El Día De Pablo

Friday was the feast of San Sebastián, one of the patron saints of the village, and hence a public holiday. A marquee was erected on the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, complete with stage, sound system and lighting - and, of course, a bar. Several attractions for the kids also went up, bouncy castle, trampoline, etc and for a change the sun shone on the day and the wind stayed away. From midday onwards one group of dancers (folk or flamenco, it varied) took to the stage to show off their skill, “littlies” first, then gradually moving up through the ages throughout the afternoon with adult groups taking their turn later in the day. Irrespective of the standard reached, each group was vigorously applauded for their efforts; if some weren’t that good we know that they will be better next year. In the early evening there was a mass in the church, followed by a procession through the village behind the statue of San Sebastián, accompanied by the town band. Then, a spectacular firework display, after which everyone returned to the plaza to carry on dancing. A typical San Sebastián.
Except it wasn’t - typical, that is. Because this year, we were doing it for Pablo. Pablo is a 15 year old boy living in the village who has been severely handicapped since birth by cerebral palsy. Recently his mother, Yolanda, saw an item on television about a mother from Cádiz whose son had received a new treatment for brain-damaged children which had greatly helped her own son who was also born with cerebral palsy. So off went Yolanda to Cádiz to learn more. She was sufficiently encouraged by what she learned to want the same for Pablo. Unfortunately, the therapy is only available in England. Determined to get help for Pablo, she approached the ayuntamiento and asked if she might be ranted the concession to run the bar at San Sebastián to raise funds to take him to England. Her request was granted. As word spread, other people came forward in support. Cakes, pastries, biscuits and bread were baked and sold. Blue ribbons were made and sold. Donations started to come in. A physiotherapy clinic offered to give whatever support they could upon Pablo’s return. San Sebastián might be the official reason, but this year January 20th was Pablo’s Day. In this village of 4,000 people, no fewer than 5,000 people were on around the plaza during the course of the day. The money poured in and Pablo is off to England on the 28th February, accompanied by his family and by Kevin of the Foreigners’ Department who will act as translator for them during their visit.
There will need to be further visits to England. No problem; there will be other events to make sure the money is there. It’s not just the climate that makes this village such a great place to live. Friday was the feast of San Sebastián, one of the patron saints of the village, and hence a public holiday. A marquee was erected on the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, complete with stage, sound system and lighting - and, of course, a bar. Several attractions for the kids also went up, bouncy castle, trampoline, etc and for a change the sun shone on the day and the wind stayed away. From midday onwards one group of dancers (folk or flamenco, it varied) took to the stage to show off their skill, “littlies” first, then gradually moving up through the ages throughout the afternoon with adult groups taking their turn later in the day. Irrespective of the standard reached, each group was vigorously applauded for their efforts; if some weren’t that good we know that they will be better next year. In the early evening there was a mass in the church, followed by a procession through the village behind the statue of San Sebastián, accompanied by the town band. Then, a spectacular firework display, after which everyone returned to the plaza to carry on dancing. A typical San Sebastián.
Except it wasn’t - typical, that is. Because this year, we were doing it for Pablo. Pablo is a 15 year old boy living in the village who has been severely handicapped since birth by cerebral palsy. Recently his mother, Yolanda, saw an item on television about a mother from Cádiz whose son had received a new treatment for brain-damaged children which had greatly helped her own son who was also born with cerebral palsy. So off went Yolanda to Cádiz to learn more. She was sufficiently encouraged by what she learned to want the same for Pablo. Unfortunately, the therapy is only available in England. Determined to get help for Pablo, she approached the ayuntamiento and asked if she might be ranted the concession to run the bar at San Sebastián to raise funds to take him to England. Her request was granted. As word spread, other people came forward in support. Cakes, pastries, biscuits and bread were baked and sold. Blue ribbons were made and sold. Donations started to come in. A physiotherapy clinic offered to give whatever support they could upon Pablo’s return. San Sebastián might be the official reason, but this year January 20th was Pablo’s Day. In this village of 4,000 people, no fewer than 5,000 people were on around the plaza during the course of the day. The money poured in and Pablo is off to England on the 28th February, accompanied by his family and by Kevin of the Foreigners’ Department who will act as translator for them during their visit.
There will need to be further visits to England. No problem; there will be other events to make sure the money is there. It’s not just the climate that makes this village such a great place to live.