The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
(the Virgin of Carmen) is coming up this Wednesday. The Fair
(Feria del Carmen) opened Sunday at the fairgrounds.
The Virgin of Carmen is the patron saint of fisherman and mariners — and of our neighborhood of Los Boliches.
I couldn't find the fair's official hours online, so asked around and was told, "Oh, the rides won't be running during siesta [around 2–5 p.m.] but the vendors will all be open and there'll be food all day."
So, Judy and I walked over Monday around 1 p.m. thinking we would have some fun before the rides all started up and the crowds arrived.
Well, we didn't have to deal with any crowds, because absolutely nothing was open. But, since there's no charge to enter the fairgrounds, we were free to wander all over, and we had a great time exploring. One section of the fairgrounds is lined with permanent "casetas." When not being used for the numerous fairs throughout the year, the casetas are used by different local social and cultural associations (peñas). I've never taken the time to check out this street when it hasn't been filled with people.
(Click any image to see how much space we had to ourselves.)
We still have to go back to see all the lights and people... and to hear the music and noise. Wednesday night is the procession and fireworks. I'll have plenty more pictures and stories.
In the meantime, enjoy our first day at the fair...
without the fair.
Although I live with (the very ironically named) San Geraldo,
you'll never make a saint of me...
The name of the Carmelite monastery on Mount Carmel in Israel is Stella Maris -- Star of the Sea -- because it looks out over the Mediterranean. So when you and San Geraldo and others are looking out over the sea the next few days, just remember that the original Our Lady of Mount Carmel is looking back from the far end!
ReplyDeleteMichael:
DeleteI had no idea of the connection of Stella Maris and the Carmelites.Since the Virgin is the patron saint of Los Boliches and protector of fisherman, that explains the building called "Stella Maris" down the street from us!
How lovely your streets are - I have a thing for tile. I find it hilarious that there is a Mr Bean head on that ticket stand - and the question you ask yourself - Why?
ReplyDeleteCheapchick:
DeleteIf you have a thing for tile, you should see Sevilla!
Mitchell, you are an amazing man how to enjoy fair without fair. I enjoy your pics fantastic mainly the first one. Have a nice fair and remember about pics with the fair.
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteAt first, I was disappointed that everything was closed, but it turned out to be a huge bonus to get to see things like that.
Love the architectural designs of these buildings and the colours!
ReplyDeleteNice to have it all to yourselves too.
Now, bring on those crowds!
Jim:
DeleteGetting ready to head out for the procession. Crowds? Ugh!
It makes me feel like you have entered a The Twilight Zone episode. No one around, pristine, colourful, bright and motionless ~~ now be careful OK!
ReplyDeleteRon:
DeleteMore like The Outer Limits last night with everything in full swing.
What lovely jugs you've posted Mitchell! It takes a special outlook to enjoy an un-fair, and I adore the tile.
ReplyDeleteOh, and only #6? What about poor #2?
Jacqueline:
DeleteOh, I could have shown you some jugs from the fair last night! Before indicating #6, I also included #1 (for different reasons) and #2. I then decided to narrow it down to only my favorite. #2, although excellent, can be too readily seen in some places -- but NOT #6!
Kinda spooky seeing these streets so empty. Love the color and sunshine though.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteIt's odd. When I look at those photos now, it's kind of spooky to me, too. It didn't feel that way as we wandered.
That is the kind of fair Leon and I would enjoy - no crowds. Unless of course there are crowds of eye candy.
ReplyDeleteFrank:
DeleteThere was THAT last night... You probably would have liked it better.
Oooh, oooh, I like the empty fair area. I don't like crowds that are too crazy and nuts-- thanks for showing us these cool venues :)
ReplyDelete(p.s. I've never heard that Stones song!)
Judy:
DeleteI had forgotten about that Stones song until this post. Fortunately,the crowds last night weren't bad at all and definitely not crazy. Still, really enjoyed having the place to ourselves!
So nice no tourists around, peace and quiet. Very nice Fair.
ReplyDeleteLaurent:
DeleteI don't know which I enjoyed more, the un-fair fair or the festive fair.