Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)
WITH an enormous glass of gin and tonic in one hand and a huge smile slapped across his face, the mayor of Arriate celebrated the 11th edition of the town’s Fiesta en el Aire as energetically as anyone.
Not your average alcalde, Melchor Conde Marin shook hands and danced with dozens of happy constituents as he joined thousands of residents – and numerous tourists – to toast yet another successful al fresco fest.
Rows of food and drink stalls lined the streets and artisan games were dotted about for kids to enjoy during the three-day fiesta.
Started in 2005, the weekend bash is rounded off with a live music concert in the town square.
Colourful art sculptures featuring umbrellas hanging between the streets and wooden chairs stacked atop of one another were another highlight of this year’s event.
The town is one of the most authentic in the Serrania and counts on one of the best restaurants in Andalucia, El Muelle (www.elmuelle-arriate.com), as well as a superb rural hotel Arriadh (www.arriadhhotel.com).
