The Return of the Fiestas

Just when I thought it was safe to take myself on a stroll around the neighbouring fields and sniff ways then I discover that the arrival of Autumn has brought with it a whole new season of fiestas in the local villages of the Alpujarras. This time it is the turn of those who did not set the hillside on fire with summer fiestas, namely the village of Fondales and our own village of Pórtugos. I have commented on my natural canine aversion to the releasing of fireworks in a previous blog so I will not go on at length. In Pórtugos, though, Friday night saw the virgin of the little chapel on the outskirts of the village, Virgen de las Angustias, lifted up onto the shoulders of select village men and transported to the main church, to sit next to her friend, Virgen de Rosario - accompanied by much noise from the exploding fireworks. Saturday night saw Angustias parade around the streets of the village, accompanied by a band and once again much noise from exploding fireworks. This even included a rather impressive display of ornamental fireworks, which to me seem better value for money than the noisy ones, but I had to bark at each and every one none the less. Tonight, after her weekend break, Angustias will be returned to her little chapel and every step of the way will be accompanied by a battery of noisy exploding fireworks. So, along with a slice of local village life it's headaches all round until next fiesta season - early December I believe.

This weekend is special all over Spain as it is the national holiday of the Virgen de Pilar, patron saint of Spain. Otherwise it is know as the Puente de Pilar and it seems that after this date it's heads down for the less agreeable weather to come, and the ice cream sellers in the Plaza Bib Rambla in Granada pack up their freezers.

Speaking of weather, though, it could not be better. Summer seems to be making itself known once more, with temperatures on the coast heading towards 30 degrees, and in the mountains, the conditions are perfect for walking. With this in mind I accompanied the tall ones on one of their treks, from Capileira to Trevelez via the high pastures above. A walk of about 17 kms that kept us at an altitude of about 2000 metres for much of the way. Here's a little photo montage to give you an impression of the excursion:




Concerns were shown for my ability or willingness to complete the trip, but truth is, with the cool fresh air along with the warmth of the sun, it was a doddle for this particular dachshund.

Yours, with paws of steel,

Fergus