Moros y Cristianos

Or Moros i Cristians in Valenciano.  I didn’t know what to expect before going to Benilloba for this festival that celebrates the history of the town as well as the patron saint, St. Joaquin.  I arrived on Friday and already the town was ready to party and there was music late into the night.  I had a bad headache on Friday because my brain had to adjust to rapid Castellano mixed with Valenciano and no English.   I really like visiting with the family not only because it is a lot of fun but I can tell my speaking in Spanish greatly improves since English is not an option.  Here in Zaragoza I use English a decent amount which is really my own fault.  On Saturday night there was a rehearsal procession with music again late into the night.  Sunday was a day to rest and try to sleep before the night’s festivities began.  The first official night of celebration is a parade of social commentary of events that happened in Spain and the world, it is quite a sight!   It was entertaining to see but there were long pauses in between the groups because people were drinking so much they could barely walk by the time they went past the house (which is toward the end of the route).  After the parade they had a concert in the plaza with a band that was actually pretty good.  (I did not have high hopes because at the Caravana de Culturas in Torrellas there was a band that was awful!)  It was funny because the first set of songs was all American songs and they joked it was in my honor.  Monday night was the main event with the entrance of the moros y cristianos.  In Benilloba there are 3 groups, one group of Christians and two groups of Moors.  This procession was much more organized because there was no drinking allowed, haha.  Afterwards, there was again more music and another concert in the plaza.  I must say that Americans have nothing on Spaniards and partying.   It seemed like there was music every hour I was there and when there wasn’t music the street cleaner was going by (the family home is on the main street in town).  Needless to say I did not get much sleep but I had a lot of fun and it was great to experience the festival.  I was also able to visit with a lot of family and try different typically Spanish foods.  Now here are the pics and videos:

 

I was able to visit with Tia Lolita, her husband, children and grandchildren.

Amy Winehouse at the parade on Sunday night.

The smurfs

The Benilloba Airport

The concert

The Catholic Kings

Los cristianos

Los cristianos

Los cristianos

Los cristianos

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros de Arrabal

Los Moros de Arrabal

Los Moros de Arrabal

Cousin Xus and I in Polop de la Marina

Just to let people know, I do not have Internet in my apartment yet, I am dreading organizing it with one of the companies here but I will get it done by September.  I do try to check my email at least once a day at the free wifi spots around the city.  You can also comment here if you choose.  Here are pictures of the view from my apartment and my room for those interested in visiting and for my parents who think where I’m living must be a drug den: