What to do and see in Andalucía in 2010
If you’re lucky enough to be heading out to Andalucía in 2010 then this article is for you. It’s our quick fire guide as to essential happenings in 2010 across the province and when. Please do get in contact with us if you want to find out a little more about the events, or alternatively discuss your accommodation requirements.
March
The 14th Festival Of Jerez 26th Feb – 13th March. This is possibly the most important flamenco exhibition in the World. The event is said to “support the creative activity of artists who are interested in finding new aesthetic and expressive channels for flamenco in the 21st century”. You’ll discover loads of teaching exhibitions and inspirational dance.
The Day Of The “Sopa Mondeña” is an fiesta held in Plaza del Pueblo (Monda, Malaga) that celebrates a rather special soup. Everyone meets in the village square and enjoys a glass of wine, soup and some fantastic music.
April
Burning of the Judases held on 3/4/10 celebrates the execution of Judas. It’s held in Pedro Abad (Cordoba) and commemorates the ancient tradition of the execution of Judas, the apostle who betrayed Christ. The “Judases” are usually grotesque effigies made of straw and rags and dressed in old clothes – these are usually hanged two or three days before their final execution which involves the impaling and burning of the effigy. Whilst it sounds quite harsh, it’s all done in good taste with fine wine and music to accompany!
Pilgrimage Of Quasimodo Monday runs from 4th April until the 12th April this year and is held in Olvera in Cadiz. It’s an important religious festival which dates back to 1715 when the village suffered a terrible drought which wrought havoc with the area’s crops and cattle, the villagers’ mains means of subsistence. According to history, the villagers carried a figure of the Virgin Mary to the village – after a few days it rained!
May
Make sure you go to the Festival Of The Patios In Cordoba held between the 5th & 16th May this year. It’s held in Varios Recintos (Cordoba) and showcases some of the best flamenco singers and flamenco dancers from the area. You’ll discover the locals competing with each other by decorating patios, grilles and balconies of the typical houses in the city with potted colourful flowers.
Another great fiesta is Pilgrimage Of the Virgin De Los Remedios held in Almeria (Paterna del Rio). It’s a very traditional Fiesta being held on the 8th & 9th May in 2010 and includes a picnic in the countryside featuring typical food and drink prepared by the local people.
In the afternoon there is a mass in the shrine, followed by the procession in which the figure of the Virgen de los Remedios is taken from the shrine down to the church in the town.
La Gran Huevada, held on the 14th May 2010 in Cordoba is also great fun. It has religious themes with a typical Spanish procession which leads on to the ‘egg festival’. In fact there are 15,000 eggs handed out accompanied by the local wine, against a backdrop of live music from a band.
June
On 3rd June you’ll discover Festival de Musica Sefardi, a popular and vibrant Jewish fiesta held in the Botanical Gardens where one can discover traditional jewish food, music and dance.
July
Your chance to see Depeche Mode live in Seville. Ticket process are around From 45 to 85 Euros and the concert will be held in the Olympic stadium.
If you prefer a bit of jazz, then you must go to the “Jazz entre Olivos” (Jazz in the Olives) in Jaén. The festival comprises open-air street concerts with flamenco, classical, jazz guitar and even a guest appearance from Dire Straits legend Mark Knopfler live in the Plaza de Toros.
August
Check out the Fiesta de la Alcaparra (Caper Festival) in Fuente Tójar, which is a local, small-scale fiesta. Alternatively if you fancy something a little more action packed then head to the fiesta of “Toro de Cuerda” in Carcabuey where you’ll find locals running with “baby bulls” on ropes.
September
The “Feria de Quesos” (Cheese Festival) in Zuheros is a fantastic experience if you can’t get enough of the stuff. You’ll get the chance to try heaps of different Spanish cheeses and some of the finest wine Spain has to offer.
October
Fair In Honour Of Saint Luke – This fair is celebrated in the city of Jaén around the 18th of October, the official feast day of the Saint. This is actually the last of the spring and summer fairs of Andalusia. The fair has something for everyone including cultural events, bullfights, sports, dancing and games. Definitely worth a look in.
Click here to find out more about events in Andalucia.