The Lofttown

February is known for many events such as Valentine’s Day or White Week, without forgetting one of the most important events of the year, Carnival!

Carnival is a festival full of music, dance and costumes that will surprise you. At Xior, you can also dress up in whatever you like, buy the costume or make it yourself. Each city has its own tradition and its typical celebrations, what do you think about discovering it with us? 

In many parts of the world this festivity is a spectacle, if you are staying in any of our residences you can take a trip to some of the places we are going to talk about in this blog. We are going to show you some of the most famous places in Spain where you can celebrate Carnival. 

Places to celebrate Carnival in Spain:

• Carnival in Cadiz (Andalusia): It is one of the most fun carnivals you will find in Spain, where you will be able to enjoy comparsas, choirs and chirigotas, musical groups that are identified with the Cadiz carnival. These types of musical performances are full of social criticism and irony, mainly represented by those who participate in the festival/competitions. It’s a fresh air of good vibes and good humour that you won’t want to miss.

• Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands): this Carnival is one of the most important in the world, and obviously in Spain. So, if you are a resident of one of our Xior residences you could catch a flight this weekend and witness this spectacular carnival. They have some magnificent parades of floats, very colourful and bright where fantasy and rhythm abound. 

• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival (Canary Islands): One of the most historic festivities is the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Full of joy, colour, feathers, dance and music. The gala is held to see who will be chosen as Queen of the Carnival, which is also broadcast on television.

• Pontevedra Carnival (Galicia): this is a very special one, full of comparsas, costumes, charangas and other groups that parade through the streets of Rias Baixas. Another thing you can’t miss in this Carnival is the burial of the parrot Ravachol, in honour of a true story.

• Carnival of Badajoz (Extremadura): it is considered a Festival of International Tourist Interest since last year, this year a famous comedian in Spain will be present as the town crier of the festivity. It is a 10-day carnival, so you have time to get organised and be able to attend one of the most popular carnivals.

• Sitges Carnival (Catalonia): One of the most famous and frequented carnivals in Catalonia, the parades in this town are made up of huge floats in which theatrical scenes are represented. There is a character known as “Carnestoltes” who arrives along with the Carnival Queen.

If you want to know more about us, we also invite you to follow us on Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest news in our student residence.

Barcelona is a city that is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the winter months there as well. In fact, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the colder season in this beautiful city.

For that reason, today at Xior The Lofttown, your student residence in Barcelona, we will show you some ideas to live a different and very fun winter.

Museums and Art Galleries

One of the best things to do in Barcelona during the winter is to explore its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to many world-renowned museums and art galleries, such as the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation. These institutions offer a great way to escape the cold and spend a few hours immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and art.

Parks and Gardens

Another great way to enjoy the winter in Barcelona is to take a stroll through the city’s many parks and gardens. Park Guell, for example, is a beautiful park that is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the city. It’s a great place to take a walk and enjoy the fresh winter air.

Traditional Dishes

Barcelona is also home to many delicious traditional dishes that are perfect for warming you up on a cold winter day. Dishes such as “Escudella” and “Esqueixada” (a salted cod salad) are hearty and comforting, and are best enjoyed with a glass of warm red wine.

Shopping

Shopping is also a great way to enjoy the winter in Barcelona. The city is home to many unique boutiques and shops that sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage clothing. And when you’re done shopping, you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate or a café con leche at one of the many cozy cafes in the city.

Winter Events

Finally, Barcelona is also home to many festivals and events that take place during the winter months. From the “Feria de Santa Llúcia” (the Christmas fair) to the “Fiesta de La Mercè” (the city’s main festival), there’s always something happening in the city to keep you entertained.

Overall, there are many ways to enjoy the winter in Barcelona. Whether you’re interested in art, food, shopping, or festivals, this city has something for everyone. So pack your warmest coat and head out to explore all that Barcelona has to offer during the winter months.

Now that you know what to do during the winter in Barcelona, we remind you that at Xior The Lofttown, your student residence, we want to count on you to live a unique and unforgettable experience, while you study in this amazing city.

If you want to know more about us, we also invite you to follow us on Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest news in our student residence.

Many will have already started the second semester, others still have a few days to enjoy the holidays until it begins.

At Xior The Lofttown we also start a new semester, new people, new challenges, new objectives, as well as residents who have been with us since the first semester who are learning with us to live day to day outside their homes.

Our residents have possibly gone through one of the most difficult moments: the adaptation period away from home. Therefore, if you are new and it is your first time away from home, we are going to give you a few tips to help you adapt to this situation:

1. Avoid setting high expectations: Having high expectations depending on what, can lead to other problems, such as frustration or anxiety that they may not have been met. For this reason, sometimes it’s better not to have high expectations and to let yourself go with what happens to you on a daily basis. You can have goals as always in life, but if you do, you have to be clear that sometimes they don’t have to be fulfilled and nothing happens. This way you can avoid any type of stress and try the best possible way to deal with the situation.

2. Learning the language of the place: Learning the language of the place where you’re going to live for a while is highly recommended, not only because it will be easier for you to communicate with the people who live there and you won’t have as many problems making new friends, but also because you will learn another language and could be very important for your professional future.

3. Know more about the culture: A good way to adapt to the country or city that you are going to settle in for the first time is to find out a little about the place, what their customs are, if they have any local traditions, what are the typical foods, etc.

4. Knowing and being aware of the reasons why we made the decision to leave home: You can make a list with the reasons why you decided to move, taking this into account, it can help you reach your destination in a calmer way.

Once you arrive at your “new home” you can:

1. Maintain a routine: You can start with new habits and turn it into a routine for your day-to-day life in your new home, or simply do everything you used to do at home now at the Xior The Lofttown.

2. Creating or keeping your interests can be a good way to connect with what you had, it will make you not miss the way you lived before so much.

3. Socializing with other people in order to make plans can be difficult at first, but if you live at Xior you can have it easier, since you can meet many people who are in the same situation as you.

4. Knowing ourselves, if one day you feel like going out to do anything that your friends are not very keen on, you can make that plan with yourself, going out alone is a way to disconnect from everything that surrounds you, and learn to get to know you much more, the things you like or the things you prefer to do.

Many times the changes are necessary and also hard, whether it’s to leave or to return home after a period away from it. From The Lofttown we hope that these tips can help you.

If you want to know more about us, we also invite you to follow us on Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest promotions and news in our student residence.

With winter comes colder, darker and shorter days, freezing temperatures, and gross germs. For that reason, today at The Lofttown, your student residence in Barcelona, we want to share with you some useful tips for winter wellness. These are simple things that you can start today and could actually do all year round.

Stay Active

It’s important to stay active during the winter to maintain good physical and mental health. Go for walks or runs outside (dressing in layers and wearing appropriate shoes is important), or find ways to stay active indoors, such as taking up a new exercise class or going for a walk in a shopping mall.

Get Enough Sleep

It’s easy to let your sleep schedule slip during the winter, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough rest. Set a consistent bedtime and try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Share tips for improving sleep quality, such as creating a bedtime routine or reducing screens before bed.

Eat A Healthy Diet

It can be tempting to turn to comfort foods during the winter, but try to focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Share recipes for soups, stews, and other comfort foods that are made with nutrient-dense ingredients.

Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget to drink enough water during the winter, especially if you’re spending a lot of time indoors , but hydration is important year-round. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages.

Stay Warm

Make sure to dress in layers. Wearing layers traps heat between the layers and helps to regulate body temperature. Choose moisture-wicking materials for the base layer to help keep your skin dry, and add insulating layers on top. Also keep your home and workspace warm to help prevent colds and other illnesses.

Get Some Sunlight

Winter can be a gloomy time, but it’s important to get some natural sunlight to help boost your mood and energy levels. Try to get outside for at least a few minutes each day.

Take Care Of Your Mental Health

The shorter days and colder weather of winter can lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness. Try to practice self-care, such as setting aside time for hobbies and activities you enjoy, or seek support if you’re struggling with your mental health. It’s easy to get stressed during the winter, so make sure to take time for yourself to relax and recharge. You can also try activities like meditation, yoga, or taking a warm bath to help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Are You Ready to Spend the Winter with Us at Xior Lofttown?

We hope that with these tips we shared with you today, you can be prepared for the winter of 2023.

If you want to know more about us and our fantastic university residence, we invite you to follow us on Instagram so that you are always updated with the latest promotions and news on The Lofttown.

Today at Xior The Lofttown, your student residence, we tell you the whole story of Three Kings Day in Spain, while the preparations are finalized for its magical celebration. In Spain, the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6 is known as Three Kings Day.

Three Kings Day commemorates the story of the three wise men who visited Jesus after his birth. According to the Bible, the wise men followed a star to Bethlehem, where they gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This day celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi.

In many countries, Three Kings Day is a reason for family reunions, gift giving and religious celebrations. Children usually receive large gifts or sweets, and it is a tradition to buy or cook a “roscón de reyes” on this day. Many people also attend church on Three Kings Day, where they hear the story of the Magi and the birth of Jesus.

Parades

In addition to gift-giving, Three Kings Day is also celebrated with parades and processions in honor of the three kings. Floats with actors dressed as kings usually participate in these parades, as well as live music and dance performances.

History of the Cavalcade in Barcelona

It is said that the first references to the presence of the Three Kings in Barcelona date back to the Corpus Christi processions of the 14th century. However, the first parades that were officially registered in the city date from the end of the 18th century, being held intermittently until the beginning of the 20th century.

Later, during the first decades of the last century, the parade had a charitable focus in order to help the most needy in the city. Later, during the Civil War, the parade was interrupted until 1942 by order of the Barcelona City Council.

Roscon de Reyes

The Roscón de Reyes is the highlight of the Three Kings Day celebrations. This cake is shaped like an open circle, or crown, and contains candied fruit and dried fruit to represent the crown jewels of the Magi. This tradition requires that a small magician king be hidden inside the cake and a bean. Tradition says that whoever finds the bean has to pay the amount of the roscón, and if you find the king, you will enjoy a prosperous New Year.

We invite you to follow us on Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest news from our student residence.

We hope to see you very soon in Xior The Lofttown!

Have an amazing year 2023!

2023 is already here and with it also come many incredible traditions to enjoy the New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, as always with the best tips we share on our blog for residents. For that reason, today at The Lofttown, your residence in Barcelona, we want to tell you the best New Year’s Eve Traditions around the world.

New Year’s Eve, or “Old Year’s Night” as it is known in some parts of the world, is a time for celebration and reflection as people mark the end of one year and the beginning of another.

Different cultures and communities have their own unique traditions for celebrating the new year, some of which are centuries old. Here are a few examples:

Fireworks and parades

Many people celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks displays and parades, which are often accompanied by music, food, and other festivities.

Fireworks and parades are a common way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in many parts of the world. Fireworks displays are often held at midnight, with colorful displays of sparks and light illuminating the sky.

Parades are also a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, particularly in cities and towns. These parades may feature floats, marching bands, and other performers, and are often held in the afternoon or evening on New Year’s Eve.

Both fireworks displays and parades are a way for communities to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. They are often seen as a way to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another with joy and excitement.

Midnight kisses

In many parts of the world, it is a tradition to exchange kisses with loved ones at midnight on New Year’s Eve as a way to bring good luck in the coming year.

This tradition is often associated with the idea of starting the new year off on a positive and affectionate note. It is also seen as a way to celebrate the close bonds of love and friendship, and to show appreciation for the people in our lives who are important to us.

The tradition of exchanging kisses at midnight on New Year’s Eve is thought to have originated in ancient Rome, where it was believed that the god Jupiter would grant good fortune to those who exchanged kisses at the stroke of midnight. In the Middle Ages, the tradition spread throughout Europe and became associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Today, the tradition is observed in many parts of the world, and is often seen as a fun and romantic way to mark the start of the new year.

Resolutions

While some people make their resolutions as a way to make specific changes in their lives, others may use the start of the new year as a time to reflect on their overall well-being and happiness. In either case, the goal of New Year’s resolutions is to improve one’s life and bring about positive change.

Although making New Year’s resolutions can be a helpful way to set goals and motivate oneself, it’s important to be realistic and to set achievable goals. It can also be helpful to have a plan in place for how to achieve these goals, and to be willing to adapt and adjust as needed.

Finally, it’s important to remember that making positive changes in one’s life is a journey, and that it’s okay to take small steps and make progress over time.

Twelve Grapes

Eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve is both a tradition and a superstition in Spain. Eating the grapes pretty much guarantees starting off the year with a little adrenaline rush, and most likely some laughs.

Also, rare is the Spaniard who will risk poisoning their fate for the coming year by skipping the grapes, one for each stroke of midnight.

Now that you know what the best New Year’s Eve Traditions are, we remind you that at The Lofttown, your student residence in Barcelona, we want to count on you to live a great and unforgettable experience, while you study in Barcelona to become one of our #TheLoftowners.

If you want to know more about us, we also invite you to follow us on Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest promotions and news in our student residence.

Have a good year 2023!