A couple of weeks ago we had St George's day on the 23rd April. Because he is the patron saint of Aragon, everyone here had the day off to celebrate. As you know, this is not the case in England where the same St George is the patron saint. Also, because this took place on a Wednesday, many people took the Thursday and Friday off to make a long weekend of it. These extra days are known as puentes or bridging days.
Last week, it was the 1st May, another national holiday to celebrate the workers. Because it was on a Thursday, Friday was a puente. Although May Day is celebrated in England, it is always held on the first Monday in May so a puente could not exist.
There's another day off coming up on the 12th May but that is a Monday this year so no puente!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The fiesta at La Pobleta D'Alcolea
Because it was the 1st May, it was a national holiday and that means fiestas taking place in many villages. We had been invited to La Pobleta D'Alcolea which is 45 kms away by our Spanish teacher Beatrice, 7 months pregnant, and her husband Miguel. Miguel is the baker in their village nearby and they were arranging the catering for this fiesta.
Click on any picture for a larger view.
First was the mass in the church in the village at 12.30 pm then a parade up the highest hill for blessings by the priest and a piece of "bread" which had been made by 25 women helpers at Miguel's bakery.
On the top of this hill we were at just over 1000 metres, there is a wind farm nearby - we could see why!
After the service up the hill it's back down to the village hall, the old school, for a snack for about 200 people. There are only 5 people living in the village these days but it is a very popular fiesta.
When all the food has been devoured people depart leaving around 40 or so close friends and family and the "proper" meal is prepared. Chops and cutlets of 2½ lambs are barbequed which are eaten with bread and salads.
This is then followed by fruit and pastries, special hot brandy and coffee.
On the way back we stop to take a photo of our village - people who have visited us will be able to identify our house.
Click on this photo for a full size view.
And if that wasn't enough, the local flock wanders past us next to a field of poppies. I'm glad I had my camera!
Click on any picture for a larger view.First was the mass in the church in the village at 12.30 pm then a parade up the highest hill for blessings by the priest and a piece of "bread" which had been made by 25 women helpers at Miguel's bakery.
On the top of this hill we were at just over 1000 metres, there is a wind farm nearby - we could see why!
After the service up the hill it's back down to the village hall, the old school, for a snack for about 200 people. There are only 5 people living in the village these days but it is a very popular fiesta.
When all the food has been devoured people depart leaving around 40 or so close friends and family and the "proper" meal is prepared. Chops and cutlets of 2½ lambs are barbequed which are eaten with bread and salads.
This is then followed by fruit and pastries, special hot brandy and coffee.
On the way back we stop to take a photo of our village - people who have visited us will be able to identify our house.
Click on this photo for a full size view.
And if that wasn't enough, the local flock wanders past us next to a field of poppies. I'm glad I had my camera!
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