Andalucia Blog - Andalucia Happenings

Exciting, interesting even just boring but newsworthy bits and pieces on fiestas and happenings in Andalucia.

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Aug 17, 2008, Deep Purple Concert Dates Changed

Deep Purple have changed the date of the only concert they are playing in Andalucia from Thursday 11th September to Friday 12th September, due to a rescheduling of the band's tour.

The performance will take place in Estepona Bullring and any tickets already bought for the Estepona concert will be valid for the new date.

The concert planned for Almeria has unfortunately been cancelled due to the change in schedule.

Deep Purple has apologised for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Aug 14, 2008, Motorbiking-Holidays-Andalucia

Motorbiking-Holidays-Andalucia

Aug 12, 2008, Black Flag Beaches Too

Although Andalucia has many blue flag beaches to be proud of it also has a large number of black flag beaches too according to Ecologistas en Accion who have now awarded 627 black flags in total across Spain.

The black falgs are given to beaches considered to be dirty, polluted, unsafe or overdeveloped.

Andalucia has the highest number of black flag beaches on their list, and I'm hopeful that's more for overdevelopment than filth!

Aug 9, 2008, Madonna to Perform in Sevilla

Madonna, Queen of Pop has included Seville as part of her ‘Sticky & Sweet’ European tour on 16th September.

The singer who hasn't performed in Spain for seven years, can be seen at the Olympic Stadium in Seville.

There's talk of a special train service from Seville to Cordoba, Malaga and Madrid.

This concert is one of only two performances in Spain, the other show will be at the ‘Ricardo Tormo de Cheste’ in Valencia. Tickets are on sale now from FNAC Stores, Urende stores or online Or Telephone on 902 150 025.

Ticket prices are 62, 90 and 150 euros.

Jul 29, 2008, Small Bomb in Torremolinos

A small device exploded on a beach in Torremolinos,Malaga at 2pm last night. There are no injuries reported but a teenage boy needed treatment for shock.

This incident comes within days of the arrest in Andalucia of some key players of ETA.

Jul 27, 2008, Costa Clean-up

A huge injection of 6.9 million euros has been agreed upon to clean up the facilities on beaches of the Costa del Sol.

The Junta de Andalucia is to instigate better sanitation, new beach-bars new and buoys.

Another 30 rescue boats have also been added to operate off-shore during this summer season.

Local councillor Luciano Alonso said that the regional government’s investment in beaches is fuelled by recognition of the fact that 60 per cent of the visitors who come to Andalucia, travel there for sun, sea and sand.

Jul 25, 2008, Andalucia-Fiestas

Andalucia-Fiestas

Jul 23, 2008, Attractions-Andalucia

Attractions-Andalucia

Jul 23, 2008, Bands on the Beach

The 3rd MTV Malaga Summer event is on the 15th August this year on La Malagueta beach and begins at 12.30 AM.

More than 150,000 people are expected to attend this free event with a line-up of

David Bisbal

Pussycat Dolls

Nicole Scherzinger

Melody Thornton

Jessica Sutta

Ashley Roberts

Kimberly Wyatt

Kardinal Offishall

For more information visit Kadinal Offishall or David Bisbal

Jul 20, 2008, Asparagus-Fiesta

Asparagus-Fiesta

Jul 18, 2008, Markets in and around Granada Province

To experience a Spanish market or two you need to know when and where to go, here's a list of markets around Granada Province, it by no means covers them all and if you know or find one not in my list please do let me know.

Sunday

Granada, near the bus station
Nerja - Car boot
Rio Frio
Baza

Monday

Niguelas
Loja
Velez de Benaudalla
Montefrio

Tuesday

Antequera
Huetor Tajar
Iznajar
Motril

Wednesday

Baza
Durcal
Trevelez
Villanueava de Trabuco

Thursday

Albunuelas
Huescar
Illora
Orgiva
Villanueva de Tapia
Villanueva de Rosario

Friday

Alhama de Granada
Almunecar
El Padul
La Herradura
Mondujar
Motril

Saturday

Granada, Palacio de Deportes
Guadix

Jul 16, 2008, Calling all Blues Fans

The Cazorla Blues Festival in the gateway town to Spain's largest Natural Park is the setting for this years get together.

Put the dates in your diary 24th, 25th 26th July and check out the website to see the line-up for 2008.

Blues Cazorla

Jul 15, 2008, Getting around in Granada - Hire a Bike

If you're worried about your carbon footprint or just want some exercise around the city, hire a bike in Granada.

Ecoway is a new company offering pedal bikes and electric bikes for hire, a minimum of two hours costs 7 Euros for a pedal bike and 10 Euros for an electric one. Half day and full day hire is also available.

Ecoway, Plaza Cuchhillos, 6 or the tourist kiosk on Plaza Bib Rambla.

Jul 13, 2008, Andalucia Best Destination for Horse Riding

The UK's Guardian put the coastline of Andalucia as the top resort for horse riding holidays.

According to the newspaper those that take Spanish holidays in Andalucia can experience views of North Africa and excellent riding through wonderful pine covered countryside.

On a riding holiday in Andalucia horse-lovers will be able to "gallop through the waves towards the sand dunes at the windsurfer's paradise of Tarifa".

Jul 11, 2008, Sheep & Goats become Fire Prevention Officers

Sheep and goats are once again welcome to graze in areas such as the slopes of Santa Catalina in Jaen.

The pilot scheme was so successful that more than 6,000 animals are set to fulfil there new role as fire prevention officers.

The clearing of the ground that these animals do plus the gathering by locals of firewood have proved to be the best way to avoid the outbreak of fires at this very risky time of year.

The Junta has lifted its ban and a former pastor who was fined for grazing his flock on these slopes is once more wandering them there hills.

Jul 8, 2008, My latest and greatest Cookbook

A Taste of a Place by Vicky Bennison is the latest most welcome additon to my groaning Andalucia and Spanish cookbook collection.

This book is not just another recipe collection but an introduction to Spanish gastronomy.

See my review here

Jul 3, 2008, Jaen Parador One of Top Ten in Europe

King of the Hills - Parador de Santa Catalina, Jaen, Spain

Overlooking the city of Jean with breathtaking views of the Sierra Morena hills and on a clear day the Sierra Nevada mountains in Granada.

Jean Castle came in Tripadvisors' top ten of castle hotels in Europe. The 4* Parador also shares its hill-top sight with a castle and interpretation centre and a large white cross marking the victory spot where Ferdinand III conquered this Moorish stronghold.

Jul 2, 2008, Blue Flag Beaches Andalucia

Malaga province has been awarded the most Banderas Azules Blue Flags in whole of Andalucia.

Blue Flags are given in recognition of cleanliness, safety and environmental awareness.

The Association for Environmental and Consumer Education - ADEAC gave the award to 17 beaches and four ports.

Those Blue Flag beaches are:

La Malagueta in Malaga city
Torrecilla and Burriana in Nerja
Los Boliches-Las Gaviotas in Torreblanca
Carvajal, Santa Amalia and El Castillo in Fuengirola
Guadalmina-San Pedro in Marbella
La Rada and El Cristo in Estepona
Sabinillas, La Colonia and Manilva.

Jul 1, 2008, Lynx in Jaen

Although Cota Donana National Park is the area that is most associated with the Iberian or Pardel Lynx in Spain, to the north of Andalucia near Andujar in Jaen province many reliable sightings have been recorded.

Andujar is about an hours drive from Jaen and apparently from March to May is the best time to see Lynxes around the Rio Jandula area there.

Jun 30, 2008, Gazpacho Weather!

It's meltdown time. Hot HOt HOT.

This is when a cold Gazpacho really goes down a treat.

A really healthy cooling smoothie - ah makes me feel cooler already - and that from a non-smoothie fan.

This is the way I do it

2 large tomatoes (about 1 kg)
1 medium cucumber, peeled if the skin is tough
1 red or green pepper, seeded and chopped
One medium onion
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1-2 cloves garlic
5 tablespoons water (vary the amount according to the consistency you prefer)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (from Jaen!)

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Sieve it if you like it really smooth, I don't. Hubby likes the bulkier texture and I like the least work and mess!

Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Traditionally stale bread, which has been soaked and then squeezed is added. This gives the soup a thicker consistency, if I've got some I sometimes add a little.

Jun 27, 2008, Crafts, Music & Workshops at Etnosur

Etnosur is a feast of music, theatre, circus, cinema, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, crafts, food with an International touch.

This year is the eleventh edition and takes place on 18th, 19th, 20th July in Alcalá la Real, Jaén.

The three days festival begins at 10 o’clock each morning and sees activities until till dawn the next day.

The festival has got several awards, entry is free and a camp site is available.

Jun 26, 2008, Walking in Sierra Nevada

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer a one week walking holiday in the Alpujarras, the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. With an ascent of Mulhacen the highest mountain in mainland Spain at 3500m.

Prices from £559 per person (for departure on 19 July). Includes return flights, transfers, half-board accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays: 01707 331133 www.ramblersworldwideholidays.co.uk

Jun 25, 2008, Superb Stays in Seville

For style luxury and grandeur visit no other.

The Alfonso XIII is still one of Spain's most prestigious properties oozing that grace and charm of the Moorish heritage.

Jun 25, 2008, Water Polo in Malaga

Malaga Water Sports Centre is hosting the European Water Polo Championships 2008.

With 12 of the best men’s teams and 8 of the womans’s teams competing for the championships.

The opening ceremony begins on July 3rd and the competition on July 4th.

See the official website for the games www.malaga2008.com

Jun 24, 2008, Flamenco Fiesta in Sevilla

Where to see Flamenco?

Well this Autumn 2008 sees the XV Bi-annual Flamenco Festival in Sevilla.

The city will be steaming from 10th Sept to 11th Oct with flamenco shows across various venues of the city.

Shows will be almost daily spread between Auditorio de Sevilla, Hotel Triana, Teatro de Maestranza and Teatro Lope de Vega.