In the last half of August, as the crowds started dribbling off the beach, I was just beginning to think all the partying was over. But then I had underestimated the Spanish. It seems in this part of the world they’re never short of a virgin or two to celebrate.
This time round it was the turn of the Virgin de Salud, Patron of Itrabo. And so began the three-day fest, starting on the 27th of August, that transformed the sleepy little village into an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza.
The virgin in question and honourable guest of the party is a tiny little 30cm statue that resides in a vault in the church for 362 days of the year, laying in wait, as it were, for her big three days of fun.
On the afternoon of the 27th, to the tunes of the local band, the little virgin was paraded through the streets of the village and up the steep hills to the hermitage (where according to the local minister she must be in bed by sunset). On the first day there was also the traditional burning of the palms followed by a firework display in the main square, Plaza Andalucía.
On the 28th the little virgin was accompanied by a floral procession and the King and Queen of the fiestas were chosen and crowned. Day three kicked off with said King and Queen leading the parade and one last final pilgrimage to the chapel where everyone can say a proper goodbye to the little virgin who has to go back in her box until next year. The party didn’t stop there though and the live music continued into the early hours.