Friday, 3 April. GOOD FRIDAY IN MALAGA

After a pleasant breakfast, we tried to check in online for tomorrow’s flights, but Portuguese Air wouldn’t let us, so we were blocked on Air Canada as well. Very annoying, but here’s hoping we will get home. We chatted with Esperanza, here at the hotel and she advised us about going into the city centre. 

Good Friday is a day off for everyone except those working in tourist places. Bob stayed at the hotel. Joan, Larry & I walked through many streets and saw the Roman amphitheatre,

the walls of the old fort, the outside of a huge cathedral and a beautiful park. The city was crowded with pedestrians. Like in Cadiz, there are hundreds of temporary chairs set up along the streets where there will be (and have been) processions with elaborate scenes carried on the shoulders of members of groups, along with bands and so on. We didn’t see any processions, unfortunately. [You must check these Youtube links to see what the processions are about:
Malaga Easter Parade 
Insider Explanation of Seville Parades  ]

We were approached by ladies selling sprigs of rosemary, but they would only accept a penny for them, and we had only euro coins. Eventually, we succeeded in buying 3 sprigs for a euro, but didn’t find out until later what they were for. People apparently throw them on the street where processions will pass, and as they are trod upon, they release their smell. We didn’t see any costumes today, but many ladies wore beautiful mantillas and huge combs, with lovely black dresses. We watched a performer prepare to pose as a statue in one square. We had sangria and tapas at a small restaurant, then found a taxi stand to return to the hotel. We were afraid to call an uber because many streets were closed or limited and we didn’t understand the restrictions. Back at the hotel we rested, then enjoyed a beer and dinner. Early morning tomorrow, so early to bed.

All Photos 03 April

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