CASITA COMARES

The Axarquía region in Andalusia is rich in traditions and village festivals, each with their own unique charm. In this blog we would like to tell you more about the village festivals (ferias) and special festivities and dances, with special attention to our village Comares. Comares, known as the “Balcony of the Axarquía”, offers spectacular views over the region and has a rich history and culture. Also in music and dance. The region of Málaga has its own type of flamenco called Verdiales. This music is traditional for this region and has its own dance and colorful costumes. Typical traditional instruments belong to this music such as the guitar, violin and tambourine. This music has a peasant origin. It is a type of sung and danced fandango that is accompanied by an orchestra. A fandango is a dance form in 3/4 time that was originally sung, but over time was increasingly performed purely instrumentally. The Panda, as the group of people who perform the Verdiales is called, consists of the following instruments: 1 violin, 2 to 4 guitars, 1 tambourine, various cymbals, several castanets and sometimes a lute or bandurria. The conductor walks in front of the group, holding up a stick and pointing to the singer and indicating the beginning and end of the piece of music. The dancers dance around the panda and wear colored ribbons on their castanets. The music of Verdiales has a rhythmically exciting character that can put you in a trance if you listen carefully. In our village Comares there is even a square named after the Verdiales. Various panda groups perform here during the feria. The feria in Comares takes place in July in Los Ventorros, in August on the village square of Comares, and in Las Cuevas, and in January on the village square of Comares during San Hilario. The village festivals in the Axarquía region offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture, gastronomy and traditions. Each village has its own unique festivities that reflect the rich history and vibrant culture of Andalusia. Comares, with its spectacular views and lively ferias, are highlights not to be missed. We hope to see you soon at one of the ferias / Verdiales !

It is October, the month of wine. The harvest is currently in full swing in our region of La Axarquía. La Axarquía is located in Andalusia and is a region known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes and fine wines. The wine growing in this region has a long and fascinating history that goes back thousands of years. History of wine in Andalusia The wine tradition in Andalusia began over 3,000 years ago, when the Phoenicians planted the first vineyards in the region. Later, around 1100 BC, the Greeks began producing wine in Andalusia. These early influences laid the foundation for a rich wine culture that has continued to evolve over the centuries. During the Moorish rule, wine production was temporarily suppressed, but after the Reconquista the wine industry flourished again. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Andalusian wine, especially sherry, became popular throughout Europe. Today, sherry remains one of the most iconic wines from this region. The Wines of Andalusia Andalusia is known for a wide range of wines, from dry whites to rich, sweet dessert wines. Some of the most famous wine regions in Andalusia include: Montilla-Moriles: Located south of Córdoba, this region is known for its sweet wines made from the Pedro Ximénez grape. These wines have notes of dried fruit, nuts and honey. Málaga: The wines of Málaga, made mainly from the Moscatel grape, are famous for their sweet and aromatic character. These wines are often paired with desserts or enjoyed as an aperitif. The Harvest The harvest season in Andalusia, known as the “vendimia”, is an important period that usually takes place from August to October, depending on the grape variety and the specific microclimate of the vineyard. During the vendimia, the grapes are picked by hand to ensure the quality of the wine. This is a time of hard work, but also of celebration and tradition, with local communities coming together to celebrate the harvest. Andalusia offers a rich and varied wine experience that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region. Whether you are a lover of dry sherry, sweet dessert wines or something in between, the wines of Andalusia are sure to enchant you. Visiting our region during harvest time offers a unique opportunity to experience the passion and tradition of Andalusian winemaking up close. You can usually tap a bottle of local wine from the barrel in village shops. In our village of Comares, you can also fill your own bottle at the Estanco. A beautiful route through the grape region of La Axarquía is the Ruta de la Pasa . Salud to the beautiful wines of Andalusia! 🍷