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My Life In Spain

Ben Austwick catches up with us from his new home in Spain.

By Ben Austwick

13 Oct 2011, 19:00

Finally I have the internet (albeit a slow dongle) and can write a few blogposts now I’ve moved to Spain. As I’m sure one or two of you are aware, yesterday was a national holiday throughout Spain, with the centre of the festivities in Zaragoza - my new home. In fact, since Friday evening (7th October) until Sunday night (16th October) there has been a whole range of events taking place around the city and a huge amount of people from all over the world have flocked here to experience the annual tradition.

The highlight of the celebrations is on the 12th October, known as ‘The Offering of Flowers’ (the public holiday that intentionally falls on the same day is known as the National Fiesta of Spain). Hundreds of thousands of people from Spain and South America dress in traditional costume and march to the Plaza del Pilar outside the Basilica, laying flowers in honour of the Virgin Mary. Along the way they pass people lining the streets entertaining themselves with Jota – the traditional music of the Aragon region and taking photographs of the proud members of the march.

If you ever want to visit Spain and fancy something a bit more Spanish than Barcelona, Madrid or the Costa del Sol, come to Zaragoza during the Pilar festivities. I’ve never felt more Spanish after witnessing the traditional singing, dancing and maracas. Also, if your other half is a bit culturephobic, there is the ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival on the outskirts of the city where you can send him for the day whilst you enjoy what the Aragon region really can offer.