La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
Yesterday was parade day at Fuengirola’s International Fair. The 33 groups representing 33 cultures and countries marched from the center of town at 11:00 and, after more than an hour and a half, finally arrived at the fairgrounds. I say “finally” because I never seem to catch on that they won’t be at the fairground at 11:30. Next year, I won’t arrive until 12:30.
Next year, I’ll also remember to use sunscreen. I always put sunscreen on the top of my shiny head and ears, but I didn’t think to use it anywhere else. Today I have red arms and a red face (although the pharmacist last night told me I was brown — and she even said handsome).
Still, I enjoyed the music (sometimes pre-recorded noise from poor quality speakers) and brilliant colors. There seemed to be fewer participants on this first feria since the pandemic. Notably absent, to me, was Norway.
The parade was led by the Ukraine contingent, which produced non-stop applause and quite a few tears. You could see the heartbreak on many of the faces. Let’s hope they march next year in celebration of peace and freedom.
I took nearly 400 photos. I thinned those out to about 290 and then thinned again to 52. I won’t share them all (I promise) and I’ll spread some of those 52 over a few days with some stories, as well.
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Ayer fue día de desfiles en la Feria Internacional de Los Pueblos. Los 33 grupos que representan a 33 culturas y países marcharon desde el centro de la ciudad a las 11 y, después de más de una hora y media, finalmente llegaron al recinto ferial. Digo “finalmente” porque parece que nunca me doy cuenta de que no estarán en el recinto ferial a las 11:30. El próximo año, no llegaré hasta las 12:30.
El próximo año, también recordaré usar protector solar. Siempre me pongo protector solar en la parte superior de la cabeza y las orejas, pero no pensé en usarlo en ningún otro lugar. Hoy tengo los brazos rojos y la cara roja (aunque la farmacéutica anoche me dijo que era moreno, y hasta dijo guapo).
Aun así, disfruté de la música (a veces ruido pregrabado de altavoces de mala calidad) y los colores brillantes. Parecía haber menos participantes en esta primera feria desde la pandemia. Notablemente ausente, para mí, fue Noruega.
El desfile estuvo encabezado por el contingente ucraniano, que produjo no parar de aplausos y bastantes lágrimas. Se podía ver la angustia en muchos de los rostros. Esperemos que marchen el próximo año en celebración de la paz y la libertad. Hicé casi 400 fotos. Los reduje a alrededor de 290 y luego los reduje nuevamente a 52. No los compartiré todos (lo prometo) y también distribuiré algunos de esos 52 en algunos días con algunas historias.
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You are correct…..the colours are wonderful!
What a great celebration to have.
Yes, let’s hope Ukraine will be celebrating their victory next year.
Jim:
There’s a daily parade of cars on weekends along the Paseo flying Ukraine flags and banners.
To protect that shiny head of yours from the sun you need the ultimate English Seaside accessory – a knotted handkerchief.
Karen:
Or SG’s elegant headgear — the IKEA dishtowel.
Great photos – I could almost hear the music and crowd sounds!
sillygirl:
You could probably feel the drum beats pounding in your chest.
That’s what I love about being at something like this in person.
sillygirl:
The prerecorded stuff doesn’t do it for me when it’s badly amped. But the live percussion is energizing.
Bright, colorful, beautiful
David:
Always a lot of fun.
Magnificent photos, Mitchell!
Judy C:
Thanks. A perfect day for it.
So bright, so colourful! But what, no Canadian representation, LOL?
Considering the sheer number of Brits on the Costa del Sol, I’m surprised there are no Beefeaters on parade! 🙂
Jx
Jon:
It IS odd that there are no Beefeaters costumes. Seems to be obvious.
Debra:
Not a one! SO disappointing. Finland arrived in hockey gear on skates and I assumed it was Canada.
Any Gay Pride parade could glean some ideas from these gloriously costumed guys..
Raybeard:
Oh, yes, some of the costumes would be incredible at a Gay Pride parade.
Mas fotos pot favor.
Do you know if these groups travel from their countries or are they living local?
Jssw:
I would guess most if not all live local. But I know some marchers aren’t even affiated with the countries they march for. And Alexander worked the Hawaii caseta this year! (Yes, there’s a USA caseta AND a Hawaii caseta.)
I was going to say something along the lines of what Raybeard said, only a lot less eloquently 🙂 I do love the colors.
Deedles:
I like to let Raybeard speak for me. It’s the English accent.
great costumes! That one super-ruffled shirt was so wonderfully elaborate. We want more!
Wilma:
And there’s more coming. I loved those ruffles, too.
Lovely, bright colours and costumes for a parade! Too bad most of the men marching in it don’t look like they’re enjoying themselves — was it super hot that day?
Tundra Bunny:
The women showed their joy a lot more readily. Men have to appear cool. It wasn’t super hot, but it was glorious. I was in shorts and a tank top.
So colorful! It’s always interesting to see traditional outfits fancied up for a special event.
Steve:
More to come. I love when they make the effort.
Your colorful photos are beautiful, and I’m not surprised that the pharmacist said you’re handsome. I already knew that. Sweet Cheeks and I have spend many hours talking about Ukraine. We want so badly for the attack to end.
Love,
Janie
janiejunebug:
I realize now it’s polite to tell me I’m handsome when it’s said by someone young enough to be my granddaughter or grandson.
Yes yes yes I finally fixed the blogger matter which has thwarted my comments for over week.
And – I can comment without filling in the blanks.
I am happy to have done this and see a parade for my reward.
Urspo:
Commenting can be such a pain and so inconsistent. Glad you’re back.