Saturday 28 February 2009

El Dia Andalucia

On a dull, overcast day with a slight drizzle, we walked up the hill to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to attend the celebrations for Andalucia Day, commemorating the day in 1978 when the region of Andalucia was formed.
Pictured above is the Ayuntamiento...all dressed up and nowhere to go!!.
We sheltered in the Pensioners Centre for a while before being told by our friend José that due to the weather the event was being transferred to the Pavilion, next to the Polideportivo (indoor sports centre) at the bottom of town.


Our friend Antonio's house bedecked with the flags of Andalucia in an otherwise deserted Plaza.








After several minutes deliberation, should we, shouldn't we, we decided that in spite of the rain we would stroll down to the Pavilion.











These couple of pictures show the steady rainfall on the walk down town.

























Arriving at the Pavilion, I couldn't resist a free glass of Manzanilla, a pale dry sherry, poured in graceful style by this young lady.
Followed by free chorizo sausages and bread...yummy.
Our friend Juani with her daughter Celia. Juani is one of our fellow students at the Centro de Adultos, learning english.
















The marquee quickly filled with people waiting for the first Chirigota (singing group) to appear.












First up were "Los Petardos de la Feria" (the firecrackers of the fair) from Olvera. All of the groups are amateurs but their harmonies are terrific and they sing with such passion.
























Next, were another group from Olvera, regrettably name unknown. We must ask the lead singer next time we see him in Mercadona, the local supermarket.
























Finally came a group, I think from Cadiz, again name unknown. All three groups were absolutely brilliant and well deserved the applause and cheers of the audience.
























Well done Olvera. Just goes to show that a good time can be had regardless of the weather. We're really glad that we made the effort to turn up and support the event.


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