THE ÓRGIVA feria of ‘Michaelmas’ is held at the end of September, or sometimes the first weekend of October. This is one of the largest and best-known ferias in the Alpujarra of Granada. With its origins as a farming event dating back over 60 years, the feria attracts people from surrounding towns and villages. The result is a heady mixture of families, kids, teenagers, older people, Spanish, and ‘guiris’ of every nationality – coming together for collective entertainment.
This year, the feria seemed more interesting than last year’s event. It had a range of activities aimed at all ages. It started with an impressive fireworks show on Thursday night. “One of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Bekka Fuego of the Pegasus riding centre.” Having grabbed the audience’s attention, it continued for the next 72hrs.
A range of events…
Scheduled for noon on Friday 26 (but starting earlier than advertised!) was the ‘Cintas de Caballo’ race. This is a traditional event where horse riders canter under a suspended rope and pull off colorful ribbons, worth 10 euros each in prize money. This year, there were seemingly no strange rules threatening ‘multas’ if your horse did a dropping (plug the horse…? ….carry a spade on the saddle?). Visibly happy to be there, the riders proved respectful towards the public and the pavement! This year saw a strong female representation from “club mujer”.
The feria also featured (amongst other things): a mass paella; 4×4 contest in the Rio Guadalfeo; a group bicycle ride for kids; a race of crazy cars; an exhibition of “old cars” that looked suspiciously like standard ‘coches’ from the 1990s; an egg-eating contest; a flamenco outfit competition; huge balloons being paraded through the main street; and the annual ‘migas’ bake-off on Sunday.
Nocturnal antics…
Despite a dispute with proprietors during a previous Christo feria, the ‘columpios’ were out in full force this time round, entertaining the youth (and some adults as well).
At night, the municipal ‘Carpa’ (huge tent) featured various bands and seemed to have a rock-based theme. For those who don’t like rocking on, or cover versions, a lively scene prevailed at the nearby Bar Caribo, which attracts a younger crowd than the Carpa. This is the ideal place to enjoy a ‘cuba libre’ and sway your hips to some reggaeton.
The Friday evening featured a ‘Huevo Rock’ event, run by ‘extranjeros’ on the ‘era’ opposite the schools. This was well-attended and featured punk bands, a DJ, and drinks served at the metal ‘Barracuda Bar’.
More snacks, please…
The one criticism from some attendees was a visible gap in the program on the Saturday evening, before the municipal Carpa started – where were the side-attractions that night? Also, on the Sunday afternoon, it was impossible to buy any food between 16-19hrs – unless you ate your own ‘migas’ . Some people mistakenly thought there would be food stalls. Let’s invite a baked potato concesion to the main street!
The greatest regret of your writer? Missing the “party in the cactus” – wherever and whatever that was! Next year!
