VIRGEN DE LA PAZ TAKES TO THE STREETSBy David Eade
The people of Ronda turned out in their thousands on Sunday as the statue of the Virgen de la Paz was carried from its sanctuary through the streets of the town of the Tajo.
Although it had rained on the Saturday there was no cancellation as had been the case last year leaving many members of the confraternity who carry the statue in tears.
The senior brother, Manuel Jiménez Friaza, pointed out that the actual feast day of the Virgen de la Paz is on January 24 and this is a public holiday in Ronda. However the procession is always held over to the first Sunday in May as the weather is then better. The statue is hundreds of years old so it is never exposed to the bad elements.
As is traditional before the procession set off the confraternity members were greeted by the mayor of Ronda, Antonio Marín, and leading councillors. The Virgen is not only the patron of Ronda but is also the mayor – in perpetuity – so whilst elected mayors come and go the Virgen de la Paz rules for ever.
The procession through the streets accompanying the statue consisted of two music bands and young children who had recently made their first communion. The people of Ronda tossed flowers down on to the statue and procession as it passed from their windows and balconies.
SEWAGE SPILLS CLOSE TO GAUCÍN VILLAGEThe spokesperson for the socialist group on Gaucín council and former mayor, Teodoro de Molina, has condemned the various pools of sewage that have sprung up in various parts of the municipality.
De Molina blasted that not only were these a danger to the public health but also were damaging the image of Gaucín amongst residents and tourist alike.
In a letter to the Partido Popular mayor, who rules with the backing of the Partido Andalucista, De Molina says four sewage pools had been indentified. Three of these were at Portichuelo near the bridge, on a road that unites La Cruz with the Cerro de Herrero and between houses at the finca Huerto Cuarterón.
The former mayor has asked that municipal officials produce a report on the spillages that he has highlighted. He also wants a report from the secretary of the town hall and town planning officials on a possible sewage leakage from a development of 32 homes at La Tapia between the paseo Ana Toval and the Gaucín to Manilva road.
De Molina has suggested that part of the State money for works to alleviate the economic crisis should be spent on sorting out these serious infrastructure problems.
JOB CREATION
Over 600 people have applied for the 106 jobs being created by Ronda town hall as part of its efforts to help ease the economic crisis over a three month period. In addition the rise in jobless seems to have slowed thanks to boosts in the service sector with 45 people added to the unemployment register in April with the total now 3,958.
JUNE FAIR
The decision by Ronda town hall to cancel the celebrated Royal May Fair – the oldest in Andalucía – hit the agriculture sector hard with losses as a result estimated at three million euros. Now the farmers are to mount their own event on June 5 and 6 which will include live stock, business stands, machinery, conferences along with food - drink and entertainments.
RUNNING WATER
Around 20 families in La Indiana area of Ronda will now have running water thanks to a 90,000 euros investment by the town hall. The money is coming from State Funds to alleviate the economic crisis. The residents of the rural area have long petitioned for a piped water supply that is now included in an upgrade of the infrastructure in the area.
101 KILOMETRES
Ronda’s famous 101 kilometre marathon will take place over May 15, 16 and 17. The test of endurance is organised by the Spanish Legion and this year is the 13 th edition. The course has to be covered in 24-hours by running, on bike, dual with a special course organised for children. Thousands take part with ambulances and a helicopter on standby.
JUZCAR INVESTMENT
The province of Málaga is investing 60,000 euros in repairing and upgrading the water supply infrastructure to the small Serranía de Ronda village of Júzcar. The town hall will only be asked to contribute 5,000 euros of the total because of its limited economic means. The works are said to be vital and will see an improvement in supply for all residents.
