EASTER WEEK IN SPAIN and Student comments

There are many different ways to discover Spain: enjoying its coast and beaches, following a route around its various monuments, exploring the countryside, playing sports like golf... However, if you've never visited Spain during Easter week, then you simply have to come. And even if you already know this famous fiesta, it's well worth making another trip, as each region of Spain has its own way of celebrating the event.

In Spain, Easter week is celebrated with a great deal of emotion. People take an active role in its events and traditions. All day and night the streets are filled with the beat of the drums, masses of colourful flowers, and the consummate art of religious sculpture, all combining to produce a highly moving atmosphere.

World-famous fiestas

Easter week is celebrated in every city, town and village in Spain. Nevertheless, there are some fiestas that are especially well known for their uniqueness and beauty, and have received the International Tourist Interest designation.

During Easter week in Seville you'll see how the "cofradías" (religious brotherhoods) manage to withstand the colossal weight of elaborately decorated statues of the Virgin Mary as they parade through the narrow streets of the old town. Easter week in Malaga includes the ritual privilege of the freeing of a prisoner, and one of the most moving moments of all is when the figure of Jesus Christ blesses the convict. During the Easter week celebrations in Cuenca you can also enjoy the concerts in the Religious Music Week festival, which take place in historic buildings such as the cathedral.

More about Easter Week

WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

Donna Hamil (Massachusetts)  “I was ready to start my next series but unhappily unclear about exactly where to go. Now I know and have experimented with techniques that will help me achieve what I want. I appreciated your enormous energy and organization, ever-present support in the studio, and your desire for us to be exposed to the totality of your country.  I learned a lot about your food, and the trip ended up also being a gourmet treat…the workshop was just perfect for me.” 

Brucie Jacobs, Santa Fe, NM, April 2017:  Ellen and Belen's encaustic workshop in Malaga surpassed my expectations. Each day's class ( a convenient few minutes walk from my hotel),was invariably rich with new information and techniques. Ellen and Belen- two of the most versatile and accomplished artists and teachers I've known- not only taught us as a group, but gave individual attention to every participant's artwork and were always ready to answer questions. Immersion in Encaustic while becoming immersed in Spanish life and culture (a paella feast on the beach, visits to Malaga's museums and historic places, markets and delightful restaurants and cafes, several trips outside Malaga, including amemorable mountain hamlet) was a fascinating combination. All aspects surrounding the workshop were well organized in advance. A small thing, perhaps, but still, not having to worry about hotels, transportation in Malaga, most meals and such, left me free to focus on encaustics and the magic of Malaga. And while a daily schedule was good to have, there was no pressure to join every excursion or meal (although one might regret missing out on any slice of the cornucopia of activities offered). I recommend this workshop to anyone with an interest in encaustics as well astasting life in Malaga/

Dianna Shomaker (New Mexico):  “There are many reasons people go to workshops. Artists are not just taking the time to learn how to be better artists (that’s always the hope of course). But for me it is also the social interaction, the sparks of new ideas, the creativity and the energy of everyone working to create in an inspiring environment. This workshop was not only all of that but it was a great cultural immersion into life in Malaga and Spain. I LOVED it.”

Maria Damiry Meza (Venezuela):  “I learnt a great deal about the technical aspects of handling wax and pigments. However, of even more importance was what I was taught about artistic form, design and composition. I was uncertain if I had the necessary skill and creativity to be a professional artist. After the course I feel confident of myself and my ability to embark on the challenge of producing really high-class work. Attending the course was a fantastic experience for me and I would recommend it whole-hardheartedly to anyone who has a serious interest in encaustic art.”

Penny Flick (New Mexico) . One workshop; two teachers. Many different techniques for both beginners and more experienced artists. Explore encaustic and enjoy the Spanish culture -- don't miss the paella on the beach! Explore the history of Malaga and la Playa Malaguena!

In the port of Malaga, after lunch!