It is 45 years since 28 February 1980 when in a referendum the andaluces voted overwhelmingly for their region to become one of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions (federal states), following Spain’s return to democracy on the death of the dictator General Franco five years earlier.
Franco lies in state [Daily Mail]
Friday 28 February 2025 - Celebrating with dinner
Yesterday was Día de Andalucía, an important día festivo down here in the south of Spain where it is a significant day in the political and cultural history of the region.
Because of the bad weather some of the outdoor celebrations had to be cancelled or moved to indoor venues. And the andaluces still enjoyed their celebrations with family and friends.
Those of us foreigners who are resident here – guiris – will have used the day as an excuse to celebrate and many will have gone out for dinner.
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The Love family in the early days Ian, Elaine and Carly Love with head chef Tom O'Connor
The Meter Maid and I chose the nearest restaurant to our home, the excellent La Cascada at the Hotel Molino del Puente in Fuente de la Higuera just outside Ronda.
The hotel bar was cosy and warm; the restaurant also. There were 18 diners, eight Spaniards and ten “guiris”, a mixture of hotel residents and “locals”.
After opening drinks in the bar we chose our meals and shortly afterwards adjourned to our tables.
What we chose
Head chef Tom O’Connor had assembled a varied menu fitting of the occasion. Tom says: "Estoy aquí para mostrar mi pasión por la cocina y mi compromiso de traer ideas nuevas y emocionantes a nuestro menú."
Rita chose a seafood salad followed by salmon on a bed of spinach. I chose one of my favourite starters – tarta de champigñones con ensalada - and a curry tailandés.
Salmón en espinacas Curry tailandés Tarta de hojaldre
[Library photos]
We were both well-pleased with our choices.
After a short epilogue back in the bar, it was time to pay the bill and amble the 50 metres back to our home.
Further reading:
Andalucía Day (Día de Andalucía) - Secret Serrania de Ronda - 2021
Día de Andalucía – Monday 28 February 2022
My Andalucia Day - a personal serendipity – 2023
Back to the “Bridge” – St George’s Day
Por qué se celebra el 28-F el día de Andalucía
Image courtesy of saedyn
What is a guiri? It's what the Spanish call us foreigners - but is it good or bad?
© The "Guiri" Gourmet
Photos:
Daily Mail, Ian Love, Karl Smallman, Paul Whitelock, saedyn
Acknowledgements:
Eye on Spain, Ian Love, Karl Smallman, Paul Whitelock, Secret Serranía
Tags:
17 autonomous regions, 28 February 1980, andaluces, Andalucía, bad weather, celebrating with family and friends, Daily Mail, death of the dictator General Franco, democracy, día festivo, Eye on Spain, guiri, Hotel Molino del Puente, Ian Love, Karl Smallman, La Cascada, Meter Maid, outdoor celebrations, Paul Whitelock, political and cultural history of the region, referendum, resident, Ronda, Secret Serranía, The "Guiri" Gourmet
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