La Mata Fiesta Patronal

http://www.tourguidecourse.com/la-mata-fiesta-patronal/
Towards the end of another –  even hotter than usual –  summer, La Mata is celebrating its Patron Saint, the Virgin of the Rosary.


Today dawned with my usual yoga and meditation routine on my terrace, followed by a walk along the boardwalk with my dogs for a cup of coffee.









On the way back I walked across the town square, where residents were getting ready to enact the San Fermin festival of Pamplona, except that our version is for children, with ‘bulls’ chasing young people along the streets, amid much banging and screaming with glee.





The quiet Town Hall square began the day as a peaceful leafy haven, but was soon filled with hundreds of local families, when dancing began, and  music rang out till late into the night.

IMG_2712 San Fermin La Mata style. Children start running when the ‘bulls’ are released from their enclosure.
IMG_2713 Bull run La Mata style  ¡Corre! ¡Corre! Run, run!! The bulls are coming!
 

Wildlife in Torrevieja?

Spotted in the Parque de las Naciones!

Photo courtesy of Lisa Denton

PATROLLING THE PARK

One of the volunteer’s duties is to patrol areas of the park. We notify staff of any problems and some of us do a litter pick. This simple task has greatly improved the environment, and if you visit the park, you cannot fail to notice how tidy it is. The public often congratulate us and are appreciative of our efforts.

The work is rewarding, but it is frustrating and disappointing to see evidence of walkers and cyclists ignoring signs and making a path towards the lake. The idea of being close to the lake is tempting but access is strictly prohibited for very good reasons: conservation and protection of wildlife and fauna.

We would encourage all visitors to enjoy, but also respect, the park.

 

Maggie and George Hegarty