Tranquilo… Introducing the Hondón Valley

Hondon Villas: A short introduction to the glorious Hondon Valley inland to the Alicante Region, Costa Blanca South, Spain. Come enjoy the sunshine, peace, the scenic views and chill with friendly locals. Yep it’s slow here most of the year, it’s what people like here, but be under no illusion when the occasion presents itself, like the many local fiestas and music events, we know how to party!

INTERESTED? CONTACT:
Email: property @ hondonvillas.net
Tel: OFFICE: (0034) 965 075 357

The Hondón Valley is a peaceful, friendly, warm place surrounded by mountainous scenic beauty

The main two villages of Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes nest in the beautiful Hondon Valley. The relatively newly built Urbansation of La Montanosa is sandwiched between these two Hondón villages.

For decades they have grown an abundance of agricultural delights such as Grapes, Almonds and Olives (the main economy).

Hondon is surrounded by an expanse of stunning mountain views and traditional arid Spanish countryside. These excellent vistas are a delight in all seasons! Take a walk or drive through the country roads and you will just marvel at the changing light, shadows and picturesque skies.

The Hondon Valley is well known for its mild climate and pleasant summer breezes, which is very welcoming in those hot summer months when temperatures rarely fall below 30 degrees. The region enjoys sunshine in excess of 310 days per year, where the air is very clean and the pace of life slow. Hondon offers a very peaceful and stress free life.

Come take a look at the Valley of the Vines, drink the local wine under the bluest of skies and feel the warmth of the Spanish sun on your face … and you’re hooked! We were! We love it!

WEBSITES & SOCIAL MEDIA:
UK Site: http://www.hondonvillas.net
NL/BE: http://www.hondonvillas.nl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hondonvillas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hondonagent
Blog: http://www.villasinhondon.net/


Ermita san Anton, Hondón de los Frailes

The Ermita Church in Hondón de los Frailes, Spain.

Many of you will have seen the small catholic church on the west edge of our village (at Av de Castilla). This is the Ermita San Anton, Hondón de los Frailes and is without a bell but has an iron cross. It only measures 5.38 by 2.00 metres. It has two windows on each side and an altarpiece with the image of San Antonio. If you are passing have a look through the door “spy hole”… often there are candles lit, an altar and crucifix with nice decor and a few chairs for prayer or worship. GOOGLE MAP.

You can see these mini-churches all over Spain, most towns and villages have one or more. Usually they are ornate and pristine inside but tucked away off the beaten track or in very rural areas. Many are not so little though!

The Ermita has a long history being founded around the late 16th century in Ermita, Manila. Its name was taken from La Hermita, the Spanish word for “hermitage”, after the fact that a Mexican hermit resided in the area where he built a hermitage which housed an image of the Virgin Mary known as the Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance). He had his own place to practise his religion. It was Spanish soldiers that found this place, which ultimately spread the word and idea further afield.

Early on the Ermita Churches were very rustic and made of bamboo and wood. being made by hermits, farmers and the poor. As time passed the local community would want to ensure these places reflected their importance and local authorities and the church would fund much more elaborate buildings.

Map of Hondon Frailes
Click to enlarge…

There are also stories and legends that speak of 12 Franciscan priests led by Friar Martin de Valencia, who when settled in new territories (as part of the Spanish Conquest) and decided to build the first churches for the travellers who entrusted their soul to God.

Spain, Valencian Community, Hondón de los Frailes, village, GPS: 38.2714,-0.9319

Hondón Nieves Fiesta Season 2019

Well, well, well... the local Hondón Townhall have ben a bit more forth coming with their plans for the summer fiestas in Hondon de las Nieves this year. Normally P.R. is limited, late or sketchy but they recently published the itinerary of events for July and August, not only locally but with the Información online news channel! We’ll also put it on our “Hondón What’s On” Facebook page. See the day-by-day list below.

With summer great days arrive to enjoy in Hondón de las Nieves
The Fiestas of Hondón de las Nieves, have been declared by the Regional Tourist Office and begin very soon. They have a program of events full of activities for all audiences across the community. See the day-by-day list below.

Thursday, August 1st. From this day a series of acts of tradition and popular roots will follow. Unique, unrepeatable, and highly anticipated moments, because Hondón de las Nieves, unlike the rest of the towns or cities, celebrates its festivities every two years, the odd years to honour the patron lady, the Virgin of the Snows who is peculiarly the Patron of two villages and a hallmark of both peoples of Aspe and Hondón de las Nieves.

The Correfocs – Crazy Fireworks!

These festivals take place over two weeks. With events and activities for all ages, where both neighbours and visitors will have a place to enjoy the celebrations.

Last Saturday, July 20, the presentation of the major and minor Fondoneres took place. But, next Thursday 1 August, from 6:30 p.m. The evaluation of the decorated Hondón streets will be carried out and the party will officially begin with the proclame a winner. This year the announcement will be carried out by Pepe Sirvent Sirvent.

The following days the streets of the town will be full of colour as the residents paint and hang trimmings and lights in their own street. Our people will also be the offering of flowers to Our Patron (August 3) and there will be a procession of August 5 in honour of the Virgin of the Snows.

As a novelty this year the “cannon shot” will be held, next Saturday, August 3, which includes a parade that will tour the town and then the “cannon shot” of confetti will take place, with music and tapas that will last until 7:00 p.m., becoming an afternoon for everyone.

Children Welcome!
The children can also be part of the party with activities such as the giant slide (Tuesday, August 6), the playground (Thursday 8) mechanical bull, cars, football, inflatables all in New Street. The activities are completed with the family workshop (Saturday 10th).

TAPAS: In addition, as of August 9, everyone can enjoy the tapas route in different restaurants in the town. Tapa and drink for only 2.50 euros.

But, one of the acts that nobody can miss is the great retreat with brass bands with music and costumes that dress the municipality with colour. The retreat is the act of greatest claim for young people, who participate parading through the streets in costumes.

Fiestas Correfocs Hondon de las Nieves

Fireworks late on Saturday 10th August!
And one of the most anticipated is the correfocs, a fireworks show in which young and not so young people walk the streets with a peculiar music ending in the Plaza de la Villa where the act ends with a spectacular exhibition

Event Diary:

Thursday, August 1
6:30 p.m. Evaluation of decked streets.
9:30 p.m. Proclamation

Friday 2nd of August.
10:30 AM Giants and Big Heads.
9:30 p.m. Soup of Cabasset

Saturday, August 3.
11:30 am Parade
7:00 p.m. Wreath.
9:00 p.m. Regional dances.
00:30 hours Great retreat

Sunday, August 4.
6:30 p.m. Tour of the town’s decorated streets.
00:00 hours Serenade.

Monday, August 5.
11:00 hours Parade
12:00 hours Mass greater.
9:00 p.m. Procession.
00:00 hours Verbena.

Tuesday, August 6.
5:00 p.m. Giant slide.
11:00 p.m. Musical evening

Wednesday, August 7.
From 9:30 hours free sports activities.

Thursday, August 8.
6:00 p.m. Playground.
10:00 p.m. Night March

Friday, August 9.
12 to 15 hours. Cap route.
7:00 p.m. Trade Fair.

Saturday, August 10.
10:00 hours Family Workshop
12 to 15 hours. Tapa Route.
7:00 p.m. Trade Fair.
00:00 hours Correfocs

Sunday, August 11.
9:00 a.m. Cycle Touring
12:00 hours The soda. Giant Paella
12 to 15 hours. Tapa Route.
9:00 p.m. Concert.

ENJOY THE FIESTAS !!

Restaurants: Hondon de los Frailes

We often get asked about restaurants and bars available in the Hondon Valley areas. There are plenty to choose from in Nieves, Frailes, La Romana, Abanilla, Fortuna and the surrounding areas. Here we list bars and restaurants for Hondón de los Frailes.

There are Hondon restaurants and bars to suit all pockets / budgets. They do change opening times and menus on a regular basis so we advise you ask locals or call the restaurants direct if you have any questions or need a booking.

Or you can check out Tripadvisor (or similar) for more up-to-date reviews. As we all have different tastes and expectations we shy from full reviews, ask around or better still go and make your own mind up…. But is is important to show support for local trade after all. Use ’em or lose ’em.

©2019 Updated: This article is brought to you by Maureen of Hondon Villas
the premier and local Estate Agent for the Hondon Valley.

Restaurants and Bars in Hondon de los Frailes

28 Restaurant in Frailes

The most established is Restaurante Veintiocho 28 in the main Frailes plaza, opposite the Town Hall). At the time of writing, 28 is owned and run by Simone and Marcus and boasts plenty of outside sunny seating, a shady canopy (from the sun and the odd rain shower), a small inside bar and larger a-la-carte restaurant.

The menu is varied British / international. Open most days for breakfasts, drinks, lunch and dinner with many specials, “Sunday Roast”, snacks and full 3 course dining “menu-del-noche” . It is well regarded as a clean and friendly catering establishment with food to match. It attracts all nationalities of the area (British, Dutch, Spanish, etc …). They have a 28 Facebook page. They also cater for special occasions and parties.

Infinity Restaurant, Hondon Valley

Infinity: The new kid on the block. Formerly a tea shop, this one is on the main road CV-845 through Frailes and currently run by local residents Jay and Natalie. You can dine inside in pleasant clean surroundings. At time of writing they are open selected evenings and Sunday lunches. Call 622956544 for full details and menus.

La Buena Vida: (2019 this now has limited opening or special event catering). This opened about 8 years ago as an Italian themed restaurants but is now more international cuisine now with full a-la-carte dinner menu, “menu-del-noche”, early birds, “Sunday Roast” and chef’ specials. This is located just off the main plaza in Frailes and has an ornate decor and plenty of inside seating with a greetings lounge. The atmosphere is relaxed dining and smart casual dress code. They also cater for special occasions and parties.

The Irish Bar
The “Irish Bar” Hondón de los Frailes

The same owners of La Beauna Vida also run “The Irish Bar”. El Nuevo Valle: This popular plaza bar and snack restaurant is in the main plaza opposite the church. They serve drinks, inside and out, with a fast-food snack menu all week and specials for steaks, pizza, Chinese and the Brit classic “Fish n Chips”. They also offer a large screens sports area which doubles as a meeting / party room and live music venue.

Caramels: This Spanish run and recently refurbished bar is popular with all nationalities. It is mainly a bar with some outside area at the back for music / food if pre booked. They are predominantly a drinking establishment with sports TV, bandit machines and a pool table. This is on the main through road in Frailes, near the garden centre CV-845.

Pepins: Another well established Spanish owned bar and occasional restaurant. they also do Tapas and snacks. This is often used by local social groups as a meeting place, bingo, quizzes, etc. A friendly and welcome bar and popular with Spanish workers at breakfast and lunch. This is on the main through CV-845 road in Frailes, near the grocer’s shop / lottery shop. Tipsy Terrace: The new kid on the Frailes block… built from an old house at the end of the main street it has a varied menu and personality of its own. Breakfast, snacks and dinner menus available. They also do private functions.

Tipsy Terrace: The new kid on the catering block. Situated near the garden centre end of the main street. This is the largest bar, restaurant and events establishment in the village with a sunny courtyard and outdoor bar. Well placed for families or large parties. They offer a very varied menu from tapas, snacks and meals from breakfast to dinner. Open most days all-year-round. Website: www.tipsyterrace.com

El Fogon del Friars: The largest venue, Spanish run and just out of the village as you head out towards Barbarroja / Macisvenda on the CV-845. This has a large car park, shaded terrace and large restaurant inside. There is a large courtyard to the back that is used for larger events / music. It is popular for breakfast and lunchtime “menu-del-dia” but evening menus and events are only occasional. The food is typical local Spanish / tapas.

Punjabi Virsa: The locals have been wanting an Indian restaurant for a while and now we have one. It is at the quieter garden centre end of the village plaza, near Tipsy Terrace. It’s already proved popular with mixed reviews in the early days but is now well established and offers a wide variety of spicy dishes. The also offer a menu del dia as lower prices than the evening meals.

La Finca Restaurant
La Finca Restaurant, Hondon Valley

La Finca Restaurant, Hondon Valley. They offer about 100 typical Indian dishes in clean surroundings. The large dining area is inside with the kitchen and bar to the back. They also offer an early bird priced menu of three courses with poppadoms and drinks included. A magnificent façade, garden and terrazzo is in the middle of a new build development. Converted into a B&B, bars and restaurant this has the look of an old Spanish hall but with all the mod-cons. It has had a chequered history with many owners trying to make a go of it. As we write it is run by Dutch & Spaniards and seems to found its niche in Spanish food and culture with live music and value menus. Being so large it can cater for large parties, events and fiestas. The opening times and days vary and they tend to have limited opening days in the winter so please check before you go.

… so look out for our next article on the bars and restaurants in the sister village of Hondón de las Nieves.

Bliss! Working in the Hondón Valley

Hondon: Tranquility, Beauty and Warmth

Hondon Villas suggest you join us for the Good Life!

Having lived and worked in the Hondon Valley for years we know the area quite well and the best bit of being in Real Estate you get to see more of the geography than most! Here is a short video that might just give you an idea of it’s beauty and tranquillity.

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Here we can only give you a glimpse of the local Hondón countryside and towns but we hope you understand why we love the outdoor lifestyle here.

So, yes the Hondon Valley has become one of our offices (well the best one really!) as we value, list or sell homes for our vendors. As you can see there are some excellent vistas that are a delight in all seasons!

Please we suggest you make time for a country walk or drive through the old “camino” roads. You will just marvel at the changing light, shadows, rural settings and picturesque skies.

The Hondon Valley is well known for its mild climate and pleasant summer breezes, which is very welcoming in those hot summer months when temperatures rarely fall below 30 degrees.

The region enjoys sunshine in excess of 310 days per year, where the air is very clean and the pace of life slow. Hondon offers a very peaceful and stress free life. Come take a look at the Valley of the Vines, drink the local wine under the bluest of skies and feel the warmth of the Spanish sun on your face … and you’re hooked! We were! We love it!

INTERESTED?
Please contact … property @ hondonvillas.net or
Tel: OFFICE: (0034) 965 075 357

Search for Hondon property here : https://www.hondonvillas.net/

The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, Novelda

The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena is a beautiful ornate Catholic Church located in just outside Novelda Town (near Alicante), Valencia, Spain.

Coordinates Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hQijtfcSrzM2
Usage: Worship Catholic Church
Diocese: Orihuela-Alicante
Construction: 1918-1946, Valencian Modernism architectural style (Gaudi)
Architect: José Sala

“The most beautiful things I have seen in a very long time. Absolutely lovely. So worth the visit with friends and family. All enjoyed the experience. “

It was built from a project designed by the novel engineer José Sala Sala, 1 2 with a certain inspiration in the modernist style of Antonio Gaudí. Later the construction was executed by the masters of works Noveldenses Ceferí Escolano and Antoni Amorós. It is a very unique and outstanding work within Valencian modernism.

The building bears a distant resemblance to the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona by Antonio Gaudí. It has a jug shape, symbolizing the jug that the Saint brought as a balm to Jesus. This original form is also unique in the world.

Its construction, begun in 1918, required three phases (one of them paralysis), to terminate the work in 1946. Different resources were used to finance the works, such as the Zarzuela lyrical galas in which the director intervened orchestral Asterio Mira, the Nortenden baritone Eduardo Mateo-Quirant and his wife, Josefina Landete (both parents of Paloma Mairant), among others.3

On the main façade there are two 25 m lateral towers. of height culminated by a stony cross, which is also found in the dome and on the upper arches of the façade. Decorative motifs have antecedents in the medieval, baroque styles and in nature itself. These influences led the author to combine pebbles from the Vinalopó River, polychrome tiles, red bricks, masonry, etc., which are reflected throughout the exterior of the building.

The interior of the sanctuary is composed of a rectangular central nave with two attached side spaces; At the end, in the apse, is the dressing room of Santa María Magdalena, patron saint of Novelda, and behind the altar you can admire a beautiful painting attributed to Gastón Castelló. Since the late twentieth century is planned and is proceeding slowly to the incorporation of an organ built entirely in marble, work of the innovative organ maker and artist Ivan Larrea, who will become the only one in the world with these characteristics.

The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena of Novelda is the place that many couples choose to get married and baptize their children. It is a place with a lot of history for the Noveldens since here the election of grapes that will accompany Santa María Magdalena in the procession of July 22, day of the patron saint is also celebrated. It is also interesting to note that, for several years, they lived in a building next to the Sanctuary, the Dominican Sisters. Three years ago they went to another region of Spain. In the place where they lived, a hostel and a thematic centre are being set up.

About Novelda, a Vinalopó Town

Novelda is about 25 minutes from the Hondon Valley and 20 minutess from Alicante airport. It is often overlooked by foreign visitors which is a shame as it has a long history and significance for the local community and culture. Particularly for industry (agriculture and building), the local economy and historic architecture.
Watch the video or visit The Novelda Tourist site for up-to-date information.

So, in the Middle Ages, Novelda had two population centres, one on the hill of La Mola (there’s a castle & triangular Keep there) which was eventually abandoned to make way for the current location of the city we know today.

Novelda’s geographical location is in the Vinalopó corridor. This, has made it an important industrial and exporting town in the area. Its main economic activities are focused on:
A) the manufacture and processing of marble and natural stone which is extracted from the quarries of the district. It’s common as you drive in the area to see the marble factories and lorries with huge blocks of marble. And
B) the packaging and commercialisation of spices (especially saffron), condiments and infusions.
C) the cultivation of grapes, the uva embolsada for wine and eating. The Novelda grape farmers use an innovative “paper bag” technique to delay the grape harvest until winter, being these the typical grapes that people consume around Christmas and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena.

Undoubtedly, any travvler to Novelda should make a visit to the premier building in the area: The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena.

This religious building was built from a project drawn up by the novel engineer Don José Sala Sala who imbued his project with the Catalan modernist style. Its construction, begun in 1918, required three phases, to complete the work in 1946.

In the main façade there are two 25m high lateral towers, culminated by a stone cross, which is also found in the dome and on the upper arches of the façade.

The decorative reasons would have antecedents in the medieval styles, baroque and in the own nature; influences that led the author to combine pebbles from the Vinalopó river, polychrome tiles, bricks, reddish colors, masonry, etc., which are reflected throughout the exterior of the building.

The interior is composed of a rectangular central nave with two attached side spaces, that is, an original base with the shape of a glass of ointment, a container with which, according to the Christian tradition, Mary Magdalene anointed the feet of Jesus Christ. In the background, in the apse, is the dressing room of Santa María Magdalena, copatrona de Novelda, and behind the altar we can admire a beautiful painting attributed to Gastón Castelló.

Modernism

Novelda architecture is know for it’s Modernism design history, being an embellishment of arty and excessive shapes and curves with soft and delicate waves, where flower and vegetable elements are found. The Casa-Museo Modernista is a good example of this and well worth a visit. Here and around the town you will see this in sculpture, painting, printing, literature, music and other artistic spheres.

Casa Museo Modernista

The local society developed towards a landowner upper class with their riches, political and social levels, the benefits obtained via the local agriculture, commerce and financial activities. With that wealth came ever more fancy building and decoration.

Curiously, in this town we find three of the best examples of the Modernist style in the Valencian areas: The Casa-Museo Modernista (24, Mayor St. – website here), the Centro Cultural Gómez- Tortosa (6, Mayor St.) and the Casa Mira (San Vicente St.), being the last one a private house and not open to visitors.

Hondon Valley TV – Local Events

A local Dutch man called Jan has diligently been recording lots of local festivals and events for years to help the community and promote the area … like this one from the 2013 CorreFocs Firework Fiesta in Hondon de las Nieves.

His excellent work can be seen on YouTube but he now has his own video website “Hondon Home TV”. It is very good indeed and shows many a fiesta and social event for the area and well worth a look.

So well done to Jan and thank you for your excellent community spirit.

> WEBSITE: http://www.hondontv.com/hondon-vally.html
> FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HTVHONDON