Festivals in Spain

Menorca is known for its unique Jalea.  Each town has its own fiesta but each one will feature the Jalea where specially bred un-gelded stallions, ridden by Caixers dressed in traditional costumes, ride into the square where they are trained to spin round then rear up on their hind legs (the horses not the Caixers).  As they do so, the crowd rushes in to touch the horse's heart.  Why?  I have no idea but that's what they do.  There is always a band playing a particular Jalea tune over and over, which adds to the excitement.  The horses seem to cope well with all the noise and crowds and stand quietly as they wait their turn to enter the square.

The Jalea season commences with the Fiestas de San Juan in Ciutadella and features 'the games' where the horsemen riding at full gallop carrying a lance, try to spear a ring hanging over the heads of the crowd.  It is very exciting and potentially quite dangerous.  Spectators with broken toes and collarbones are a regular feature and there's always a mobile medical facility on hand.

The season officially finishes with the fiesta in the capital city of Mahon although some smaller towns continue for a while afterwards.

It's not for the feint-hearted as the horses get up close and personal and there's always a chance of getting trodden on, but everyone should go to a Jalea at least once and then view future Ciutadella and Mahon Jaleas on TV in the safety and comfort of one's sofa.

The stallions are beautiful creatures with coloured silks woven into their manes and tails.  Outside of fiestas they can often be seen exercising and it is obvious they are extremely well looked after.  So, an exciting Spanish spectacle involving animals but without cruelty.

Hello

We have a fabulous music festival here in Alcalá La Real (Jaén province) every July.
ETNOSUR attracts around 40,000 people plus. For three days, the town is alive with music and visitors from near and far. This year we had Youssou Ndour amongst many other well know names playing. There is a fabulous market with lots of stalls selling ethnic clothes, jewellery and bits and pieces.  There are yoga classes, drama workshops, dance, and many different activities going on for all age groups. The main bands start playing at around 11pm and the music goes on all through the night with the last act at 5.30am.

Definitely worth a visit if you are a fan of world music and like the hippy vibe!

For more details, have a look at the official ETNOSUR Facebook page where a link to their website can be found.

Lottie