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One of a Kind Accommodation

The Only Team Do you like travelling?, Travel Tips

One of a Kind Accommodation

The rebirth of sacred art

Mónica Boixeda Florentine, Only-Be, Things to do in Florence

When we think of religious art, images of Christ, the virgin, the apostles and other biblical scenes, pop up in our minds. The most of the art we relate with sacred art are paintings and sculptures done many centuries ago; works that surely you’ve seen in Italy, especially in the artistic city of Florence, by artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini or other famous Renaissance artists. The ones, who thought that sacred art was something from the past, are simply wrong. In fact, religious art is in demand today, in the XXI century. Located on the banks of the Arno River in Florence, there is a school of sacred art, which is trying to stoke the fires of this tradition, which has made the city one of the most important historical and artistic centers worldwide. Although Michelangelo and his colleagues passed away many years ago, their spirit is still there. In an article published in the Huffington Post, the director of this school, Giorgio Fozzati, declared that “the sacred art market is a booming market”, adding the fact that, only in Italy, more than 540 churches have been built in the past two decades. Photo: madprime Another factor influencing that the sacred art is in constant development is the fact that the Catholic Church sanctifies people, such as the former Pope John Paul II, among many others. These new saints need paintings, sculptures and other works of art to represent them and that is why religious artists are in constant demand. Fozzati indicates, “The challenge is not to copy the old masterpieces but to educate artists to be able... read more

Sinterklaas 2013 – Amsterdam

Mónica Boixeda Amsterdammer, Only-Be, Things to do in Amsterdam

St. Nicholas, typically associated to Christmas, will be the star of a great festival celebrated on the 17th of November 2013 in the Netherlands. This is not just a regular celebration; it is a rooted Dutch tradition that never fails to mesmerize locals and visitors. In anticipation of St. Nicholas’ arrival, streets, houses and shops all over the country are decorated with images of the venerable red-dressed old man with the white beard. Although it is not very clear why Sinterklaas lives in Spain, every year during mid-November he arrives by boat to Amsterdam along with his assistants the Zwarte Pieten (the black Peters). Wearing elegant medieval clothes, Sinterklaas and his assistants navigate the beautiful waters of the Amstel River, while waiving at families that enjoy his colorful parade from the riverbanks. The cheerful boat-parade ends at noon at Amsterdam’s Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum), where Santa and his assistants are welcomed by the city Mayor. Photo: Sander van der Wel At half past Twelve Sinterklaas gets on Americo, his beautiful white horse, and heads towards the famous Dam square in a joyful parade led by his beloved assistants, who throw millions of candies to the happy crowds that enjoy this show full of music and dances. At Dam Square, you’ll find thousands of families craning their necks to get a glimpse of Sinterklaas’ arrival. Multiple acrobat shows and, of course, the Zwarte Pieten, who wouldn’t spot throwing candies until everyone get a piece, liven up this beautiful event. Starting on the 17th of November and until the 6th of December, Santa and his loyal assistants get down the chimneys to... read more