Bacares’ Dia del Romero battles the elements

THE Almeria town of Bacares refused to give up celebrations for Dia del Romero despite freezing temperatures and driving rain.

The revellers moved the entire festival from the town square to an underground car park. According to the local mayor, Jose Segura, the town had never seen weather quite like it in previous years’ celebrations.

While people gathered for mass at the Church of Santo Cristo, heavy rain and wind battered the town, so the decision was made to move the giant paella pans and entertainment to the underground car park.

The following day brought sunshine and so the party was able to continue in its original location.

Anacrusa, the municipal band, provided live music on both days and entertained the town’s residents, council representatives and visitors from as far afield as Catalonia. Home-made doughnuts, local wines, sausages and cakes were all available alongside the giant paellas.

In all, the day was declared a success and the weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the hundreds of partygoers that participated in the two-day festival.