Procession in Santa Cruz

April 5, 2018 chaput@live.com

We had the opportunity to see the “Procesión de Santa Cruz” on Holy Wednesday (March 28, 2018) from a great spot. We were invited to watch the parade from the balcony at our friends home. They live in the heart of Santa Cruz and on the main route of the procession.

The view from the parade route in the area where we were situated.

We enjoyed time visiting with our friends before the start of the procession. I could see on the street below large crowds of people lining up to get a good spot to watch the parade.

Ray on the balcony overlooking the route of the procession

The procession began with a band of Romans marching and playing music.

Roman guards playing music in the procession

Procession of band dressed on Roman attire

The procession in Santa Cruz includes a long history and tradition. The “floats” are carried by approximately 30 people who are chosen for the honour. The weight of the “Paso” or float is approximately 1500 lbs or more depending on the specific paso.

We watched as they carried the different “pasos” down the narrow and steep stairs of Santa Cruz. It was amazing to watch just how hard and difficult it was.

The Paso being carried through the narrow street of Santa Cruz

There was a paso of the Virgin Mary which was carried by only women.

Virgin Mary paso carried by women in the procession

Touching of a paso as it goes by in the procession

There is a belief that if you can touch one of the pasos in the procession it will bring you luck for the year. Many people reach out and touch them as they go by.

People dress in Black and wear veils to “Mourn” during the procession. They wear elaborate black clothing and some cry and moan as they go through the procession.

People dress in black and “mourn” in the procession

Even the young children take part in the procession.

A Child dressed in traditional mourning clothing for the procession

We stayed and watched the entire procession from the balcony and enjoyed the time with friends. At around 11 pm the procession and floats returned on the same route. We stayed and watched it for a second time coming up the street. It was amazing to see the amount of effort and work it took to get the floats through the narrowest section of the street. Bellow is a video of some of the highlights of the procession.

It was a great experience to watch the procession from such a great vantage point.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Placa de Mestre D Francisco Llopis

April 3, 2018 chaput@live.com

We were walking down some of the old streets of Calpe and came across a small outdoor classroom called “Placa de mestre D Francisco Llopis”

Small outdoor classroom in the old streets of Calpe

We decided to go in and take a look at the classroom, It was very unique with tiled walls and benches.

Each of the three tiled benches had a different table design. Each one was a specific board game layout.

ceramic tiled benches with a centre table with board game design

In addition to the tables, there was a chalkboard and a map of Spain displayed on the wall.

Map of Spain and Blackboard in the outdoor classroom

The map of Spain was made with painted ceramic tile and was detailed with images of the mountains and rivers.

Ceramic painted tiles of the Map of Spain with mountain ridges and rivers

It was a great classroom where students could enjoy the outdoor breeze and the shade on a hot Spanish day. It was neat spot and we are glad we stopped to check it out.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

A walk along the Boardwalk in Calpe.

April 1, 2018 chaput@live.com

We took a walk along the sea front walkway in Calpe exploring the coastline. The scenery along the walkway was beautiful with stunning views of the sea and mountains.

Walkway along the Sea in Calpe with a view of Benidorm in the distance

We walked along the walkway and came across the remains of a Roman fish holding system.

They captured fish in this area by the use of controlled water flow with a dam type system, letting water in and out as needed.

Ray took a walk down to the base of the fish holding area to take a closer look.

Ray on the stairs leading to the Roman fish holding area

We continued walking towards the rock of Calpe, known as “Peñón de Ifach” It is a stunning 332 meter high limestone outcrop that is the iconic symbol of Calpe and the area.

We eventually reached the port of Calpe with fishing boats docked there. We went to explore the port area.

Shelley at the port of Calpe near one of the fishing boats.

We could see fishermen unloading their catch of the day. We went over to take a closer look at some of the different fish and crustaceans.

Fishermen unloading their boat with the catch of the day

They had different containers with fish and crustaceans which they were unloading. We watched each container as they loaded them onto a pallet.

Carefully loading containers of the day’s catch onto the pallet

The containers were carefully sorted and the fish were placed in rows. This is in order for the buyer to get a good perspective of the quality and quantity of fish in the container.

Fish carefully placed and sorted in the container

There were containers of interesting crustaceans being loaded onto the pallet.

Containers of crustaceans loaded onto the pallet.

After watching them load the pallet we went into the fish auction area to check it out.

A pallet of assorted fish and crustaceans going to the fish auction in Calpe

There were bleachers with buyers from restaurants and businesses who could see the containers of fish for auction. They would bid and buy a selected container.

After looking around the port and the fish auction we headed out to the boardwalk. We could see different store fronts with displays of fish for sale. One in particular caught our attention, it was called Canadá, which translates to mean a narrow valley in Spanish.

We went over to check out some of the fish and different things they had for sale. There were pre-made meals set up on display for purchase.

Fish on display for sale at the port of Calpe

We walked around looking at the different stores selling fish before heading home. It was a very interesting and enjoyable day.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

The Castle of Denia

March 30, 2018 chaput@live.com

We decided to take a walk up the hill to the Castell de Denia.

The road was on a slight slope but the walk was fairly easy and enjoyable.

We reached the top of the road where the entrance of the castle is located.

Ray at the entrance of the Castle of Denia

The archway to the entrance is in a traditional Islamic period. It was built between the 11th and 12th century. The archway was covered for approximately 20 feet with a stone walkway.

Islamic design archway of the Castle of Denia

The castle also functions as an archaeological museum. We went into the museum section at a cost of 3 euros each. The museum had several interesting displays of Roman artifacts.

The castle had a spiral staircase to the top of a tower with a lookout over the entire area.

Shelley and Felipe on the spiral staircase leading to the tower

The view from the tower lookout was beautiful. We could see the entire region and coastline.

After touring the tower we walked through the castle working our way to another elevated area.

We reached a doorway which opened up into another area of the castle. We walked through and came to a flat area which contained a large courtyard and lookout.

Doorway leading to another level of the castle

In the courtyard there were several cannons located at strategically points.

Cannon located on lookout point of the castle

The views from there were spectacular, with almost a complete 360 degree vista. We walked around the castle admiring the views.

Shelley walking along the castle admiring the views.

The tour of the Castle of Denia was well worth the visit. We enjoyed walking through the castle and looking at the great views from the castle walls.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Denia, Spain

March 29, 2018 chaput@live.com

We went to Denia to explore this town, with a population of approximately 41,000. It is about a one hour drive away along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. We arrived in Denia by mid morning and began walking through the streets of the small coastal town.

We came across the central market and went in to check it out.

There were some interesting items and goodies for sale.

Hand weaved baskets for sale at the market

There was a sweet made with pumpkin and other ingredients that was quite unique.

Sweets made with pumpkin and other ingredients

Felipe and Ray couldn’t resist trying a few of the local sweets.

Felipe and Ray sampling some of the sweets in the market

After exploring the market we walked into the old quarter and headed towards the castle. We stopped off at the tourist information centre to get some information. We took the opportunity for a selfie in front of the base of the castle de Denia.

Shelley and Ray at the base of the Castle in Denia

We continued our walk admiring the streets of Denia.

We eventually came to the main square in Denia with the City Hall or “ayuntamiento” in Spanish.

The main square was large with a beautiful church on one side.

We explored the area of the square and came across two pillars from the Roman era.

Ray standing between two Roman pillars in Denia

We enjoyed walking the streets of Denia and decided to take a break before heading up to see the castle of Denia.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Ray and Shelley's Retirement Adventures

Procession in Santa Cruz

Placa de Mestre D Francisco Llopis

A walk along the Boardwalk in Calpe.

The Castle of Denia

Denia, Spain

Life is too short to wait for adventure!