February in Andalucia

Following the quieter weeks after the Christmas festivities, leisure and activities continue and fill up the Andalusian calendar with some events known thought out the world. Marbellas privileged location is one of its great advantages, allowing its inhabitants and tourists the possibility to enjoy all the up and coming events throughout the whole of Andalusia for short breaks. Marbella Unique Properties would like to present a short guide to the most important events that will take place this month, pointing out the famous date 28th February which was when the region of Andalusia was formed.

With regard to sports; there are possibly two main events that stand out from the rest. We discussed the first one last week in our previous post, with the arrival of the most important international tennis tournament. The Davis Cup tie between Spain and the United Kingdom, which will be played between February 2nd and 4th on the Marbella Golden Mile, at the Puente Romano hotels famous tennis courts. Without a doubt the whole city (which has a large number of British residents) will buzz on the final match day which will take place on the clay court.

Continuing the sports theme we move to Granada, more specifically to Sierra Nevada and its magnificent ski resort that is less than two hours away from Marbella. Although the ski season was inaugurated a few months ago, February hosts one of the famous weeks marked on the calendar due to the appropriately named ‘White Week’. Organized around the bank holiday day of Andalusia, ideal for snow lovers skiing all over the highest mountain peaks of Sierra Nevada. Ski and snowboards aficionados enjoy a beautiful white blanket of snow along with an unbeatable climate, the exceptional treatment of its slopes and the additional leisure that is available; make this tourist destination a place to seriously consider for their winter calendar.

All focus is not only on sports entertainment, the second month of the year also brings great opportunity for interesting cultural and social events. The city of Seville offers diversity, while preparing for its great April Fair; it will offer some wonderful Dutch history and will in turn re-launch the Spanish cultural roots. February 1st will be the chosen date for two special events to begin. On one hand and until 15^th April the international exhibition ‘Van Gogh Alive, The Experience’ will take place and where the genius collection of work comes to life. It is a multimedia show combining paintings and physical space. Boasting 3000 images that will transform the entire space; including walls, columns, floors and ceilings. In addition, viewers can discover what inspired the Dutch painter through photographs and videos.

Beginning simultaneously with this exhibition and until 4^th February, Seville will become the world capital of flamenco fashion for several days, SIMOF (International Flamenco Fashion Show) the first professional fair in the sector, which is presented as the main showcase of the unique traditional clothing in fashion, allowing itself to be influenced by the most current trends. Without a doubt a great date to keep in mind and discover typical Andalusian culture.

The greatest celebration for the month of February is undoubtedly “Carnival”. This festival is celebrated throughout Spain with people dressing up, singing, dancing and celebrating through the streets of their cities, with large parades and floats. Although Andalusia is distinct thanks to the Carnival of Cádiz, one of the largest in Spain. The masks, fancy dress and large trains of people dance through the crowded streets, enjoying every minute and celebrating all over. Neighbours form groups and participate in different categories, whether in the parades with their costumes and floats, or in one of the most famous categories ‘Las Chirigotas’. They sing distinct songs in the “Copla style” with simple musical compositions originating from the Pasodobles, Rumbas, Sevillanas etc… each with diverse themes focusing on current topics. Humour is the basis and through music they have the audience rolling about with laughter. The carnival music can be heard in every corner of the city, you can see some amazing costumes which are true works of art, the people from Cadiz live for this event each year and it is one of the most anticipated fun events, perhaps the most enjoyable of the Spanish carnivals. Undoubtedly it is an experience that we recommend you experience.

As you can see Christmas isn’t an ending to the year’s calendar in Andalusia, it’s just the beginning; one of the best places to enjoy the February celebrations is in Marbella an ideal location and starting point in Andalucía. Do not hesitate to contact Marbella Unique Properties if you are as enthusiastic as we are about our wonderful area.