May 1, 2014 WALKS IN HISTORY: El Pozo de la Llorona Story by José Antonio Pilares / japilares@gmail.com & Left side photos by José Antonio Pilares, right side photo by Kumarnm, MorgueFile
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ll towns have ghost stories. Some of them happen to be unique, while in other instances these stories are simple repetitions of folk tales from other places. One such example is the tale of the Vanishing hitchhiker or the boogieman. Diving through some old books I have come across a local ghost story that I would like to share. “La Llorona” or the Weeping lady. This is a very old tale, akin to the boogieman; I found it in a local book published in 1986, but it reproduces a legend published in the Cádiz weekly “El Domingo” dating from 27th of September, 1868. The original, by José María León Domínguez, tells us the story of “la Llorona” by mouth of an old local man.This tale goes back to the reign of king Pedro “the Cruel” (1350-1369). Rota had been in Christian hands for barely a hundred years and was a border outpost in the intermittent war between Castile and Granada.This gave the local lord “el Castellano” (literally “the castle owner”) an unchecked and extreme power in the Ville. This knight would scare the locals with his presence as he would take, kill, rape or burn as he wished, as he was the Law. At the time, an old fisherman –Pedro- used to live with his very young daughter -Elvira- in a small
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hut by the sea; probably near to today’s Pub Los Arcos. Every day they would put out on their small fishing boat and, as if blessed by Fortune, in two hours they could catch enough fish for the two of them to go on with their meager, yet happy, lives. As time went by, Elvira grew up to become the prettiest girl in town, and would show herself off in the town square during the fairs, markets and in Mass. She was desired by all the boys, and the girls became jealous of her. How dare she, the daughter of a fisherman, look better than them and be the center of attention in town; instead of the daughters of the miller, the merchant or the ironsmith! Soon Elvira found herself isolated from the other girls that had grown up with, so she began to wonder how she could get back at them. Pedro saw all this and feared that his loved Elvira might attract the attention of the worst possible man in town, “el Castellano”. Pedro would tell her “Stay away from ‘el Castellano’ for he is like an eagle attacking a dove with the women that cross his path.” But she, stubborn and proud would answer “Worry not Father. Elvira has an iron will that does not bend under the strongest of impacts.” But inside she wondered… “If I can make “el Castellano’ fall in love with me, I’ll be set for life after my elderly father dies… and I’ll get back at all the girls that have mistreated me so much.” One morning, as Pedro and Elvira were pulling their boat ashore after their fishing day, “el Castellano” came across them riding his horse. However his horse seemed out of control and was only forced to a stop when Pedro swiftly hit it in the chest with his row. El Castellano came down thankful and said “Old man, I will have you come to the castle and give you as much gold as you see fit to keep you from having to go fish for the rest of your life.” Pedro quickly answered “Thank you, Sire. But my job gives me enough to live with my daughter”, and as he said it he realized the mistake as now the lord had set his eyes on Elvira. Instead of hiding, Elvira saw her opportunity and walked into the conversation, dragging her father away but enchanting the knight with her smile, her voice and her body.
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Within a week, people would say that Elvira and el Castellano were seeing each other in private, a week later that Elvira had been seen entering the castle after sunset and exiting before dawn. Pedro did not want to believe this, until one morning Elvira was nowhere to be seen. Enraged, he went over to the castle crying out “My daughter! Give me back my daughter!” as he ran around the walls. “You are mad, old man. Leave now before I make it worse for you.” The proud lord answered back from the top of a tower. “You stole her from me! Give me back my Elvira, you thief!” poor old Pedro shouted back. And he cried, shouted and screamed until Elvira popped out of a window, all dressed up like a duchess and said “Do as he says, for if he is El Castellano, I am now La Castellana.” The old man could not believe what was happening. His own daughter had betrayed him and married in secret the feudal lord. The crazed man ran off shouting “My daughter is ‘la Castellana’!” and was never again seen in town. Not much time passed, and one day the King arrived in town to judge all crimes. Many, tired of the tyranny of their local lord, denounced all the illtreatments and king Pedro sentenced “el Castellano” to death by hanging. The next morning the scaffolding was built in the square and the lord hanged for all to see; all the while Elvira begged for her husband’s life at the foot of the gallows weeping. When it became clear that “el Castellano” had died, everyone in town began mocking her. Soon her arrogant soul could not take any more shame and she raced off, pushing the crowd apart until she made it to a well in what was known as “el baluarte” (probably today’s Hotel Duque de Nájera). She did not think twice and threw herself inside, blinded by her tears and her shame. Since then, when the clock on the city gates strikes twelve at midnight, she can be seen weeping as she walks the streets of the old town; from “el baluarte” to the castle… Or at least that is what children were told. The tale was used by generations of roteños to put their kids to sleep and to teach them not to be arrogant like Elvira, or evil like “el Castellano”.This story is, sadly, unknown by young people today in Rota but it is a part of our heritage that, I think, should be passed down as long as possible.
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May 1, 2014
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May 1, 2014
Springtime in El Puerto de Santa Maria
Means “Fiesta de Los Patios” Story by A.M. Ávila Photos by Nani Delgado Poullet
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pringtime in Spain is a wonderful time of the year. The weather is pleasant, the sun is out, the flowers are blooming - it is a perfect time to begin your exploration of El Puerto de Santa Maria. Every year at this time, the “Association of Friends of the Patios of El Puerto de Santa Maria (Asociación de los Amigos de los Patios Portuenses) sponsors a type of “open-house” that allows everyone to visit selected patios in the historic part of El Puerto, and at the same time provides a fascinating array of cultural activities, all for the price of a smile (in other words, absolutely free)! They call it the “Fiesta de Los Patios.” Many of these patios are found behind unsuspecting doorways and are part of palace-like homes, or even monasteries, that were built long ago by what are referred to as “Cargadores de Indias.” It is a curious name, but it is one that has strong ties to America and the rest of the “New World.” Since Columbus was convinced that he had landed in the Orient, the lands that he discovered were always referred to as the “Indies.” The “cargadores” were those persons who created transport and supply companies to serve the industries that grew out of the colonization of the New World. Throughout centuries, they provided the ships and whatever was needed to sail to the Americas and back. They also became apt traders of goods between both worlds, from which they acquired small fortunes. It is no wonder that they were able to build some amazing structures for their time. These homes can be found throughout the area in which we live (especially in El Puerto, Cadiz, and Sanlucar) since the usual ports of departure for the New World were in Southern Andalucia. Many of those buildings featured tiled patios which were protected from the summer´s heat and were often the perfect location for enjoying plants, gardens, fountains, parties, dinners, or even solitude. They provided a nice refuge as well as a common area for families to gather.
of Patios Association, we were surprised at the variety of activities that will be offered in conjunction with the “open house.” As it was explained to us, there is a printable map that is available on-line and which identifies the homes with patios that will be open for visits. Within most of the patios, every visitor will be welcomed and offered at least a complimentary glass of local wine and, at some, a tapa as well. Some patios will have exhibits, for example, of vintage bicycles, photography, antiques, or even bonsai trees. On Saturday, the 10th, other patios will host performances by flamenco dancers, classical musicians, jazz musicians, chorale singers, flamenco singers, and flamenco guitarists. On Sunday, the 11th, there will even be a promenade, through the streets of El Puerto, celebrating this event and featuring vintage automobiles and motorcycles. Also on Sunday, the 11th, at 2 p.m. there will be a Spanish tortilla contest at the Instituto Santo Domingo, long with a Flamenco dance performance. The map and schedule of activities, can be found at the Association´s website: www.patiosportuenses.com.es There are English and Spanish versions of both in order to make it easier for everyone to discover these gems. Most of the patios will also be marked with a colorful
apron hanging above the doorway. There is no set route, nor order, which needs to be followed. You can visit them all, or just a few. It is a great opportunity to discover some of the hidden treasures for which Spain is known, for meeting some of our Spanish neighbors, and for enjoying their hospitality. The Association has catalogued approximately six-hundred of these patios which remain in El Puerto. Some of them are part of historical buildings, convents, communal homes, or palaces. To see pictures of patios and activities which have been part of past Fiesta de los Patios, log-on to the Association´s website: www.patiosportuenses.com.es , or go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ patios.portuenses , or visit their blog at amigosdelospatiosportuenses.blogspot.com.es. If you plan on visiting any of the patios, or attending any of the activities, our best suggestion would be that you park at the parking lots that are next to the El Puerto bullring, or at the parking lots that are near the Catamaran boarding dock, and visit the different sites on foot. Relax, enjoy the Spring weather, and we hope to see you there!
It is difficult to imagine a house in the historic part of El Puerto which does not have a patio. Of course, there are many types of Patios, along with different styles of architecture. Some are more ornate than others. All of them, however, maintain their historic, traditional, and cultural qualities. For some, they harbor the sweet memories of happy childhood. It is these vestiges of the past which the Friends of Patios want to preserve, protect, and share with you this coming week. This year, from the 8th to the 11th of May, the Fiesta of Patios will be celebrated in El Puerto. In speaking with Sr. Nani Delgado Poullet, President of the Friends
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May 1, 2014
The view from CView the ad that appears in The Coastline on page 4 this week. This is a real opportunity to get a beautiful gift for Mom at a great price. Stop by the shop and see what they have.
Hotel Monasterio de San Miguel Located in the historic center of El Puerto de Santa Maria, the Hotel Monasterio de San Miguel is an ancient monastery of baroque style from the XVIII century, which was the home of the religious order Capuchin Sisters for over 200 years. Converted into a romantic and comfortable hotel where modernity and nostalgia coexist; there are 165 smartly decorated rooms and suites, as well as cafeteria, restaurant, meeting rooms, gardens and a quiet summer swimming pool with bar service. In the main building the impressive cloister
The attention to details and personal service are their hallmarks and their qualified staff with more than 25 years of experience will be at your entire service. Blanca Paloma-Puerto Sherry Here is another suggestion for Mother’s Day: take her out for an American Style breakfast at Restaurante Blanca Paloma in Puerto Sherry. They serve breakfast every day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a great breakfast and a great view.
carefully decorated with magnificent antiques is remarkable as well as the amazing and special “Bullfighting Corner”. Since its opening, the Restaurant Las Bovedas has become the center of the social and business life of Bay of Cadiz. Located in the former laundry of the convent, today it is an exclusive restaurant with a vaulted ceiling offering a selected menu where rice dishes, fish and grilled meat are the main characters.
ROTA
Feria at the Fairgrounds, starts May 1st until May 4th. Tour The Bay By Sail Boat This 2 hour trip leaves at midday and sunset Price is 15€ per person with a minimum of 4 persons and a maximum of 5. Information and reservations, Tourism Office, tel 956 846345. Organized by Diverta Sail Botanical Garden “Celestino Mutis” from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and again from 16:30 to 18:30
Matías Lebrón Jewelers Spain celebrates Mother’s Day this next Sunday and the U. S. the following Sunday. Whichever one you celebrate, don’t forget to get mom something special. This year Matías Lebrón Jewelers are featuring a special Mother’s Day bracelet by Pandora. Of course they have the famous Mother’s Day Medallion and you will always find special offers on gold jewelry and watches. Matías Lebrón is located in the central hall at El Paseo Mall. Stop by and see all they have to offer. Giovi Gift Shop Giovi Gift Shop, located on base in La Plaza, is offering a 20% discount on everything in the store if you come with
Flamenco & Dinner at Bar La Feria, Calle Mina, 42, every Friday 19:30 – 21:30. 30€ per person. For reservations, call 664 026525.
PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA
Classic Scene - Natalia Kuchaeva in Theatre Pedro Muñoz Seca 21:00, Friday, 9 May Plaza del Polvorista, 4 Argentinea n Night at Molly Malone'. Friday May 2nd. Enjoy wonderful steaks and beef dishes.
Arteluz Arteluz is a lamp/lighting store located on the outskirts of Sanlúcar. The store has 500 m2 of display area where you will find furniture, mattresses, sofas, decorative items and more than 2,500 lamps in stock. Looking towards summer, they already have 120 models of ceiling fans in stock; all at the best prices since they are national distributors. You can find a variety of lamps and ceiling fans on the web www.arteluz.es and buy them online if you choose. However, since Sanlúcar is nearby, it is worthwhile going to the store where there is more choice and great offers. Arteluz is located at Avda. del Puerto de Santa María, Polígono El Palmar (Industrial Area), next to the car wash. Coming from Puerto, it is after Las Dunas Mall and before entering Sanlúcar proper.
Anything you want us to pass along? Let us hear from you about your favorite places or coming events. We do like hearing from you! Send an e-mail to Karen@ coastline.e.telefonica.net or give a call to 607-564132. Support your paper by supporting the advertisers.
Jam Session Night Every Saturday at Molly's Bring your instrument and join in!
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA
Spanish Motorcycling Grand Prix Every year Jerez becomes the focus of world attention thanks to a high-profile sporting event: the World Motorcycle Championship Grand Prix.The Jerez circuit is the venue for the first event on the world MotoGP racing calendar, one the most important in the
motorcycle sporting world. Address: Circuito de Jerez Flea Market on Sundays at Alameda Vieja s/n from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TREBUJENA
Trebufestival Festival of street musicians that will be held in Trebujena from May 2nd to May 4th. How to get there: http://www.cadizturismo. com/eventos/trebufestival/