I’ll always remember with pleasure the day I spent in a mountain village not far from Valencia, Bocairent. The school AIP Language Institute organizes, especially on weekends, special activities which involve many students from all over the world, including those of the school, and also those of other schools … It is the best from this point of view! In order to celebrate the patron saint, every year, on the 2nd of February, the town of Bocairent organizes a parade of Moors and Christians in memory of the struggle between them here in Spain, during the Middle Ages. This is a very good opportunity if you want to know the real Spanish traditions! As soon as I arrived there, I saw the city and it looked like an old painting. The village, perched on the mountain, was gorgeous and magical. We walked around the narrow streets and the deserted town; it was all very fascinating, and exciting at the same time, like in a horror movie! That day it was windy and there was silence all around. We were alone, near the empty houses! What an impressive experience! I had never seen a city like that before!
After these thrilling moments, we returned to the square and there were lots of people getting ready for the parade and many bands that were playing popular songs. Being again in the crowd made me feel like I was at home. There were people of all ages and the old ones were happy to see foreign students who appreciated their traditions. After a quick meal in a typical tavern, we went to the parade … it was all so spectacular! The old-fashioned clothes, great attention to details, wagons pulled by horses from which children threw candies and caramels, the bands, the drums and trumpets, the falconers . Unfortunately we could not attend the end of the parade, but we had time to see the fireworks before going back to Valencia … they were fantastic!
Only when you live in a place you can really find out what tradition and culture mean. I love Spain and I love the fact that there are people who give me the opportunity to enjoy it… the school AIP Language Institute never leaves you alone, you’re always surrounded by serious people who can inform you about wonderful activities to do!
