Travel guide Andalusia

Andalusians have a very pronounced accent. You'll quickly notice it, with a strong tendency to eat up a few syllables of each word, depending on the listener's perception, but which corresponds in their minds to a longing for syllables. It'll take some getting used to, but you'll soon grow to love it.

This refers to codfish, but also to the highly commercial techno music that has been popular in Andalusian pubs and discos since the 1980s. With strident sounds and electronic rhythms. It can also be heard coming out of cars, scooters or radios taken to the beach.

Experts clap them in the hand to produce a particular sound. Introduced in the 17th century, they were used to accompany a dance, the fandango, which was prohibited by the Church at the time. They owe their popularity to the flamenco and Sevillanas of the last century. Today they are used much less for shows.

Its image is strongly linked to Andalusia, and it was in Ronda that the rules of modern bullfighting were set. Bullfighters are stars in the same way as actors and singers. And their photos take pride of place in many a café. They usually take place during ferias, and are still as popular with some people as soccer.

From spring onwards, you'll be able to observe the art of handlingabanico on public transport and in the street. A must when temperatures exceed 40°C. It's the must-have souvenir to bring back from Andalusia. Prices range from a few euros to higher for models made of fine lace.

Andalusia is home to over 350,000 gypsies, around 45,000 of whom live in the province of Granada. Their daily situation remains very precarious, and it is estimated that six out of ten Spanish gypsy children are still illiterate. In 1996, the Andalusian parliament declared November 22 Andalusian Gypsy Day, in tribute to their cultural contribution.

We often have to put off until tomorrow, mañana, what we can do the same day. An adage that goes like a glove to Andalusia. Even if the pace has accelerated somewhat today, there is still time to live. Also, don't expect people to run down the street. It is customary here to arrive a little late for an appointment.

Andalusia remains like Spain, which is making noise. It will be attributed to the ambient vitality but it also results from a habit of speaking very loudly, and claimed as such. When you get there, you might as well enjoy this energy. While being attentive to your accommodation if you want to preserve your sleep.

Introduced by the Arabs in the ^17th century, olive trees cover almost 60% of Andalusia. This generates 80% of Spain's annual production. Olive oil, the region's liquid gold, is found in many dishes, and is proud to be part of the Mediterranean diet. To be tried without moderation.

It's especially during Semana Santa (Holy Week) that religious processions parade through the main streets of the towns. With enormous pasos, altars lavishly decorated and decorated with flowers, and a procession of penitents. Followed by crowds of believers, often arriving well in advance of the ceremonies to get a front-row seat.

As its name suggests, it is the ultimate summer drink in Andalusia. Most of the time served in a tubo glass, with a long form, this drink is composed of red wine, mosto tinto and lemonade. Some establishments add a glass of Martini or ice cubes with seasonal fruits, such as grape berries.

These uvas are the grapes that play a very special role on the evening of December 31st. Each grape must be swallowed at the stroke of midnight, to ensure that the year unfolds under the best possible auspices. It's a tradition followed by everyone, their eyes riveted to the clock and punctuating the final figures of the countdown in a loud voice.