November 1st is celebrated with a national holiday each year in Spain, as Todos los Santos (All Saints´ day). Cemeteries will be packed with families paying their respects to loved ones who have gone before them.
Tag Archives: fiestas
Torrox: Let me take you to Funky Town
You might not think of one of Andalucía’s famous white villages as being “FUNKY”, and neither did I, until yesterday morning when I went into Plaza de la Constitución in Torrox pueblo on an errand.
WOW! THAT’S PRETTY FUNKY!
There are hundreds of umbrellas, in six different colours, hanging from discreet wires all around the square.
WHY?
To give much needed shade, as well as making the town (even more) attractive to visitors!
They certain made ME smile 🙂
How cool/funky/quirky is this, huh? Let me know what YOU think ….
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Have you met Malaga’s sensational Phoenician Goddess?
Allow me to introduce you …..
This is Malac, also known as Noctiluca, Goddess of the Moon, the night and of fertility. This beautiful lady cuts a lonely figure as she stands on the promenade in Rincón de la Victoria, gazing longingly at the sea.
Her people, the Phoenicians, who were experienced sailors, navigators and traders, founded the settlement of Malaka (which later developed into the city of Málaga) at the mouth of the Guadalhorce River, around 770BC.
Yes, Málaga’s history can be traced back more than 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
Málaga’s early inhabitants were mainly engaged in fishing. They revered their great Goddess, Noctiluca, and worshipped her with offerings and sacrifices at her sanctuary in the present day Cueva del Tesoro (one of only three such marine caves in the world), in Rincón de la Victoria.
Each year, an image of the deity would be carried in procession and immersed into the sea to provide good fishing for the fishermen. The Phoenician influence was considerable and many traditions and customs have been bequeathed and continue thousands of years later.
To this day, on 16th July each year, sailors and fishermen from villages along the Spanish coast, parade their statues of the Virgen del Carmen though the streets and introduce her to the sea to bless the waters.
The statue of the Phoenician goddess, Malac (Noctiluca) is by well-known Málaga sculptor, Jaime Pimentel.
The divinities may change, but the customs continue.
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¡Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas
My Christmas wish for you is that love, hope and happiness fill your hearts this holiday season, and may all your dreams and wishes have wings.
¡Feliz Navidad!
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Shining Brightly: Malaga’s Christmas Lights
During the festive season, the Christmas Lights in Málaga are always a great place to visit, but this year they have really surpassed themselves.
They are nothing short of spectacular!
Each evening, Calle Marqués de Larios, the main pedestrianised shopping street is crowded with people enjoying a party atmosphere with balloons and street performers to entertain them. What I particularly love here in the city, as in every village and town across Spain, you will see all the family generations out taking their evening stroll together.
Whilst they are still open, the shops, as well as the bars and restaurants are brimming over with people either doing their Christmas shopping or just soaking up the festive atmosphere.
The stars of this particular light show are shining brightly on Calle Marqués de Larios (famous for being paved with marble), and this year’s display has a Gothic feel, with a cathedral-arched frame dominating the street.
Most surrounding streets have a more modest display of lights too, so have a wander around and see them, but don’t forget to look up at the beautiful buildings, too.
You’ll see bright red poinsettias everywhere – planted on the roundabouts, hanging from lamp posts and displayed in huge cones around Calle Larios.
There’s a huge choice of bars and restaurants to tempt you – many with their gas-flame heaters burning outside to keep you warm. If you have to drive back home again later, you might prefer to try the best chocolate and churros in Málaga, at Cafe Aranda in Calle Santos. The light, crispy churros and thick, creamy hot chocolate to dip them in are absolutely scrumptious!
Afterwards, wander down Calle Larios to the main road through the centre, Alameda Principal, to see the beautifully lit trees and the flower stalls or turn left and walk along the edge of the Paseo del Parque to enjoy the many Christmas stalls lining the route.
Marvel at the huge Christmas tree in Plaza Constitución, with the Gothic arches peeping at you from Calle Marqués de Larios, inviting you to come closer.
It’s easy to be fooled by the blue skies and warm sunshine, but yes, it’s only two weeks until Christmas Day.
You can really get in the mood for Christmas by visiting the outdoor skating rink in front of El Corte Ingles, or go to see one of the many the Bélens (crib and Nativity scenes) around the city – of which the best (in my opinion) is in the Town Hall.
Malaga’s Christmas lights shine from 6.30pm – 2am daily, until 6th January 2015
What’s YOUR favourite thing to do or visit at Christmas?
East of Málaga 