Wednesday 16^th July

I don't quite know what it is, but we do seem to cross paths with festivals and fiestas! Last year we managed to celebrate Midsummer Day in both Sweden and Denmark, as well as being stuck in Cuxhaven for the South Saxony Show (3 days) (highlights including 'Right Said Fred' and 'Middle of the Road'.)

[Go to www.rhbell.com and click on '2007']

This year we have stumbled upon the Fiestas en honor de la Virgen del Carmen, in Almerimar. This actually is a 5 day event, but it all culminated in today's tumultuous events. Awoken (for the third day running) at 8.00am by 8 very large and loud rockets going off. This was the start of a very long day of fireworks and processions etc. I did mention to one shopkeeper that letting fireworks off on bright sunny days didn't really perhaps do them justice, but the reply was a confident, 'But they make lots of noise!' No argument there, as these things are small but VERY loud, especially with the sound echoing around all the buildings. These aimless rockets continued to be let off seemingly at random throughout the day, but the pace heated up around 6.00pm with the local junior marching band, 'Pasacalles, Bandas de Tambores y Cornetas,' Who were preceded by two chaps armed with dozens of the rockets which they let off every few minutes, surrounded by eager young children.

First Band at Almerimar (Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen)

Not too sure what health and safety would have to say about the general safety precautions taken here!

Then around an hour later the main procession came round, as before preceded by fireworks all the way. The town is basically centred around the marina which dominates everything and the Virgen appears to be the protector of the port, so these parades wind around the marina making sure that we none of us miss any of the excitement!

Finally the statue, dignitaries and the entire band got into various boats, along with rather too many other people and the flotilla set off out of the harbour, round the bay and back.

On their return, we were treated to a very sudden, short, enthusiastic, but rather unimpressive fireworks display, which did just have the benefit of slightly more darkness.

We are given to understand that it might yet be a long night.....