Dia de Andalucia

A public holiday here today, celebrating Andalucia Day, commemorating the establishment of Andalucia as an autonomous region of Spain in 1980.

So on another lovely day with temperatures at about 18 degrees C and near clear blue skies, we walked up to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to join the celebrations.

The magnificent "Banda de Música de Olvera" were forming up in the plaza awaiting the arrival of the equally talented brass and drums of the Santa Ana Olvera band who were making their way down from the Iglesia.

The flag of Andalucia proudly displayed at the fore.

The "Alcalde" (Mayor) in the centre with other town dignitaries awaiting the start of proceedings.

One of the youngest musicians present.

Each band played a selection of music to a very appreciative audience but unusually this year there were no speeches or readings as in previous years.

At the end of the ceremony, each band with their supporters left the plaza in different directions to process through the town, to meet up eventually at the Feria ground for further celebrations.

We decided not to follow, instead heading up for tapas in the sun at Bar Valentinos.

Peñóns and parks

On a beautiful Sunday morning with temperatures of about 17 degrees C, it was lovely to stroll around in the warm sunshine.

Here the view at Plaza Alfarería.

Walking back up Calle Victoria, I turned off and climbed the steps leading to the park area on the Penón del Cerretillo.

Since my last visit, the plants and wild flowers have covered the previously bare ground.

A lovely quiet spot just to sit and admire the scenery.

After sitting for a while, I moved on to the Plaza de Andalucia and was pleased to notice that the park on the Penón del Sagrado Corazón was open after several months of restoration work. The bird aviary has been completely rebuilt although access to view the birds is a little limited.

The views from the top of the penón are worth the climb up.

The Monumento al Sagrado Corazón (Monument to the Sacred Heart) dominates the park and looks far better now that it has been cleaned and restored.

The viewing platform has also been restored and repainted.

A good view looking down upon the new play and viewing area being constructed on Vereda Ancha.












Returning home and passing by the Ayuntamiento, the balcony decorated for tomorrow's Andalucia Day celebrations.

Abuela y hermano

On a sunny 9 o'clock walk this morning, it was a pleasant surprise to bump into the brother of Calcetines, waiting patiently for his owner to go off to work.

They're always pleased to see each other.
Just around the corner, Calcetines grandmother, was soaking up the early morning warmth.

Pleasantries over, off for another days work in the campo.

El Castillo del Hierro

Pruna castle - the Iron Castle, here pictured from a previous post, has long been a mission to climb. And today was the day.

Together with friend Dan, we parked the car at the fresh water spring at the bottom of the hill and proceeded to climb upwards on the well laid out path.

There were several benches along the way on which to take a breather and sit and admire the views before arriving at the first viewpoint platform.

The views to Olvera.

Continuing upwards, we came across this picnic area with benches and tables.

Not far to go now. Time to stop for yet another breather.

Above our heads vultures were flying quite low so best not to stop for too long.

The vistas from the top were stunning.

Looking down upon the pueblo of Pruna.

And here, the view north.

Within the last year, the castle has been restored, allowing safe entry into the building and up to the top of the tower.

Looking down upon the olive groves.

For the views alone, the trek up to the top is well worth it. Not being the fittest person in the world, it took me approximately 45 minutes, stopping quite a few times along the way, sitting to admire the wonderful views on several of the many well placed benches along the way.