If you are not sure whether you have arrived at your destination, simply look down for the contributions by local working horses and you will know you are in the right place. In fact, whether in Andalusia, Seville, in Ronda or in Mijas, in addition to public transportation, there are horse-drawn carriages everywhere, so just be sure to watch you step!
The people of Malaga love celebrations. The tourist bureaus suggest to everyone inquiring about the city to visit during August, for the "Feria de Agosto," a 10-day festival (this year’s 2009 celebration runs from August 15-24.). The streets are filled with symbols of Spanish culture and history. Visitors can enjoy shows, rides and games, dance and sample from a multitude of quaint restaurants.
When the locals of Malaga announce the opening of this festival, everyone takes to the streets and hugs those around them. Ah, let’s not forget that since music flows through Spaniards’ veins, dancing has to be a major part of that festival.
On the opening day, shops close at 2 p.m. and everyone goes wild. The local females, whether they are infants, unseasoned youngsters or ladies well up in years, fetch their frilly flamenco dresses with the characteristic plunging necklines from their wardrobe closets. Or it is excuse enough to buy a new one to show off in the street, in front of those they know and those they will meet. One store, El Corte Ingles, devotes one entire area of its store to just making clothes in many different brilliant colors, exclusively for the festivals. The dresses come in all shapes and sizes.
The ladies, young and old, arrange their hair in a tight hair bun affixed to the back of the head, which they adorn with a huge artificial flower. They put gold earrings into their ear lobes and drape a glittering, fringed stole over the shoulders or around the hips. They fan themselves with a color-coordinated fan, a lovely fashion statement that offers slight relief from the feverous activities and the glare of the blazing hot sun. There is not a person or animal that does not sweat. What horses leave behind dries quickly, so it's easy for the street cleaning machines to tidy up.
One collapses late at night into bed and is on the street once again the following day, around noon. That is when the street partying begins again, with a pilgrimage to the church, Santuario de la Virgin de la Victoria, which is dedicated to Malaga’s patron saint. Men, girls and ladies arrive at the basilica on the back of bejeweled horses, while others arrive in a long procession off carriages drawn by two or four horses each.
Malaga's renowned historic street, Calle Larios, plays a special part during this holiday. It is lavishly adorned with symbols of Spanish culture and history. The procession moves past City Hall, by the shaded Paseo del Parque, Calle Larios and Calle Victoria. The revelers move rhythmically along to the beat of Flamingo tunes.
Hungry from all the activity, the masses flock to the little quaint and diverse bodegas in old town Malaga, to treat themselves to delectable tapas, [Spanish “finger food”] mouth-watering jamon, [ham] Manchego cheese slices and tortillas. All is washed down with Manzanilla, a light and sweet sherry-like wine.
In the evening, many wander over to the Carnival Center, which cost a hundred and twenty million euros to build. It's particularly impressive at night, when the millions of incandescent lamps are lit, arranged in colorful formations. An impressive sight to behold is the 65,000 lampions.
In addition to an amusement park with a multitude of rides, there are a 177 casetas/restaurants with a variety of offering for those wanting a full meal. The quaint looking restaurants, resembling little cottages, also offer tapas as well. Blaring Flamenco music is ubiquitous all day and night, and the restaurants transform into discos by night.
For those who may not know what is most important to Spaniards, it becomes evident to us here: "eating, drinking and celebrating with the greatest joy.” They simply love socializing and won't miss any opportunity to meet with friends, relatives and perfect strangers.
In the evening, those who love the drama and gore of bullfights will head off to the La Malagueta Arena. People rally around, cheering for the matador, [also called torero] booing at him, or celebrating his victory. The more gracious his movements, the louder the “oles” heard from the crowd of many thousands mesmerized by his every move.
Tourists who have chosen Malaga or Costa del Sol as a vacation place and love the “joie the vivre” of the people of Malaga, should definitely time their holiday with a festival, for optimal entertainment. The tourist bureau can provide exact dates of festivals.
The intense scent of pine and eucalyptus trees bewitches ones senses on the way to the fourteenth-century castle, Castillo de Gibralfaro. The castle houses a parador, a state-owned hotel, within its walls. The wealthy of the day built their villas on this mountain, overlooking the magnificent views of the harbor and the sea.
The cathedral bus stop is a must for church enthusiasts. The locals simply call it "the one armed," because the second tower was never completed. Especially noteworthy are the walls of the building, with the many glass oriel windows.
Malaga, surrounded by accessible mountains, is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. There is a museum in his honor, the gateway to Costa del Sol. Those who visit one of the seaside resorts, such as Torremolinos, Marbella or Fuengirola, should also check out Benalmadena, a gorgeous, lively fishing village. Carretero in the marina is a perfect choice for those who love fresh fish and seafood.
Come to Spain and see all the spectacular sites, listen to the music, or just relax. Anyone will surely find their own perfect niche while here.
Read the original German article.
