Christmas in Jimena

Aside from checking JimenaPulse, you can look below to see what is going on in Jimena from now to January 6 (Reyes, or Three Kings). The Council issued a programme of events and activities for the season with a host of things to do and see for children and adults of all ages. These include the markets that have already been, as well as 'Typical Christmas Sweets' (Elaboración de dulces típicos), riding competitions (Raid Hípico), various meals for associations and, well worth seeing, the 'Living Nativity Scene' (Belén Viviente) as well as the annual 'Tin Can Drag' (Arrastre de Latas), Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes Magos), among other things. We are unable to translate the whole programme, unfortunately - you'll see why below:>>>

They do it every year at the Pensioners' Day Centre. And every year we get down on our knees to bring you the photos of the Nativity scene. You'd have thought that one set of pictures is enough, but no, it changes every time. Our favourite piece is one called caganer in Catalan (from where we believe it originates), which we translate as 'the crapper'. But don't be struck by misplaced horror: not only does the little figure bring luck, they say (which may be why last year's crapper was stolen), but it is also a measure of the humanity of the times we now consider 'sacred'. And anyway, in that context the crapper makes a lot more sense than Father Christmas, doesn't it? We're not sure about the hanging hams in Bethlehem, year 3758 in the Jewish calendar - maybe the Kosher laws hadn't evolved that far - in any case, we're not about to quibble pedantically as usual. Besides, it's well worth taking a look and getting a coffee at the bar (no, you don't have to be a pensioner), where a visit is sure to be appreciated.

Christmas message from Mayor Pascual Collado

A message from our Mayor, which is a summary of what and how the year has been. The main subjects are covered and highlighted with a green subtitle.

How did that zambomba get in your ear?

It could, you know. It produces a sound, does a zambomba. An instrument that requires some skill and a lot of practice, although once you have it, you have it. But we should start at the beginning. That is, with the costumes. No, not costumes, which imply fancy dress, but the right clothes. Remember, we're talking Christmas, therefore shepherds. Though in the case of Andalucía, it's more likely to be goatherds (photo below). No matter, the mountains are cold, so they wear sheepskin over a traditional checkered shirt (photo). Trousers (types of) may be optional, but not the chaps. Hang on, we mean the chaps they wear over the optional trousers, like the ones worn by cowboys, less fancy but with the same objective: to protect the legs from pricks - okay, thorns. (Still following us? See more below)>

Traditional Spanish fare at the Peña Flamenca

As we announced here, the women of the La Jincaleta association offered the residents of Jimena's Historical Quarter their seasonal specialities on Sunday. Held at the Peña Flamenca, it was called a 'merienda de confraternidad', which is almost untranslateable but contains the word 'confraternity' that gives some idea of the great time had by all who attended.Tortas fritas and other delicacies went down well with the help of the 'Los Ángeles' group that specializes in villancicos, the Spanish carols (More about their instruments shortly, watch this space!).

Christmas card from Jimena Town Hall

We received this card for you from Mayor Pascual Collado. Attached was a message that our friends at The Translation People will take a little while to translate. It is addressed to all residents of the municipality.

Weather for holidays

 The weather does not look particularly promising for this wekend or the rest of next week including Christmas Eve and Day. According to our Weather Widget on the sidebar (from which we took the image that you can click to enlarge), all sorts of rain and storms can be expected. Okay, we're still better off than they are North of (approx.) Gaucin, not to mention Britain, Germany, etc. And anyway, it's the perfect excuse to come out and visit all those (indoor) places we keep meaning to see. Who? Our advertisers, of course, as well as hotels, restaurants, shops and so on. (Prospero note: we provide the information, not the weather...)

Zambombá and villancicos flamencos tonight

The Peña Flamenca in Jimena has just reopened. In celebration of this and the coming season, the flamenco venue is offering a night of typical flamenco Christmas music and a zambombá, which is best described as a gathering of instruments such as that illustrated here. The event starts at 10pm and promises to last well into the early hours. It also promises to be a great fun night. (Watch this space for a review of these and other seasonal instruments, coming soon!)

Spanish Christmas goodies this weekend

The aromas and tastes of the typical Spanish Christmas fare takes over this weekend in Jimena and Los Los Ángeles. Thanks to the La Jincaleta women's association, tortas fritas, pestiños (photo), borrachones and other such delicacies will be offered to anyone dropping by, as from 5pm  on Saturday at the Peña Flamenca on Paseo Cristina, an occasion that will also have a concert of villancicos by the Comparsa Navideña 'Los Ángeles'. And on Sunday, these delicacies will be available at the Reina Sofía Cultural Centre in Estacion, this time organized by the Patio Chato women's group and also starting at 5pm. It's time to try a different sort of Christmas, isn't it?

Spanish Christmas music last night

The Inmaculada Concepción Choir of Campamento offered their traditional Christmas concert last night at the Santuario de la Reina de los Ángeles. This choir has become a fixture of the season in Jimena, having been invityed gto perform for some time. As usual, they offered their polished versions of the classic Spanish seasonal music that, while not in the least similar to the English Christmas carols, offer a different way of meeting the holidays.
 

Christmas music everywhere

(Press release) The Music School of Jimena de la Frontera, in particular the orchestra, has had a busy time preparing for a full concert schedule  in the week ahead, starting with concerts and talks at our three local primary schools, two in Jimena and Estación and one in San Pablo. Following that will be the annual concert at the Casa de la Cultura on Thursday 16th December when each one of the students, either individually or in groups, play to all the parents of the students, with a fun time afterwards when snacks and drinks are provided for all.>

Christmas Bazaar raises €1,200 for La Estrella

As promised, here are some of the over 450 photos we took at the Christmas Bazaar. But the really GOOD NEWS is that over €1,200 was raised for the La Estrella stars, which will go towards their extra-curricular activities and summer camp newxt year. They have asked us to say thank you to everyone who took part in what was a great day!

La Estrella Christmas Bazaar was a grand success!

JIMENA This year's Christmas Bazaar in aid of the handicapped children of Jimena's La Estrella association was a grand success. Organized by a few expats and the core La Estrella working members, it took place yesterday in the courtyard of the 16th Century cloisters of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Church in the middle of the old quarter of Jimena. There were fewer stalls than had been expected, which is a shame for those who missed out, as people flocked from all over the village throughout the day, to the amazement of experienced marketeers. The support for this local charity was something to behold: there were stalls that dedicated their entire proceeds to the cause, including one run by small girls who had made bracelets and necklaces "for their special friends." (photo) A tombola -unusual, apparently, other than at expat markets- was a winner. It wasn´t too much to ask for a euro to win something that had been a donation. There were delicious Spanish, English and American cakes and goodies, canaries, Moroccan lamps, jewelry, clothes ... the list is too long. But the atmosphere, that was something else. The spirit of goodwill arrived in force starting early in the morning for the preparations, and never left. (Watch this space for a slide show coming soon!)

Rubbish collection over Christmas

(Press release/File image) The Council announces that rubbish collection over the Christmas period will happen on the following schedule:

• Tuesday 14 December NO rubbish collection.
• Tuesday 21 December NO rubbish collection.
• Saturday 25 December (Christmas Day) RUBBISH WILL BE COLLECTED.

(Facetious Prospero note: The fat bearded man dressed in red you will see with a bag over his shoulder is NOT collecting rubbish! Tell the kids!)

Season's programme just in

This year's programme of activities over the holidays has just become available. Every year the Festivities Department of the Town Hall organizes a series of events and activities that this time runs from December 11 to January 5th. Remember that in Spain, gifts are usually given on the night prior to Three Kings (Reyes Magos), although Santa Claus seems to be taking over all too rapidly. The whole programme is published below in Spanish but will be offering a translation as soon as possible. Also, watch our sidebar for our own Bah Humbug section.>

Roscón de Reyes, a seasonal treat

Roscón de Reyes is a traditional Three Kings treat. Shaped like a large doughnut and usually tasting a little of lemon, it is decorated with dried fruits and contains a surprise or two for the lucky finder. The gift is usually a coin, though sometimes it also contains the traditional dried bean as a joke. Its origins go back to the round cakes that were offered to the god Janus during Roman Empire times. It is available at this time of year at bakeries and supermarkets.

Have a laugh, it's the Sunday after Christmas!

British Medical Journal: Santa Claus is a bad public health example

(Image by A B Lobo) He's fat, drinks a lot, feeds on sweets and smokes a pipe. This is the none too healthy image of Santa Claus, according to the 'British Medical Journal', which publishes a study on the old man's bad habits and what he can do to improve his health. The study by Nathan Grills and Brendan Halyday, of Monash University of Melbourne, Australia, suggests Santa could learn a few things about dieting and healthy living. For instance, he could start eating more vegetables by sharing a carrot or two with Rudolph, who also comes in for some criticism in another study. And he should give up his pipe: no more smoking. It's bad for him and the elves, not to mention the people whose homes he breaks into to deliver presents. He likes his drink, but binges: on one night a year he drinks for the North Pole at every home on Earth, where families often leaves out more than just a glass of milk. As they say, don't drink and drive. But we don't know what he does the other 365 days. Not enough exercise, says the study. This is apparent in his rotundity.>

Christmas Eve at Oba

Caroline and Broughan hosted a thank-you party yesterday for regulars at the Oba. Called 'nibbles', the food had a distinct resemblance to tapas, but whatever it was called, it was plentiful and delicious. Regulars at the pub turned up throughout the afternoon to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It is a nice gesture, we feel, that might be copied by local bars. Caroline reminded everyone that the next Quiz Night will be on Thursday, January 7th and that she will be closed on New Year's Eve this year. (Thanks for lunch, ladies!) More photos below.>

'Carol of the Bells' on handbells

As you may have noticed over this week, JimenaPulse is not entirely devoid of the Christmas Spirit and Prospero did live in the USA for a long time, where he attended several of these handbell concerts, a great experience even when bah-humbugging as he usually does...