Outandabout March 2022 Issue195

4 | OUT AND ABOUT COSTA BLANCA
Dear Reader
Looking forward to the spring time
and better weather. March is a
busy month.
Please remember the clocks change
on Sunday March 27,
when local standard time is about to
reach 2:00:00. Clocks are turned forward
one hour to 3.00. There will be lighter
evenings. It is good to memorise the phrase
“Spring forward, Fall back”. Spring starts around
Sunday March 20th until Tuesday June 21st.
The clocks change again Sunday 30 October.
March is the time of year when animals start to wake
up from hibernation.
• Good Friday 15 April
• Easter Sunday April 17 in Spain.
• Monday 18 April (Easter)
It is so lovely to see the flowers appearing and spring
is arriving.
So why do some people say that spring starts in
March? This is where meteorology comes in. Because
of the way climate works, weather and temperature
experiences a ‘lag’ of about six weeks. This means that
the three warmest months of the year, i.e. meteorological
summer, arrives about six weeks after astronomical
summer. March is the first month of spring which
begins between 19th -21st. In the Southern Hemisphere,
March is the same as September in the Northern
Hemisphere.
In the lead-up of the Fallas week, many activities take
place like fireworks, pyrotechnic celebrations (mascletà)
and parades. You notice the smell of gunpowder and
the sound of firecrackers, a Valencian tradition to kick
off the festivities.
The FALLAS are usually taking place in March. At
the time of going to print information is not available
confirming this event. However, if this fiesta takes place
here is some information.
They are called cremà (burning of the giant
papier mache sculptures). This traditional fiesta is
a celebration of Fathers Day in Spain, which is on St
Joseph’s Day (19th of March). The traditional Valencian
festival of Saint Joseph the carpenter. Originally a
contest amongst carpenters to create an effigy of
the Saint, it has escalated to become one of the most
spectacular fiestas of the calendar year. Festivities
include, processions with participants wearing elaborate
traditional costumes, street entertainment, fireworks
and live music.
Father’s Day in Spain Saturday March 19th and in the
Sunday UK June 19th.
Sunday March 27th in England is Mother’s Day and
in Spain is not until Sunday May 1st.
So save the euros for these special days – Us Mum’s
and Dads deserve the extra attention ha!!
Tuesday, March 1. St David’s Day– Patron Saint
DEAR READER
of Wales. The national emblems are the
Daffodil or the Leek.
St Patrick’s Day Thursday March 17th.
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil, Lent lily, Easter bells,
whatever you call it, this little yellow wonder is one of
the most popular springtime flowers of all time! Maybe
it’s because when the daffodils are in bloom we all know
it’s the beginning of spring and warm weather…and I
know we are all ready for that!
There are two legends of note about the origins of the
daffodil. It seems this flower has different meanings for
different cultures of the world. For the West, its vanity,
and the East it means fortune and prosperity.
Spanish summers come on pretty quickly. Average
amount of sunshine hours per day increases from
seven in March to nine throughout April and the sea
temperature rises to an extra 15 degrees. Milder nights
become more frequent and all the joys of spending
time sun-bathing, swimming, dining “al fresco” and
long summer evenings, is what we all look forward to
enjoying again!!
February 19th or later, fall under Pisces, a sign known
for being kind, compassionate, and easygoing.
March’s birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone
and symbolize courage.
The zodiac signs for March are Pisces (until March 20)
and Aries (March 21st to April 19th).
Pisces are extremely psychic and can amaze people with
their uncanny ability to predict things. They are usually
gifted in anything creative from designing to music.
Aries traits.
Strengths: Courageous, determined, confident,
enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, and passionate.
Aries likes: Taking on leadership roles, physical
challenges, individual sports.
Aries dislikes: Inactivity, delays, work that does not use
one’s talents.
As the first sign in the zodiac, the presence of Aries
always marks the beginning of something energetic and
turbulent. They are continuously looking for dynamic,
speed and competition, always being the first in
everything - from work to social gatherings.
The birth flowers for March are Daffodils and Jonquil.
As you know you are never alone with a copy of “Out
& About” magazine. Keep happy, positive and smiling.
Carol R. Levey