We did not plan to visit the hilltop village of Manilva at the weekend. So it was by mere accident that we stumbled across the annual Night of Enchantment (Noche de Embrujo) which was held last night.
Every year, the town is illuminated by candlelights, the smell of fresh mint littered on the street and music and dancing takes place on pop-up stages along the main street while houses keep their doors open to welcome visitors and residents alike.
At midday when we first explored the town, we witnessed the ongoing preparations for the evening, took a peek at the open doors and windows of the houses along the streets, took in the views surrounding the town from the various viewpoints and bought a pair of earrings from a group of little girls who were playing street vendors in front of their house.
In the evening when it was much cooler, it was a more pleasant walk. We sat down for a drink as live music played around us. And I felt the thrill and excitement of flamenco music and dance for the first time.
We didn't go home until after midnight. Experiences like this remind us why our Spain was never about the sun, sand and sea. It was about these little cultural delights that enlivens the soul.
Every year, the town is illuminated by candlelights, the smell of fresh mint littered on the street and music and dancing takes place on pop-up stages along the main street while houses keep their doors open to welcome visitors and residents alike.
At midday when we first explored the town, we witnessed the ongoing preparations for the evening, took a peek at the open doors and windows of the houses along the streets, took in the views surrounding the town from the various viewpoints and bought a pair of earrings from a group of little girls who were playing street vendors in front of their house.
In the evening when it was much cooler, it was a more pleasant walk. We sat down for a drink as live music played around us. And I felt the thrill and excitement of flamenco music and dance for the first time.
We didn't go home until after midnight. Experiences like this remind us why our Spain was never about the sun, sand and sea. It was about these little cultural delights that enlivens the soul.
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