Discover the cultural traditions of Skypark Valdebebas

An aphorism by the poet Benjamin Prado referred to neighbors as "those close beings so far away". And, fortunately but unfortunately, it is a quite accurate approximation. Because, although we are barely separated by a partition wall from the people who live on the same property as us, it is common for us to know nothing of those beings so close to us. Isn't that a shame?

At Skypark Valdebebas we believe in the strength of community and in the power of a shared life with people with common interests. Above all, if these relationships offer us the value of the traditions of each culture. And this is something that Skypark Valdebebas can boast, since among the 395 homes that comprise it you can find a large colony of Argentines, but also a large group of residents from London, as well as American, Cuban, Colombian, Brazilian, Venezuelan, Italian, Ukrainian and, of course, Spanish families.

A cultural tower of Babel that invites us to delve into these cultures beyond the superficiality of a tourist guide. Let's review some of the elements that characterize these different nationalities.

Beyond the five o'clock tea

The cosmopolitan character of the United Kingdom, and its capital London, is evident in every detail of daily life. Tradition and openness to the world define the British character, which does not give up its five o'clock tea with butter or gingerbread cookies, but at the same time embraces the most exotic cultures, especially those coming from the East: the best Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the world are in London.

Since the 2012 Olympics, London has been more London than ever. Controversial moves such as Brexit aside, the city of red telephone boxes remains one of the world's most attractive and seductive capitals. Especially during the Christmas period, which London experiences with great intensity.

A street light show creates a cozy atmosphere that contrasts with the coolness of the Thames and the classic morning mist over Tower Bridge. Taking a sightseeing bus can be a great idea to get wrapped up in the Christmas atmosphere without leaving your legs in the attempt. As are ice skating at the Natural History Museum, strolling through Kew Gardens and greeting Santa Claus or enjoying Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland.

Although it is enough to sneak into any English pub in London (redundancy aside) to soak up all the spirit of this peculiar and unique country. The best pub in London? There are many candidates. But one with very good reviews is the Waxy O'Connor's. They say it is one of the most original. More facts? You can ask your London neighbors in Skypark, and also which pub they prefer.

The Argentina of the asado

Argentina is always a hot, red-hot country, not in vain its most famous stadium is called La Bombonera, which sounds like chaos, hustle and bustle and enthusiasm (like that of Maradona himself when he got hold of the ball). As are the red-hot barbecues and grills that host the juiciest asados and the pasties, which are another of Argentina's cultural and gastronomic pillars.

If you need documentation about it, there is a documentary on Netflix, Todo sobre el asado. It's a few years old (it's from 2016), but certain traditions don't change, thankfully, overnight (or they couldn't be called that). But the best thing to do is to try the barbecue technique of one of the Argentines who have come to Skypark and comment on their preferences when it comes to presenting meat: with or without chimichurri? Let's open a debate.

Venezuela with taste

Gastronomy is also a bridge for the relationship between twinned cultures such as the Spanish and Venezuelan. Because Venezuela is a country with a lot of flavor that goes beyond the delicious tequeños and the always appetizing arepas. Do you know the recipe for hallacas? One of the star dishes of Christmas, its preparation requires time and becomes, therefore, a ritual that unites the whole family, provokes conversations and, ultimately, the pleasure of tasting an exotic flavor rich in nutrients that contains the essence of Venezuela.

Now you know a little more about Skypark Valdebebas. And the amount of international attractions that await you if you dare to take the step to embrace a better way of life.