Visitors to Ronda are often confused as to why our central plaza Socorro features a statue of a semi-naked man with two lions by his side and a couple of pillars behind him. What is their significance? (Plaza del Socorro and Blas Infante was remodeled in 2019 with a new fountain and the statue of Hercules moved closer to the old Casino on the same Plaza.)
The answer lies in Andalusian nationalism and one of the most important events in recent Andalusian political history. The Assembly of Ronda in 1918. This was when the father of Andalusian nationalism, Blas Infante, unfurled the flag and symbols of Andalusia whilst standing on the first floor balcony of the ‘Circulo de Artistas‘. The building directly behind the fountain with red CA lettering above the windows.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
