Back to the Future: An Evening at the Medieval Market

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Fiestas and Festivals, Laws and Customs, Places, Slice of Life

During the past weekend, a Medieval-themed market took over the main square of the white village of Torrox in the heart of the Axarquía region. Organized by the Ayuntamiento (town hall), there was lots of medieval bunting to transport you back to the 15th century, with suitably dressed character actors to set the mood.

There were various stalls selling crafts, jewellery, cheeses, traditional craftwork in metal and wood, as well as lots of food.

Huge wooden chess tables had been set up for anyone to enjoy a game of chess in the evening sunshine.

The most popular attraction was in one corner of the square where there was a roped-off area with many different birds of prey on display. Their handler gave a demonstration of the birds´ hunting prowess, which thrilled and delighted the crowd, especially the many children. The birds appeared to be well cared for and made an impressive sight sitting on their perches, patiently waiting their turn to swoop over the gathered crowd.

All of the bars and restaurants in Plaza de la Constitución had their outdoor seating areas overflowing with people all eating, drinking and enjoying this year´s Medieval Fiesta!

I have merged my responses to this week´s Photo Challenges: Travel Theme: Tradition as well as the Weekly Image of Life: Colours.

Whilst you´re here, why not have a look at:

All at sea with the Virgen del Carmen

Photographs I love …. and why!

Flowering snapshot of a January day around the garden

All at sea with the Virgen del Carmen

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Marianne under Fiestas and Festivals, Laws and Customs, Slice of Life

In a festival that dates back several hundred years, many coastal towns and fishing villages in Spain celebrate the Fiesta del Día de Virgen del Carmen as the protector of mariners and fishermen.

Every year on 16^th July, spectacular maritime processions of decorated fishing boats known as jabegas head out to sea carrying their precious cargo, an effigy of the Virgen del Carmen, to bless their fishing grounds.

The vessels, many decorated with brightly coloured flags and bunting, each crowded with people, gather under the late dusk sky patiently waiting for the official party of sailors, fishermen, clergy and authorities to bring the Statue of the Virgin on board the boat that will lead the procession.

But before that, the Virgen del Carmen is paraded through the streets for all to see. There is an air of excitement with people surging forward for the best views as the parade passes by, before making its way to the water´s edge.

Celebrations vary slightly from town to town along the coast, east of Málaga. My photographs show last night´s celebrations in La Caleta de Vélez, situated at the mid-coastal point of La Axarquía.

The video below shows the celebrations held last year in the town of Torre del Mar, just along the coast from La Caleta de Vélez.

Which is your favourite Spanish festival or fiesta?

Whilst you´re here, why not have a look at the following articles too?

The heart of Cómpeta: El Paseo de las Tradiciones

Patatas a lo pobre: Poor man´s potatoes

Spain beat Italy in the final of Euro 2012

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Marianne under Fiestas and Festivals, Slice of Life

[Image credit: (cc) Iberia Airlines]

Unless you are living in a cave, you probably know by now that Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, last night.

As you might imagine, there were lots of celebrations after the game. Beating drums, car- horns, fireworks and a fair few choruses of “Campeones!” ringing out until the early hours of this morning. How the Spanish love to party!

It´s great to have a feel-good story amidst all the doom-and-gloom of the current financial crisis.

Well done Spain – worthy winners!

If you like football, you might also like:

Top 10 Best Football Players in Spain today

Spanish football: Estadio La Roselada, home of Málaga CF

Photographs I love … and why!

La Noche de San Juan: Families, fires and football!

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Fiestas and Festivals, Laws and Customs, Slice of Life

Last night, we joined the beach party at Torre del Mar to celebrate the summer solstice, but first, there was the small matter of a football match – Spain were playing France in the quarter finals of Euro 2012!

A huge TV screen had been erected on the stage where the live music would be performed later in the evening, and everyone was vying for the best position to see the match. I´m sure you can imagine the atmosphere when the goals were scored and Spain won their place in the semi-finals!

In the meantime, there was much work to be done. Long lines of wood were being set alight in preparation for the hundreds of kilos of sardines that were to be barbecued and given out free, later. A team of guys were sharpening bamboo skewers and threading them with sardines ready to be cooked.

La noche de San Juan is the only time of the year when bonfires and camping are allowed on the beach, so many people take advantage, bringing their own BBQs and tents to spend the whole night partying, dancing and drinking with their friends. It´s a lovely atmosphere with people of all ages joining in the fun, including groups of old ladies and children. As with all celebrations here in Spain, whole families enjoy the festivities together, without any threat of drunken yobbos spoiling the fun.

La noche de San Juan, in honour of St John the Baptist, is not a religious gathering. It is about change – night into day, fire and water, with many cleansing rituals associated with it. According to tradition, if you jump over a bonfire on this night, and rush into the sea at midnight, your body and soul will will be cleansed and purified. What it´s really all about is families and friends getting together and eating, drinking and just having a great time!

Think Isle of White festival without the mud! La Noche de San Juan is a Midsummer Night´s Dream – Spanish style!

Whilst you´re here, you might also like to have a look at:

La Noche de San Juan: Beaches and Bonfires

La Fiesta de Los Reyes: Celebrating Three Kings Day

A Celebration of Fried Breadcrumbs: The 30th Annual Migas Festival

Photographs I love …. and why! [Part 10]

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Fiestas and Festivals, Photo challenges, Photographs I love, Slice of Life

This is just one of a series of photos I have taken, and will share with you over time, capturing the essence of living east of Málaga. Each one, in it’s own unique way, reminds me of why I love living in southern Spain, and in particular the Axarquía.

I took this photograph a couple of years ago during the Bull Run in the village of Frigiliana. This event is held each year, early on the Sunday morning of the Feria weekend in June.

A smaller version than the Bull Run held in Pamplona, both in size of attractions and certainly in the size and age of the bulls, but nonetheless no less exciting for those participating. No bulls are harmed at this annual festival.

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