Javea U3A members ate, drank and danced the night away at the annual Spanish Culture & Cuisine Christmas Party at the Parador!
Highlight of the event – once again organised by group leaders Angela Chantry and Tony Dearie – was a performance to remember by the Tuna de Xabia minstrels. This troupe of 20 young Spanish men, all dressed in their distinctive costumes, played their stringed instruments with such enthusiasm that practically all 110 partygoers were up on their feet joining in.
U3A members knew what to expect even before the entertainers turned up thanks to a brief but informative introduction by Angela on the history of this famous Spanish tradition.
Formed in the 12th century, the Tunas began as a band of struggling young students who entertained in order to earn enough money to buy food and subsidise their studies.
Today there are more than 200 Tuna groups in Spain, all over Europe and even in Japan. The Javea group was inaugurated in 1998.
Apart from the Tuna performance, members enjoyed a Cava reception, a 3-course dinner and joined in a rousing sing-song of traditional Christmas carols.
There were also special presentations to U3A treasurer Sally Rush for all her help and support throughout the year and to publicity officer Ian Rogerson for his reporting and photography (my pleasure!).
Well done Angela and Tony once again for all your hard work putting on another spectacular event for members to enjoy.
