International Exhibition in Saragossa becoming Europe's biggest event this summer

The International Exhibition on Water and Sustainable Development taking place in Saragossa (Aragon, Spain) until the 14th of September is gaining momentum. More than 400,000 people have already visited Expo Zaragoza 2008 since its grand opening 10 days ago. This sustainability-awareness event does not only intend to become a worldwide meeting point for debating water politics in the planet, with 2,000 of the world's most important scientists and personalities attending the Water Tribune. It also wants people to have fun while being educated: the complex boasts a cable car as well as buildings by some of the world's top architects, like the Bridge Pavillion across the Ebro river by award-winner Zaha Hadid. Over 100 countries participate with their own exhibits, and themed plazas provide different water-related experiences and knowledge. Europe's largest river aquarium is already becoming very popular among children and adults alike. There are lots of music every day, from big stars like Gloria Estefan or Bob Dylan, to DJ sets and flamenco acts. Theatre is also represented by some impressive daily events like the one performed at noon by Le Cirque du Soleil or the Iceberg Show by the river bank at 10:30 pm. Many of the exhibits are high tech, with video walls and sensorial experiences, so you won't get bored merely reading panels.

The whole area where the exhibition is located has been transformed within just three years into what it is now, with full planning for becoming one of the central areas of the city as soon as the Expo finishes. It also includes a park with botanical gardens, water-rafting area and canoeing. Hundreds of volunteers in blue suits are ready to help you and answer your queries.

One-day tickets are available for 35 euros, but check the website for discounts. Opening times for the exhibits are from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm, while the premises are open until 3:00 am for a different Spanish summertime experience with music and theatre shows under the colourful lights of its futuristic buildings. During the day, there is a reasonable amount of shadow available, with water regularly sprayed for lowering the temperature, but be ready for the midday heat, and book your entrance well in advance to each of the pavillions, using the touchscreen stations scattered along the area, in order to avoid big queues on peak days. The city is connected by high-speed train to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville. There are direct flights from London, Paris, Rome, Brussels, Lisbon, Milan and Frankfurt, as well as from several Spanish cities. And while you are in Saragossa, why not checking its magnificent past exploring La Seo Cathedral, El Pilar Basilic or the remains of the Roman Theater.

[Picture by Miguel Daza]