Costa del Sol
Feria del Barrio - Cómpeta
By Tina Irving
Jan 26, 2009 - 5:02 PM

Festivities took place in the Barrio, the area near the park at the entrance to the village. The fair has been in existence for over ten years, and keeps the tradition of enjoying free migas, sardines, salt cod and oranges, accompanied by Cómpeta wine. Food is followed by dancing, singing and the amazing ribbon race, which has to be seen to be believed. The procession returned to the Hermita in the evening, accompanied by singing and fireworks.

There were a lot of umbrellas in evidence, but it didn´t prevent the enjoyment. Some of the ladies still dressed up in their traditional costume looking as elegant as ever. The ribbon race was the highlight of the afternoon. For the uninitiated, this is where a number of coiled ribbons are threaded on to a cable and stretched across the road. On each coil of ribbon there is an eyelet and the idea is to get a pinchito stick through the eyelet and pull the ribbon out while going as fast as you can on your horse, bicycle or motorbike. This year there was even a pony and trap! It was quite slippery for the horses, but their agility and obvious experience was displayed as there was certainly no lack of speed!

The migas looked a bit soggy and the wine may have been watered down with the rain, but a good time was had by all.