Caseta de Juan y Ana

Last night, we met up with friends Ray, Geraldine and Elma at Bar Pepe Rayas for a drink before leaving at eleven to walk down to the Feria.

We strolled up and down for an hour or so just taking in the sights and sounds before heading for a place of refreshment.

Our sister-in-law Ginny, pictured here with Anne, who is staying with us for five days.












Our neighbour's daughter Celia dressed beautifully for the occasion.















This stunning young lady was initially shy to pose for a picture but kindly agreed after a bit of pleading. One of the most beautiful dresses that we have seen during the Feria.










A guitar playing duo, Peter and Brian, were providing the music, a melody of well known hits from the 70's and 80's that soon had everyone on their feet bopping the night away.

Another brilliant night, getting home about 3.30.
Tonight is Feria free, resting and recuperating for the finale tomorrow night with a concert in the Caseta Municipal followed by the closing firework display at three in the morning.

And then sleep, sleep and more sleep............!!

More Feria pics

Just a few pics, mainly of a free concert at the Caseta Municipal, of the Feria last night.

The young lady right was one of many who were dressed in traditional Spanish dress but despite the prompting of mum was determined not to pose for a pic, being more interested in the toys for sale.

The Caseta Municipal which was packed for a free concert by Manual Orta starting at midnight.

We popped in when we saw and heard this group playing. I believe they were a support act but I was unable to establish their name. They were very good though.

Anne and one of the members of the dance group from the Pensioners Centre enjoying the atmosphere.
























On the way home we came across this human statue entertaining the passing crowds.

Home again about 1.30am.........only three more days to go!!!

Festival Flamenco

Last night, with complimentary invitations kindly provided by our friend Loli, we attended the opening concert of the 2008 Feria in the Caseta Municipal.

The evening was organised by the Peña Flamenca Club of Olvera and to a lover of Flamenco and Sevilliana the dancers and music were absolutely superb.

On the way home we stopped off at the Bar Mas Madera for a nightcap, refuelling for the uphill trek home, where we were shortly joined by Shayne and Austen, residents here for a couple of years.

We left about one, after a very pleasant evening...this will probably be the earliest we get in for the next couple of nights as the Feria proper really starts today (the 28th).

I feel a few siesta's coming on.............!!

Feliz Cumpleanos Graham

We all gathered last night at bar Pepe Rayas to celebrate Graham's fortysomething birthday.

We arrived about nine and sat with friends Ray and Geraldine. Before long the outside space was packed with familiar faces, a measure of Graham and Tetricia's popularity.

Graham getting in the party mood with Maricarmen and Isabel.

Isabel and Maricarmen expertly performed a traditional Sevilliana dance, much appreciated by the watching audience.

Maricarmen and partner Paco.
































Tetricia, Graham's better half, leading the conga around the tables.











Friends José, his wife Héloise and Alan getting into the party spirit.












Elma, with Mel strutting his stuff in the background.

Paco, Maricarmen, Peca and his girlfriend Marinieve.

Thanks to Graham and Tetricia for a brilliant night of music and fun which lasted way into the wee small hours.....no doubt there will be a few sore heads, including mine, this morning.

Feria preparations

Just a few pics of the preparations that are being undertaken for one of the premier events in the calendar, the Feria de San Agustín, which takes place between the 28th and 31st of August.

The Caseta Municipal is a marquee erected in the swimming pool car park that will host several concerts and shows during the Feria, including Flamenco, comedians and bands.

Many of the bars and houses along Calle Albeniz transform themselves into "Casetas" during the Feria, private area's for family and invited guests.

A poster advertising a bullfight on Saturday and Sunday in a temporary arena erected on the outskirts of town.

More Casetas being prepared in the Calle de Vereda Ancha.

Cadiz images

Just a few pictures of our favourite town, apart from Olvera of course, taken on our wanderings before and after our visit to the Torre Tavira.

We passed by the Escuela de Arte with several exhibits in the courtyard, two of which are pictured below.












































A lovely facade opposite the courtyard.

The Plaza de Mina, where we were hoping to visit the Museo de Cadiz but being a Monday we should have known it would be closed.

So we stopped for refreshment in one of the cafes around the Plaza.

The Plaza San Francisco.














Walking towards the Plaza de las Flores.
















The impressive Cathedral.













The De la Rosa Arch leading to the Plaza de la Catedral.