THE infamous ‘Día de San Valentín’ {Valentine’s Day) rolls round annually on 14 February, delighting some people and irritating others. In Andalucia, it’s noticeably lower-key than in the UK.
Back in ‘Ingaterra’ (and the US), the “romantic” day serves as a great excuse for businesses. They increase their prices and sell plastic tat, dubious gifts, and inflated restaurant meals to all and sundry.
A long history
Valentine’s Day dates back to ancient Rome, where the festival of ‘Lupercalia’ occurred in mid-February. A fertility celebration, it involved rituals to deter evil spirits and promote good health.
By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I had turned the holiday into a Christian event. He merged it with Saint Valentine’s Day, to honour one or more early Christian martyrs named “Valentine”.
A popular legend suggests that a priest named Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II ban of soldier’s marriages. He performed secret wedding ceremonies and was, apparently, executed on February 14. Over time, this story merged with various themes of love and devotion, shaping the romantic celebration we see today.
So, what about sending someone you fancy a card? By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day was linked with courtly love and romantic expression. This was aided by the 14th-century writings of famous poet, Chaucer. The exchange of love notes began, heralding the mass production of Valentine’s cards by the 19th century. Eventually, this morphed into tacky plastic Cupids, hearts, and red undergarments with kooky designs.
Nowadays, Valentine’s Day can involve love for our friends, family, and even pets. And, why not? As every dog owner knows, Fido is more loyal and loving than many humans!
So, you don’t like it (or are single)
Over time, Valentine’s Day was commandeered by shops, restaurants, and card manufacturers. They love to target romantic couples (or those trying to be!) – usually at inflated prices. Even in chilled-out Granada, a “Valentine’s Special Menu” can be a tarted-up ‘menu del dia’. It can easily set you back 60 euros, instead of 16. Add a couple of bottles of cava, and you’ve battered your wallet. Sadly, some less stable couples might have a “domestic” en route home, after all that booze!
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose expensive activities – whether you’re coupled-up, single, asexual, or in lurrrrrve with Fido!
South of Granada has 10 top tips to spend an enjoyable Valentine’s Day by thinking “out of the box”.
1. Forage for your own flowers
Roses are read, violets are blue, Valentine’s Day is…. a load of poo? Fortunately, the local area is full of gorgeous pink almond blossoms. Also, the yellow mimosa trees are striking during February.
Why not venture out – optionally with Fido, a friend, or “him/her indoors” – and collect your own blooms? This will brighten your day and your home. Remember not to steal from other people’s gardens or pull branches from random trees!
You could even “dig for victory” in your own garden or ‘campo’ – although it’s too cold to plant yet. Restrain those fantasies about which ex could repose in the trench you’ve created!
2. Drive to the Sierra de Contraviesa
Your car will be warm and inviting on a cold day – unlike many Spanish houses! The old vroom-vroom is ideal for escaping an annoying housemate or partner. Why not drive to the beautiful Sierra de Contraviesa. This area is renowned for its wealth of almond blossoms. Although the blooms are late this year, you’ll see some in mid-February. Don’t forget your camera!
The best road for spectacular views with pink blossoms is directly above the Alpujarran town of Torvizcón (it is signposted). However, this winding trail is not for the feint-hearted. You can go right over the top, to the ‘costa’ below and have a truly scenic day out.
3. In general: run to the hills
If you want to escape “the public” and enjoy “getting high” on fresh air, visit the ‘Alpujarra Alta’. Drive up the beautiful forestry tracks above the villages of Cáñar or Capileira. Both these routes have signposted walks and recreation areas located in the pine trees, where you can repose awhile. There’s also Puerto de la Ragua, above the charming town of Laroles in the Almerian Alpujarra.
The area’s highest village, Trevélez, is worth a visit, with its themed attractions, decent restaurants, and high-quality ‘jamon serrano’.
If you’re near Granada, why not visit Hoya de la Mora, above the Pradollano ski resort? It’s not exactly tourist-free, but it’s certainly impressive.
4. Go for a walk on the beach
The area south of Granada has many inviting beaches along the Costa Tropical. Head to Playa Granada at Motril if you want to take Fido. Really, you’re spoilt for choice with a large stretch of enticing coastline. This goes from La Herradura and Almuñécar (busier) in the west to La Rabita and La Mamola (quieter) in the east. Why not enjoy a ‘tapas’ at a local ‘chiringuito’ afterwards?
5. Attend a “for everyone” event
So, you’re feeling sociable and it’s cold outside? While restaurants will be full of smoochy couples (remember: they are spending a fortune!), there are some events aimed at “all”.
For example, the Chicken Farm Gallery in Órgiva is running a civilised evening of entertainment for people of any situation/persuasion. Decorated in an upmarket Burlesque style, the venue is ideal for fostering romantic thoughts. Or, you can simply enjoy a vino and canapé. This venue attracts civilised people of an arty persuasion – no drunken and obnoxious snoggers here!
6. Have a quiet Rioja in an “old man bar”
Not every hostelry attracts coupled-up revellers. Your village might have a bar aimed at an older clientele – like the local ‘campesinos’. This is the perfect, quiet retreat in which to sup a couple of quiet Riojas or ‘vino costas’. After those sedating drinkies, you can head straight to bed for a good night’s sleep!
7. Book a camping bungalow
In low season, the region’s campsites offer bungalows/chalets for one person (and sometimes Fido) for as little as 50e. You can treat yourself to a pretty setting (whether beach or inland), away from the smoochers! Remember that prices for two guests are generally the same as for one, unless you add food options. Why not take a platonic friend? Camping Orgiva is open all year round and there are good campsites at Motril.
8. Book a hotel on a cheap deal
Booking.com is your friend here. Like the region’s campsites, many hotels offer cheap off-season deals. Why not extend your trip beyond V-day, and enjoy their heating for a couple of nights? The reporter’s favourite, the Helios Costa Tropical in Almuñécar, is charging 100e a night (or less) for a seafront getaway during Valentine week. You can add half board and eat everything you like!
9. Hide in bed with YouTube (and dog)
Don’t want to spend anything or venture outside? One tried-and-tested way to deal with a celebration you dislike is to ignore it completely. In this case, head to bed armed with an electric blanket, the dog, and YouTube. It costs nothing and you can just go to sleep!
10. Buy a “Real Doll”
If you have a genuine fortune to spend, you can buy a Real Doll. This is a convincing synthetic companion that never answers back (or moves). Be warned, it’s not only creepy – it can set you back over $7,000. It will guarantee that you’ll never find a real, human partner after they’ve seen your “special friend”. Even if you want to spend a future Valentine’s with a romantic date, you’ll have negated the idea – forever. This is a joke suggestion, worthy of early April Fools. Avoid!
