ROMERIA

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1927, Page 1

ROMERIA

PILGID.MS TO THE DANCE

GIBRALTAR, May IS

The Province of Andalusia, visited recently by the Prince of Wales and Prince George, is the scene of many charming festivals, but none is more picturesque than the Romeria, which in spirit is somewhat akin to a British Bank Holiday. In Spain most holidays arc based on a religions ceremony, but whereas the British regards religious observance as a solemn occasion, the Andalusian makes it an excuse for gaiety and feasting. Each Sunday in May the whole neighbourhood makes a pilgrimage, or romeria, in the heart of the Almoraima cork woods, some 16 miles from Gibraltar. From early dawn an unending procession of horses and donkeys, creaking ox-wagons ami motor-vans and cars—the latter hailing chiefly front Gibraltar and patriotically decorated with Union Jacks—till (lie roads to the woods.

The favourite way of reaching Almoraima, however, is on horseback, the Andalusian gallant in his broad brimmed hat, a horn horseman, looking liis host- on his horse with its gay trappings and liis graceful senorita holding on behind, one arm round liis waist.

BARBEL ORGAN AND GUITAR. First the pilgrims attend a service in the convent chapel : then they make for a clearing in the woods, where rude booths of bamboo and bracken are setup. Here, closely confirmed, tlio Andalusian ’Arry and ’Arrict prefer to dance, though the Spanish climate in May is well-nigh perfect. Tn one booth n barrel- organ grinds out a pnso dohle, in another a leanfaced peasant is strumming a guitar—weird, throbbing minor melodies of obvious Moorish origin. A young man who would lie good looking if shaved and a girl with lovely dark eyes stand up from the crowd and face each other solemnly.

They dance not unlike two cockerels circling round each other before combat. their movements quickening as Hie tiino grows wilder. The audience clap their hands rylhmically while first one and then another breaks into extemporised song. When this pair fall exhausted into chairs, another couple take their place, and so the day goes on until the guitarist-, having consumed innumerable glasses of sherry, can plav no more. FLOWER-DECKED GIRLS. Outside tlio townsfolk are busy riding donkeys, gipsies are trying to sell their wares, and stolid peasant families arc being photographed in painfully anxious attitudes. Family parties are picnicking throughout the woods and the village swains are decking their lasses with fronds of young bracken and flowers.

It is late at night before the last ■onveyance —a mass of bracken—proud proof that one has really been to Alnoraima—toils back to Gibraltar. For many of tlio poor Romeria. is die only outing of the year.