Colors of Almeria - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Many people associate Almeria primarily with the extravaganza flamenco dance. Some people recall the traditional Spanish bullfight while talking about Almeria, and for many people around the world the region remains home of fine wines. In any case the local residents have more than enough various traditions, customs and national peculiarities. Bullfights are usually organized on the eve of major holidays. Both locals and tourists come to watch the spectacular show. Fans of this entertainment always try to purchase tickets in advance in order to get a seat on a cozy shady side.

The local cuisine is also distinguished by various interesting traditions. Thus, the olives have become a kind of a symbol of professional chefs. The olives are used to produce excellent oil, which has become a required component of many local specialties. Olives can be even served as a separate dish. They are marinated, stuffed with spices and anchovies and certainly added to various salads. Many travelers buy olive oil as a souvenir. Quite a notable fact – the olives are used not only in cooking, but also for cosmetic purposes.

Visitors of local cafes and restaurants often mention rather an interesting peculiarity – while having a meal, the local people can brush the crumbs and debris away from the table to the floor. This is quite acceptable in the city. The Spaniards believe that stacking dirty napkins and other debris on a dining table is simply unacceptable – they must lie on the floor, which is washed several times a day by restaurant’s staff. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The locals are distinguished by quite a relaxed attitude to any urgent matters. They are never in a hurry, trying to finish all their tasks before the end of the day. In most cases the tasks will be delayed until tomorrow. We should definitely mention the local peculiarities concerning apparel. The natives are very attentive to their appearance. If male wardrobe is fully consistent with European standards, the local women are dressed in a special way. A colorful long dress remains the most common clothes, and hair is traditionally decorated with pins with large flowers. Some prefer red tints of color, but orange pins are also very popular. The reason for popularity of such colors is simple – they are reminiscent of an orange tree that is known as a symbol of eternal youth and beauty. The fruit of the tree are associated with orange flower buds.

Almeria city hosts many festivals, carnivals, and bright celebrations. During summer, every tourist to this sunny city will enjoy weekly musical performances, sports competitions, hot dances, original fairs, and celebrations on the embankment near the seashore. As in all Spain, local people celebrate such holidays as Santa Semana, Romeria de la Virgen del Mar, Cruces de Mayo, La Noche de San Juan and Feria. The last one is the most anticipated and popular event among the residents of Almeria. Feria is the main summer holiday here, which is celebrated in the last week of August. Feria is the main fair of the year, held on the eve of the Virgin Mary del Mar holiday. Through the week, you will enjoy various exhibitions all over the city, which mainly represent the gastronomy of Almeria and the surrounding cities. The program of Feria is literally rich and bright on festive events. You will have the best time enjoying bullfights, dance and folklore carnivals, folklore festivals and flamenco, sports, music and dance events. The hot sounds of Spanish music can be heard all over Almeria. Feria ends on the last Sunday in August with bright fireworks and dancing until the morning.

The holiday of Feria is complemented by another fascinating event, which also takes place in August. The Spanish resort of Almeria invites fans of electronic music to the Dreambeach festival. This event takes place on the beach of Villaricos near the village of the same name. Villaricos, one of the most attractive and quiet coastal places in the region of Almeria, for two days turns into a multi-sounded realm of electronic music. Fans of this musical direction adore Dreambeach, and not surprisingly that the festival is always crowded. Every day the festival attracts more than 40 thousand music lovers. During the festival, every fan of music will enjoy the performances of Spanish DJs, as well as celebrities of the first magnitude, like Nicky Romero, Carl Cooks, Andy C, Oliver Heldens, Ferry Corsten, David Getta, Don Diablo and Chase & Status. There are four stages, where you can dance to the sounds of electronic music. The quality of sound and wild entertainment are guaranteed. Guests of the festival are located in a tent city on the beach or in the cozy hotels of Villaricos. From Almeria to Villaricos you can get by car or bus and the trip will take approximately 1 hour.