Warm and windy

After a night of predicted high winds, though thankfully no more rain, we walked down to a very much smaller market than usual with many traders not risking putting up their canopies in the continuing strong breeze. Temperatures however are a very pleasant 20°C.

Here looking up Calle Bellavista to the market area at the top of the street.

Not finding our usual fix of liquorice or dates, I sat in the warmth of the pleasant plaza overlooking the Jardines de la Victoria while Anne went to the florist.

Tomorrow is Andalucia Day, celebrating the formation of the autonomous region of Andalucia. So we are hoping for another reasonably fine day, no more rain please, to attend the celebrations.

The Plaza de Andalucia.

Fiesta, fiesta, fiesta

Regrettably, due to the inclement weather this week, we have not attended as many of the Carnaval events as we would have liked. However, we were determined not to miss the final day today.

Normally there is a large procession through the town but unfortunately due to the rain this was cancelled so we went into town to see what was happening. It wasn't too long before we came across this colourful group parading through one of the streets.

This "young lady" was happy to pose for a picture.

We wandered around for a while coming across various groups in a variety of imaginative disguises.

One of the Chirigota bands that we came across in one of the bars we stopped off at.

The Olvera branch of young farmers.

We met up with these two young ladies in the Bar Dolce Vita.

After an hour or so, we headed to the Pabellón de Festejos (Pavilion of Celebrations) on the Recinto Ferial (Fairground) where everyone appeared to be partying.
This young chap was imaginatively dressed as a soccer boot.

Our lovely neighbour and friend Mari Carmen with her proud son Paco.

There were so many individuals and groups, all dressed in fabulous costumes and make-up, it was difficult to decide which pictures to put on the blog. So I hope the following give a little flavour of the fantastic atmosphere within the tent.

A great band were playing on stage keeping the enthusiastic audience entertained.

These "ladies" were representing the gym club of Olvera and were happy to give a demonstration of their fitness skills.

Another group of lovely ladies who kindly posed for a picture.


A high ranking Church official with his entourage of body guards.

Lara, the pretty daughter of our friend and other neighbour Mari Carmen.

Absolutely brilliant. Thanks to the lovely people of Olvera who live life to the full and know how to party, regardless of the weather. A special thanks to all who kindly posed for pictures, I hope that I've done you justice.

On days like this, you bring so many smiles and such happiness into our lives.

Dare we hope.....!!

Yesterday, the forecast for today was cloud, rain and generally miserable. So it was a pleasant surprise to wake up this morning to bright sunshine and reasonably warm temperatures of about 11°C.

Dare we hope that winter has passed....I don't think so but a lovely day to get out and enjoy the sun.

So just a few pictures taken this morning on a stroll through the market and onwards to our second home, the bank.

Here, looking north in the direction of Pruna.

Just playing around with a black and white image of the Church that dominates the town.

The view today from the front of the Church.

This lovely old dog, who normally always barks at us when we pass by his house, was too warm to make the effort today.




Fingers crossed, the weather will stay fine for tomorrow's Carnaval finale, the procession from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Bailando y diversión en el Centro

Yesterday evening, we went to the Centro de Personas Mayores to join in the fun of the annual Carnaval dance.

Many of the attendees were in fabulous and creative fancy dress costumes. Much to our shame we weren't, although it was great to see that many of our fellow "guirris" had made a great effort that was much appreciated. Next year perhaps !!.

So just a few pics of a really fun event. The energy of the members really does put me to shame but everyone is really friendly and they have made us feel really welcome and at home here in Olvera.

Isabel, or is it Cleopatra, one of the members of staff at the Centre.

We left the dance at just gone 7 pm after a great evening.