Chapter 12: Meeting Daniel's Friends

Daniel, just returned from Torremolinos and accompanied by a few like-minded friends enjoyed the opening of Gabriel's bodega. They are a mixed bunch, Spaniards most of them, from all over the country attracted to the Costa del Sol for its climate; cultural, seasonal or other draws. Some have moved down from the town of Sitges on the Costa Brava, lured not only by the climate but also by the vibrant community embracing like-minded thinking. One blond Irishman is amongst them. Going not surprising, by the name of "Irish" he is a jolly fellow whose only regret is that he cannot get a pint of Guinness when he wants one.

This is their first visit to the village and so far they like it. The natives do not seem to have a problem with their attitude to life and treat them as equals.

The foreign chap that Luis met at El Moro and decided to call Pepe as his name was too difficult to pronounce and to remember, is not one of Daniel's friends yet. Sergio is though and it seems impossible that they will not meet up soon.

Daniel has planned a get together at his parent's finca to coincide with the Romeria pilgrimage dedicated to the patron saint of this village. Always held on the first Sunday following the eight day of September, it is expected to be a somewhat subdued event as although the regime allows religious events, having fun is not something that is publicly encouraged. Which is why, Daniel plans to hold a good singing and dancing party at the finca instead, away from prying eyes of the Guardia Civil.

A large buffet has been laid out indoors away from the hot sun and in the courtyard a small pig is roasting slowly on a spit over a log fire. Next to that is an old bathtub filled with sand three quarter full. Topped up with charcoal now slowly burned to glowing cinders, bamboo skewers will be placed in the sand, at an angle and holding 6-8 fresh sardines each.

Close friends and a few neighbours have arrived early to help with the extensive food preparation. Things are coming together and as early afternoon is approaching nearly everything is ready. Slowly the invited guests start to arrive. Many are in traditional flamenco outfits. The women wearing colourful figure hugging dresses with several layers of flaring skirts down at knee level. Polka dots, floral prints, or solid colours like red, black, or white dominate the designs. Delicately designed shawls draped over arms or shoulders complete the tantalising vision as does the elaborate hair does decorated with large combes or a clavel. Finally large earrings complete the picture of a true Andalusian woman.

As for the men, in complete contrast to the world of birds where they dominate the roost and flaunt their colours, some are dressed in traditional wide-brimmed hat (sombrero Cordobés) and a vest or jacket paired with fitted trousers and leather boots. The colours are dark green or black, but subdued so as not to upstage their partners.

Normally a party like this would not call for such an elaborate getup but most have come from the nearby feria ground after having delivered the patron saint safely to her chapel where she will spend another year before it is time yet again to repeat the procedure. Daniel's invitation sounds a lot more interesting than standing in a dusty crowd drinking beer and pretending to have fun without any music or dance.

Last to arrive is the Torremolinos crowd led by Sergio and introducing his friend and fellow painter which Luis has christened Pepe due to his unpronounceable French name. Daniel has no problem with the name as over the years on the Costa he has met a variety of people from all over the world.

About fifty people have now gathered at the finca and already a lot of impromptu dancing of the Sevillana is happening. This is a traditional folk dance which girls learn at a very young age. Its main movements resemble the picking of an apple, turning to offer it to your partner and then throwing it away. This explanation is very simplified as the elegant movements of two accomplished Sevillana dancers defy description. It has to be watched and experienced in person.

Luis and Alejandro are not part of this gathering but are spending time in the village with friends, including Martin, he of the furniture shop. 

They miss the excitement, when after a good long lunch one of the guests fails to leave. He looks the worse for wear and is left alone reclining in his chair to hopefully recover and make his own way home later. His name is Jose and he is known to be a Franco Nationalist sympathiser and suspected of having taken part in the atrocities perpetrated at the castle during the Civil War. Although these events are only whispered about behind closed doors now over twenty years later, there are those who consider themselves Republicans and cannot forget the past easily. 

Later in the night, when Jose is still in his chair, apparently asleep and not having moved at all, one of the Torremolinos crowd staying over, goes to investigate. After a good poke to the shoulder to try and wake him up, Jose falls to the ground dead. A close by cushion is put under his head in a misguided attempt to make him more comfortable.

Someone is sent up to the village to alert the Guardia. There is no doubt though that Jose is dead as is now confirmed by Daniel's brother, the future doctor.

After establishing that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, the corpse is carried out and the Guardia leaves.