Carnival Season

All party goers be advised that February is carnival month in the Pyrenees. Last weekend, things kicked of in Gistain. This weekend, it is Plan, the following San Juan de Plan and the last weekend in February Bielsa. Traditionally, the "joventud" (young folk) do the "ronda" (tour) of all the houses in the village on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Sometimes, it is a struggle to get round them all, especially as drinks and nibbles are served in all houses. It becomes an increasingly spirited affair and there is much singing and dancing accompanied by the local musicians on their accordians, pipes, horns, guitars...After a hearty dinner, the party continues well into the early hours with the afternoon session starting at 9pm and the evening session at midnight. Fancy dress obligatory!

Posted by Jayne at 11:23 · 0 comments

Ferieta Ainsa

Today there was "sopa de gallina" (chicken stock) and "longaniza" (sausages) on offer in the old square of Ainsa- see smoke! A sunny Sunday made for a good turn out. For many, it was a chance to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. Stands filled the square with their varied offerings: cheese from Saravillo, local honeys, jewellery, wood carvings, cold meats, breads and sweet pastries, colourful knitwear...Within the castle remparts, varities of local sheep, cattle and pigs were on display.

Posted by Jayne at 20:34 · 0 comments

Musicians in Banastón Usana

On Friday evening, the "vecinos"(residents) of Banastón Usana started the fiesta with a "hoguera" or small bonfire. Lamb chops and "longaniza" (sausages) galore were barbecued in the coals and the wine flowed freely in the "porrón"(wine jar with long spout). This morning a musical aperitif brightened a cold, foggy morning. As per tradition, one of the more important houses in the village -the small chapel also belongs to this house-invited the local priest to lunch after a short service in the chapel as well as other neighbours and friends; 20 in all. It was one of those lunches that last from 2 in the afternoon until 6. Lots of good food and plenty of tales.

Posted by Jayne at 20:48 · 0 comments

Gistain-Serveto-Plan

A four hour round walk in the snow-in parts knee deep-much shorter in summer when there are easier ground conditions underfoot. Wherever you look the views are amazing; starting out from Gistain you see the Cotiella massif, then the Peña San Martin, the barns or "bordas" of La Comuna (the three villages of Señes, Sin & Serveto), and then the village of Serveto. From Serveto you climb to the col between Peña Arties and Peña San Martin, and then descend to Plan. The descent is perhaps my favourite part as you meander down a narrow path with the rock face of the Peña San Martin on your left hand side, a bird's-eye view of the Plan d'Escún reservoir on your right hand side and in front San Mames and the Puerta de Sahun mountain pass. Vultures nest in caves in the rock face and can be seen circling above in large groups of 20 to 30. One of my favourites walks; a loop, great scenery, sunny and only a stone's throw from my doorstep.

Posted by Jayne at 18:38 · 0 comments