On New 12 months’s day I watched the inauguration ceremony in New York Metropolis. Not solely was I moved by the optimistic power that vibrated from every human being current but in addition by the illustration of various religions and cultures. By the tip of the ceremony, dancing in my front room to the music of the Punjabi artist Babbullicious, I used to be prepared to purchase a ticket for a fast go to to New York.
After calming my impulsive monkey mind, I sat down on the sofa with the kitties to arrange the remainder of my week. I remembered that January 2nd is a financial institution vacation in Granada. Spanish winter holidays are extended by the celebration of the Epiphany on the sixth of January, however in Granada we get a bonus one.
Each January 2nd, the celebration of “La Toma” takes place within the plaza of town corridor in Granada. January 2nd symbolizes a historic second for Granada and for the complete nation of Spain. January 2nd, 1492 marks the day that Boabdil, the final Moorish King of Granada, handed the keys of town to the Catholic Monarchs Isabel and Fernando. A pair days later, after Boabdil had gone into exile, they entered town via the Elvira Gate and made their means as much as the palaces and compound of the Alhambra. This second in historical past marked the tip of the final Moorish dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula and in addition the unification of Spain as a rustic. Just a few months in a while March thirty first the Alhambra Decree was handed demanding the expulsion of all working towards Jews from the nation. They got 3 months to depart or convert, thus ending over 1500 years of Jewish presence on this land. There are numerous layers right here and I’m not writing a historical past lecture as we speak. I’ll add extra in different articles.
To commemorate this yearly act they bring about in La Legión1 to town of Granada. Francisco Franco was the founding deputy commander of La Legión in 1920 and so they served an necessary function within the Spanish Civil Conflict serving the Nationalist aspect. Since then, they’ve been deployed to completely different areas similar to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Presently they take part principally in NATO peace-keeping missions. They’re additionally identified for his or her extraordinary band, enjoying its well-known anthem and marches.
The commemoration acts for the day of “La Toma” features a parade, Holy Mass, and visitation of the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs within the Royal Chapel. In all of my years residing in Granada I had by no means attended this celebration.
If I’m in Granada on the 2nd of January, I’ve all the time attended the counter celebration of cultures which is devoted to the “convivencia”2 of all folks. Within the counter celebration that’s held there’s a studying of the manifest about coexistence and a tribute to Mariana Pineda, a nineteenth century heroine who fought for liberal rights.
If we glance again on historical past appropriately we’ll simply see that the tradition we take pleasure in as we speak is because of the completely different civilizations which have lived on and contributed to the Iberian Peninsula.
Nonetheless, a number of years in the past I miscalculated the time occurring a stroll as much as the Alhambra and located myself caught smack in the course of this “Toma” celebration. I arrived to our essential avenue simply in time to see La Legión departing the gates of the Royal Chapel enjoying its anthem surrounded by Granaínos3 decked out of their Sunday finest.
As soon as the crowds dispersed I used to be capable of proceed on with my authentic plan for the afternoon which was to make it as much as the Alhambra. It was a stunning sunny day and on January 2nd they open the doorways to the alter within the Gate of Justice, the principle gate of the Alhambra. It is just opened yearly for a number of hours and I had by no means made it up till that day. The altar was constructed in 1588 and was positioned the place the primary Catholic mass was supposedly held within the Alhambra. On the higher and decrease sides we discover photographs of Saint Francis, Michael the Archangel, Isabel and Fernando. Within the middle we discover a picture of the Virgin Mary and beneath her a picture of St.James represented as a warrior within the Battle of Clavijo. The battle of Clavijo was a legendary battle between the Christians and the Moors within the space of La Rioja.
On at the present time every year the doorway to the Alcazaba (fortress) of the Alhambra is free for individuals who need to climb as much as contact the bell within the highest tower, La Torre de la Vela. The legend right here says that each one who contact the bell thrice will probably be assured to search out real love throughout the coming yr.
I selected to benefit from the free entrance to the Alcazaba and climb up a few towers to benefit from the distinctive perspective of town. The road was rising for folks wanting to the touch the bell and within the highest tower so I simply loved the sunshine and the unbelievable views of two of my previous neighborhoods. I later came upon that the road was longer than common as a result of one of many bell ropes had damaged and wanted to be mended, oops!
As I walked again down into town I discovered the traditional vacation ambiance that fills the streets of Granada right now of yr. Households and vacationers wandering about and flooding the outside terraces to take pleasure in some free tapas and lunch. That day I additionally seen some rolled up flags leaning towards the tables, clearly used for the celebration.
The town middle throughout the holidays may be fairly full, particularly with sunny climate. That is when it’s best to go to neighborhoods like my very own that present a extra relaxed ambiance and a number of the finest tapas. That day I selected to ponder my morning whereas having fun with top-of-the-line. Our favourite bar, La Noticia, was on the nook close to our home. I’m unhappy to say it closed a yr in the past. The roasted ham on a rotisserie served with tiny pickles and bread was unbelievable. Ham, like all pork merchandise, are an necessary topic after we discuss in regards to the expulsion of the Muslims and Jewish folks from Spain. In a pair weeks I’ll write about one other necessary vacation right here in Granada and elaborate on this matter!
Till then, Comfortable New 12 months. Could or not it’s one full of range and inclusion.
Thanks for strolling with me on this Camino of life. I’m really grateful to your presence, particularly throughout this vacation season the place it has been troublesome for me to search out my voice.
You may watch my YouTube video of the Alhambra throughout the pandemic. On the finish of the video I stroll via the gate of justice and present the closed altar. It’s a video for rest. A uncommon second of silence within the gardens of the Alhambra the place you may truly hear the sound of the fountains.
La Legión – an elite prestigious unit of the Spanish military
Convivencia – coexistence. It has a deeper which means of acceptance, sharing life and never simply area collectively.
Folks from Granada written within the native means.
