Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler Summer 2018

Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler

One of Spain’s oldest and most renowned international music and dance festivals, the Santander International Festival is celebrated each August, and this summer marks the 67th edition. Performances include ballet, theater, opera, baroque music, new music, piano competition, orchestras, family shows, and more. For the first several decades of its existence, the festival took place at the Plaza Porticada of the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo to provide a cultural alternative to foreign students studying at the university, but since 1991 has taken place at several venues: The main site is now the Palacio de Festivales in Santander, with additional venues in historic heritage sites throughout the Cantabria region. Santander International Festival August 1-25, 2018 Before or after perusing the galleries, visi- tors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, drinks, Cantabrian tapas, and live music in a culinary space within the Centro Botín with views of the gardens and the sea. El Muelle Restaurant, under the helm of Chef Jesús Sánchez (of two- Michelin starred Cenador de Amos ) offers a fresh and modern experience. More Information: www.centrobotin.org had been commissioned by Emilio Botín, the late chairman of Banco Santander. Cen- tro Botín houses a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits.

Image courtesy of Turismo Santander Summery snack in Santander: vermouth and a ración of squid rings.

Locally-raised meat

The Renzo Piano-designed Centro Botín (Botín Art Center) opened in June of 2017, now rendering the city a major destina- tion for art lovers. Located in the center of Santander, in the Pereda Gardens and overlooking Santander’s waterfront, the art gallery is funded by the Fundación Botín philanthropic foundation, and the project The Centro Botín cake. Another local speciality is puff pastry, found in different forms and with different names, depending on the area: Corbatas in San Vicente de la Barquera, Polkas in Tor- relavega, and Sacristanes in Liérganes. And although they did not originate here, milk- based desserts such as natillas (custard), rice pudding, and leche frita (milk fritters) are popular, reflecting the high quality of local dairies.

Beef and veal are the star products of Cantabrian farms. The Tudanca cattle breed produces lean and tasty meat, and Spain’s largest cattle market is held in this region: the Torrelavega National Livestock Fair. Other meats are also well represented, with game such as red deer, roe deer, and wild boar. Pork is found practically everywhere in Spain, and is a key ingredient in another traditional dish - cocido montañés , a hearty stew with beans, greens, and black pudding.

Traditional desserts

No meal in Cantabria would be complete without dessert. The locals are fond of sweets, and any restaurant where you choose to eat is likely to offer its own quesadas pasiegas, a traditional cheese-

More Information: www.festivalsantander.com

12