Situated close to the coast and expat-favourite, Nerja, the immaculate, charming village of Frigiliana sees its fair share of tourism throughout the year, but gets particularly busy when the Three Cultures Festival arrives in town. A blend of cultural event and non-stop partying, the festival aims to bring together the worlds of music, theatre, gastronomy and local heritage. Since 2006, when the festival was held for the first time, it has become a much-loved addition to the Costa del Sol's summer festivities.
The initial idea was to promote Frigiliana via an event that was bound to be a hit with tourists, but it soon transpired that it was so much more than a marketing ploy or tourism gimmick. Among the thousands of visitors flocking to the village's centre to admire the lovely contrast of lush floral baskets against a background of white-washed houses, are many of the Costa del Sol's permanent residents, some coming from as far away as Marbella or Malaga.
Enjoying a Taste of Andalucia's Three Cultures
Naturally, food is one of the most important ingredients to the success of this festival, and so it is equally natural that the tapas route is a highlight now. Bars and restaurants in Frigiliana open their doors to visitors, offering a whole range of traditional tapas with a refreshing drink for just 2.00 Euros per person. Some restaurant chefs have even created whole menus with a festival “flavour”, basing their menus on the three cultures in question: Sephardic, Arab and Christian. Since many of these dishes would not normally be on offer during the rest of the year, it's a great opportunity for foodies to taste dishes that are traditional but rarely on offer in everyday gastronomy.
Discovering local Artisans
The main festivities centre on Frigiliana's Market of the Three Cultures in the village's historic centre, where more than 150 stalls present local delicacies, gifts and handicrafts and local artisans offer workshops. At night, an intimate concert is held outside on Casa del Aperto every day of the Festival, followed by spectacular fireworks. Larger audiences head to Plaza de las Tres Cultures, which is just a 500-metre walk away, and also offers an opportunity to sway to the sounds of live performances and perhaps enjoy a little dance or even sing-along.
Throughout the day and evening various theatre groups are at hand to provide further entertainment. Frigiliana's street performers are also out in full force: dressed in medieval garb or as belly dancers they provide instant entertainment on the move.
Meeting the Locals
And for tourists with a little time on their hands, there are historic walking tours, designed by expat resident David Riordan. His tours provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse of the area's three cultures, evident in the different styles of architecture in Frigiliana and its neighbouring villages and towns. Thankfully, none of the previous festival years have managed to spoil Frigiliana's romantic and authentic character. It's still a peach of a traditional village, brimming with narrow, stepped streets and historic town houses with balconies dripping with red and pink geraniums, purple lobelias and bright-red fuchsias.
Walking tours such as these also offer participants the chance to quiz local expats about their relocation experience. For anyone contemplating a move to the Costa del Sol and the purchase of a permanent home in a Marbella apartment or Nerja villa this is a golden opportunity to ask their local guide plenty of questions. What's it like living in a small place like Frigiliana all year round? How much does it cost to run and maintain a Costa del Sol home? Is learning Spanish difficult and if so, can one get by speaking English? How easy is it to make friends in Spain?
Although initially designed to highlight Frigiliana's attractions to tourists, the Festival has actually succeeded in bringing together locals and newly arrived expats in a common cause. Rolling up one's sleeves and getting involved is one of the secrets behind a successful relocation to another country and culture – as the Three Cultures Festival in Frigiliana so aptly proves. It takes a whole year to get ready for such important events, providing ample opportunity to get to know one's Spanish neighbours.