Sorolla’s Patriotic Scene

 
“The Cry of Palleter ” 1884, oil on canvas, 
152 x 202 cm. Valencia Provincial Council.

AT THE CENTRO CULTURAL BANCAJA in Valencia, I found myself once again face to face with Joaquín Sorolla’s El grito del Palleter (The Cry of the Palleter), painted in 1884. It was included in the exhibition Scenes and Landscapes in Valencian Painting. 19th and 20th Centuries, a marvelous collection of works that shows the breadth of romantic and realist traditions in Valencian art.

Tribute to the Toil of the Reapers


RECENTLY, when I was at a fabulous art show in Valencia, I got to witness up close the grandeur of a social realist and luminous painting by Vicent Castell i Domènech (1871–1934). It struck me immediately as a tribute to the value, suffering, and eventual uprising of the Catalonian reapers.

From Posters to Petals: Learning the Story of Valencia’s Gran Fira




WHEN I WAS IN VALENCIA recently, I went to an art show where I discovered these magnificent vintage posters. It was the first time I learned about the history of the Gran Feria de València, the great July celebration of flowers and festivities.

Exploring the Royal Marsh of Gandia: A Serene Escape into Nature

 



On a sun-drenched day with just the right touch of breeze, the Royal Marsh of Gandia offered an ideal setting for a tranquil day trip filled with natural beauty and cultural charm.

*Report & Photos by Art Historian and Educator Karla Darocas, B.A. (Hons)*  

Sueca: A Journey Through Modernist Architecture, Local History, and Artisan Chocolate

If you enjoy exploring towns rich in history, distinctive architecture, and authentic local experiences, Sueca, a medium-sized city in the Valencian province, should be on your itinerary. Just 30 minutes south of Valencia city, this charming destination offers a surprising mix of agricultural heritage, Modernist architecture, and artisan chocolate-making.

*Report & Photos by Art Historian and Educator Karla Darocas, B.A. (Hons)*  

Fontilles: A Hidden Sanctuary of Healing and Hope


High in the verdant mountains behind the village of Orba, nestled within the dramatic, sun-dappled slopes of the Alicante province, lies a place unlike any other—a place of silence, serenity, and sacred history. 

This is Fontilles, a tranquil sanctuary perched in the municipality of La Vall de Laguar. For over a century, it has stood as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and enlightened care for society’s forgotten souls.

Exclusive Private Screening * The Way*


The Way is an inspiring and visually stunning film directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen. 

The Missing Half of Juana la Loca’s Story—And Her Surprising Connection to Jávea


The story of Juana la Loca is one of power, betrayal, and suffering, and it extends far beyond the passionate heartbreak depicted in the film. 

Award Winning Film - Juana la Loca (2001) Español - English Subtitles


Don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty of Spanish history, culture, and romance on a big screen. Historian Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA (Hons) will be on hand to give insights and answer any questions!

Spanish Historical Romanticism Painting


Introduction to Spanish Romanticism in Painting

Spanish Romanticism in painting, emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was a response to political upheaval, national identity struggles, and evolving artistic influences from Europe. Unlike the structured realism and compositions of Neoclassicism, Romanticism embraced emotion, drama, and individuality, often highlighting Spain’s historical past, cultural traditions, and exoticism. 

Several distinct movements developed, each reflecting different aspects of Spanish Romanticism.