Illora Feria October 2015

Friday 9th October, sees the commencement of the Animal Fair in town.
Real Feria de Ganado

The street lights are already installed on the high street, and everyone is praying for warm, sunny weather. There will be much drinking, dancing, and merriment, as is expected at the Feria, which runs until Monday..

Fiesta Dia de San Rogelio

16th September saw the people of Illora celebrating the Day of St Rogelio, the Patron Saint of the town.

 

 Local bakers provided special "tarts" made with a logo of St Rogelio picked out in icing sugar, which were sold for €5 each, with a stall set up in front of the church, along with a bar which is usual at these type of fiesta celebrations. 

Flowers were presented to the statue of St Rogelio in the church, and his statue was paraded through the street on the evening, to the sound of fireworks.

25 Ways to Know You've Become Culturally Spanish

See how many of these apply to YOU!

1. You have dinner after 10pm.
2. You can’t say goodbye without exclaiming “VENGA!”
3. Tortilla de patatas and pan con tomato is a perfect meal for any occasion.
4. You know that “Sangria” and “tinto de veranos” are the liquid fuel of champions.
5. You start complaining about days without clear sunshine.
6. Ordering tapas instead of a meal at the restaurant becomes natural.
7. Sandals replace your daily shoes.
8. Lunch time begins after 2pm, because evenings start to get longer.
9. You pick up abandoned furniture off the street for your flat.
10. Your speed of walking decreases.
11. Queuing at the supermarket without chafing at the salesperson becomes normal.
12. You start complaining (“Que frio”), when temperature drops under 25 degrees.
13. You kiss people’s cheeks, when you meet them the first time.
14. On your messages you sometimes write “jajaja” instead of “hahaha”.
15. Your personal space turns into public one.
16. Every sentence you speak in Spanish contains at least one of these words: “bueno”, “coño, “vale”, “venga”, “es que”…
17. You know that after 2pm there’s no point in going shopping, so you plan it for the evening.
18. If you plan to meet with a friend at half past 4, that’s a general point of reference where punctuality is neither expected or adhered to.
19. You think adding lemonade, fanta or even coke to red wine is perfectly acceptable.
20. There’s no way you can eat any meal without having a “café con leche” or “cortado” afterwards.
21. You use public places like your own terrace.
22. You forget to say please (por favor) or thanks (gracias) when you order a drink at the bar – you implied it in your tone of voice, right?
23. You drink several coffees a day, especially in the morning.
24. You have no problem bringing your small kids to festivals past midnight.
25. You’ve mastered the art of partying until 8am.

Illora Castle - Castillo de Illora

This medieval fortification is situated on the rocky elevation that arises in the middle of the town
This walled castle was built by the Muslims in the 10^th and 11^th centuries and includes Caliphate and Taifas elements. It was restored in the 14^th century in the Nasrid period, during which the building’s definitive configuration was planned and built.

 

It was the backdrop of a number of important political events. It has three enclosures: the house, the fortress and the surrounding areas.

It was captured by the Catholic Kings in 1486.
On the top the towers of the castle are easily recognisable. They are fondly called ‘the old woman’s teeth’ because of their appearance. Further down, there are the remains of two walled enclosures that protected the castle’s surrounding area, which was also where the Aljamá Mosque was situated.

In 2011 Illora town was awarded a European Grant to restore the castle, and work commenced on 30 July 2012.  Funds have been received from the Ministerio de Fomento and the Ayuntamiento of Illora, with costs running into millions of Euros.

Initially, excavations took place to ascertain the archeological importance of the site.

Work is ongoing and very impressive ...... (following pictures from Angel Lopez)

Medieval Market In Illora

Traditionally each year there is a Medieval market held in front of the Church in Illora.
Initially this began as a few stalls selling items and a refreshment stand, but has now progressed to something much larger, with around twenty stalls selling a variety of crafts and handmade goods, herbs and spices, sweetmeats and wooden goods.

 

This year it also featured a display of Birds Of Prey, and for the pricely sum of €3 you could have your photo taken with a huge yellow snake coiled around your neck! Not for the faint hearted.

The aromas from the food stalls were enticing, from the huge BBQ joints of port to the waffles with cream and chocolate spread, something for everyone.

Corpus Christi in Illora

Corpus Christi in Granada is celebrated with a week long fiesta and many processions in the City.
Here in Illora the streets were decorated on Sunday evening with altars, plants and decorations.  On Sunday evening a procession made it's way around the streets, with the Priest making a blessing at each altar on route. The children who have recently been confirmed into the Church also took part.

Fiesta for new Pilar Alto (Horse Fountain)

This weekend saw the celebration of the opening of the new Pilar Alto (Horse Fountain) after it's restoration.
As with any fiesta party in Spain, plenty of drink and tapas was on offer, and music with Spanish dancing on display.