May in Andalucia: To Romeria or not to Romeria?

that is not the question. The Romeria is the most unforgettable of all Andalusian experiences. 

If you don't have a Romeria on your resumé yet, start asking around in your village or region.

You will not be the only one. Around this time of the year the questions are buzzing everywhere in inland Andalusia: which Romeria will I join? Who can I convince to go with me? 

And from there: on foot or organise a car for a whole group? Which drinks will I carry, will we come home in the evening or stay over for the night?  

And then, just go with the flow. 

What is a Romeria? 

In the heart, a Romeria is a religious pilgrimage.

The word comes from 'Romero', which stands for someone who travels towards Rome. 

In all the villages, towns and cities of Andalusia there is one Romeria: a Catholic celebration that consists of a trip (by car, on horseback or on foot) of anywhere between a few hours and a full day - that ends at a sanctuary or hermitage. 

Here, a party can take  place, and in many a village people bring tents with them for the party to go on for a second day. 

The precise trip depends on the local patron saint. For example, San Isidro is the patron saint of agriculture, so in villages that rely heavily on agriculture the trip will go towards the sanctuary of San Isidro.

In another village it can be dedicated to the Virgin de la Oliva.

Why join a Romeria?  

Every expat who has ever joined the trip of a Romeria, will tell you it's one of the nicest things they have ever done in Andalucia.

Many count the travel as the important, fun and romantic part of the pilgrimage.

Though Catholic in its origins, it's very festive, a feel good experience unlike any other. Yes, there's the Andalusian love for socialising, for drinking and dancing and celebrating life, but also a welcoming group feel: a time for quarrels and recriminations to be forgotten. 

That does not mean it should not be treated with respect! A fight or any other sign of disrespect for the Patron Saint, the community itself or the festive ambiance is not accepted. 

During one or two days the world is a very tolerant, pleasant, peaceful place.

Where can you find a Romeria?  

Everywhere. Ask around in your community when the most nearby Romeria takes place. The more local you go, the more familiar faces you will see and the more social contact you will have. 

The most famous of all is the ROMERIA OF EL ROCIO 

Correctly put: the Romeria of Nuestra Señora del Rocio. 

This massive happening attracting around one million pilgrims, takes place at the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio in the village of the Rocio in Almonte, Huelva.  The pilgrims come from throughout Andalusia (and nowadays also from all over Spain and beyond) and typically travel one to seven days beforehand, generally sleeping outdoors. 

Enjoy!

We so wish we could join you all - unfortunately one can only be at one Romeria at a time. 

Enjoy yours... and the whole of that magnificent month of May.

www.inlandandalucia.com 

  

The Centre Pompidou now also in Malaga

One week still and the Centre Pompidou Malaga will opens its doors.

This will happen on March 28th, 2015. 

 

That's right on time for the Semana Santa and thus also for what we call The Season.

 

So far when someone said 'Centre Pompidou', we immediately thought of the world famous museum in Paris, one of the greatest homes of 20th century art. And now there will be subsidiary - where else than in Malaga, that city that just doesn't stop reinventing itself.

 

As in Paris, the construction is made of glass. You will find it right at the port of Malaga, which is both just a few steps away from the old city centre as from the Cruise Terminal.

 

Spread over 6300 square meters the Museum will boast a permanent collection of 20th century artists such as Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Dijkstra, Oursler, Magritte, Chagall, de Chirico and others.

 

Every 2 years the collection will be updated and in the mean time there will be 2 or 3 temporary expositions. 

 

The opening hours:

From 9:30 AM to 20:00 from Wednesday to Monday

 

The exception is from June 15 to September 15: then the hours are from 11:00 to 20:00.

 

The Centre Pompidou will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day.

 

For all information: 

Visit the official website: http://www.centrepompidou.es/ 

 

Malaga... the city that has a culture department that never sleeps.

 

www.inlandandalucia.com

 

 

Al-Andalus, role model of tolerance

As with most history, we idolise.

Al-Andalus, role model of tolerance? Example of the peaceful co-existence between Muslims, Christians and Jews? 

For sure we see it as such. Inland Andalucia communities have retained their 'family values' quality, an idyll in our time. Therefore it’s easy to picture people living here in harmony.

What we do know is that the 3 main religions did live in relative harmony, especially when compared to the tumultuous times. 

This was especially true in Cordoba, at that time the world’s biggest city. 

Little wonder that it’s university boomed, and it’s knowledge expanded. Where people are allowed research, debate and mingling, there’s always a spike in knowledge. 

In those days, Europe was not the best of places. The whole continent was divided into hundreds of small kingdoms and counties, all in friction or war with each other – so Cordoba towered over everything, with its university and peaceful coexistence, and that reputation casted a very long shadow across Andalucia. 

Maybe, maybe that is why harmony is far bigger today than it was 800 years ago. Andalucia and intolerance just do not match in one phrase. If anyone is tolerant, it’s the Andalusian. If you can relax, if you can smile, if you show interest in the language and customs, you’re a champ. ‘Un maquina’. 

Part of that tolerance also comes from that sense of village life where 'family values' are so strong. If you live in a big city, you are naturally drawn to peers, those that studied or do the same work or have the same background as you. It becomes highly likely that you live in an intellectual or cultural or social ghetto, so to speak. 

No such thing in inland Andalucia! 

You sit in a bar with an olive picker, a lawyer, a construction worker, a bank clerk, a shop assistant, an architect, a celebrity and a gypsy flamenco singer… All learning and talking about each other’s professions or lives. 

The conversations, of course always include latest town gossip, but the openness revolves around those strong family values that continue to exist. The numerous fiestas throughout the year, although they have particular themes, they are all a celebration of life. 

Andalusians read less than the average Spaniard, who reads less than the average European – but on the other hand, there’s much more poetry here, in music, lyrics, dancing, the atmosphere in villages, the colours, the views… 

Why would one need to read if literature and the art of friendly conversation is all around you. 

Andalucia simply promotes tolerance.

It’s the feel-good region of Europe

www.inlandandalucia.com 

The 3 Christmas traditions in Andalucia

What do Andalusians do or prepare for at the turn of the year?

1. Go where the Christmas lights are!

They are stunning. The tradition to illuminate the town centres is quite a new one, started by Malaga, and they drew in so many visitors that many towns along the coast followed - and now the pride of the inland villages demands they follow suit.

If southern Spaniards spot a chance to exuberance, they grab it. Many a foreigner is flabbergasted by the elegance and festive feel of the lights. Follow the lights!

(Remarkably enough Andalusians are not big on Christmas itself: it's spent at home, with close relatives, without the tradition of dinners and presents of northern Europe).

2. The lucky grapes of New Year's Eve

Before midnight on December 31st, head for the main plaza. You will be surrounded by many, all waiting for the magical moment.

And when it happens, everyone pulls out grapes.

To be precise, 12 of them.

And at every chime of the clock, you eat one.

According to the tradition that dates back to 1895, and became popular at the beginning of the 20th century, this will lead to a year of prosperity.

Ask an Andalucian friend if you can join him or her, for 'las doce uvas de la suerte' is - as anything else in Andalucía - a social habit, enforcing the unity between friends or in families.

3. The King Cake at Reyes

'Reyes' means Kings. And is the name by which all know Three Kings Day.

Put it in your diary: January 6th is the day of days.

Far bigger than Christmas actually: this is a day no Andalusian can miss.

It's a Must for families to gather, with as highlight the dividing of the King Cake.

Traditionally a small plastic or porcelain baby is hidden in the cake (usually gold, green  or purple, the colours of this holiday).

Whoever finds it in their slice, will enjoy a year of luck and prosperity - and is responsible for making or purchasing the cake of the following year.

We from InlandAndalucia can't send you a cake, but wish you luck and prosperity. May 2015 be a very special year for you and your loved ones.

Merry Christmas everybody!

www.inlandandalucia.com






  

Malaga Jazz Festival from 4-10 November 2014

Halloween is barely over and there's the next high light: The 22nd Malaga Jazz Festival. 

In 2014 the festival takes place from November 4th-10th 

National and international names of the world of Jazz will head to Malaga, turning our gorgeous city into the centre of Jazz for a week.

It's a great opportunity to get to know or enjoy this musical genre, in the year-round festive atmosphere of Malaga city.

As always, the Cervantes Theatre (Teatro de Cervantes) will be the epicentre.

But there are not only concerts in the theatre: also outdoors in the historic centre of Malaga you will find many a concert as well as workshop and even dance lessons.

And then there are the 'Off Sessions' in various theatres throughout the city.

For full calendar and concerts visit the website of the Cervantes Theatre.

Jazz fans, have (a) great evening(s)!

www.inlandandalucia.com

Flamenco explained to foreigners

If you're ever so lucky to be present at a gathering where Flamenco plays a role, treat it with utmost respect.

For Flamenco is not just some type of folk music. It is very much alive, and deals with life itself. The experiences and emotions we share as a group, woven into an art form. 

Ever since the late 18th century, it has been handed over, by generation after generation, who all improve it and adapt. Flamenco deals with 'duende', that heightened sense of awareness that is so important in Andalucian speech and culture. 

An expression of Flamenco can include canto (singing), toque (guitar playing), baile (dancing) and palmas (handclaps) and, as in jazz, the art can sit in the improvisation and artful balance. 

In Western European ears Flamenco music can sometimes seem repetitive or even painful. If that is the case, we're most probably dealing with the Fandango.

For Flamenco music falls apart in different 'palos' or styles, that are classified by rhythmic pattern and chord progession. For example the Rumba and the Buleria are 2 palos any ear does love, and that have almost become synonymous with what we often call 'Spanish music'.

Though the precise origin of the word 'Flamenco' is disputed, there's a main theory that states it comes from the musicians of Emperor Charles the Vth. When he came to his palaces in Andalucia he brought his own musicians with him from Ghent in Flanders, which triggered the expression: 'Playing music à la Flamenca' (the flemish way) or 'as a Flamenco' (someone from Flanders). 

In 2010 UNESCO declared Flamenco intangible cultural heritage of humanity, or a musical pendant of a monument.

All over inland Andalucia you will find villages with their own 'Peña Flamenca', which is a bar/club for lovers and practisioners of Flamenco music. The music you hear here can be a world away from the more touristy form at the coast or specifically organized shows.

Epressions of flamenco are very popular, accross all ages, and is not the monopoly of the Roma people ('gypsies'). Many, and especially the most famous singers, do come from the Roma community though.

With as most famous and reverred singer, Cameron de la Isla, a name that simply everyone knows, from every person in Andalucia to all the Flamenco schools in Japan (where, by the way, there are more Flamenco schools than in Spain). 

Paco de Lucia though might be a name that sounds more familiar to you.

For more information, visit this page on Wikipedia. 

For when you decide to buy property in inland Andalucia, Flamenco might become a part of your life.