YOU CAN LEARN: marzo 2016

EASTER FUN

Read this interactive book about Easter

Now, after reading the book, play the interactive game below to practise your Easter vocabulary.

If you want to review and check what you know about Easter you can play with this wonderful activity

TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS IN MALAGA

CHRIST OF BLOOD

In a city with such a maritime tradition as Malaga, there had to be a legend linked to the fishermen. According to the story, a group of fishermen were at sea fishing off their boat when they were surprised by a sudden storm and, unfortunately, the waves swept them away from the coast. Despite all their efforts they were unable to control the boat and get back to land. Under menacing black clouds and in the midst of enormous waves they entrusted their souls to the Lord, sure that their end was near. However, following their prayers a ray of light lit the Heavens and the waters calmed in the middle of the waves, place in which the sculpture of a Christ Crucified appeared. The seamen immediately steered their boat towards the image, which they rescued from the sea and saw that blood was flowing the side. The storm finally blew itself out and they were able to return to land safe and sound and with the image of Christ Crucified, which was taken to the old Convent de la Merced, where it has been venerated since as the Cristo de la Sangre (Christ of Blood).

TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS - THE PARDONED PRISONER

It is said that in times of Charles III a serious epidemic of plague struck the city and a great many people died. Those who did survive where so weak that it was almost impossible for them to hold the processions to implore for the end of the epidemic. However, one of the places where the disease had struck with less virulence was the prison and the prisoners, knowing what was happening outside the walls that held them captive, asked the prison governor for permission carry in procession the image of Christ named Nuestro Padre Jesús "El Rico" . When the authorities refused, based on the well-founded fear that the prisoners would take advantage of the occasion to escape, these decided to rebel and fulfil their promise to carry out the procession as requested. When the procession had finished all of the prisoners returned as promised, except one, who came back the next day with a sculpture of the head of St. John the Baptist Beheaded, which he placed beside the bed of a cellmate, who was ill. The prisoner, just like the rest of the population of Malaga, recovered a few days later. The King, moved by the generous action of the prisoners issued a Decree by which, every year during the procession of Jesus el Rico, a prisoner would be set free. This tradition has been conserved to our days and HM King Juan Carlos I continues to sign the Pardon each year, the freed prisoner accompanying “El Rico” in its procession through the streets of the city, following a ceremony at Government Offices in which the Pardon is read and, more importantly, the prisoner receives the blessing of Our Father Jesus “El Rico” , for which purpose the sculpture’s right arm is articulated.

HOLY WEEK MUSIC

It is well known that one of Malaga’s nicknames is " Cantaora " ("singing" Malaga) and this enthusiasm we have for music here in this corner of the south is embodied in our Holy Week. Music is not only an accompaniment for the processions, but it is also an element essential for creating an atmosphere than invites meditation, joy, sincere prayer or moments of religious exaltation.

TRADITIONALS FOOD OF HOLY WEEK IN SPAIN

FISH STEWS

Since meat is typically prohibited, many of the dishes served during Holy Week are made with fish. Many restaurant daily specials will feature fish and vegetables, according to the website andalucia.com. One typical dish is made with chickpeas, spinach and cod. Some recipes leave out the cod to make a completely vegetarian dish. This dish also features plenty of garlic sautéed in olive oil along with leeks. Soaked and boiled chickpeas are then added. Finally, soaked salt cod and chopped spinach are added to make a flavorful stew.

GARLIC SOUP

Another prominent dish during Holy Week is a soup made from garlic, according to "Food Culture in Spain." The soup is made from garlic, oil, bread, water and eggs. Typically served in Northern Spain in earthenware bowls, this soup will warm your soul and spirit.

DESERTS

During Holy Week a number of mouth-watering desserts are served. Arroz con leche, or rice pudding, is typically served during Holy Week. Most bakeries during Holy Week make a favorite traditional food, torrijas, according to the website andalucia.com. Torrijas is similar to French toast. Stale bread is soaked in milk and then dipped into eggs. They are pan-fried in butter on both sides and then topped with cinnamon, sugar and honey.