There’s a little castle on the Tenisca hill in the middle of Los Llanos. For years I’ve seen it from the main road and thought, “Oh yes, cool castle. I’d really like to get up there some day.” But when I’m in Los Llanos I’m usually on my way to somewhere in particular, and it’s a steep hill and the roads are a labyrinth and mostly 1-way streets that don’t…
The three kings, Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar, will visit baby Jesus to night to bring him the gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They also bring presents to good children (and coal for bad ones). They’ve all been vacinated (on TV, no less) but of course this year they aren’t riding camels through town with everybody crowded together to cheer them. They’re driving around in open-topped cars waving at people, but the police won’t let…
Halloween is not a traditional Spanish fiesta. Ten years ago, it was something the children learned about in English classes. But you know, kids love a chance to dress up, and they especially love an opportunity for legalised begging (and I was just the same). Naturally they love the idea of Halloween, and so do the shop keepers (obviously). And slowly, Halloween is becoming more popular. Don’t be too surprised…
Tomorrow, Saturday 30th, is Canary Day. It’s normally quite a big deal here but of course this year is different. There will be no school parties because the schools are still shut. I dont think there will be much in the way of concerts and parties, although I expect there will be a lot of people in the restaurants and bars, plus some family parties. Let’s hope next year is…
Spain stayed out of both world wars, so they don’t celebrate Remembrance Day in November. They have Peace Day instead, which schools usually celebrate on January 30th. In Primary school they wear something white, or mostly white (if the children remembered to tell Mummy), and usually they go into the village centre and sing a song. At high school, the teachers try to work a peace theme into the lesson….
Gaspar visiting Santa Cruz de la Palma Although Father Christmas does visit Spanish children, he’s a new arrival. Traditionally the presents arrive on the morning of January 6th, when the three kings visit baby Jesus. This is why the sales haven’t really started yet – Christmas isn’t over here. And on the evening of the 5th, they ride in procession through most of the major towns and villages in Spain….