni” with 1,236 meters. The mountain is about 10 Km long and about 5 Km wide, and covers a perimeter of 45 square kilometres.

Human presence dates back to the Neolithic era, although its big moment came in the tenth century, when many hermits arrived and settled in the farthest reaches of the mountain. Since then, Montserrat has had a religious aura, enhanced by its Sanctuary and the famous Virgin of Montserrat, “The Black Maddonna”, patroness of Catalonia.

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Les Festes de Gracia - 2012

Once again, the parties of “Barrio de Gracia” offered many cultural activities full of fun and excitement.
Many streets were embellished with lovely decorations made of a combination of recycling and other materials. All the decorated streets chose an individual theme. 

The theme of “Carrer del Progrés” was inspired by the first three “Star Wars” movies, which are really loved by those who worked on decorating the street. Amongst others, Yoda was present in the street with kids and adults gathered around him taking photos and having fun.

The theme of “Carrer Verdi” was an inspiration from the “Wild West”. There was a fort standing by one of the entrances of the street and there was the Indian town at the other end. In the middle there was the saloon with showgirls dancing. This year “Carrer Verdi” was the winner. It was really cool to be at the saloon dancing and having a drink with friends and tonnes of other people.


Indian Town & Saloon - Carrer Verdi

 Another great area was  “Plaça de la Vila de Gracia” which was decorated as a Big Top circus. There were two lions in a cage, an elephant standing on two legs, the human cannonball, the bearded woman, the flying trapeze and many clowns. This was one of the main sites with different bands playing music until late and people dancing, drinking and chatting away. The music was not top as bands did not get paid to participate but the atmosphere could have not been better.

The elephant in Plaça de la Vila de Gracia

 

Another good street was “Carrer Ciudad Real” where the theme was “Sol i Lluna” (sun and moon). Between these two emerged the rainbow, clouds, rain, snow and fog stars – really pretty.

Also, “Els Castellers de Barcelona” played an important role in the parties by building towers made of people in front of the Town Hall of La Plaça de la Vila de Gracia.

One of the top activities this year was the “Correfocs”, you can view a bit here. This took place on the last day as part of the closing ceremony. Different beautiful mechanical dragons came into la Plaça de la Vila de Gracia one by one, each one throwing fireworks through their mouth. Many other people participated in the ceremony, playing drums loudly and dancing. Once the dragons finished, a group of demons dressed in red and carrying tridents came on with another session of fireworks spinning and whistling from their tridents – this was amazing.

Barcelona has many outdoors parties during the summer, but the Gracia ones are very unique in the sense that they are very real and local. Everybody participates in one way or another. Shops stay open until late selling clothes, art and other great stuff. Restaurants and bars also offer their best during this time, although the party takes place mainly in the street.


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Tossa de Mar - Girona

El Castell de Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a little beautiful sea side town in Girona.  It is located in La Costa Brava, about 100 Km north from Barcelona.

One of the first things you see when you arrive in Tossa de Mar is a very robust medieval Castle standing on a hill. It was built in 1387 by Abbot Ramon Dezcatlar. It is one of the things you must visit – it is spectacular! You can actually walk over its walls, which surround part of the town, and view some of the old and beautiful houses within and the beaches from above. The town is full of small pebbled streets with loads of boutiques, bars and restaurants visited by tourists and locals too. In fact, the town is lately becoming one of the favourite destinations for Catalán people to go to.  

The closest beaches to town are “Es Codolar”, which is kind of at the back of the town nearby the Castle’s walls. This one is very small and rocky. In front of the town you will find the main two beaches, “Platja Gran” and “Platja del Reig”, normally quite crowded and always with several fishing boats dispersed around. The water is really clean. There is another little beach going further up north called “Mar Menuda”, which is the one I had the pleasure to be at just recently with some friends. It is a very family friendly type of place with loads of kids running around. My friend and I did snorkelling nearby the sea rocks. This was great fun, although we did not see loads of fish. There are two Chiringuitos (bar/restaurants) with terrace where you can sit down under an umbrella and enjoy a few fish tapas and a drink – the sangria is especially good.

In the evening we did a barbeque at my friend’s place, which happens to be on top of the highest hill by “Carrer de la Vil-la Romana, facing the sea. You cannot imagine how beautiful the view at night time is up there – totally stunning, as you can see the whole town and the Castle illuminated and hear the music of the beach parties going on. It was a bit on an effort to go up there as we went by foot because in this town, in summer, it is impossible to find a car park and, if you do, it will likely cost you a little fortune – so we decided to walk.

Bar Kars en Tossa de Mar

After the really nice barbeque and salads prepared by Eva’s family, I undertook a little pub/bar route with my two friends Terry and Joan, to explore a bit further the town. To walk down was much easier, through a little and narrow set of stairs. We stopped first at this bar called “El Trinket” by Carrer de San Josep, right in the centre of town. This bar has got an amazing garden with trees, tables and chairs and enough space to hang out there all night. You can play pool and football table as well and they have a great range of beers and cocktails. Great Gin & Tonics J
The second stop was at this bar called “Mar i Cel” by Carrer Ses Nou Sardanes. Very different place with a nice terrace outdoors too. We found live music here by a local group playing and singing flamenco and people dancing. It was a bit odd but we enjoyed it.

The third and last one called “Kars” in Carrer de Rosa Rissech was more of a cocktail bar but they also sell beers and all types of booze. In this old house one can still see the old wooden beams and in the main entrance there is like a little porch with a roof with roof tiles – really worthwhile popping in for a glass of wine. The crowd seems quite local and young and stays until very late. I fully recommend going there if you go to Tossa de Mar. We managed to get back home quite late and quite happy, enough to be a little fragile next morning.

On Sunday we did a little driving from Tossa de Mar going into Sant Feliu de Guixols and we stopped at this beach called “Canyet” where we spent all day swimming, snorkelling with a few more fish around this time and sunbathing – the highlight here is the “Rosa Mar” restaurant on top of the cliff from where you have an excellent view and the food is good. There is a nice garden where kids spend time running around and play.

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La Barceloneta - Barcelona

La Barceloneta is an interesting and unique barrio of Barcelona. It is so close to the beach that when you are there you can smell the sea and the fish – it used to be the fishermen's town. Walking through it, one feels like being in a little town. Going through the small streets of La Barceloneta, you can feel the typical humidity of the area and see that some of the walls have become black with time by the effect of it and the salt of the sea.

These days, La Barceloneta has become a very touristic area, especially in summer time. The beach is always crowded during the day and also at night time, when you can enjoy the parties that take place at the famous chiringuitos, placed on the sand. You can go for a drink and dinner and stay until late in the morning. 

La Barceloneta beach is full of people from all over the wall – a total melting pot full of tourists and many people who have now their residence in the city. Whilst you have a swim and sunbathe you can be offered, beer, water, fruits, or even a massage by a Chinese woman.

Getting there from the city is quite easy. Coming from the end of Las Ramblas towards the sea side you will find the building Palau de Mar. From there you will go into El Passeig Joan de Borbó, which is the beginning of La Barceloneta.

The Palau de Mar building is The Museum of History of Catalonia, which contains a permanent exhibition of the history of Catalonia from prehistoric times through to today’s democracy. The terrace of this building is an excellent place to rest for a while, have a drink and view La Barceloneta and the port. From here, La Barceloneta is on the left hand side – you can see balconies full of clothes and different shops, bars and restaurants. The Barceloneta is the best place in Barcelona to eat fresh fish. There are many bars that offer excellent fish dishes as well as tapas. If you go into La Barceloneta, from El Passeig Joan de Borbó, about three streets into your left, you will find the market. In one of the corners of the market square you will see a bar called “Electricitat” where you can have great tapas and the best wine in the area. They do have the big barrels inside the bar where they get the wine from with jars – very nice wines.

In the plaza de La Barceloneta, you will find the Baroque church of Sant Miquel del Port – in the facade you will see a beautiful image/statue of San Miguel Arcangel because the church was dedicated to this saint. It is worth stopping by and realise that its style, although Baroque, goes very well with the humble style of La Barceloneta.

Once you reach the beach, coming through El Passeig Joan de Borbó, you will see El Club the Natació La Barceloneta (swiming club), just on the right hand side. If you are a member, this is a great place to go to the gym, swim in the outdoors pools and sunbathe. You can enjoy yoga and other sports as well. They have a nice bar/restaurant where to have a bite and a drink in the terrace outdoors. One of the good chiringuitos in summer time is the one just by this swimming club – party goes until late.

Church of Sant Miquel del Port - La Barceloneta 

Next to El Club the Natació La Barceloneta, there is a big tall tower where you can take a funicular which goes above the see and takes you to Montjuïc – this will cost you EUR10 one way or EUR15 return. It is an spectacular trip, as you can view the port, La Barceloneta and finally you get to Montjuïc – another beautiful place.

Remember Les Festes de Gracia (the parties of Gracia) begin on 14th Agust – if you plan to come over, try to come a day before so you can venture into La Barceloneta.              

The Catalán Flag – La Senyera

The "Senyera" is the real name of the Catalán flag. It has four red stripes on a yellow background.
Unlike many other flags, the Catalán flag has a history of its own – a legend that reminds us of the origin of the flag that represents Catalonia.The legend is attributed to the county, "Guifré el Pelós”, from ninth century – to its origin. Guifré was a magnificent soldier of the time, who avenged the death of his father, and a commander who developed magnificent military campaigns that allowed the repopulation of the Franks and also marked the border with the Arabs.
In one of his feats, he won an important battle with his faithful Franks over the Normans. This victory was recognized by the king himself "Carles el Calb", who fought at his side and Guifré was awarded a shield made of gold.
From that moment, all the troops, loyal to Guifré brought with them a golden shield, as they had no flag or color to represent them. And his reputation as an invincible soldier grew day by day in the comments of the enemy. "Llop Ibn Muhammad I", a Muslim gentleman of Lleida, felt threatened by the campaigns of Guifré and Carles, so he decided to wall off and protect the city of Lleida. This decision did not please Guifré, who was offended. So he decided to organize the attack on Lleida to expand the " Catalán " territory, in the battle of "Navès". In this battle he was hurt – a deep wound sentenced him to death. "Carles el Calb" put his four fingers (index, middle, ring and little finger) into Guifré’s wound, and with the red blood, painted the four bars of the Catalán flag above the shield.
After his death, and honoring the Catalán hero legend, soldiers painted on their shields the four bars, thus identifying themselves with this flag.
At present La “Senyera” is shared with Valencia, the Balearic Islands and Aragon. Often we see it horizontally, although its origin is clearly vertical.

La Senyera

Source: http://gamersmafia.com

El Barrio del Born – Barcelona

This is another very interesting neighbourhood of Barcelona. It is the most important medieval neighbourhood in the city.

In this "barrio" you will find some of the coolest bars, restaurants and boutiques. Its narrow streets in the form of a labyrinth make it a “must” when you visit Barcelona. A walk through will make you feel you have stepped back in history. Together with El Barrio Gótico, El Born forms the antique city of Barcelona.

El Born contains some amazing pieces of architecture such as El Palau de la Música – one of the most beautiful examples of the Catalán Modernism. This great palace built by arquitech Lluís Domènech i Montaner is well known for its facade decorated with mosaics.

In El Born you will also find the Picasso Museum – probably “The” museum to visit in the city, for the artist and for the building.

Another fascinating building is the church of Santa Maria del Mar – this is a Catalán gothic style church from fourteenth century. It was built on top of the chapel of Santa María de las Arenas from year 998. Berenguer de Montagud initiated the project in 1328, which was finished half a century after.

El Born is the most sophisticated neighbourhood in the city – come and enter this enchanting labyrinth full of magic, history and beauty.

The clubs and bars tend to be a little more relaxed than the ones by the port. If you fancy a cocktail or even dance until the morning, El Born is the place to be.