Almeria January 2008

Almeria 2008

January newsletter

Mike and Sue

say ...

happy new year !

JANUARY NEWSLETTER

January came in like a party and went out like a flower show.

First we had the New Year celebrations when traditionally everyone sits with 12 grapes in front of them and eats one grape for every strike of the clock to ensure a prosperous and happy new year then of course, its time for some fireworks.

On the 5th the children receive their Christmas presents and in return hurl sweets to all and sundry around the Pueblo; we had quite a garden full.

Later in the evening it is time for fireworks before the children are put to bed.

Five days to recover and we are heading for

the Festival of the Three Kings on the 6^th...

On the 17th January we had

St Anthony´s Day (El dia de San Anton) ...on the eve of which everyone dresses up in costume to watch believe it or not...

...a big firework display !

On the day itself there are processions to mark the event.

Both Saints Days are to a greater or lesser extent marked by the blessing of bread and in a local pueblo (Lubrin) bread rings are thrown from the balconies on St Sebastian´s eve and to ensure good luck for the next twelve months one must collect 12 of them.

This can result in total mayhem !!!

Moving ahead 2 days we have the eve of St Sebastian´s Day

when there are bonfires, dancing, medieval processions and fireworks.

for both these celebrations, again go to

Spanish Customs

Whilst all this was going on one might be forgiven for not noticing the enthusiastic blossoming of the local flora,

Mimosa and almond being particularly spectacular ...

although one should not ignore the wild geraniums,

flowering succulents and many more.

Although we suffered three cloudy days during the month

it stayed dry and now we are bathed in sunshine;

indeed we had sun awnings fitted yesterday ~ we have survived for some years with parasols which look terribly Mediterranean but are not really as practical in the height of summer as a full awning.