I Wonder Why...?

I bet you're thinking about this now as you bake in the relentless Summer heat! But would you live in a town that rains every other day? If you are one of those people who love the rain, this town may be perfect for you. This Spanish town in the province of Cádiz is located in the northeast of the province, in the reserve area of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

The name of the town is Grazalema and its rainfall rate is the highest in Spain, registering more than 1,962 mm of average annual rainfall in the municipality. To put that into perspective London has an annual rainfall of around 592mm!  And the average for the whole of the UK is 885mm per year. So more than double the UK average. In addition, it is unsurprisingly the home to the source of the Guadalete River.

It is the first mountainous area to encounter the humid Atlantic winds which enter from the southwestern coast, causing the town of Cádiz to have high rainfall. As the water passes through the low and warm lands, this air cools as it increases in altitude, causing the clouds that will later drop the rain.

Grazalema has a considerable variation of monthly rainfall according to the season. The rainy period of the year lasts for 8.5 months, from September 10 to May 28, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches.

Within the municipality, we encounter a Cadiz village with its urban centre that was declared a Historic Site, where you can see various buildings built according to the typical popular architecture.

It also boasts several churches that must not be missed. The first of them, and the most important, is the 18th century Baroque Church of Nuestra Señora de la Aurora, accompanied by the Church of the Incarnation, from the 17th century but renovated in the 19th. We can also find the Church of San Juan, from the 18th century, followed by the Church of San José, from the 17th century. Without forgetting its only hermitage from the 20th century, under the invocation of Our Lady of the Angels.

Benamahoma is the name of the district which the arabas called 'Ben-Muhammad', meaning "sons of Muhammad." In this municipality, the Islamic influence can be seen in the peculiar layout of its streets. You can also go through the Museum of Textile Crafts where you can see artisan objects such as numerous collections of blankets. The town is famous for its traditional handmade blankets.

Without forgetting the fabulous traditional Cadiz cuisine, in Grazalema, you can taste numerous typical dishes. A wonderful example would be the Grazalema soup, a stew broth made with egg, chorizo, bread and mint. Some of its other specialities are the 'tagarninas' or the very typical roast lamb.

In the heart of Spain, amidst the vibrant hues and historical contours of Navarre, lies a festivity that captures the essence of Spanish fervour and tradition - the Festival of San Fermin. Celebrated with unmatched zeal in the city of Pamplona, this festival is not just an event but a cultural phenomenon that reflects the rich tapestry of Spanish heritage. From its historical inception to the plethora of traditions, events, and gastronomic delights that it encompasses, the Festival of San Fermin is a kaleidoscope of cultural vibrancy. 

The inception of the Festival of San Fermin is steeped in the annals of history, tracing back to the 12th century. The festival is named after Saint Fermin, the co-patron of Navarre, venerated as a martyr in the Christian faith. Originally, the festivities were in September, commemorating the saint's day. However, in the 16th century, due to the pleasant July weather, the celebration was moved to the 7th of July, marking the beginning of a nine-day festivity that combines religious devotion, tradition, and jubilation.

The historical evolution of the festival has seen it transition from a local fair and bullfighting event to an international spectacle, drawing visitors from across the globe. The essence of San Fermin, however, remains rooted in its traditions, a bridge between the past and the present.

The Festival of San Fermin is synonymous with the 'encierro' or the running of the bulls, an event that pulsates with adrenaline and ancient customs. At the break of dawn, six bulls are released onto the streets of Pamplona, their hooves striking the cobbled pathways as thousands of 'runners' dash ahead, a dance of daring and dexterity. The encierro is a testament to courage and is enveloped in a cloak of rituals, including the singing of a benediction to San Fermin, seeking his protection.

The festival is also a visual spectacle, with participants donning the traditional attire of white trousers and shirts, accented with a red sash and neckerchief, symbolising the martyrdom of Saint Fermin. This uniformity in dress fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity among the participants, a celebration of collective spirit.

Amidst the fervour, the 'giants and big-heads' parade is a delightful tradition, featuring large papier-mâché figures that weave through the city, a nod to medieval festivities and folklore. The ‘peñas’ or social clubs play a pivotal role, orchestrating music, and dances, and ensuring the continuum of festivity throughout the night.

Beyond the heart-stopping encierro, San Fermin is a compendium of events that cater to a spectrum of tastes and ages. The 'Procesión de San Fermín', a solemn procession featuring the statue of Saint Fermin, is a blend of religious reverence and local culture, a moment of spiritual communion.

For aficionados of music and dance, the streets of Pamplona resonate with the melodies of traditional Basque and Spanish music, a cacophony of joy that invites participation. The ‘fire bull’, a structure adorned with fireworks that prances through the streets after dusk, appeals to the young and old alike, a spectacle of light and mirth.

The festival is not without its moments of contemplation, embodied in the ‘Pobre de mí’, a candlelit singalong that marks the conclusion of the festivities. This event is a poignant farewell to the days of exhilaration, a vow to return as the streets echo with the strains of nostalgia and promise.

No Spanish festival is complete without a homage to its culinary heritage, and San Fermin is a testament to the richness of Navarrese cuisine. The festival is an opportunity to indulge in gastronomic delights, from the simple yet satisfying ‘churros’ and ‘café con leche’ in the morning to the elaborate dishes that grace the dinner tables.

‘Pintxos’, a Basque country delicacy, takes centre stage, with bars and restaurants offering a myriad of these small snacks, a burst of flavours and textures. Traditional dishes such as ‘Trucha a Navarra’ (trout cooked with ham), and ‘Ajoarriero’ (salt cod with peppers and tomatoes) provide a deeper dive into local culinary traditions. The social aspect of dining, sharing tapas, and conversations, epitomises the communal spirit of San Fermin.

The Festival of San Fermin is more than just a series of events; it is a living tradition, a spectacle of human emotion and cultural exuberance. It weaves together the threads of history, festivities, camaraderie, and culinary delights into a vibrant tapestry that is emblematic of the Spanish ethos.

In the bustling streets of Pamplona, amidst the thunder of hooves and the melody of celebrations, the festival transcends its temporal bounds, uniting us in a universal expression of joy and togetherness. As the red sashes flutter in the breeze, the Festival of San Fermin remains a beacon of cultural pride, a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition and the unfettered joy of life itself.

The Real Monasterio de Santa María del Puig was declared a National Artistic and Historic Monument (Asset of Cultural Interest) in 1969. It stands in the town of El Puig, in the area known as the Horta Nord of the Region of Valencia, only 14 km from the city of Valencia.

The monastery was built in the style of a Renaissance religious building with Herrerian influence, with four towers as defensive features. It was founded by the order of King Jaume I, known as The Conqueror, in 1240. Its historic importance comes from the fact that this was the setting for the definitive confrontation in the conquest of Valencia in 1237, the Battle of El Puig.

The monastery was founded on the orders of King Jaume I. While the king was in the town of El Puig preparing to besiege the city of Valencia, San Pedro Nolasco, founder of the Order of Merced, unearthed a stone carved icon of the Virgin Mary that had been buried under a bell on the hill where the monastery stands today. The king regarded this find as a miraculous event and proclaimed Santa María de El Puig as the Patron of the Kingdom of Valencia, ordering a monastery to be built to house the image and appointing the Mercedarians as guardians of the sanctuary in perpetuity. No trace remains of the initial building, which would have been a simple chapel dating back to the Reconquest, except for the entrance to the present-day church, which is not in its original location.

The purpose for which the monastery has been used has changed a number of times over the years, as it has been a church, a prison and a school. Nowadays, part of the building is still occupied by the Mercedarians and the other areas serve as venues for cultural and political events.

Inside, you can visit the cloisters, the Royal room, exclusively for use by Spanish monarchs when they visit Valencia, the Jaume I Gothic room, where a reproduction of the king's sword is on display alongside a section of facsimile documents, and the Salón de la Cerámica (Ceramics room), housing numerous ceramic items dating back to the Romans, the Iberians and other periods in history.