Yesterday the Councillor for Tourism Francisco Cañestro, and the Junta de Andalucía’s Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Sport, Luciano Alonso Alonso officially reopened the Arab Baths in Ronda after extensive renovations allowing wheelchair access for one of Andalucía’s most important Moorish monuments.
Today the Real Maestranza de Ronda, owners of the iconic bullring launched a competition to find the best photographs inside or outside the bullring which they plan to use as part of the 225 year anniversary of its construction.
A special Flickr group has been created for photographers to submit their best photos of the Plaza de Toros, which can be scenic, action photos of taurino events, even photoshopped for creativity. As long as the photo can be said to be representative of the iconology or cultural importance of the building they will be accepted into the competition.
In a nailbiting game against one of the strongest football teams in the world, the Spanish national side prevailed with a spectacular head ball, taking Spain to the FIFA World Cup final for the first time in its history, and in the process generating euphoria and celebrations that continued long into the night, keeping several residents of Ronda awake.
The Ayuntamiento of Ronda has unwittingly started construction on a youth hostel and 3 star hotel in old mill buildings close to the Guadelevin river below the Puente Nuevo in buildings not owned by the council, leaving red faces as the rightful owners agree not to seek legal remedies.
2010 is a special year for the annual Corrida Goyesca and the Real Maestranza de Ronda as both celebrate the 225th anniversary of the construction of Ronda’s Plaza de Toros, a nationally protected monument with a fascinating history.