JimenaPulse
About Jimena de la Frontera, the province of Cadiz and Spain as a whole, focused on this small village in the mountainsArchive for FERIAS
‘GARROCHA’
This is the target, a ring of about 5 cms. in diameter set at an angle.
The garrochista set out at full gallop.
Walking, trotting or even cantering are not allowed.
It is very easy to miss!
But there are those who seem to make it easy, though the trick, once the ring has been hooked, is to keep it on the pole. It must be handed to the judge directly off the lance to qualify.
We promised more horsey things even at the risk of losing those readers who are not interested. A promise is a promise, though. This time we illustrate what in Spanish is called carrera de garrocha. A garrocha is variously described as a lance, goad or cattle prod and is used principally at fighting bull breeding or other cattle farms, often to separate a chosen animal from the rest. It is also a countryside ‘sport’ with points given to the ways a rider can ‘turn’ or knock down a cow or bull.
This year’s Novena feria in Estación, with the riding section organized by the El Estribo association, featured a more innocuous though thrilling sport whereby the garrochista has to hook a small ring on to his pole, not an easy thing to do at all and requiring a high level of riding skills.
CARRERA DE CINTAS – RIBBON RACE
some explanation of what went on during the magnificent get-together organized by the Peña Caballista El Estribo.
The carrera de cintas (ribbon race) held on Sunday consists of galloping towards a wire holding ribbons wrapped
around a ring, which must be caught with a small stick, not a finger, and unfurled.
As you can see, it is a tricky thing not achieved by many.
However, it is not as tricky as trying to catch someone with ribbon unfurled, given Prospero’s dodgy, slow camera (SEE CAMERA APPEAL HERE). But unfurl they did, and indeed, our good friend Maggie – fourth from top – unfurled several, which brought her the third prize (to her admitted surprise). Tomorrow: garrocha (wait and see what it means…).(Prospero comment: love that word, unfurl)
PUBLIC DEVOTION AT THE NOVENA
Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles (Our Lady Queen of the Angels), Patron Saint of Jimena,
is carried through the streets of Estación, preceded by a band of music announcing her arrival.
Dressed in her best by the faithful at the Convento(known, too, as El Santuario, or Sanctuary),
Our Lady has many devotees in the area (hence the name María de los Ángeles among the women),
all of whom take part in this annual tradition.BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS A NOVENA?
According to one definition, the word Novena comes from the Latin novem, which means ‘nine’. It is a prayer that is said for nine consecutive days. A Novena may be a private or public spiritual devotion for the purpose of obtaining a special favour from Heaven, be it a special grace, imploring a favour or to make a special petition. (From http://www.catholicdoors.com)FOOD FOR ALL
The traditional paella is a staple of all these events,usually free and always delicious.
It looked like the biblical bread and fishes
as it fed a multitude
of pensioners on Saturday, their own special day.
And although this is not a typical Argentine asado, Pepe ‘el Boludo’ did his best with excellent results for the other multitudes at the El Estribo headquarters.
And then there was a culinary competition of traditional dishes
However, Prospero must protest about the time this event was scheduled(just before lunch!)
and the fact that he was barely able to refrain from salivatingin front of the judges,
who, of course, were allowed to taste everything in sight!
JimenaPulse 