The Paso Doble, the dance modelled after the bullfight

Culturally, Spain is not a country but a continent.

You might reach middle age before you can join just all the dance and music styles. And to not even start about all the languages or highlights in literature and paintings.

In a previous post we talked about Flamenco. Now time for the Paso Doble! 

What is 'the Paso'? Experience a great example:

Isn't Paso Doble part of Flamenco?

No, they are 2 very distinct expressions that only share their 'Spanishness'.

Flamenco is not a dance, but an art form that encompasses music, dance and poetry in one very visual package. Creating something greater than the mere sum of all ingredients, it has been called the most perfect art form.

The Paso Doble is (only) a dance, modelled after the drama, feel, sound and movement of the Spanish and Portuguese bullfight. As beautiful as it can be, it can be summarized in one page (for Flamenco you would need a blog in itself).

From the 16th century to the endeared nickname of 'the step' 

'Paso' being the Spanish word for step - and thus, yes, Paso Doble just meaning double step. But why make it difficult if Ballroom dancers just call it 'the paso'?

Originally the expression 'paso doble' was only used for a binary rhythm and movement, probably based on typical Spanish dances of the 16th century.

Over time, this rhythm slipped into comedies and then, in the 18th century, got adopted as a regulatory step for the Spanish infantry.

Next thing you know the music is introduced in the bullfights of the 19th century: it is highly suitable for the bullfighters' entrance to the ring (paseo).

As a dance for couples though, it was created in France, at a time that Spain stood for everything that was exotic and romantic (remember the opera Carmen, or Don Juan) - and then adopted again in Spain and Portugal.

Famous bullfighters have been honoured with Paso Doble tunes named after them.

Where can you see the Paso Doble?

Unfortunately, Venezuela is the only country where it's danced socially.
In Spain only by couples who trained beforehand and stick to a previously learned routine.

In any other situation it's only danced competitively, for its inherently choreographed tradition.

In competitive Ballroom dancing, it's combined with 4 other dances (Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba and Jive) under the banner of International Latin.

Where can you learn the Paso Doble?

All over YouTube! Together with half the population of China.

Have fun!

www.inlandandalucia.com

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 Season is starting!

This Sunday, March 29th, marks the start of Semana Santa 2015 and thus of... summer! 

Summer? Aren't there 4 seasons in Andalusia too? Yes, there are - and still people mainly divide the year into Summer and Winter only. 

For these 2 periods come with a remarkable and very noticeable difference: it's 6 months wintersleep versus 6 months of life, so to speak.  

Life with a capital L

Summer in Andalusia, that is T-shirts and flip flops, barbecues and fiestas. Summer means people coming together in the streets, cafés and around swimming pools. Summer stands for beach, concerts and excursions. 

What with the beach-and-pool culture of Andalusia, youngsters have been going to the gym for 2 months now. Summer wear has been prepared. 

Minds are opening and are slowly starting to think about planning that birthday party or barbeque. Energy is back! 

Sure, it's not a 6 month long beach party: the real heat only starts by the end of June. This makes that...

The months of April and May are for city tripping

For property viewing trips, for walks and hiking, horse back riding and shopping: everything that takes energy.

The grand cities of Andalusia - Seville, Codoba and Granada - are located inland and that means it can be insufferably hot in the top summer months. 

So they are most popular in April and May, and again in October, when the weather is sunny and pleasant and doesn't make you want to sit in the shade and keep still. 

Sports? April and May are the word.

Or, greatest excursion of them all: just taking the car and cruising through Andalusia without any plan? April and May! 

June to September is for beach life

Or, in inland Andalusia, for a true swimming pool culture. 

Especially July and August are the peak of summer. 

The breeze coming in from over the sea and the healthy air makes everyone go to the beaches of the Costa del Sol. 

You don't like busy beaches? No worries. Andalusia has got something for everyone. just hop over the mountain range and in a matter of 15 minutes you are in a different world, a world of nature and tranquility, beautiful views and sleepy villages. 

And what about the natural beaches of the Costa de la Luz? 

From Tarifa and all the way up north you will find one calm, natural beach after the other, punctuated with campings and little beach bars for the hip surfer crowd coming from all over Europe.

Naturally, every month comes with its specifics. 

Together they are The Season, The Summer that half of all Spanish songs sing about, from La Macarena (set in Marbella) to Asèrejé (video made in a beach bar in Estepona).

We wish you a great summer! 

And for the part of the property viewing trips, contact us.

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

 

 

Day dreaming about Andalusia

'Living as a god in France'. By now, very many know that you can best do this in Andalusia. 

The hills are higher, the people more open, the culture is all around you, the sea is nearby, the food is distinct and very affordable, and then there's Europe's most healthy air that is doing everyone so much good. 

And then those beautiful properties, so within reach of many a budget. Doesn't this make you dream?  Aren't you already planning where you would lodge visitors or how you would decorate the villa yourself? 

Whatever the most important personal reason, be it the beauty, the life expectancy, the flamenco, the culture… there are hundreds of thousands of 'Andalusia dreamers'. 

Some come back every summer, very many own a holiday property, and even more simply decided to move to Andalusia and very quickly become part of the local, large expat community - or of the local community in general. 

There isn't a village so small or there's an expat community of 50-100 people. Mainly Britons, followed by Dutch, Germans, and people from Denmark, Sweden, Norway… but usually every nationality is represented. 

And on top of anything else, there are those super bargains of the last year. Finding a townhouse for 20.000-40.000 Euro is no longer an exception. Simply keep an eye on our website and you will see what we mean. 

What was your reason to move to Andalusia? 

That will be the question in our Facebook page this month. 

And of course we will list the results here. 

Dreamer of Andalusia, thank you for visiting us and for all your valuable input. 

This blog exists thanks to you.

Never hesitate to let us know what you would be interested in to read about, or you would want us to investigate. 

Un saludo from inland Andalusia,   

www.inlandandalucia.com