NEW YEAR in Jerez
by blint
I spent the new year of 2001 here in Jerez, it was my first New year in Spain so as you can imagine I was in for a few cultural surprises.
After dinner we headed out to find a good bar to celebrate the New year only to discover everything was closed. Shocked and worried we wondered the streets, but the streets were empty. What was going on, where were everyone? What time was it???? Well finally we finally came across a street party and concert in Plaza Arenal (the one with the large horse statue in the middle). There weren't that many people there at that point, but at least we didn't have to celebrate the 12 o'clock bells along wondering the streets!!! Then after 12 the streets filled, bars opened many people wearing ball gowns and tux's appeared!
I later learned that the reason that there were so many people dressed for a ball was that many people pay up to 100€ to celebrate the New Year in a Cotillon. A Cotillon is basically a new year ball and many people ring in the New year here in Spain that way.
Of course not everyone can afford to go to the ball, so what do the rest do if no bars are open? Well, they stay at home with their families. It is traditional here in the south to celebrate the New Year with family then meet up with your friends at about 12:30 to go out to a bar.
Though of course, bars put up their prices and often charge you to go in.
For those of you who are planning to Spend New year here don't forget your grapes! A great Spanish custom is to shove 12 grapes into your mouth before the bells finish ringing at 12! Don't laugh it is serious! You have to eat them all at once!!! They even spend time pealing the grapes before hand! I never thought it was possible to peal grapes until I saw it done!
By the way the Spanish TV for the run up to 12 is pretty shocking!
great location.....
by marktynernyc about El Gallo Azul
Not only is the location great but the tapas are really good. My favorite - timbal de huevo revello de langostinos (1.80). Other dishes: pimentos del piquillo rellonos de satas (1.80 E), atun al amontillado con crema de patatas montada (1.80). It was great watching locals come in order one tapa, one glass of sherry - quickly eat then depart. It's a great people watching - people passing by - loved the father, with his young daughter sitting on the tapas bar, eating. There is a restaurant upstairs but didn't get a chance to try it timbal de huevo revello de langostinos, drench in both an orange and green sauce - a feast for the mouth and the eyes
Cathedral
by H0BB1T
The cathedral is a beautiful building constructed upon the site the original Main Mosque of Jerez and the old Church of Our Saviour. This 17th century building brings together Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-Classical styles
Monday to Friday · 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.- Saturdays · 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.- Sundays · 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jerez Railway Station
by ELear
Jerez station is wonderful – especially the coloured tiles covering the walls along platform 1. It’s interesting to reflect that in spite of the enormous difference between this and, say, the ironwork of King’s Cross, in a way they embody very similar values and express similar “messages” - local pride, the symbolic value of the station, and the mutually beneficial relationship, as they saw it then, between art and technology. There’s a good cafeteria too, and they're very, very helpful iat the information desk.
(It was here, when asking about trains to Seville, that I realized that many local Spanish trains don’t exist on the Deutsche Bahn website, which is the site The Man In Seat 61 suggests and I normally rely on for all continental train times. For full, up-to-date Spanish timetables you have to go the RENFE site - http://www.renfe.es/horarios/english/index.html)
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
by elucas
The Equestrian School is definitely worth visiting even if you know nothing about horses or equestrian skills. This immaculate school trains horses and riders in dressage skills to top class standards. Twice a week in the summer there is a show in the indoor arena where the horses seem to "dance to music". On other days of the week, but not the weekend, you can visit the school and stables.
The show starts with a formal bow to the (usually empty) royal box, but it does set the style. It is excellent and demands considerable skill - watch closely and you can see the intensity on the faces of the less experienced riders - no doubt high standards are expected.
The seats are expensive, ours were 17 euros each and that was in 2003, and they were not the top price. Photographs are not allowed inside, presumably so as not to frighten the horses.
Jerez is Spain's capital as far as horse breeding is concerned. In May there is the "Feria del Caballo" held in Jerez - a colourful parade of horses, riders, carriages and flamenco dress, but also a very serious equestrian event.
(Our visit was in 2003 so it would be worth checking the website for latest times and prices)
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The inner courtyard.
Typical street sign
Gonzales Byass Bodega, tasting area, Spain
Gonzalez Byass Bodega, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
