We weren’t there. Typical of so many weekends in Andalucia, the first weekend in May was so full of tempting possibilities that it was difficult to make a choice. Alora singer Paulinda had suggested that we visit the International Feria in Fuengirola, where different countries put on their own cultural displays and play live music, each in their own allocated ‘casita’.

“It’s quite funny,” she said, “you meet other musicians who say ‘I’m playing in Scotland or wherever’. Of course I’m playing in Norway!”

“Of course,” I laughed, “knowing that one of the bands she sings for on the Costa del Sol at the moment is the Scandinavian led Jazzt Like This, who we featured recently performing at the Tropicana in Alora.

Having decided to accept an invitation instead to a concert and arts and crafts fair in Cerralba, put on by a cultural association called Gestionindi, who promote art and music for the youth in the Guadalhorce Valley, we didn’t get to Algodonales either, for the dramatic annual re-enactment of how the pueblo bravely held out against the French in 1810. However, we have friends in high places, including up there in Algodonales itself and our friend and local resident, Caroline Mitchell, sent us an email together with a few photographs and a video link, so that we can all get a feel of the incredible spectacle.

Thanks for that, Caroline, and regards to all in Algodonales.
See separate feature on Algodonales.