A fellow Spain blogger introduced me to this fascinating video about the Roman and Moorish origins of the eight provinces of Andalucia: Sevilla, Huelva, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga, Jaen and Almeria.
Algeciras-Marbella section of proposed new high-speed coastal railway, Corredor Ferroviario Mediterraneo.
The latest plans for the new train route known as the “Corredor Ferroviario Mediterraneo”, or Mediterranean Rail Corridor, have been announced. The first project for strategic freight transportation was approved by the Government in March last year.
Going inland from Algeciras towards Manilva across open farmland, the track will run parallel with the A7 motorway inland, with just three stops: Marbella, Malaga Maria Zambrano and Malaga airport.
It is planned that high-speed trains will run along the new route, which was previously mooted to pass through Antequera. The budget for the Costa del Sol section of track is 2.850 million euros, with the rest of the track costing 7.500 million euros. The reason for this is the number of tunnels and bridges which will need to be built on this mountainous coastline: in the section between Marbella and Malaga alone, there will be nine tunnels and 12 viaducts.
The route was proposed by Fermmed, a lobby group made up of 150 institutions and businesses to promote the trans-European rail network.
It is expected that the route will be finished by 2020.
Leafing through the papers yesterday, as you do on a Sunday morning, I was fascinated to come across the story of an English soldier called John Scrope Colquitt who fought with the Spanish in their War of Independence (also known as the Peninsular War) against Napoleon’s occupying French army.
The lieutant-colonel, who served with the Allies in a British regiment called the Foot Guards, was buried 200 years ago in Alacalá de Guadaira, a town near Seville. A busy junction in the town, where roads have crossed for centuries, has been known locally ever since as La Cruz del Inglés (The Cross of the Englishman). However, apparently few people in the area were aware of the origin of the crossroad’s name: the life, and death, which it marks.
Lt-Col Colquitt, who was born in Liverpool, took part with his regiment in the Battle of Barrosa (Chiclana, Cadiz) on 5 March 1811, where he was seriously wounded. The following year, the Foot Guards sailed to Huelva and then marched to Seville, to help in the city’s liberation on 27 August 1812. Colquitt and his men were part of the Allied Force which helped defend the Triana boat bridge from the French, who tried to destroy it.
Afterwards the regiment was sent to Alcalá, recently abandoned by French troops. The colonel died of a high fever in Seville on 4 September 1812 and was buried the next day in a field at the town’s entrance (he wasn’t allowed in the graveyard, not being a Catholic), his grave marked with a cross and an engraved stone plaque.
Last week, the soldier’s memory was honoured by the Ayuntamiento of Alcalá with a three-metre-high monument with a plaque explaining (in English and Spanish) about Colquitt. The unveiling was attended by some of Colquitt’s descendants, who had travelled from England for the ceremony. A bugler from the Grenadier Guards – resplendent in his red jacket and bearskin hat, as worn by the guards of Buckingham Palace – provided suitable military gravitas. The memorial itself was created in collaboration with a new association, La Cruz del Inglés 2012.
The Mayor of Alcalá said that Colquitt symbolised: “la lucha por la libertad, precisamente en un año en el que se conmemora el Bicentenario de la Guerra de la Independencia” (the fight for freedom, in the very year when the bicentenary of the War of Independence is being commemorated).
This is the English version of inscription on Colquitt’s original gravestone from 1812:
“SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN SCROOP (SIC) COLQUITT ESQ LIEUT COLONEL IN HIS BRITTANIC MAJESTYS 1st REGt OF FOOT GUARDS WHO DIED IN SEVILLE THE 5th OF SEPTEMBER 1812 AGED 37 YEARS OF A FEVER BROUGHT ON IN THE CONSEQUENCE OF EXCESSIVE FATIGUE DURING THE MARCH TO SEVILLE, AND OF THE GREAT EXERTIONS WHICH HE MADE WHILST GALLANTLY LEADING ON HIS BATTALION TO THE ATTACK OF THE BRIDGE OF TRIANA, ON THE 27 OF AUGUST 1812″
You can see an exhibition in the Museo de la Cuidad, entitled La Cruz del Ingles: 200 años de leyenda urbana, from 10 May to 23 September.
This document has a detailed account of Colquitt’s life.
Malaga cathedral, part of the city centre's conjunto historico.
The Junta de Andalucia has declared the city centre of Malaga to be a conjunto historico, inscribing it in the Catálogo General del Patrimonio Histórico Andaluz – the General Catalogue of Historic Andalucian Heritage.
Malaga's Roman theatre,at the foot of the Alcazar.
The area is 163 hectares in size and covers three millenia of history, starting from the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, followed by the Romans, Moors and Catholic Kings.
The impenetrable walls of the Moorish Alcazar, which towers above the city.
Among the many historic monuments you can see in Malaga are:
the Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro fortresses, the Cathedral, the Customs House, the Jewish quarter, the Hospital San Lazaro, the Convento Trinitarios Descalzados, the Bishop’s Palace and the Teatro Cervantes.
Calle Larios, the artery of Malaga's central district, now officially recognised as being of historic value.
Rebekah at the Alcazar palace - she was impressed by the Moorish architecture.
GUEST POST: REBEKAH THOMPSON
Living in on the Costa del Sol it has become very easy to take my surroundings for granted; I live just a bus ride away from some of the most famous cities not only in Spain, but around the world, most of which I haven´t managed to see. I have been living in Andalucía for seven months now and, before last weekend had only visited three out of eight of Andalucía´s provinces – a pretty poor statistic given my workplace. To rectify this, my friend and I thought we would attempt to attend the Spring Feria in Seville. However, in standard industry fashion, the accommodation price rocketed, and those that weren´t through the roof were, of course, already full up.
As a consolation, we booked for the weekend preceding the Feria, in the hope of catching some action, and maybe beating the queues to the monuments. I asked my colleague, AC resident blogger, journalist, and Seville connoisseur Fiona Flores Watson for some inside tips, on where to eat, what to avoid, and the must-see sights of the city, and on Saturday went off on the bus with my friend and a very long list of things to do.
On arrival, we took a taxi from the Prado San Sebastian bus station to our hotel to drop off our bags – using knowledge picked up at Cádiz Carnaval – wheely suitcases and cobbles make for aching arms and broken wheels.
The receptionist at the hotel gave us a map and explained “You are here” – next to the football stadium – leading into “What team do you support?” and a subsequent debate about Manchester United versus Manchester City (controversial stuff). He also complimented our Andaluz accents, which gave me two feelings: pride and fear. Pride, because my Spanish is becoming authentic, and fear that my university professor will not be able to understand me come September!
Then the receptionist showed us the local bus stop and told us to take the second stop to reach the main sights – failing to mention that between the two main stops, there are two other stops … so having paid for the bus we actually ended up walking most of the journey; the start of a downhill slope in terms of walking and buses (I don´t think I will ever get the hang of public transport in Spain). However, as luck would have it, it was lunchtime, so we nipped off to the tapas bar which had been recommended to us by Fiona – when I say nipped, I mean orientated the map the wrong way, then the right way and figured out the various different codes and coordinates. I actually did Duke of Edinburgh Awards at school, but Mount Snowdon has more sheep and less winding alleyways.
Once we had found the restaurant, we chose a selection of tapas including Seville´s traditional solomillo al whisky (when in Rome…) which was deliciously tasty and tender. I could see why it is considered a delicacy; if you are going to Seville I recommend you try it.
The fragrant Alcazar gardens, with their 17-century gallery.
Then of course came the touristy bit: the Alcazar, the Giralda and Plaza de España. We arrived at the Alcazar – which we were able to enter for just €2 as students (with a valid student ID and proof of age 16-25). I had been to the Alcazar before, about 10 years ago in July, so I was too young and too hot to fully appreciate its beauty and tranquility – even with all the tourists sightseeing, it felt so peaceful I had to whisper. The Moorish architecture is astounding – the intricacy of the tapestries, the paintings and the carvings – even the azulejos (tiles); I cannot imagine the work they must have taken.
The gardens are breathtaking; the roses are perfect and the scent is incredible. It is so regal that there are even peacocks roaming around, although granted it appears they have taken to hanging around the café scrounging for crumbs – a bird´s got to eat!
After the Alcazar we went to the Giralda – equally as majestic and attractive as the Alcazar although sadly not so peaceful. We took our photos, had a look around and ended up in a debate with a Spanish stag party from Madrid, as to whether Giralda or Big Ben is taller. I could not believe that Big Ben was so small, but alas I was wrong (don´t tell anyone): the Giralda at 104.5m tall is 8.2m taller than Big Ben, which is only 96.3m. From the Giralda we walked a very roundabout route (our map skills not yet honed) to the Plaza de España, via Puente Triana, the Plaza de Toros and Torre de Oro.
An anti-bullfighting demonstration in Seville, on the first day of the 2012 season.
Saturday was the first day of the bullfighting season in Seville so the streets were teeming, and we stumbled by chance upon a March of protestors, for whom the roads were closed; it was very well organized and supervised, and slogans included: “Andalucía Anti Taurina” and “Es tortura, ni arte ni cultura”. I was surprised by the vast age range of those involved, some children could not have been 10 years old. We stopped a while to watch them pass by – which took a while as their numbers were quite substantial. It was very exciting; one of the things I love about Spain is that you never know what you might come across.
Visiting her home province depicted in tiles at Plaza de España.
To get to the Plaza de España we walked through Parque Maria Luisa – a beautiful park with lots of shelter from the heat – whilst dodging horse and carriages and teenage tandem cyclists having a very serious-looking race around the fountain. Be careful where you stand around the fountain; if you stand down-wind, you´re in for a soaking.
However, in the heat this was surprisingly refreshing. After a relax on a bench taking in the view we found Málaga´s plaque on the wall and had a photo next to our native Estepona; sometimes you just have to be a real tourist.
Rebekah and her friend show us where Estepona is on the map of Malaga at Plaza de España.
After that we retired for our siesta, changed, and went out for dinner – in spite of our blisters we wore heels, a decision we later came to regret walking across town; it seems cobbles do not go with heels either (what do they go with?). Continuing with our touristic day we shared a seafood paella in Plaza Santa Cruz, whilst peeking through the window of the next-door bar to catch highlights of “El Clásico” (my companion is an avid Barça fan). We then made our way to the Alameda de Hercules (that´s far, even in sensible shoes) for some mojitos – a perfect, if a little painful, end to the day.
On Sunday, with very sore feet, we decided not to do anymore sightseeing and to have a lazy lunch before catching the bus at 15:30. However, in true Spanish style, this plan was waylaid, as we stumbled across an outdoor art exhibition at the Museo de Bellas Artes. We were so distracted that we lost track of time and almost missed our coach; we ran to the station and had to knock on the door of the bus to beg to be let in. Fortunately the driver was very kind and allowed us on.
Exhausted, we slept for the entire journey – although I recommend staying awake; the route through Ronda is spectacular (I was awake on the way there). I thoroughly enjoyed being a tourist in Seville; it was a great trip to a beautiful, unique, and culturally diverse city that is full of surprises to be discovered. Where next?
On the blog this time last year, I mentioned a new initiative to help web-based companies develop and grow their businesses, supported by local talent and expertise: Nuevos Talentos Andalucia. Now the second edition of this is open – but only until 7 May.
It is often during challenging economic times when the most brilliant ideas are conceived – great concepts to suit the mood, and make the most of the moment, which might otherwise not have come about.
The project is organised by CADE (Centro de Apoyo al Desarrollo Empresarial de Marbella), which is part of the Andalucia Emprende Fundacion Public Andaluza, in collaboration with the Consejeria de Empleo; Consejeria de Economia, Innovacion y Ciencia; Unicaja; Camara de Comercio de Malaga; UMA; Andalucia.com; Andalucia Web Solutions; and Martinez Echevarria Perez Ferrero lawyers.
Applications must be received by 7 May.
On 14 May, the ten finalists will have a one-day training course covering subjects such as presentation; financing; marketing, communications and social media; and making a business plan.
Then, on 4 June, the finalists will present their business plans to the jury. The winning project will be chosen for its feasability and creativity, and the technology used.
Judges are:
Carmen Pino, Costa del Sol Manager, CADE – Centro de Apoyo al Desarrollo Empresarial.
José Orbaneja, Investment analyst, CADE – Centro de Apoyo al Desarrollo Empresarial de Marbella
Chris Chaplow, Director de Andalucia.com
Antonio Guevara, Vice Dean, Tourism Faculty, Universidad de Málaga
Eugenio Martinez Echevarria, Martinez Echevarría Abogados
Beatriz Cestino , Unicaja
Cámara de Comercio de Málaga
The winner will receive their own office, domain name, Linux server, and a banner ad on andalucia.com’s home page (Spanish version) free for a year; legal and tax advice from Martinez Echevarria Perez Ferrero lawyers; a financial risk study for a 10,000-euro microcredit by Unicaja’s Investment Department; business suport from CADE MArbella; and 10 hours’ web design.
The winner of Nuevos Talentos Andalucia 2011.
In the first edition, which took place last year, 54 businesses entered. The winner was mybalcony.com from Malaga, which rents out balconies of houses and apartments in towns and cities (those with great views) for special events such as processions and fiestas.
Please note that the whole process is conducted in Spanish, so you will need a good level, both written and spoken.
For more information, please go to Nuevos Talentos Andalucia.
A group of feriantes at the Feria de Abril, Sevilla.
Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, this year’s Feria de Abril kicks off officially, when the lights on the Portada (entrance arch) are switched on – the alumbrao.
For those who have never been, but would like to experience this amazing spring fair, arriving at that massive entrance arch, surrounded by the little striped casetas, can be intimidating. All the dark-haired women in their brightly-coloured spotty dresses, tossing their hair and frills as they dance Sevillanas, hands raised in the air, hands twirling. It can make you feel like an outsider.
So this year, the Ayuntamiento are offering guided tours of the Real de la Feria (fair ground). These visits, which will last about an hour in groups of 25, will explain to visitors the history of the Feria, and how the entire temporary city is constructed for one week’s use each year.
The tour will finish up at the Caseta de Fiestas Mayores, where each person will be given a free glass of manzanilla (dry sherry).
The tours leave from the Information Point by the entrance, at2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm, and 6.30pm, from Tuesday to Sunday.
It is also useful to know which are the public casetas, where anyone can walk in and order a drink and some food, or have a dance. So here’s a list. Beware – they can get rowdy at night, so either avoid, or be sure you have your wits about you, and make a fast exit at the first sign of trouble.
Bienvenida, 10 – UGT
Bienvenida, 79 – PSOE Andalucía
Bienvenida, 97 – Distrito Casco Antiguo
Costillares, 10 – Área de Fiestas Mayores
Costillares , 22 – Distrito Nervión- San Pablo
Costillares, 77 – “La de to er mundo”
Costillares, 82 – La Esmeralda
Curro Romero, 28 – Pueblo de Sevilla
Curro Romero, 29 – USO
I. Sánchez Mejías, 56 – A. CF. S. Fernando
I. Sánchez Mejías, 61 – Distrito Sur
Joselito El Gallo, 109- Hermandades del Trabajo
Juan Belmonte, 196 – Partido Andalucista
Pascual Márquez, 9 – La Pecera
Pascual Márquez, 66 – PP de Sevilla
Pascual Márquez, 81 – CCOO. Sevilla
Pascual Márquez, 85 – Distrito Macarena
Pascual Márquez, 153 – Distrito Triana
Pascual Márquez, 215 – Distrito Este
Cerca de las Casas del Terror, Los Formalitos.
Map of the Feria recinto - all the streets are named after bullfighters.
1.- Caseta Municipal
2.- Policía Local
3.- Niños perdidos (Lost children)
4.- WC
5.- Información
This year, the Metro is running 24 hours a day, from tomorrow morning, until the early hours of next Sunday night/Monday morning. There is also a good bus service, with stops for various lines right outside the entrance. See Metro de Sevilla and TUSSAM for more details.
For the guided tours, see the official Seville Tourism page.
The portada - entrance arch - of this year's Feria de Abril in Sevilla, modelled on the facade of San Salvador church.
The Feria de Abril here in Sevilla starts officially next Tuesday, with the alumbrao, the lighting up of the portada (entrance gate) at midnight on Monday. Around 20,000 bulbs are switched on, illuminating the magnificent gateway. The last day is Sunday, so there’s plenty of opportunity to visit at the weekend.
This year’s is based on the Iglesia de San Salvador, one of Seville’s most emblematic churches, which was recently restored, and celebrates its tricentary this year. It also has design elements referring to the 20th anniversary of the Expo 92, which takes place this weekend, and the bicentenary of La Pepa, Spain’s first ever constitution, drawn up in Cadiz in 1812.
3-D version of the portada.
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the Feria, be sure to take a good look at the portada, as it’s easy to walk under it, without looking up and giving it a good close examination, to catch all the details. Much thought goes into this impressive visual statement of Seville’s biggest annual social event.
For those who won’t be strolling under the farolillos and sipping rebujito before dancing Sevillanas (I always try my best, but it’s not my forte), look out for more photos here next week.
We’re now half way through April, so there’s only two weeks to go until the period starts (1 May-30 June) for submitting your Declaracion de la Renta (tax return) for 2011.
The Agencia Tributaria has brought out a cool video (which I saw when it was posted by another blogger; thanks Cat Gaa!) to explain how to request your borrador, rather than waiting for it to arrive in the post, using your computer and mobile phone.
It is clearly, graphically explained in an illustrated step-by-step process. You just need your DNI and Declaracion document from last year to hand, for the data for 2010.
It’s only two and half minutes long, and is very easy to follow, so I’d recommend it as a good way to get ahead with the whole Declaracion process. You’ll be one step ahead once 1 May comes!
Sara Baras, one of the Spanish stars of the new TV series about flamenco, in a scene from Carlos Saura's film.
With Seville’s main annual event, the Feria de Abril, fast approaching, and its accent on dancing Sevillanas all night long, I was excited to hear on the radio this morning of a new flamenco project starring two (seemingly unlikely) major names in entertainment: an A-list Hollywood film star, and one of the most respected singer-songwriters around.
For it is Charlize Theron, the sultry South African siren, and Canadian poet Leonard Cohen, who may well be starring in a new five-part TV series about flamenco song and dance by Spanish director Juan Lebron.
It is hoped the programmes will bring flamenco to a wider, more global audience, by using recognisable international stars. Cohen’s participation is confirmed, but producers are still in negotiation with Theron.
The series will have a budget of 1.5 million euros, and will use remastered content from Carlos Saura’s films, Flamenco Flamenco, and Sevillanas, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. According to Spanish press reports, Cohen will explain in English why he loves flamenco, and then, in short clips between 30 palos (songs), will explain about the art. As a fan of the art, as well as Garcia Lorca, and of Andalucia, Cohen was a natural choice for Lebron.
Apparently, Theron had lessons in her native Johannesburg from the ages of six to 12. Her teacher was a dancer from Sacromonte, the gypsy barrio of Granada.
The series will also star famous Spanish exponents of the art: bailaora (dancer) Sara Baras, and cantaor (singer) Miguel Poveda, both of whom appeared in Flamenco Flamenco.
The plan is to film the five programmes in October this year, to coincide with the Sevilla Bienal de Flamenco, for release in January 2013.
You can see Poveda singing a copla por bulería from Flamenco Flamenco here.
Interesting fact: in Theron’s film, The Devil’s Advocate, singers Tomatito and El Potito make a brief appearance together, in a scene which takes place in a flamenco bar.
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