An autumn movie? In Gijon, of course
The countdown to the red carpet rolling out far and wide Gijon has started. The great annual event is approaching and the city begins to deck itself out for the event. Yes, friend, it's already here: the Xixon International Film Festival , which this year will celebrate no less than 57 editions stepping strong, it returns to demonstrate once again that, in this little corner of Asturias, the seventh art is also committed.
And what better excuse to discover the charms of this beautiful Asturian land than the movie party ? To us, what do you want us to tell you, we can't think of a better plan. And if we add one of its most acclaimed events to the cultural, gastronomic, heritage and nature offer that Gijón already has, turn it off and let's go!
Decided: This fall we are going to live it in the movies.
Plaza Mayor of Gijon
HOW, WHEN AND WHERE: THE KEYS TO THE FESTIVAL
57 years are more than enough to state categorically that the **Xixón International Film Festival (FICX for friends)**, dedicated to the best independent and auteur cinema, is one of the most important in Spain. An event that is surpassed in each edition bringing the best of the national and international film scene: directors, actors, producers And ultimately, professionals from the world of the big screen , find their place here every fall.
Screenings, colloquiums, talks, exhibitions and even concerts are part of the program, which this 2019 will extend between 15 and 23 November and will transform the city, once again, into a true cinematographic playground. The final climax? The grand gala of the festival awards , of course, when the red carpet shines bright thanks to the big stars that parade down it.
The best thing is to take a look at the calendar and make room in the agenda to enjoy the Gijón of cinema. Do you want some data? This edition has 12 national premieres and one world premiere, in addition to an interesting photography exhibition -among many others- of the multifaceted David Lynch : small stories . Who could resist?
Jovellanos Theater of Gijon
EXPLORING GIJON
Very simple: now it's your turn to grab the map, because it's time to plan the perfect route around the city, which will have to be done! explore Gijon ! So decide how you want to enjoy it, whether by strolling along its San Lorenzo beach while letting yourself be enveloped by the Cantabrian breeze, or by climbing to the top of the Santa Catalina Hill Park to join you, together with Chillida, in that immense Praise of the Horizon.
Be that as it may, and although there will be time for everything, we suggest you start the tour of Gijón through the origin of this wonderful city: in Cimavilla, its most authentic neighborhood . Former fishing area, its streets and buildings still convey that seafaring atmosphere so deeply rooted in Gijón. A route through its alleys must start from the monument dedicated to Don Pelayo, in the Marquis Square , to then go through your Main Square , built in 1862, or by the former clock tower.
A visit to one of the most illustrious Gijons, Jovellanos, in the house where he was born, will not hurt and will be key to getting to know both the mythical character and his little sister up close. Josefa de Jovellanos , the first woman with a literary work written in Asturian and one of the most important poets of the time. Also in Cimavilla, the palaces and mansions scattered throughout its streets will not cease to amaze you throughout the tour: we already told you, Gijón becomes more and more special as you get to know it.
The route cannot end without a visit to a cider house –please, we are in Asturias!- to have some culinos. And here, be careful: skill is not only found in how to serve it, there is also knowing the keys on how to take it.
Chillida in Gijon
MODERNIST GIJÓN
After suffering enormous damage during the Civil War, the city of Gijón had no choice but to rise from its ashes. However, those bombardments that damaged it did not manage to destroy some of its jewels. For this reason, when you walk through the streets of the center of Gijón today, you are lucky enough to see authentic wonders of the most modern architecture living with old modernist and art deco-inspired relics.
Next to Paseo Begoña , Where is he Jovellanos Theater , -home of the Xixón International Film Festival, by the way- the stylish constructions will leave you speechless. Nor will they go unnoticed when you cross the Corrida or Los Moros street , commercial center of the city. Or when you advance parallel to the San Lorenzo beach : Some of these primitive constructions remain upright facing the sea, as if time had not passed through them.
If the day is good, rest assured that you will be able to see some brave man refreshing himself in the waters of the Bay of Biscay or, much better: some other lady who, even in the 21st century, continues to do the wave baths as they used to do in the past. In the distance, the silhouette of some intrepid surfer conquering the sea. This is Gijon, friend.
At the end of the beach, another surprise from Gijón: the St. Peter's Church stands imposing next to the promenade. Below her, the ruins of the ancient Roman Baths of Campo Valdés : visiting them is the most attractive and interesting way to delve into the remotest past of the city.
Cimavilla, its most authentic neighborhood
LET'S GO A LITTLE FURTHER
But if there is a building that has become a symbol par excellence of this city, that is the Labor University , about three kilometers from the nerve center of Gijón –and a very, very cinematographic setting, since it has served as the location for several films-.
Its grandeur is the first thing that leaves you speechless when you access its patio, although to learn the details of its construction and its history there is nothing like taking one of the organized guided tours.
Thus, in addition, it will be possible to access the top of the tower to enjoy wonderful views: this is the tallest stone construction in Spain. One more curiosity? La Laboral is the largest civil building in the entire country.
Very close -and when we say close, we really mean it, since they are only 5 minutes away on foot- is the Atlantic Botanical Garden : 25 hectares of natural museum that includes, among other attractions, a beautiful romantic garden.
La Laboral, where else?
STOP AND FONDA
But if there is something that is intrinsically related to a trip to Gijón, it is gastronomic delight. Because the pleasure generated by enjoying eating in this little piece of Asturias is something that cannot be described in words: you have to live it.
And to do so, nothing like going to any of the restaurants included in the Gijón Gourmet route, which makes haute cuisine accessible at more than competent prices.
Another option is to bet on the overwhelming menus of the city's cider houses, where you can try the more traditional cuisine : from its multiple varieties of cheeses, to the typical cakes or, of course, the always successful Fabada . If you are able to finish off the experience, you will do it with a rice pudding to lick your fingers. Then, yes, you will need a nap!
To finish sweetening the experience, however, nothing like having a snack in any of the 16 confectioneries that are part of the route. Greedy Gijon : the passion that this city has for sweets is something absolutely wonderful. But more wonderful, yes, are the pastry creations . You will want to repeat.
TO LOWER THE FOOD...
Well, to lower the food nothing like a fun ride , how about? And the same goes for doing it on foot, than by bicycle: the path that runs through part of the Gijon coast , from the mouth of the Piles River to the El Rinconin beach -allowed for dogs, by the way-, it will not only make you discover the city from a different point of view: it will also give you the chance to meet some of the most picturesque sculptures in the whole city. For example? The Mother of the Emigrant or Shadows of Light, two beautiful works of art.
In this way, having discovered the city from all possible points of view, you will not only have fallen hopelessly surrendered to its charms: you will also have put the perfect final climax to a movie experience.
So remember! Next November you have an appointment with the cinema. In Gijon, of course.