La Estrella's annual Christmas Fare this weekend

JIMENA Charity begins at home, they say. That's why La Estrella, Jimena's handicapped charity, is holding their annual Christmas Fair this weekend. Open at noon on Sunday 16, until about 6pm or later, there is always something there for everyone. Aside from many stalls selling all kinds of stuff (J.A.W.S.has a big one, too!) there is entertainment by a band and the Pastoral de la Estación, a traditional Christmas group that sings villancicos (Spanish 'carols') and plays instruments you may never have seen (See How did that zambomba get in your ear?). See you there! (Below is a map of how to get there)>>>

First Christmas Bazaar on Friday, November 30

JIMENA The first of several area Christmas fairs, bazaars, fayres, markets and such is in Jimena (at least, the ones we've heard about). Monica Forrester-Becko is holding one in aid of La Estrella, the handicapped organization in Jimena, in the courtyard of her lovely home, El Antiguo Juzgado (Calle San Sebastián, 15, just off the main square) on the morning of Friday, November 30. The idea is that you can drop in on the way to or from the Friday market. There are lots more coming up, so we will be putting up a guide so you can choose which and where you want to do that last minute Christmas shopping. Also, remember that in Spain the tradition is for gift-giving on January 6, Three Kings, so there will be markets during the holidays as well. (Please let us know if you're holding one, or know of any, preferably within the Campo de Gibraltar or just outside it.)

Weekend of Christmas Fair in Gaucín

GAUCÍN The weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 will be busy in Gaucín. It's their annual Christmas Fair to be held at El Convento de Gaucín from 10 am to 5pm. As you will see from the poster (click to enlarge and find the venue) it will be offering 'unique gifts, festive foods, bar and lunch'. There are lots of fairs around now, so we will be putting up a guide so you can choose.

Book now for Christmas and New Year

JIMENA Henrietta and her alter ego Melissa (not sure which one it is in the picture), are getting ready for Christmas and New Year. So they are now taking bookings for Christmas Lunch and New Year's Eve Dinner Party. Both events are sure to be great fun and good food, so book early in case you miss out later. Call Melissa or Henrietta on 956 648 130 or email either of them at info@casahenrietta.com to book and find out more.

JAWS prez says, 'No clothes, please!'

Click on image to copy
and print and spread the word!

JIMENA In an email we received this morning from Val Jubb, President of the Jimena Animal Welfare Society (J.A.W.S.), one item caught our eye at the very end (yes, we read our e-mails backwards, don't you?) it says in screaming capital letters 'NO CLOTHES, PLEASE!' On calming down and finding our brain again, we read the whole thing fully, to find that Val was announcing the J.A.W.S. Christmas Fayre to be held in conjunction with Casa Henrietta on Sunday, December 2 - well, see for yourself:

Hi to everyone!!

JAWS are holding our Xmas Fayre in Henrietta's on 2nd December from 12 noon.

We are sharing the venue  with Melissa from Henrietta's as she is organising a Xmas Fayre for the same day.

PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT US. There's more:>>>

How did that zambomba get in your ear?

It could, you know. It produces a sound, does a zambomba. An instrument that requires some skill and a lot of practice, although once you have it, you have it. But we should start at the beginning. That is, with the costumes. No, not costumes, which imply fancy dress, but the right clothes. Remember, we're talking Christmas, therefore shepherds. Though in the case of Andalucía, it's more likely to be goatherds (photo below). No matter, the mountains are cold, so they wear sheepskin over a traditional checkered shirt (photo). Trousers (types of) may be optional, but not the chaps. Hang on, we mean the chaps they wear over the optional trousers, like the ones worn by cowboys, less fancy but with the same objective: to protect the legs from pricks - okay, thorns. (Still following us? See more below)>

Christmas Bazaar raises €1,200 for La Estrella

JIMENA As promised, here are some of the over 450 photos we took at the Christmas Bazaar. But the really GOOD NEWS is that over €1,200 was raised for the La Estrella stars, which will go towards their extra-curricular activities and summer camp newxt year. They have asked us to say thank you to everyone who took part in what was a great day!

La Estrella Christmas Bazaar was a grand success!

JIMENA This year's Christmas Bazaar in aid of the handicapped children of Jimena's La Estrella association was a grand success. Organized by a few expats and the core La Estrella working members, it took place yesterday in the courtyard of the 16th Century cloisters of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Church in the middle of the old quarter of Jimena. There were fewer stalls than had been expected, which is a shame for those who missed out, as people flocked from all over the village throughout the day, to the amazement of experienced marketeers. The support for this local charity was something to behold: there were stalls that dedicated their entire proceeds to the cause, including one run by small girls who had made bracelets and necklaces "for their special friends." (photo) A tombola -unusual, apparently, other than at expat markets- was a winner. It wasn´t too much to ask for a euro to win something that had been a donation. There were delicious Spanish, English and American cakes and goodies, canaries, Moroccan lamps, jewelry, clothes ... the list is too long. But the atmosphere, that was something else. The spirit of goodwill arrived in force starting early in the morning for the preparations, and never left. (Watch this space for a slide show coming soon!)

Roscón de Reyes, a seasonal treat

Roscón de Reyes is a traditional Three Kings treat. Shaped like a large doughnut and usually tasting a little of lemon, it is decorated with dried fruits and contains a surprise or two for the lucky finder. The gift is usually a coin, though sometimes it also contains the traditional dried bean as a joke. Its origins go back to the round cakes that were offered to the god Janus during Roman Empire times. It is available at this time of year at bakeries and supermarkets.

All I want is a hippo...

Okay, Shirley Temple is cupcake sweet but, hey, it's Christmas time...

Enjoy the parties!

Life can be summarized in these four bottles...

Damn! We're already on the third!
Enjoy the parties! (Thanks to Rocío for this.)
The local police and the Guardia Civil will be out in full force throughout the season, breathalyzing everywhere. Anything above 0.25 will get you arrested, fined and points taken off you license.
But 'don't drink and drive' is not just a slogan, it means you don't drink not because you might get caught but because it will save your life and those around you. Not to mention other road users.
We mean it: Enjoy the parties!

Christmas at El Anón: book now!

Jimena's premier establishment is taking bookings for Christmas Lunch. Roast turkey with their special apple and walnut stuffing, sausages wrapped in bacon, roast vegetables, broccoli, cranberry sauce and gravy; followed by Christmas Pudding, Brandy Butter and mince tarts with cream. All of it preceded by a light seafood salad. Sounds delicious! And, of course, Christmas crackers! Also, we're told that there are other choices for vegetarians and those who want to eschew the traditional. All of it for a mere €33 per person, including wine. Suzanna tells us to book in advance or you'll miss out: 956 640 113. (El Anón will be closed on Christmas Eve.)