Gaucín

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Gaucín (pronounced gow-THEEN) is a village in the mountains of Andalusia in southern Spain, inland from Marbella, Puerto Banus and Estepona, and not far from Ronda.

The village has a population of approximately 2,000. It lies about 600 metres above sea level in the Sierra del Hacho, dominated by the Castillo del Aguila (Eagle's Castle), originally a Roman stronghold, expanded by the Arabs.

1 Tourist appeal
2 The Feria
3 Commerce
4 Cultural life
5 External links

[edit] Tourist appeal

Gaucín is known for its spectacular views of Gibraltar, the Strait of Gibraltar and Morocco, as well the surrounding mountain scenery. It can be used as a base for visits to the so-called pueblos blancos of Andalusia. The village is reached by a 24km climb up a mountain road and presided over by a medieval castle. The population is augmented by a growing group of British expatriates. In the tourist shops, cork items are very popular, because cork forests surround the village.

Gaucín has been the inspiration of a number of artists and writers, and has been referred to as the "balcony of the Ronda Mountains, where the Holy Child appeared to St. John of God: the illustrious, always noble, very hospitable village of Gaucín."

[edit] The Feria

The Feria is the town’s biggest celebration. It lasts for three or occasionally four days and is a celebration of the town itself. These festivities take part in early August. On the first day of the Feria a large parade is held that includes the town band, many children with masks on, the ¨reinas¨ or queens (local girls), and Brazilian bikini dancers. The parade is lined on both sides by the crowed and when some have been passed they follow behind the marching band. The parade culminates at the Feria grounds, and when the tape blocking the entrance is cut the Feria officially begins. Preceding the parade to alert the town to be ready is a small fireworks show.

There are three rides at the Feria, which the young children are said to enjoy. These are Ël Mono¨ a pneumatic rides that spins in circles and bounces, bumper cars, and a small cart ride around a track where ballons are handed out. EL Mono blasts loud Reggaeton and American rap throughout the duration of the Feria. the cost of a ticket to all of these rides is normally 2 Euros, but on Children’s Day they only cost 1 Euro. For the very young children there are funhouses where 1 Euro buys 5 minutes of time inside.

There are two games booths at the Feria. One, is a shooting booth where one must shoot a prize attached to a toothpick two win it. In esence on must break the toothpick with a BB shot from a crooked gun in order to win prizes from stuffed animals, to alcohol, to South Park relics. The other games booth is a darts booth where one must throw crooked darts at a wall of balloons in order to win a stuffed animal. The game is quite simple and it only operates for a profit because the price of the stuffed animals it doles out are cheaper than the price to play the game.

There is a great wealth and variety of food for sale at the Feria. When one first arrives at the entrance of the Feria, there a large stand is set up, its wares include candy and nut filled sacs and other sweets in there normal packaging. Then, in between El mono and the bumper cars, there is a Hamburgesa stand which sells sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Next, in front of the disco area there is a traditional Spanish food stand where lamb chops and French fries are plentiful. Another popular stand is one in front of the pavilion which sells freshly made potato chips. Lastly inside the pavilion there is a Spanish caterer which has a service in which they bring food to and from your table.

For the adults at the feria there is a Spanish pop band playing inside the pavilion every night. For those too old to go on rides and restless in the company of the towns old people, a discotheque has been set off on a part of the fair grounds. Little dancing takes place there however.

[edit] Commerce

Pepe's: grocery store
Teresa's: a clothing/flower shop
The Panaderia: A former bread shop, it is entering the grocery market
The Pasteleria: A desert shop that serves fresh baked goods, ice cream, and candy
Unicaja: Bank
Cajamar: bank
Campsa Santa Isabel: a gas station and restaurant
Ferrgenal: A Hardware store
Lavandería Gaucín: a laundry mat
Papeleria: school supplies and adult magazine store
Nanta Feed Store: Veterinary Clinic and pet food store *
The cube at the Convento : assorted sweets

[edit] Cultural life

The cultural life of Gaucín is rich and plentiful. Many claim there is a great cameradarie among the inhabitants and there are often village-wide events that receive great showings of support.

Palm Sunday includes a procession to the church. A widely-attended Easter vigil takes place the night before.

A large carnival features chirigotas, fantastically-costumed groups that sing of current events in a humorous way. A party held on the main square with an orchestra goes on until dawn.

The feria, which lasts three days, is a celebration of the town itself and is held annually in early August. It is complete with a variety of carnival rides and games booths. The festivities also include a large pavilion where one can eat, drink, and watch musicians perform.

The pilgrimage of the Holy Child takes place at the romería on the last Sunday of August. The image of the Holy Child is taken in procession from the castle to the site of his supposed apparition, now a hermitage, for a rociera (flamenco) mass followed by dancing, singing, eating and drinking until dawn.

A feast in honour of the Holy Child takes place on the 7th and 8th of September. Over nine days townsfolk climb to the castle for a novena, held in the Chapel of the Holy Child. Mass is celebrated and guest preachers preach. A party is given in the main square with processions, food, drink, music and dancing.