AUGUST

In the first couple of weeks in the month almost every town and village seem to have some form of “Fiesta” taking place. Bulls running down the streets, traditional dancing, arts and crafts and of course the inevitable “mascalettas” (strings of banger-like fireworks which go off at odd times startling everyone within earshot). Best of all is the fantastic firework displays in the evenings and from our vantage point on our naya, we see the efforts from many local towns.

The town of Denia likes to combine its annual fiesta with its Moors and Christians celebrations, so the whole week has many interesting events. I have, in previous issues, described the Moors and Christian’s parades but I feel that the latest offering from Denia deserves a separate mention.

The procession started with a several troupes depicting the original arrival of the Moors (circa 800ad) and the subsequent enslaving of the local population, persecution of the catholic religion, some fine displays of horse riding and several cameos of what life was like around that time. The next phase was the erection of fortifications by the Moors, naturally followed by the Christians assault on the Castles with mock battles between Moors and Christians.

All in all, a great evening and a credit to the town but where did the Dragon come from?.

Another great crowd pleaser is the annual Paella competition. Various groups, ranging from building constructors to equipment suppliers and various others set up in designated areas in the Marques de Campo (which is the main street in town). They then proceed to set fires and make their speciality Paella, which is then judged by a panel (you can tell who are the judges, they are quite fat and have pieces of rice in their beards, whereas the male judges………Ha, Ha). Meanwhile, the street is thronging with hundreds of people, free beer, free wine and free paella,
and, not a drunk person or any trouble at all. The central theme of the day is giant Paella, which, is
cooked in a giant paella dish, of course!

In mid month, Penny returned to the UK as she had an appointment to see the specialist regarding her treatment last May. She has been given the all clear and not expected to need further treatment
providing she keeps her cholesterol low. As many of you will know, July in the UK was fantastic weather, but August was literally a washout. Poor Penny, stuck in Yorkshire with the rain and did
not get back until 1^st September.

Meanwhile, back in La Sella, we had a local fiesta featuring a reasonable rock group (you know the kind that appeals to people in their 50s. 60s and 70s, with familiar songs, and words you can hear). Also, the local traditional dancers from Pedreguer Village turned out in force with their own band and we were treated to some local culture,

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One of the signs that summer is about to end is the harvesting of almonds. This is done by spreading large nets below the trees, thrashing the branches with long bamboo poles, thus causing the nuts to fall. (I’m sure even the threat of being bashed with a pole would cause anyone’s nuts to fall)! The yield this year has been exceptionally good but I do not expect the price in the shops to fall. One of my friends offered me a sack-full but he felt somewhat aggrieved when I requested he shell them first!

In La Sella we have our services looked after by a committee, who in their wisdom this year, chose to change the road-sweeping contract to a new and cheaper service. The following photo shows how effective this new system is.

I bet the guy goes back to his depot each evening and wonders why the cart is still empty!!!!

Well, it’s almost Christmas…!!!!! That’s all for August.