Torrico -- Fiestas del Pueblo, Part II "The earplugs"

Dear citizens of the world,

My first post about the annual San Gil fiestas in Torrico was crying out for a second part. Many people asked how the fiestas were in 2009.

For the most part, things were tranquil. There is always excess, but improvements have been made -- most noteably, I bought ear plugs.

There was lots of music: flamenco to warm up, traditional Spanish songs for the older crowd that turn in at 2:00 am and popular dance music for younger ones. Techno started at about 6:00 am, but I was already sleeping -- thanks to my ear plugs!

This years festivities were special for the family because there was a 50th wedding anniverssary. After a short ceremony in the village church we went off to have appetizers in the garage (much nicer than it sounds). There were kilos of Spanish ham, cold cuts, chorizo, chips, olives, cheese and local sweets: Roscos (small dense donuts) and Floretas (Large flakey flower shaped sweets, dripping in honey. This was to warm up the belly.


At three in the afternoon we assembled in a posh wedding banquet restaurant for the 12 course meal. I personally think that eleven courses is the limit, but excess is the name of the game.

After lunch, we rolled on home for a long siesta to rest up for dinner and the evening events.

Before the music, there were flowers for the many couples completing their 50th wedding anniversary and the crowning of the Torrico Beauty Queen.

The weekend was topped off by a village wide BBQ. There was free food and drinks for everyone. By food I mean fatty meats...the more fat the better.

Next year, repeat... but don't forget the earplugs.

The United Statesian