Ready to Fiesta
So, here I am in Salamanca. Completely off-the-beaten-track, this city may be small and cobbled, but what it lacks in proportion it most definitely makes up for in pure, plucky spirit. Before I arrived in the city (for the next few months, I will recklessly put my embarrassingly rusty Spanish skills to the test at language school), I knew Salamanca only as the birthplace of castellaño, the “purest” spoken Spanish, and as the home to the Western world’s third oldest university. Interesting facts perhaps, but hardly gems that have tourists reaching for their passports. Yet Salamanca does not disappoint. By a complete stroke of luck, I have arrived during what Salamantinos call Las Ferias y Fiestas- a selection of cultural events, concerts and fascinating spectacles that celebrate the city’s patron saint Santa María de la Vega between the 7th and 15th of September. By night, the main square in the city’s absolute heart, La Plaza Mayor, lights up as various acts take to a vast stage and play long into the evening. Last night, the (apparently) internationally-renowned DJ Carlos Jean played to a packed square that seemed to descend into a bit of an outdoor rave, with locals, students and tourist alike all dancing with abandon. Admittedly, this Carlos Jean didn’t seem to do very much- if interspersing a few chart hits by the likes of Rihanna with some remixed classics such as Blur’s Song 2 counts as DJ-ing, then anyone can be a Fat Boy Slim- yet the crowd definitely appreciated it, going wild until the square pulsated with an infectious energy. Throw in a couple of huge dancing lego robots (genuinely), a few cañas and some vibrant lasers, and Salamanca had a proper fiesta. Every street has a tiny something to offer, from stalls selling Spanish tapas called pinchos (at about €1.80 for a pincho and two drinks, you’re laughing) to La Corrida del Toros at the city’s edge, a traditional spectacle that I have yet to brave. This fascinating little city may still be fairly new to me, but already I can see why it is a popular university in Spain- the fiestas just don’t stop, and even during the afternoon various concerts resound within the packed Plaza Mayor. So, if you are ever interested in visiting this esoteric city, then September is undoubtedly the time to come- just be prepared to fight your way through throbbing streets.
So, here I am in Salamanca. Completely off-the-beaten-track, this city may be small and cobbled, but what it lacks in proportion it most definitely makes up for in pure, plucky spirit. Before I arrived in the city (for the next few months, I will recklessly put my embarrassingly rusty Spanish skills to the test at language school), I knew Salamanca only as the birthplace of castellaño, the “purest” spoken Spanish, and as the home to the Western world’s third oldest university. Interesting facts perhaps, but hardly gems that have tourists reaching for their passports. Yet Salamanca does not disappoint. By a complete stroke of luck, I have arrived during what Salamantinos call Las Ferias y Fiestas- a selection of cultural events, concerts and fascinating spectacles that celebrate the city’s patron saint Santa María de la Vega between the 7th and 15th of September. By night, the main square in the city’s absolute heart, La Plaza Mayor, lights up as various acts take to a vast stage and play long into the evening. Last night, the (apparently) internationally-renowned DJ Carlos Jean played to a packed square that seemed to descend into a bit of an outdoor rave, with locals, students and tourist alike all dancing with abandon. Admittedly, this Carlos Jean didn’t seem to do very much- if interspersing a few chart hits by the likes of Rihanna with some remixed classics such as Blur’s Song 2 counts as DJ-ing, then anyone can be a Fat Boy Slim- yet the crowd definitely appreciated it, going wild until the square pulsated with an infectious energy. Throw in a couple of huge dancing lego robots (genuinely), a few cañas and some vibrant lasers, and Salamanca had a proper fiesta. Every street has a tiny something to offer, from stalls selling Spanish tapas called pinchos (at about €1.80 for a pincho and two drinks, you’re laughing) to La Corrida del Toros at the city’s edge, a traditional spectacle that I have yet to brave. This fascinating little city may still be fairly new to me, but already I can see why it is a popular university in Spain- the fiestas just don’t stop, and even during the afternoon various concerts resound within the packed Plaza Mayor. So, if you are ever interested in visiting this esoteric city, then September is undoubtedly the time to come- just be prepared to fight your way through throbbing streets. 
Sounds incredible Paul. Can't wait to hear more of your tales.
ReplyDeleteFrom your adoring fan,
Salmon
Despite de fact that I have been living in Salamanca during all my life, I couldn´t describe it better.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for your blog, your English is absolutely fantastic... and a good way to learn your mother tong.