JEREZ HORSE FAIR 2002
The Cádiz province city of Jerez de la Frontera is already getting ready to celebrate the Horse Fair, the most important equestrian event before the celebration of the World Equestrian Games which will be held in Jerez in September. Between May 5 – 12, the horse will be the grand protagonist of this fair, the origins of which date back to the reign of Alfonso X the wise, and has been declared to be of international tourist interest. The is one of the events in which Jerez confirms its links to the horsing world, always present in the sentiments of the local people. From the wide programme of horse riding competitions to the parade of jockeys and carriages in the fairground itself, this animal is the subject of admiration by all those who contemplate it. As an parallel event to the fair, Equisur is celebrated from May 9 to 12 where we can see exhibitions and morphological competitions of the most beautiful Andalucian horses. Days to enjoy in the city of Jerez, it's wines and it's fair.

CAPITULACIONES DE SANTA FE
The Granada province town of Santa Fe has become a medieval village for a few days as part of the Fiesta de las Capitulaciones, an annual celebration which commemorates the agreement made between Christopher Columbus and the Catholic Kings which give rise to the discovery of America. This is one of the most deeply rooted fiestas in the province of Granada, and combines history with fun and partying. Artists and merchants from across Spain set up in the street, with entertainers, musicians and even medieval tournaments, have this year celebrated the 510th anniversary of the agreement. The date has also been celebrated in an event held in the place where the Catholic Kings and Columbus signed the Capitulaciones, which allowed the sailor to start his trip to the New World. Meanwhile a new edition of the 'Music of the Worlds' festival has been held with performances by groups of Arab, African and Caribbean music.

MAY CROSSES 2002
The month of May in Andalucía starts with fiestas which feel the streets with flowers and the aromas of spring. They are the May Crosses, which for provinces such as Córdoba, Granada or Huelva have a special significance. Altars and Crosses made with flowers are set up in streets and squares thanks to the collaboration of local residents and associations which add copper pans, ceramics, candelabras and blankets, which when properly arranged, adorn the cross which finally is covered with flowers and pots. Like these in Córdoba where the fiestas continue until May 4. The Granada people also play a massive part in the placing of Crosses and their decoration to make them the most pretty. The province of Huelva also takes part in this tradition of the month of May, in the city itself and also in villages such as Almonaster la Real, Berrocal or Bonares, a locality famous for the beautiful crosses constructed by its residents annually.

THE PRINCE IN HUELVA
The prince of Asturias, Don Felipe de Borbón, has given his support to the 11th Ibero-American Athletics Championships, which will be held in Huelva in 2004. During his visit made to this Andalucian city, the heir to the throne met with a wide selection of sportsmen, managers and people related to the world of sport in Andalucía, to assist the presentation of the Championship which took place on the Caravels quayside in La Rábida. The prince therefore found out the details of the project 'Huelva 2004' which intends to deepen the singular relationship between Huelva and Latin America and gave his support to a sporting event which will introduce this city and its province into the circuit of grand international sporting events. Work on the stadium, which will attract the best athletes of the moment, starts this year.

PLAZA MAYOR INAUGURATOIN IN MÁLAGA
Málaga locals and visitors can now enjoy the largest leisure centre in the province. 24,000 square metres located between Málaga and Torremolinos, which host cinemas, discotheques, shops and restaurants with local and international cuisine. It's Plaza Mayor, a wide offer of leisure and freetime, which expects to receive some 6 million visitors a year, 25% of them foreigners who are expected to use bus services set up to hotels close to the site. The centre is based around a grand square with buildings in the traditional Andalucian style. The businesses are set up in small streets dotted with fountains. Plaza Mayor has more than 2,000 parking places, and has attractions open all day. From the gymnasium which opens at 7am, to the gift shops and restaurants, and the 20 screen cinema complex part of the site.

LIST FOR GUIDED VISITS TO THE ALHAMBRA
People interested in a guided visit to the Alhambra and the Generalife during May can now make their application. The managers of the Nazarene monument have now opened the application time for this annual offer provided by the Regional Culture Council which allows people to better discover the palatial city, from parts generally closed to the public through to specialities such as the architecture or the gardens. More than 500 people have already visited the site in the company of experts since the scheme was put into operation in February in agreement with the Alhambra management, A second block of tours will be made in September. People who apply for the May visits will be able to discover 'The renaissance in the Alhambra', the Nazarene water system, the Orchards of the Generalife or the paintings in the Queen's dressing room.

RODRIGUEZ DE LA FUENTE ROUTE
The Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Nature Park in Jaén, now has a new route named in honour of the late naturalist Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, and which covers some of the areas where he shot the television series 'El hombre y la tierra'. A lookout in his name was opened last March which will serve as the starting point for the route which is 20 kms long and boarders the Tranco reserviour in the area of Cotorríos and the Guadalquivir river, and has five viewpoints situated in the municipalities of Santiago Pontones and Segura de la Sierra. The track has signposts made in stone and information panels at each lookout. The route in honour of Féliz Rodríguez de la Fuente, who died 20 years ago while filming an edition of his television series, can be covered in five hours, contemplating the magnificent richness and biodiversity of the setting, such as its flora, fauna and wonderful landscape.

FIFTH TOURIST CONTRACT EXCHANGE
Around 200 professionals have taken part in the 5th Contract Exchange for Interior, Rural and Nature Tourism which has been held in the Sub Betic area of Córdoba between April 18 and 21. In total more than 80 Andalucian companies displayed their services to 75 international and national buyers in one of the most important tourist promotion events of Andalucía. Among the participants, ten belong to agencies in Germany, Portugal, Holland, Belgium and France. The inland tourism centre of Andalucía, CENTIA, an organisation dependent on the regional Tourism and Sports council was the organiser of this event. The Colmenar estate, in Cabra, was the site chosen for the presentation of this 5th edition of the rural tourism exchange. Inside the working tables were installed where the buyers can find out first hand about the services and facilities on offer from the Andalucian rural tourism companies taking part in this event. The objective of the exchange is, according to its organisers, to bring the product of Inland Andalucía to an ever greater market which is demanding a tourism of quality and different from the already popular sun and beach. In the press conference the general director of development and tourist promotion from the regional tourism board, Marcelino Méndez Trelles, underlined the importance of inland tourism in Andalucía and showed that the forecasts for the sector are quite good. He also claimed that, despite the fact that inland tourism represents something more than 4% of the total of Andalucian tourism, the amount spent by each visitor is more than 42 € a day. The success of the tourist contract exchange grows each year, not only in the number of participants, but also in the increase in demand which over recent years has been seen in this segment of Andalucian tourism. As part of the programme, the participants could enjoy an equestrian display, guided visits to Preigo de Córdoba, Zuheros and Córdoba, as well as the delicious taste of the wines of Montilla and Moriles.