Belén del Santo Entierro

A traditional event at this time of year is the creation and display of "Belén's"- Nativity scenes.

This morning I wandered to the market area to view the Belén on display in the "Casa Hermandad del Santa Entierro".

And what a magnificent display it was, a recreation of the Nativity but also with the inclusion of Olvera's castle and Church in the scene.

Another historic local building, the "Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios", has also been recreated in the scene, as pictured below.

Nativity scenes

At this time of year, many shops and organisations create "Belen's", Nativity scenes for the enjoyment of all. So just a few pictures of some of the colourful and creative displays seen over the past few days. Here and below, the beautiful scenes created in the pensioners centre in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

 The window of the pharmacy on Calle Victoria, here and below.

"Modas Tentación" on Calle Victoria.

The Dry Cleaning shop window on Calle Calvario.

A supermarket window on Julián Besteiro.

A colourful display in the painting and decorating shop on Calle Trocha.

Happy Ending - Final Feliz

Surely one of the most pleasing phrases that a man can hear from his wife is "What would you say if I suggested a de-clutter of the house dear?". Well, it must have taken about a nano-second to think about before we had filled two boxes with unwanted CD's, DVD's, photo frames, unused ornaments etc, etc.

All in a good cause though as we were donating the items to the "Happy Ending - Final Feliz" dog rescue centre in order that they could be sold to support the great work that they do. The centre is based in the pueblo of El Berrueco, on the A-390 road between Medina Sidonia and Chiclana, about an hour and forty five minutes drive from Olvera. (our route here).

Arriving at about 11.15am, we had to wait for a while for the arrival of Margarita, the owner of the centre, who unfortunately had mislaid her mobile so was not picking up our messages but it was worth the wait.

Inside the compound we could see that the dogs were kept in large, clean and spacious kennels, all awaiting new owners and a new life.

 Even the old boys deserve another chance as do all the others pictured below. 

 It was hard not to resist this lovely girl, found wandering on the main road not too far away but hopefully it won't be long before she finds a loving home.

 This friendly chap has recently found a new owner and will shortly be starting a new life in Chiclana. Many others, through no fault of their own, are just waiting for a chance of a new beginning in a loving home.
The centre depends entirely upon the generosity of the public and the hard work of volunteers so if there's any way that you can help, ideally by rescuing a dog (which would be totally amazing) or by assisting in any of the ways described here on the website, then I'm sure it will be so very much appreciated.  

Winter warmth

Sixteen degrees this afternoon, a neighbour said that at midday it was 20°C, so a pleasant afternoon for our usual stroll taking a few pictures along the way.

Looking east.

The castle from Calle Pico.

Christmas Market

 

A very wet and windy morning as we headed, more in hope than expectation that it would still be as scheduled, to the Christmas Market at the Al Lago restaurant in the nearby pueblo of Zahara de la Sierra.

 A misty view towards Zahara from the reservoir dam.

We arrived at Al Lago and feared the worst, seeing not unexpectedly in the weather conditions, no stalls. 

However, stepping inside we found a busy room with a dozen or so tables and a varied selection of items on sale.

We couldn't resist buying a couple of beautiful handmade leather items from the stall of Fernando Garcia who has a shop "La Tienda Chica" in Grazalema. 

 Honey scented candles.

 Homemade quiche and other goodies.

 A busy morning's shopping deserved a coffee break in the restaurant.

  Wrapped up for the weather and below a hint of a rainbow over the reservoir.

Feliz Navidad y un próspero Año Nuevo

It's that time of year again when we take the opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to view our blog and for all the kind comments and emails that we have received during the past year.

As always, we hope that in 2013 we can continue to show you all that is the best of Olvera and its wonderful people, a place that we are so fortunate to call our home, and of course more of the beautiful region of Andalucia.

We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year.