Out of the city to the rural area of Spain was the motto for this weekend trip. Even though I enjoyed every trip to Valencia - with all its folks, food and fiestas - it is a shame that apart from that I haven't been travelling around Spain more often. Therefore I was looking forward to see my destination: Rubielos de Mora.
Rubielos de Mora is a small town on the hilly countryside of Aragon. Generations ago people moved from the landward side to the big cities. In this case Zaragoza, Valencia or Barcelona were most likely. Being a rather sleepy village during the rest of the year, in summer it gets quite crowded. The families gather for vacations or at least one weekend. The most important one is held in mid-August, the medieval festival. Including traditional costums, parades, a market and a bull chase. Due to inexplicable circumstances I wasn't capable to document the beautiful atmosphere of the medieval festival. For that reason I will just show you some of my impressions of the town and its, temporarily, inhabitants.
A kid preparing the beer counter before the weekend starts. Meanwhile his Uncle is doing his kind of preparation for the festivities.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
Ok, at least one picture of the parades. The city is divided in different groups, the so called "peñas", which are almost similar to the "fallas" in Valencia. Each of the peña has their own costume, tradition and is responsible to care for an ambience of solemnity. This could be a BBQ, a bar or in this case a little parade.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
One of the bars we spent most of our time, "El Romeral". Fried morcillas, salchichas and bacon for the late-night bocadillos. Greasy, solid and way too delicious. What was the name of this fabulous drink again?
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
The old church in town, Santa Maria la Mayor.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
La Taberna. I was expecting some old fashioned cerveza, the brew of the knights, and I was not disappointed. At night this yet still calm place, turned into a mobile disco. I was kind of confused about the modern tunes. Still at the medieval festival or already at Gandia Shore?
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
Had to wonder off to discover the old village of Rubielos. Up on the hill it was really delightful. I got a brief impression of how life could be like in a quiet place like this. This feline friend was a little curious about my new hair cut.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
View on the church of Rubielos and a short break of the fiesta.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
Ramón, one of the oldest friends of my Valencian flatmate Jorge. He's a good example of the people who live in the big cities and come back to their home town for summer. Unlike others who just spend their vacations, Ramón has to get a job done. He is in charge for the local swimming pool and most important for the bar that belongs to it. One lovely mate tapping a fresh beer. Cheers Ramón!
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 23.08.2013) |
Saturday afternoon in boiling heat. A perfect combination to have a sucking pig.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 24.08.2013) |
The Cosa Nostra of Rubielos is enjoying a marvelous meal. Sucking pig, salads, pan and beer.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 24.08.2013) |
Short glance on an abandoned alley on the Sunday morning.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 25.08.2013) |
We officially missed the last part of the medieval market. Nevertheless I have had a great time in Rubielos. With all the Valencian friends, typical food and a little insight into the life of rural Spain. What a pity that I didn't get the chance to shoot some more photos. But I guess this means I have to return next year.
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| (Rubielos de Mora, Aragon/ Spain/ 25.08.2013) |
