Football finals and important holidays are not the best dates to fix a wedding and Easter holiday in Spain definitely falls into the important holiday category, have you ever experienced Easter in Spain? If the answer is no, what are you waiting for? The Hotel Albayzin del Mar offers an excellent place for tourists to stay as it is literally two minutes away from the main procession route and yet offers guests the chance to escape into a haven of peace and tranquility within its walls. Sunbathe by the private pool in the tropical gardens, go down to the beach or join in the celebrations, the choice is yours.
As I write this our Easter celebrations are in full swing. So far the weather has been fantastic except for a little thunder storm yesterday that slowed the processions down but the sun is out today in force and everything feels clean and fresh ready for the spring!
Semana Santa, as it is called here in Spain, is a big event and declared of Cultural Interest. Candelit processions organised by the various Catholic brotherhoods carry heavy ornate throwns bearing the image of Christ or the Virgin Mary from the church, through the crowds. As they sway hypnotically along the narrow streets, members of the general public sing "Saetas" to show their devotion. Each procession is followed by the "Penitentes" dressed in long gowns, the colours of which vary depending on the brotherhood. Their faces are always covered to hide their identity, only their eyes show through glinting in the candlelight that illuminates their way.
Some of the processions are very loud, fire work rockets constantly go off to let people know where abouts they are and a big brass band walks through ahead announcing their arrival accompanied by loud drums which can be heard from a mile away. However there is one procession in particular which takes place late at night and in complete silence. The Penitentes, dressed in black, carry white candles and as they pass slowly by a stillness falls on everything. It is an awe inspiring sight to behold and eery as the only thing that can be heard is the shuffling feet of the Penitentes, the whispered orders of the leader and the laboured breathing of the Thrown bearers as they struggle under the heavy glass and gold transparent coffin containing the image of Jesus Christ.
Whether you are a believer or not it is hard to live Semana Santa in Spain and not be moved by at least some if not all of the beautiful moments it offers tourists.
viernes, 21 de marzo de 2008
martes, 18 de marzo de 2008
Traditional Spanish Wedding
Whilst investigating everything weddings on internet I came across an article written by an English journalist who attended a Spanish wedding. Their account of how they perceived the customs and habits of the hosts amused me and made me realize that seen from the outside some of it can seem “different”. Lots of articles cover destination weddings in Spain and all the benefits of choosing this sunny country, yet hardly any talk about its own traditions. I thought it would be interesting to talk about the typical Spanish weddings of old, Granada style. Some of the customs still hold true today, some don´t and they all vary from town to town. So let´s start at the very beginning, well nearly…
Traditionally couples would be engaged for many years whilst they saved up for a home of their own. This was done so that after the wedding they had everything they needed to start their life together. It is not uncommon for offspring to live with their parents well into adult life and by that I mean late 30´s and on! Maybe this is because the family unit is very important in Spain, maybe because it is the easiest option but in some smaller villages the only way out of the family home was by marriage (it wasn´t unusual for the girl to become pregnant resulting in a “shotgun wedding” and stern catholic upbringing meant that divorce was out of the question). Once they had everything they needed to start a family of their own they would set the date and the families of the bride and groom would put together the guest list.
When the big day arrived, all of the guests would get seriously dressed up regardless of the time of day, it was an opportunity to show off all their finery. They would either go to the church to wait for the bride and groom or they would go to the house of the family who had invited them and accompany them to the church. In Spain they do not have the custom of a best man and the groom enters the church with his mother followed by guests. Traditionally the groom’s guests sit behind him to the right of the church and the bride's guests are seated on the left. The bride leaves her house on her father´s arm followed by her guests and they walk to the church in a procession, the guests enter first and are seated then the bride makes her entrance. It is not uncommon for guests to remain outside the church during the ceremony and once it is over they are joined by everybody else, ready to throw copious amounts of rice “missile style” at the couple! Lots of kissing goes on as each guest wishes the couple all the best for their future as they battle through the crowd to the rice free safety of their car.
Traditionally the banquet was set for a later hour giving guests time to drive around in a procession loudly sounding out their horns and waving at all and sundry letting everyone know that there had been a wedding and keeping them occupied. In the meantime the couple would be having their wedding photos taken and not a drink would be served until they arrived at the banquet, at which point everyone would raise a glass to toast their future happiness and health. Nowadays most couples have made provisions for their guests and they can relax in the surroundings of the venue whilst enjoying drinks and canapés until the celebrations start.
A traditional Spanish banquet will begin with cold cuts and snacks whilst everyone gets settled. The meal itself consists of a starter, a fish dish, a refreshing champagne sorbet, a meat dish and a dessert. The cake would be cut a little later and the bride and groom would take this time to go around the tables and chat with each of their guests.
It is tradition to give an envelope with money to the bride and groom unless they have specifically stated otherwise. The amount should never be less than the price of a cover and although it is not unheard of for an empty envelope to appear, it is extremely bad practice and very rude.
After the cake the bride and her bridesmaids hand out a little gift to the ladies, usually a delicate pin with an ornate material flower which by custom is to be worn upside down if you are single (if the pin gets lost it means that you will be married soon). The groom usually hands out cigars to the male guests with the date of their wedding on the label.
Then comes the music. They do not have the custom of a disco playing all their favourite tracks, instead it is usually a live band and once father and daughter have taken to the dance floor and enjoyed their first dance it is time for everyone to join in the dancing, make their way to the free bar or make their way home.
Another method of getting more money which I have only ever seen in the small rural villages, would involve the groom taking a pair of scissors to his tie and auctioning off the pieces which would be placed on a tray and shown to all the guests as they haggled, the Bride would also auction her garter and the money would go towards their honeymoon and the expenses of the wedding.
But the couple´s long day’s not over yet, oh no! Tradition dictates that close friends of the newlyweds enter the future home without their knowledge and prepare practical jokes such as hiding things in the bed sheets, filling it with balloons, hanging banners announcing the marriage off the balcony and lots more. It is with great apprehension that they go home on their first night as husband and wife!
Customarily the Honeymoon didn´t start straight away, but in the following week or so, giving them time to settle into their new home.
And that is more or less a traditional Spanish wedding. As I began writing I realized that there were so many details I could explain to help people understand this beautiful culture better but some things are just best left for you to discover on your own, otherwise where would the magic be?
Traditionally couples would be engaged for many years whilst they saved up for a home of their own. This was done so that after the wedding they had everything they needed to start their life together. It is not uncommon for offspring to live with their parents well into adult life and by that I mean late 30´s and on! Maybe this is because the family unit is very important in Spain, maybe because it is the easiest option but in some smaller villages the only way out of the family home was by marriage (it wasn´t unusual for the girl to become pregnant resulting in a “shotgun wedding” and stern catholic upbringing meant that divorce was out of the question). Once they had everything they needed to start a family of their own they would set the date and the families of the bride and groom would put together the guest list.
When the big day arrived, all of the guests would get seriously dressed up regardless of the time of day, it was an opportunity to show off all their finery. They would either go to the church to wait for the bride and groom or they would go to the house of the family who had invited them and accompany them to the church. In Spain they do not have the custom of a best man and the groom enters the church with his mother followed by guests. Traditionally the groom’s guests sit behind him to the right of the church and the bride's guests are seated on the left. The bride leaves her house on her father´s arm followed by her guests and they walk to the church in a procession, the guests enter first and are seated then the bride makes her entrance. It is not uncommon for guests to remain outside the church during the ceremony and once it is over they are joined by everybody else, ready to throw copious amounts of rice “missile style” at the couple! Lots of kissing goes on as each guest wishes the couple all the best for their future as they battle through the crowd to the rice free safety of their car.
Traditionally the banquet was set for a later hour giving guests time to drive around in a procession loudly sounding out their horns and waving at all and sundry letting everyone know that there had been a wedding and keeping them occupied. In the meantime the couple would be having their wedding photos taken and not a drink would be served until they arrived at the banquet, at which point everyone would raise a glass to toast their future happiness and health. Nowadays most couples have made provisions for their guests and they can relax in the surroundings of the venue whilst enjoying drinks and canapés until the celebrations start.
A traditional Spanish banquet will begin with cold cuts and snacks whilst everyone gets settled. The meal itself consists of a starter, a fish dish, a refreshing champagne sorbet, a meat dish and a dessert. The cake would be cut a little later and the bride and groom would take this time to go around the tables and chat with each of their guests.
It is tradition to give an envelope with money to the bride and groom unless they have specifically stated otherwise. The amount should never be less than the price of a cover and although it is not unheard of for an empty envelope to appear, it is extremely bad practice and very rude.
After the cake the bride and her bridesmaids hand out a little gift to the ladies, usually a delicate pin with an ornate material flower which by custom is to be worn upside down if you are single (if the pin gets lost it means that you will be married soon). The groom usually hands out cigars to the male guests with the date of their wedding on the label.
Then comes the music. They do not have the custom of a disco playing all their favourite tracks, instead it is usually a live band and once father and daughter have taken to the dance floor and enjoyed their first dance it is time for everyone to join in the dancing, make their way to the free bar or make their way home.
Another method of getting more money which I have only ever seen in the small rural villages, would involve the groom taking a pair of scissors to his tie and auctioning off the pieces which would be placed on a tray and shown to all the guests as they haggled, the Bride would also auction her garter and the money would go towards their honeymoon and the expenses of the wedding.
But the couple´s long day’s not over yet, oh no! Tradition dictates that close friends of the newlyweds enter the future home without their knowledge and prepare practical jokes such as hiding things in the bed sheets, filling it with balloons, hanging banners announcing the marriage off the balcony and lots more. It is with great apprehension that they go home on their first night as husband and wife!
Customarily the Honeymoon didn´t start straight away, but in the following week or so, giving them time to settle into their new home.
And that is more or less a traditional Spanish wedding. As I began writing I realized that there were so many details I could explain to help people understand this beautiful culture better but some things are just best left for you to discover on your own, otherwise where would the magic be?
viernes, 7 de marzo de 2008
THE ISLA DEL OCIO
Spring is in the air at Hotel Albayzin del Mar. Our stunning gardens are such a hive of activity these days! Armies of gardeners and maintenance staff are busy trimming, painting and adding all the finishing touches that make this Hotel one of the top spots to celebrate any type of event. We love a wedding, and the effortless elegance of the venue means that it is bound to be a success.
More than just another place to hold your wedding reception it is a beautiful oasis that offers peace and tranquility to all who come here. Long marble halls with striking black and white décor, mirrors, luscious plants and modern artwork immediately make you realise that this place is different. Keep an eye on this blog as we will continue to bring you little pieces of paradise in Almuñecar!
More than just another place to hold your wedding reception it is a beautiful oasis that offers peace and tranquility to all who come here. Long marble halls with striking black and white décor, mirrors, luscious plants and modern artwork immediately make you realise that this place is different. Keep an eye on this blog as we will continue to bring you little pieces of paradise in Almuñecar!
domingo, 20 de enero de 2008
viernes, 21 de diciembre de 2007
viernes, 14 de diciembre de 2007
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)