Vocabulary

 

 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

 
Cordoba’s narrow, flower-bedecked lanes invite exploration. With Isabel’s help, a simple stroll becomes meaningful.

Isabel, Local Guide: “Notice how nice and fresh these little streets are, Rick?”

Rick Steves, Travel Presenter: “Yes.”

Isabel, Local Guide: “It’s narrowness and white-washed walls — natural air-conditioning.”

Rick Steves, Travel Presenter: “It feels cool.”

Isabel, Local Guide: “It’s brilliant.

“So this beautiful shutter reminds us of the times when the women were hidden from public.

Muslim Cordoba had hundreds of mosques, but most of them were destroyed, but some minarets survived as church bell towers.”

Rick Steves: “So this was a minaret first, and now it’s a bell tower for that church.”

Cordoba’s characteristic patios have functioned like outdoor living rooms since ancient Roman times. They’re quiet, an oasis from the heat, and filled with flowers. Locals decorate them with pride. In fact, each year, many compete and open their patios to the public.

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And here, as throughout Andalucia, festivals fill the calendar.

We’re here for the Festival of the Crosses, where each neighborhood parties around its own cross made of carnations. Church bells ring not only a call to prayer but a call to fiesta.

Neighbors pack the squares for a community party. This barrio entered for the first time this year. They won — and they’ve been reveling ever since.

[ Singing in Spanish ]

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Major squares host bigger events. I find experiencing traditional flamenco culture, celebrated by and for the locals, beats any tourist show.

[ Trumpets blowing fanfare ]

“Here in Andalucia, revelry and religiosity seem to go hand in hand, as the same passion and energy is put into long, sober religious processions, which clog the city’s narrow streets.”

Trumpets blare a fanfare. Children carry candles. And everyone runs to the streets to be part of the procession.

Many of these same locals will party on squares until late into the night. Others will sit down to a classic Andalusian dinner.

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Isabel has invited us to Bodegas Campos, a historic and venerable house of eating, for our own festival of Andalusian specialties.

And here in Andalucia, no special meal starts without the porcine gold standard — ‘jamon iberico.’

Isabel, Local Guide: “This is a special ‘jamon.”
Rick Steves, Travel Presenter: “Jamon.”
Isabel, Local Guide: “Jamon iberico.”
Rick Steves, Travel Presenter: “Why does it taste so good, the ‘jamon iberico?'”
Isabel, Local Guide: “Because the pig lived outside.”
Rick Steves, Travel Presenter: “Okay, so he’s running around.”
Isabel, Local Guide: “It lives in the countryside, it’s free.”

After the ‘jamon iberico,’ the plates just keep on coming. This place specializes in traditional Andalusian fare, rustic food that originated with the peasantry. And a few dishes have a Moorish influence.

But if there’s one common denominator to all the food, it’s . . .
Isabel, Local Guide: “Olive oil.”
Rick Steves: “Olive oil?”
Isabel, Local Guide: “Definitely.”

The finale — definitely for carnivores only — is pork from the Iberian black pig, and — what could be more Spanish? — Bull’s tail.”

Rick Steves: “We’ve had nine different plates.”
Isabel, Local Guide: “We love eating and sitting around the table for hours.”
Rick Steves: “It’s living well.”
Isabel, Local Guide: “Yeah, that’s Andalusian life style.”

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Questions

 
Party. Cordoba has a car culture. The people of Cordoba are automaniacs. True or false? How would you describe the layout of the old part of town?

Festival, Fiesta. In Medieval times, the women of Cordoba had the same rights and opportunities as men. Women and men had equal rights. What do you think?

Holiday. Has Cordoba always been an overwhelmingly Christian city?

Celebration. Are the traditional houses in Cordoba single family homes? Describe the dwellings that is characteristic of Cordoba.

Feast, Banquet. The residents of Cordoba are very solemn during the Festival of the Crosses. Is this right or wrong? What normally happens during the Festival of the Crosses?

Parade, Procession. Are processions equally joyous and festive in nature? Do they all take place in the main thoroughfare? Is it quiet? Do they end at sundown (sunset)?

Merrymaking. The main meat dishes in Cordoba are fish, shrimp, oysters and lobsters. Is this correct or incorrect? Why does Andalucian pork taste delicious?
 
 
 
Carnival. I was born in Spain. I come from Spain. I live in Spain. I have visited Spain. Yes or no?

Live Music. What are some festivals, celebrations or holidays in your town, city or country?

Wedding. Are festivals, celebrations and special occasions big business? Are they an important part of the economy?

Birthday Party. How do you compare the celebrations and festivals in Spain with your country?

Commemorate, Honor. What might happen in the future?

Gatherings, Get Together. Do you think there are too many, too few or the right about of festivals, celebrations and holidays? Should there be more, less or the same about the holidays, festivals and celebrations?