Memories of Ronda in 1990 We’ve finalized plans for our Easter vacation in Andalucía. We’re renting a car and touring this popular Spanish region for six scenic days. In 1990 I spent a week here as a backpacker but missed many of the classic sights. It’s been a personal goal to back ever since.
We fly in Malaga, one of the side legs on our latest Round-the-World ticket, around lunchtime on Maundy Thursday. We’ll then head straight to Granada nestled in the foothills of Sierra Nevada mountains for 2.5 days of Easter festivities. These spectacular Holy Week, or Semana Santa, events are supposed to be at their most memorable on Thursday evening with the procession of Cristo del Silencio, or Procession of Silence.
The streets come alive again with more festivities throughout the day on Friday. At three o´clock precisely thousands of locals gather together on the streets, forming a thick blanket of bodies, praying and making three traditional wishes. Then at dusk the procession of the oldest of the confraternities, Soledad de San Jerónimo, takes place. The procession is feast for the senses with pointed hoods of an intense yellow and a squadron of Roman troops pounding the ground with lances.
On Saturday we plan to visit the Alhambra and the Generalife. This spectacular palace and its grounds were the final seat of the Moors in the West. I’ve seen so many amazing images over the years. I can’t wait to see it all for real.
Easter Sunday sees us making our way from Granada to the town of Ronda. I visited this town on a whim in 1990 and was astonished by what I found. It’s home to first bullring in Spain, a classic stadium that sits on the edge of a stunning 100 metre chasm. Ronda is also renowned for its equally spectacular 18th century stone Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge.
The following morning, we’ll be making our way back to Malaga through the picturesque white-washed mountain villages of Andalucía. Again, the photos look amazing. Our final day, Tuesday, has us taking us residence at a coast resort. We’ll grab a classic Costa del Sol experience by the hotel pool before heading off to the airport that evening.
Our car is reserved and the hotel are all booked. Only eight weeks to go and we’ll be there!
PS: Did I mention it started snowing again tonight? We already have a light dusting on the ground and there's more promised before dawn.
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2 comments:
We will be interesred in your visit there as we were there on our first trip over to that area. We found it a wonderful and would love to go back again.
remind me to lend you the great guide book I have on Andalucia - Malaga is well worth a visit - there's a fantastic sherry bar there.
The Alhambra is so fabulous, too.
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