Competa´s Noche del vino: Night of wine

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Fiestas and Festivals

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La Noche del Vino (Night of Wine) is held each year on August 15th in the mountain village of Cómpeta and has become one of the Axarquía´s most important events.

Every year, thousands of people descend on the village to witness the ritual treading of the grapes and share in the fun and festivities to herald the start of the grape harvest. There is a free lunch of migas (fried breadcrumbs), salad and, most importantly, a glass of the locally-produced muscatel wine for everyone.

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

Eating your Greens: Acelgas

Fifty Shades of Grey: What´s going on?

I can see Africa from my terrace!

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Photo challenges, Photographs I love

This is the view from my terrace looking across the Mediterranean Sea towards the Rif Mountains in northern Morrocco

Yes, I really can see another continent from my house!

This post is my response to the Travel Theme photo challenge – Sunset

Travel Theme: Signs

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Marianne under Laws and Customs, Photo challenges

Being a petrolhead, I usually make the pilgrimage to Jerez de la Frontera each year when the Moto GP rolls into town. There´s always a fantastic atmosphere on race weekends, with more than 120,000 fans (mostly arriving on motorbikes) making their way to the motor racing circuit just outside the city.

The roads along the route to the circuit are perfect for motorbike riding, and I never fail to be amused by the roadsigns warning bikers that they may come up behind slower moving cars!

This post is my response to the Travel Theme photo challenge – Signs

Other interpretations:

Four Deer Oak
Sounds like Wish
Broken Light
Practicing Simplicity
The Gingerbread Cafe
News of the Times
Canadian Travel Bugs

East of Málaga: Knock, knock

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Places, Slice of Life

Doorways to be found in the Lost Village of Acebuchal, east of Málaga, Andalucía.

I wonder who would answer if I knocked?

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Photographs I love …. and why!

Wildflowers of Andalucía: Bloomin´ lovely!

Pretty in Pink: The Almond Blossom of Andalucía

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!