Saint Christopher’s day celebration

On Sunday 20th April were Saint Christopher’s day of the driver and the brothers of San Cristobal held their Annual event which now is a joint event between Orihuela and Torrevieja.

 The new Mayoress of Orihuela spoke of continued efforts between the two cities, which make sense with an old historic city joining with a modern pulsating tourist town.  This also was reflected in for the first time the classic car section was jointly made up by the well established Classic Car Club of Orihuela with the new Torrevieja Classic Car club. Also the Civil Defence from Torrevieja were there to help with the control of the event.

The day began early with over 150 vehicles assembling in Orihuela during heavy rain and strong winds but as a Spaniard was to point out so what if it is raining if you are enjoying yourself why worry about the rain.  Almost immediately dishes of hot chocolate with monas (lovely large buns freshly made) were made available.  Then the celebrations commenced with the band playing the National anthem while the paso of San Cristobal was carried to a Grua lorry to start its long journey to Torrevieja for the service in memory of the fallen.  The president Antonio spoke of the need for care on the roads which were taken up by other speakers.  A theme for the celebration that began on the 10th April and included a conference in Torrevieja of the new traffic laws for representatives of the clubs present.

Now the fun began and the rain had stopped so the huge caravan of buses, lorries, armed vehicles, council vehicles, ambulances, motorcycles and Classic vehicles lined up to leave Orihuela and on to Hurchillo, Arneva back into Orihuela the on to La Campaneta, San Bartolome, Almoradi, Formentera, Rojales, Benijofar, Cuidad Quesada and then a tour around the streets of Torrevieja ending in the Antonio Soria park for the service.  As the caravan of over 150 vehicles left a deafening firework display on the roundabout almost drowned the noise of the horns.  This noise was to continue for the whole time of the journey with people coming out of their houses to cheer and shout and wave.  Whether it was a little hamlet or the large towns it made no difference.  Streets were packed with smiling faces and happy children and wistful looks on the olds as they saw the old cars.  Even a lady of the roundabouts gave a wave in response to a toot.  Torrevieja never knew what hit them as people stopped and stared and waved.  Practice for the Club Torrevieja event next Sunday.  Every part of the way was handled by either the Guardia Civil or the Local Police or the Civil Defense.

The park was packed with cars and young families with more mature people to hear the band and participate in the Service.  Finally as the presentations of awards were being presented the Spanish display team Aguila swooped over the horizon with lights blazing to begin their acrobatic display to finish the day.

Members of the Club Torrevieja said that they have never experienced such an enjoyable experience and were very grateful to the organisers for not only giving them an opportunity to participate but for putting on a wonderful occasion.

Video Patrulla Aguila:

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