In our search for guest writers we were delighted to have attracted this correspondence

Letter from Andalucia

I have now lived in Andalucia, in that area know as La Axarquia (“The East” in ancient Arabic, meaning east from Malaga city), for nearly twelve years, and the Moorish legacy is as much evident in small, local details, as it is in the great cities of throughout Spain.

First, there are the place names: Alcaucin, Almayate, Benajarafe, Benalgalbon, to quote just four, whose prefixes of “Al-” and “Bena-” all indicate Arabic roots. Secondly, the design of the houses, especially town houses, with their tiled facades, crenelated chimneys and “rejas”, the ornamental but essentially functional bars on windows which were not, as insurers suppose, to keep burglars out, but to keep daughters in!

And third, and least noticed unless you own a “finca” – a smallholding – are the “asequias”, the irrigation channels which take their water from upstream rivers or springs and bring it, by carefully calculated gradients, many kilometres through olive and orange groves, thus bringing fertility to what would otherwise be a far less welcoming landscape.

These are the minutae of what the Moors left behind, and without them this would be a very different, and far less agreeable place in which to live.

Excellent letter, beautifully written. You managed to capture quite clearly the beauty of Andalucia, and crucially the Muslim heritage at it’s heart.  I only might add that while Islam was a great creator especially in terms of architecture and culture, what Granada especially signified was tolerance, because until the Christian reconquest, Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in harmony there. That spirit is something that mankind dearly needs to recapture now.

Experience Semana Santa in Malaga

Spain is world-famous for its lively fiestas, and Easter Week or Semana Santa celebrations are amongst the biggest, particularly in Malaga and other towns and cities in the southern region of Andalucia.

Previously in the  we looked at ideas for family holidays on the  Costa del Sol holidays in Spain series of 2009. Thanks to its position on the hectic Spanish south coast, a package tour mecca, Malaga is often unfairly overlooked by cultural travellers – yet it packs in some very interesting sights.

Easter Week Malaga

This year’s Easter week runs from 26 March to 4 April 2010, and with cheap flights available from the UK to Malaga, and the Spring sun already shining, it’s a great excuse for a trip abroad.

Although Semana Santa is a religious festival, the splendour of the fiesta’s processional floats can be appreciated by anyone.

Whereas in many Andalucian towns and cities the festival can take on a quiet, subdued tone, in Malaga the festivities are far more upbeat and happy, with spontaneous bursts of Flamenco songs and cheering when the best floats pass by. Read more about Malaga Flamenco.

From Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday there are daily processions through the city, featuring elaborately-decorated pasos (religious floats) that sway along the streets, accompanied by bands playing distinctive religious music.

The pasos, some of them weighing a considerable 5,000 kilos, are painstakingly carried along the streets by bearers. Some of the older floats were carved in the 16th and 17th centuries, and all of them are beautifully decorated and carry life-sized figures depicting scenes from the bible.

Thousands of robed penitents light the way with their candles, and the air is filled with the aroma of incense and flowers.

Semana Santa is very important to the Andalucians, but also draws tourists from all over the world. Whether or not you’re religious, it’s hard not to find yourself swept up by the spectacle of these atmospheric candlelit processions, and the evocative sounds, scents and ceremony involved.

Other Malaga attractions

The city’s Moorish history can be seen in the old Alcazaba fortress, which dates back to 1065 and houses an Archaeological Museum. The pleasant seafront promenade, Paseo del Parque, leads to the harbour and ends at Calle Larios, the city’s main commercial thoroughfare. You can admire Baroque architecture at the city’s cathedral, known as La Manquita (‘One Armed Woman’) because of its missing East bell tower. And for art-lovers there’s the famous Picasso Museum, and the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo.

Once you’ve had your fill of culture and history, Malaga also has plenty of good clothes and souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants with outdoor seating where you can recharge your batteries ready for some more Semana Santa celebrations.

Malaga Airport Flights to Malaga

Málaga Airport is the third largest international airport in Spain, with excellent links to UK regional airports. A number of low-cost airlines offer flights to Malaga from many regional airports, and you can hire a car from the airport if you’re planning to explore beyond the city.

Car Hire Malaga

If you hire a car in Malaga, you can explore the smaller traditional towns and villages found inland from the busy coast, to get a taste of more local Semana Santa festivities.

If you’re planning a trip to Andalucia during this busy festival period, make sure you book accommodation, car hire and any other crucial travel services well in advance because demand is high.