FIESTA! Life in Spain for expats
Owning our own Spanish property is nothing at all like being on holiday; it is a hundred times more rewarding. It opens up a new, wonderful life that I had no idea existed.
We live in Spain on and off for about six months of the year and during this time have become part of a community. We now have lovely friends of many nationalities and our experience of their cultures has enriched our lives at the same time.
After all what could be better than enjoying time in a country with a wonderfully benign climate, tolerant and friendly people, plus an al fresco life that lasts all year round. We were sat outside last night until gone eight o’clock — it was warm enough and it’s only March.
In previous articles I’ve given you my honest experience of renting or buying a property in Spain but now I want to put you into the fiesta (party) spirit. Spain has so many fiestas that I couldn’t possibly count them all.
In every single city, town and village there will be frequent festivals that gets all the townsfolk out on the streets partying with their neighbours. They range from fiestas of flamenco, music, wine, seafood, bull running, tomatoes, carnivals, and that’s apart from all the religious festivals …I could go on and on.
I’d put money on a bet that as you read this, somewhere right now a fiesta is in full swing (and it’s one o’clock midday as I write).
I’m going to tell you about a little fiesta that takes place locally every Christmas morning. Remember odds on the weather will be good.
The Spanish traditionally celebrate Christmas when the Three Kings arrive on January 6th, so Christmas is not such a big deal for them. There’s a link to my Three Kings article about this if you’re interested.
The Northern Europeans who are here at Christmastime are of course used to celebrating Christmas Day itself so this is what happens …
During Christmas morning hundreds of people (only a few of whom are Spanish) congregate at a small bay within walking distance of my home. They take bubbly and tapas and ad hoc music is played for some talented locals will have brought their guitar or accordion.
Everyone is very friendly and often people will have brought enough food and drink to share with whoever is near them. People sing carols in Spanish, English, German and French, some people dance and everyone dresses up in something ‘Christmassy’. Even the dogs will have tinsel tied to their collars.
Around mid-day most of those dressed in Father Christmas costume will go for a swim whilst the rest of us cheer them on. The fiesta gradually winds down at about two-ish as people will then mosey on home to prepare or eat their Christmas dinner.
It’s a great day and it shows you how how when the Spanish don’t have a fiesta organised then someone from a different culture else takes over.
If the thought of the lifestyle and the fiestas haven’t enthralled you then maybe the cost of living will. Spain is one of the least expensive countries in Western Europe and in many Spanish areas you can find nice, furnished apartments for under 500 euros a month — it might be worth a month’s trial one winter?
If your life no longer revolves around having to work then what have you got to lose by just a one month trial. Go on. Be brave. You never know where it might lead.
