San Isidro 2007

San Isidro

This year we were invited by Monica's boss, Paco, to join his float for the procession. We were to meet them somewhere at the tail of the procession from the balcon. The start time was 1:00pm. We got there a little late and the horse riders were already making their way up Calle Pintada. Oops, now we have to fight through the carts pulled by huge oxen.


Cart pulled by oxen.

The only real problem we had was having to dive into the watching crowd when the oxen went passed. That entailed a minute's wait at most before we continued going against the flow. It was a minute too much for most of the crowd. The number of comments we got was unbelievable. My favourite was "I'm not standing here for the fun of it". All complaints came from the Brits. What did they expect? Note to all whinging Brits for future processions: If you don't want to be obstructed in future, just watch the procession away from the Balcon. There were numerous places for people to watch in relative comfort. After all, its only a 5km trek to Maro.


Following the float to Maro.

Having finally found our float it was not long before we had a first Rebujito. A sweet local white wine that was stored in two massive tanks on either side of the float. On top of this, the float was packed with food and other beers.



Monica and Mari Carmen.

Our float was blasting out mainly Sevillana music. Most of the women in the entourage were dressed in traditional dress and dancing away behind the float. I was content with drinking my Rebujito and sampling the queso and jamon. A few beers later and I decided it was time to join the percussion section. That involved buying a stick of bamboo for 5 euro that was slit at the top end. To play this instrument meant banging the stick between the thumb and forefinger to some sort of rhythm. I just followed the lead of Paco. Easy.



Well its better than dancing!

When we arrived at the caves it was time to set-up the picnic table. The number of different types of food on offer was outstanding. There was even my favourite, Carne con Tomate. The party went on well into the night. We decided to leave early while there was still sunlight for the long walk back home. More of the same next year please.



Monica, Mayra and Paco.