Known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava", Catalonia’s wild coast, Blanes is a popular tourist town and has botanical gardens, coves, such as the Cala Bona, and beaches which are surrounded by mountains. The Fiesta mayor or feast of Santa Anna and Sant Joaquim (on the 26th) are usually celebrated in the 3rd or 4th week of July, between the 21st and 27th annually. During the eight days, the major feasts are celebrated as well as the European Concurs de Focs d'Artifici which attracts more than 500,000 visitors. This is an international competition in which various countries from around the world participate. Over 500,000 kg of fireworks are used at each event.
The history of Blanes predates the Roman conquest, Iberian activity been attested in the area. After the rule of the Romans the area shared the fate of much of the Peninsula, being conquered successively by Goths, the Moors and the Christians shortly after. In the 13th century, after the Christians regained the power, important architectural developments took place in Blanes. Some examples are the palace, Palau Vescomtal, the Església Parroquial church and the city walls. In the 17th century, during the Catalan Revolt (Guerra de los Segadores), Blanes was practically burned to ashes. The Palau Vescomtal was completely destroyed.
About the stamps
The first stamp is part of the fifth definitive series with the portrait of the King Juan Carlos I, about which I wrote here. The second, which depicted the buterfly Charaxes jasius, is part of Fauna set, about which I wrote here.
References
Blanes - Wikipedia
Sender: Josep
sent from Blanes (Catalonia / Spain), on 02.02.2012
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