Things to Do in Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer , since the Phoenicians passed through Cádiz, has accumulated centuries of History. Today we see Roman Walls and Gates leading to the Historic Center , elements of the Aljama Mosque on the original temple with its Sahan (patio) integrated into the current Church of the Savior. The imprint of the Umayyads such as Abderramán II in the Castle or the Alfices (arches) of the Almohads. The imprint of Islam, present for almost 5 centuries and its harmony with the Jews is unique in Vejer. The Sephardim left their mark in the Jewish quarter, where my family lived.
We will enter the Walled Enclosure through the Puerta de la Segur , to go to the Main Church and the Castle. Then we will go down through the Jewish Quarter to the Mirador de la Cobijadas , to contemplate the Atlantic Ocean and Africa. From there to the narrow streets of the Arab Quarter.
Its protagonists, from Layla Al-Zhura, founder of Chef-Chaouen, wife of the late Mr. Sidi Ali Ben Al-Rashi, or Juan Relinque, instigator of the Hazas de Suerte, recognized as the First Ombudsman in Spain, will make you feel special.
If you want to experience flamenco first-hand, this dancing class in Vejer is for you. Learn the steps first-hand from a professional dancer.
Participation in a flamenco activity, to learn some flamenco dance steps, especially sevillanas, and learn about the history of flamenco in Vejer.
The venue is unique: the Old Church of the Rosary, converted into the Arts Centre of Vejer de la Frontera.
History says that Flamenco was born from the meeting of gypsies, Muslims, Jews and Africans, when, in hiding, they sang their sorrows for the expulsion decreed at the end of the 15th century by the Catholic Monarchs.
In Vejer , as in almost all of Andalusia, you can walk around and identify the monuments, neighborhoods, customs, streets and characters of that time.
While we learn about this history, the Art Center itself has a snack bar with typical dishes from the table of those times, washed down with authentic wines (or beer from our time).
This common thread of Flamenco and History will lead us to the table to taste the tapas.
Poverty became a virtue and hearty dishes were created that could feed many families and are now a delicacy.
Such as:
The chicharron of Cadiz
Salmorejo, Gazpacho or Picadillo with Conil Tomatoes.
Potato omelette, ennobled in Vejer by natural products from the La Janda region.
The "finger-licking" olives.
Chips.
Country bread.
All accompanied by local beers "Cruzcampo" or "Estrella de Sur"; as well as the white wine "Verdejo" Barbadillo from DO Jerez - Xerry; or red wine from Tierra de Cádiz, made with Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tintilla de Rota grapes.
Important information for travelers:
Participation in the Flamenco Performance is free. Food and drink are not included in the price. It is at the expense of each traveler at a price that our guide will inform you of. It would be advisable to let us know if you are interested in participating in the meal and attending the flamenco performance.
Get to know Vejer de la Frontera, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, for its whiteness, its location on the hill near the sea. Centuries of history and tradition. We will tour its old town, its wall and most significant buildings as well as other places of gastronomic or festive interest. I have a degree in Art History and a photographer and I have lived here for 15 years.
IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO ATTEND CHILDREN UNDER 8 YEARS OLD IF THEY CANNOT REMAIN SILENT AND WITHOUT INTERFERING WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY.
