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Celebrating Hispanic Day: Spain’s National Holiday on October 12, 2023

About Hispanic Day

Spain’s rich cultural heritage and history come to life on October 12th every year as the nation celebrates Hispanic Day, also known as Fiesta Nacional de España. This national holiday is a time for Spaniards to come together and commemorate their country’s unity, culture, and history. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Hispanic Day and the various ways in which Spain celebrates this special occasion in 2023.

The Historical Significance:

Hispanic Day holds historical significance as it marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. This event symbolizes Spain’s exploration and its historical connection to Latin America. As a result, Hispanic Day is not only a day for celebrating Spain but also for acknowledging the broader Hispanic heritage that spans the globe.

How Spain Celebrates Hispanic Day:

1. Military Parade: One of the most notable events of Hispanic Day is the military parade in Madrid. It showcases Spain’s military might and pays tribute to the armed forces.

2. Flag Raising: The day begins with the raising of the Spanish national flag in Madrid’s central Plaza de Colón, and it’s an event filled with patriotic fervour.

3. Cultural Exhibitions: Throughout the country, there are cultural exhibitions, traditional dances, and historical reenactments that allow Spaniards to connect with their heritage.

4. Open Museums: Many museums and historical sites offer free admission or special exhibitions, allowing people to explore Spain’s rich history.

5. Festive Atmosphere: Across Spain, people celebrate with parades, music, and traditional Spanish food, creating a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Conclusion:

Hispanic Day on October 12th is a day for Spain to celebrate its historical and cultural roots while also acknowledging its role in shaping the broader Hispanic world. Whether you’re in Spain to witness the grand military parade in Madrid or savoring traditional Spanish dishes in your local community, Hispanic Day is a time to appreciate Spain’s diverse and vibrant culture while remembering its essential place in history.

If you are visiting Nerja and staying with us at Nerja Beach Holidays, make sure to join in the celebrations.

“La Barca” (The Boat)

Eating Out in Nerja and Elsewhere

This is a variation on a theme, or so the saying goes. This beautiful platter consists of Serrano Ham, Manchego Cheese, grated Tomato and fresh-cut bread that has been lightly toasted and accompanied by a bottle of Ribera del Duero wine.

I say a variation on a theme as you would find elements of this on many a Spanish breakfast plate. Tostada con tomate.

A “tostada con tomate” is a popular Spanish dish that translates to “toast with tomato” in English. It’s a simple and delicious snack or appetizer commonly found in Spanish cuisine.

To make it, you typically start with a slice of toasted bread, which can be either baguette or rustic bread. Then, you infuse a ripe tomato over the toasted bread with the tomato’s juices and flavour. Afterwards, you can drizzle some olive oil and add a pinch of salt to taste.

Some variations include toppings like garlic or jamón serrano (Spanish cured ham) for added flavour.

It’s a quick and easy dish that showcases the freshness and simplicity of Mediterranean flavours. Enjoy!

You will find a plate similar to this in most restaurants and bars in Nerja. It is a great way to spend a pleasant afternoon. A nice bottle of Ribera del Duero helped things along.

Ribera del Duero is a renowned wine region in Spain, known for producing high-quality red wines, primarily from the Tempranillo grape variety. This wine makes a change from the Rioja and is reasonably priced. 

If you venture out of Nerja and head inland, you will find some excellent bars and restaurants. This lunch was at El Cortijuelo, close to the village of Villanueva del Trabuco, about 1 hour drive from Nerja.

At about 27€, food, wine, a large beer and Tinto de Verano (Summer wine made with vino tinto and fizzy lemon) you can’t beat that for great value.

If ever there was a case for self-catering in Nerja

I came across a video on Instagram, thanks to the Liverpool Echo, of holidaymakers somewhere on the Costa del Sol. What I saw reinforced my belief in self-catering holidays.

Fifty or more guests wait, like naughty children, to get their towels on a sunbed. It is quite amusing; it is also quite sad. Take a look at the video and see if you know where this hotel is. My guess is Fuengirola but, I could be wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Liverpool ECHO (@liverpoolecho)

Self-catering holidays offer several benefits that appeal to a wide range of travellers. Some of these benefits include:

1. Flexibility: Self-catering holidays provide the freedom to create your schedule. You’re not bound by hotel dining hours, allowing you to eat and explore at your own pace.
2. Cost-Effective: Self-catering accommodations often have kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare your meals. This can significantly cut down on dining expenses, as you can buy groceries and cook your favourite dishes.
3. Space and Privacy: Self-catering accommodations, such as rental apartments or cottages, offer more space than traditional hotel rooms. This extra room provides a greater sense of privacy and comfort, making it suitable for families and larger groups.
4. Local Experience: Staying in a self-catering property often means living in a residential neighbourhood, providing a more authentic experience of the local culture. You can shop at local markets, interact with residents, and immerse yourself in the destination.
5. Cooking Preferences: If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, self-catering allows you to tailor your meals to your needs. This can be especially important for those with allergies or other dietary considerations.
6. Socializing: Many self-catering accommodations have communal spaces, such as kitchens or living rooms, where you can socialize with your travel companions. This can foster a sense of togetherness and make the trip more enjoyable.
7. Extended Stays: Self-catering is ideal for longer trips or stays. A fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities can make extended travel more convenient and comfortable.
8. Home Away from Home: With self-catering, you can create a homey atmosphere during your vacation. You have the space to spread out, relax, and unwind in a way that might not be possible in a hotel room.
9. Cost Sharing: For group trips, self-catering accommodations can be cost-effective as the cost of renting a larger property can be split among several people, making it more affordable compared to booking multiple hotel rooms.
10. Pet-Friendly Options: If you’re travelling with pets, self-catering properties often provide more pet-friendly options compared to hotels, allowing you to bring your furry companions along.

Remember, the benefits of self-catering holidays can vary based on personal preferences, the destination, and the specific accommodations you choose. It’s essential to consider your travel style and needs when deciding whether a self-catering holiday is the right choice for you.

Bacalao con Salsa de Pimientos del Piquillo – Cod in Red Pepper Sauce

A traditional Bacalao (Cod) fish dish from Andalucia

This is one of our favourite meals at home or in the Nerja restaurants. If, like us, you appreciate a good piece of fish then, this one is for you. It won’t break the bank, and, if you are self-catering, it is easy to make for yourself. Piquillo Peppers can be bought in jars, already peeled or tins and are ubiquitous.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of cod (any white fish would do. I used Bacalao pieces from Mercadona Supermarket)
• 1 cup Piquillo peppers, roasted and peeled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup of tomato juice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 egg
• Breadcrumbs

Method

Using three bowls, 1 for beaten egg, 1 for breadcrumbs and 1 for flour.

After drying the fish on a kitchen towel, coat the fish in flour, dip in the beaten egg and then coat in breadcrumbs. Leave to dry for 15 minutes.

Dice the onion and garlic and add to the frying pan with the olive oil and cook for 20 minutes or until soft. Add 4 piquillo peppers (these can be bought in jars) and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and smoked paprika. Add tomato juice and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the mixture to a container and blitz until you have a smooth, red sauce. Add the sauce back into the pan and add the white wine.

Meanwhile; add your breaded cod to the Cosori Air Fryer and cook for 15 minutes, turning once. After 15 minutes, check that the fish is done to your satisfaction. If you want it darker and crispier, add another few minutes to the frying time.

Heat up the sauce and coat the bottom of a plate, add your cooked fish and garnish in whatever way you like. Job done.

This is my way of doing it but there are many variations. Try it for yourself.

If you are visiting Spain, you might want to remember this fish dish, it really is something special and inexpensive. 

A Nice Break in Sunny Nerja

It has been a strange year, here in Spain. Normally, the rains arrive in September and then again at the start of the year. This year, we had a drought.

The reservoir at Viñuela, north of Malaga city, was down to just 10% capacity. The crops suffered, including the olives. Normally the wheat fields would be fully grown with thousands of blood-red poppies mixed in. This year, the harvest was taken in, in the middle of May. It was looking grim!

Here comes the rain again

It was a record-breaking January, and February for sunny days with high temperatures. In some cases, we were getting 35ºC! Still no chance of a downpour. We had a few days of rain but, nothing substantial. From March 7th until about May 21st it was as dry as a bone.

Just when we thought we would no more rain until September, the rain arrived. Just in time for our friends to visit Nerja for a couple of weeks. You really couldn’t make this up.

Nerja Break

Our friend from Ulster was coming to Nerja, as were members of my family. We had planned a holiday in Nerja for some time. My family stayed with Nerja Beach Holidays, in a lovely apartment close to Nerja Parador. As you would expect, the accommodation was excellent and, in a fantastic location, close to all the Nerja attractions, such as the Balcòn de Europa, Burriana Beach, Nerja Caves and the best bars, shops and restaurants.

Our friend, Tom, stayed at the Plaza de España which is located behind the Nerja Town hall, so, he wasn’t far from us and smack-bang in the centre of Nerja, a short walk to the church of El Salvador and Tutti Frutti square.

Chinese Meal in Nerja

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”2″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]As we live north of Nerja, about 1 hour, there are no Chinese restaurants close by, we would have to drive half an hour to the nearest restaurant, which is in Antequera. So, any time we are in the area, we take the opportunity to eat out. Nerja has a great variety of restaurants, bars and beachside eateries.

We picked the China House restaurant, the nearest to the apartment and we knew from previous visits that it was a great place to eat. 

As our friend had never been to Nerja, we went on a tapas route. We also had a great breakfast at a great place opposite the church of El Salvador. OK, it was a full-English job but it did make a pleasant change. The rest of our time was taken up visiting the local attractions.

There was an open-air art exhibition in Plaza de España. The art ranged from biscuit tin-type paintings to abstract Picasso and Dhali types of work. At one stall, there was an odd painting which consisted of several yellow streaks on a pale blue background.

The owner of the stall noticed that my sister was admiring it and asked her if she liked it. “Oh yes, I do!” replied my sister “It’s something like my 5-year-old grandson paints.” Ouch!, Sheila was never one for subtleties. There were also some silver sculptures, god knows what that was all about.

As it happened, there wasn’t really a lot of rain, which was great for our friends and relatives; however, not great news for the farmers who depend on the rain for a living.  It was great to be back for a Nerja break, it had been 5 months since our last stay. We’ll be back again soon.

What exactly is “Paella”

Paella is Rice or “Arroz”

Paella de Mariscos is a popular Spanish rice dish that originates from Valencia, a coastal city in Eastern Spain. It is a seafood paella that includes a variety of seafood ingredients such as shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, and sometimes lobster or crab. The dish is cooked in a large, shallow pan called a paellera, which is designed specifically for cooking paella.

The rice is cooked with a flavorful broth that includes saffron, paprika, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients, giving the dish a distinctive yellow colour and delicious taste. Other ingredients that may be added include green beans, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Paella de Mariscos is typically served as a main course, often accompanied by a fresh green salad and a glass of Spanish wine. It is a beloved dish in Spain and is also popular in other countries around the world, particularly those with a strong Spanish influence. It is often regarded as Spain’s national dish, although, not by Spaniards; they see it as a Valencian dish but, they still shovel it down on every occasion possible.

How Paella is Made

Making paella is quite simple and you can use whatever ingredients you like. Inland Spain you will find the Chicken, Pork and Rabbit feature. The coastal towns will be more seafood orientated.

You will need:

• A Paellera or large frying pan
• Rice (authentic short-grain rice if you are going native)
• Prawns, shellfish and anything else that comes out of the sea.
• Saffron
• Stock (chicken or fish)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Red or green peppers (or any vegetables you care for)
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley

Method.

Into a hot paellera or frying pan add enough oil to cover the bottom, add onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add the vegetables and fry, again until soft. Add the rice and mix well to get the whole of the rice covered in the oil. Mix the saffron into your stock. Add enough stock to cover the rice. Turn the pan on low heat and cover the top with a lid, foil or another pan. 

After 30 minutes, check that the rice stock is reduced and the rice is tender. Add your prawns and shellfish and cover on low heat for 10 minutes. Check the prawns and shellfish are cooked. Add some parsley as a dressing. Serve on a plate and pour yourself a glass of lovely Spanish wine. Enjoy.

The paella in the photo was made 9th of April by yours truly. But if you are visiting Nerja, then Ayo’s on Burriana Beach is the most famous paella in the world. And Ayo has been the subject of many TV food and travel programmes.

Tip: Try and burn the bottom of the paella (really!) as this burnt part is the highly prized “socaratt”. The name Socarrat is a culinary term used to describe the crispy, caramelized layer of rice that forms at the bottom of a paella or similar rice dish.

Holiday Rental in Nerja – Apartment Tetuan 44

Description of the apartment

This beautiful 1 bedroom apartment is located on the tranquil Oasis de Capistrano with its wonderful gardens. The apartment comprises one bedroom with twin beds, fitted wardrobes and a ceiling fan. The bathroom has a bath and an overhead shower. The open-plan kitchen leads to the living room. The kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge, oven, hob, microwave, coffee machine, washing machine and all other amenities needed for your self-catering holiday.

There is seating for 4 people within the lounge and dining area. The lounge also has a very comfortable sofa bed (sleeps 2).

The patio doors lead from the lounge onto a lovely private terrace, that has plenty of sunshine and sea views in the distance. Oasis de Capistrano has two community swimming pools, a large children’s pool and an on-site bar/restaurant. Burriana Beach is a 15-minute walk away, and Nerja centre is around 20 minute’s walk. There is a regular local bus service within two minutes of the apartment.

For larger parties, we can offer this apartment along with Tetuan 6 (a 2-bedroom apartment) as they are within metres of each other and can sleep a total of 8 persons. See this apartment from the main website.

Semana Santa or Holy Week

Holy Week is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity. In Eastern Churches, which include Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Eastern Lutheran traditions, Holy Week occurs the week after Lazarus Saturday and starts on the evening of Palm Sunday. For Hispanic countries, this is as big a fiesta as you can get.

Nerja is no exception. Just like in the rest of Spain, there will be several days of celebrations, both sombre and happy.

Booking a villa, apartment or townhouse in Nerja with Nerja Beach Holidays, you can catch all that is happing in the town and other locations along the Costa del Sol.  there will be so much happening that having your own place in Nerja will be a must.

Check out this wonderful apartment Tetuan 44 on the Nerja Beach Holidays main website. There are plenty more 1,2 and 3-bedroom apartments for rent. Make sure you book now though; Semana Santa attracts great numbers of tourists and quite often, accommodation is hard to come by.

We look forward to seeing you, here in Nerja very soon. Meanwhile, why not check out this great Nerja website that offers you all the information you will need for Semana Santa in Nerja 2023.