What can I say about Iznajar? It is a Magical Place!
If you arrive in Malaga you will come to Brazos Abiertos from the A333 which winds down towards the village of Iznajar. There is a bend and suddenly you see the village rising high above the lake and it is the most awesome sight.
We followed this route, saw the village and decided that this was the place to build Casa Brazos Abiertos, many others have followed us!
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The village has its roots in Morocco and was originally called Ish-Na-Har,(Happy Castle) Within the village is the newly renovated castle, two beautiful churches, lots of bars, restaurants,shops and the Tourism Centre. We are so lucky to have the largest lake in Andalucia on our doorstep . There is a beach where there are bars, restaurants and you can hire canoes, sailboats and pedaloes.Unlike many of the Spanish white villages, Iznajar is thriving and many of the young people have stayed within the community. Here is one of our favourite videos which I am sure you will enjoy…
There are so many events and fiestas throughout the year .
In January there is the Three Kings Festival (for Spain it is the equivalent Christmas) The three Kings visit every village and town, some on the back of a decorated truck, some on Camels and eeven some on Elephants! The week ong fiesta is a great time of year.
In February there is Madi Gra week. In our local town of Rute there is a week long party. This includes the `Funeral for the dead Sardine` and last year the Pamplona bull run which consisted of hundreds of people all dressed in the tradional white with a red scarf being chased through Rute buy two furry bulls ( really four me dressed up as bulls) total hilarity
EASTER
Esaster brings a week long of processions, fabulous time to visit
May is the time of the Iznajar and Cordoba Flower festivals. Balconies and terraces in the village are decorated with flowers and throughout the month there are a huge number of activities. At the beginning of May the Iznajar knitting group have their Urban Knitting Exhibition. In other countries this is known as yarn Bombing.
June is the time for Flamenco, with lots of exhibitions and performances in and around Iznajar.
In July and August there are lots of outdoor events. An outdoor cinema is erected in a square in Iznajar and there are canoe,sailboats and pedaloes for hire at the lake beach
September is yet another great month as Iznajar hosts the oldest procession in Andalucia.
October sees the opening of the chocolate and sweet factories in Rute town just 10 minutes from Iznajar. All exhibitions are free of charge and a visit to the ´Belen´ is an absolute must and all in chocolate!
November is the time for the annual Eternal Run and people really do have to be a little crazy to enter it BUT it is an amazing spectacle.
In December each village and town starts to plan their nativity scene. In the evening parents take their children to visit and throw coins into it for good luck.
There is always something happening in Iznajar !