Latest news with #Andalusian
The South African
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates finish Spanish pre-season tour on a high
Orlando Pirates wrapped up their Spanish pre-season tour on a high note, scoring twice in the dying minutes to secure a 2-0 win over Granada CF in a friendly encounter on Saturday evening. The victory at the Marbella Football Centre marked the Soweto giants' first win of their European training camp, following three previous matches without a victory. It also served as a morale booster ahead of the upcoming Betway Premiership 2025/26 season. Despite having faced the Andalusian outfit ahead of last season – a 1-1 draw – this encounter started tentatively, with both teams struggling to create early chances. Orlando Pirates' first real opportunity fell to left-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the 24th minute, but the youngster failed to convert after sustained pressure. Striker Boitumelo Radiopane followed up with a close-range header minutes later, though his effort lacked the power to trouble Granada 'keeper Luca Zidane. Mbokazi had another golden opportunity before the break, but miscued his shot after being played through by Karim Kimvuidi. Granada threatened just before half-time, but Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced a vital save to keep the scores level. Chaine was called into action again early in the second half before being replaced by Siyabonga Dladla in the 61st minute. The Buccaneers, led by substitutes Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Yanela Mbuthuma, dominated the second half. Mofokeng missed a promising chance in the 56th minute, while Granada nearly stole the lead in the 78th minute, only to be denied by the crossbar. Orland Pirates finally broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute through Maswanganyi, who calmly slotted home from inside the box after a well-worked move. The South Africans doubled their lead at the 90-minute mark when Mofokeng rounded the 'keeper and buried the ball into an empty net to seal the win. The result kept Orlando Pirates unbeaten in their last three pre-season fixtures, and ends their European stint on a positive note. They will now return to South Africa to complete preparations ahead of their MTN8 title defence, which kicks off with a home fixture against Polokwane City. Chaine (Dladla 61'), Xoki (Sibisi 46'), Seema (Ndlozi 46'), Mashiloane (Van Rooyen 46'), Mbokazi (Ndaba 46'), Selepe (Nduli 46'), Mbule (Dlamini 46'), Kwayiba (Dansin 46'), Moremi (Mofokeng 46'), Kimvuidi (Maswanganyi 46'), Radiopane (Mbuthuma 46') Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Spain's Olive Oil Route is a slick way to visit the region
Olive trees dominate the Andalusian landscape, stretching out as far as the eye can see on either side of our path. And when Antonio Bermudez tells us how many there are, all jaws drop. The region is home to 66 million gnarled and twisted trees, some of which are 600 years old. 'They were here before Columbus set sail for America,' he says. The area in the southern Spanish province of Jaen is also known as the sea of olives, and is one of the largest olive growing regions in the world. Bermudez's job is to navigate his guests through this sea, by bike along the Via Verde del Aceite. Known as the 'Olive Oil Route', it's a 128km hiking and cycling trail that leads from Jaen to the town of Puente Genil, about 70km south of Cordoba. On the Via Verde del Aceite you can discover Spain's quieter side, away from the big cities and busy coastal resorts. Bermudez gets on his bike. Many of his guests, who come from all over the world, go on day trips that they combine with hiking or sightseeing. In Jaen, which is the start and end point of the route, there is a grand Renaissance-style cathedral and Arab baths that are among the best preserved across the entire Iberian Peninsula. Waterfalls and rugged rocks are typical in the Sierras Subbeticas National Park. The original Andalusia Others decide to cycle along longer stretches of the route, booking a luggage shuttle service. Bermudez says the section from Martos, a small mountainside town with medieval fortifications, is 'particularly beautiful'. It's around 60km from there to Cabra and 75km to Lucena, two small towns on the edge of the Sierras Subbeticas mountain range. 'You can look at the route as a sports challenge and do the whole thing quickly,' says Bermudez. But he suggests taking your time to get to know the original Andalusia. 'After all,' he says with a grin, '... it has much more to offer than just olive trees.' There is the town of Alcaudete, for example. Accessible via a 6km side road, it's home to one of the best-restored fortresses in Spain, a commanding castle of the Calatrava Order. Or the mountain village of Zuheros, whose whitewashed houses are perched on a rocky cliff above the cycle path. The village regularly makes it onto a list of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Right next door is the Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park, which is famous for its rugged peaks, waterfalls and the Cueva de los Murcielagos, a prehistoric cave that's home to different types of bat. It's open to visitors, making it ideal for a change from a morning sitting in the saddle. Disused railway lines Along the Olive Oil Route, ponies turn to look at the tourists as they cycle by and the scent of rosemary and wild flowers fills the air. You pass flocks of sheep, while cuckoos call down from the treetops. 'Nature is one of our greatest treasures,' says Bermudez. It's something you realise over and over again while cycling along the route. The Olive Oil Route is one of Spain's Via Verdes or Green Routes. The name doesn't betray the fact that these are former railway lines. Around 30 years ago, disused lines across the country began to be turned into hiking and cycling trails that are closed to motor vehicles. Trains couldn't handle major climbs, which means today's cycle paths are fairly flat, making them ideal for all age groups, from families with children to senior citizens. There are now more than 3,400km of former railways throughout Spain that you can explore by bike or on foot, divided into around 135 sections or connecting routes. Under the patronage of the Spanish Railway Foundation, care has been taken to preserve the traces of railway history. Around 125 former train stations now house bars or guest houses, tourist information centres, museums and bike hire shops. A view of Alcaudete from the castle of the Calatrava order. Viaducts with a view Converted stations can also be found along the Olive Oil Route. In Dona Mencia, part of the province of Cordoba, the station building is now a restaurant. Next door is Antonio Camacho bike rental business, located in a former oil warehouse. From the end of the 19th century, the route was mainly used to transport olive oil from the production areas of Jaen and Curdoba to the ports on the Mediterranean. 'The last railway line was taken out of service in 1985,' says Camacho. Since the turn of the millennium, different sections have gradually been transformed into cycle paths. 'The great thing is that cyclists can discover traces of the past all along the route,' he says. At Cabra station, for example, historic trains are a reminder of the line's history. In other sections, cyclists can expect tunnels, railway bridges and viaducts from the 19th century – they are among the most beautiful sections. 'If you find yourself cycling high up on one of the steel bridges, pause for a moment and take in the landscape,' Camacho says. The view consists of rivers, rugged mountains and whitewashed villages – and above all the sea of olive trees that give the route its name and its powerful appeal. – ALEXANDRA FRANK/dpa
Maroc
6 days ago
- Maroc
Moroccan Gastronomy Celebrated in Addis Ababa
Moroccan culinary art was honored on Saturday in Addis Ababa during an evening held on the initiative of the Kingdom's Embassy in Ethiopia. The evening treated guests, including members of the Ethiopian government and parliament, diplomats accredited in Addis Ababa, religious leaders and representatives of international organizations, to the flavors and multiple facets of the Kingdom's culinary art. Speaking at the event, Morocco's ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti Nezha Alaoui M'Hammdi stressed that the evening, which brought to a close a gastronomic week organized by the embassy, was an opportunity for guests to discover Morocco's heritage, which reflects the country's cultural diversity. Moroccan gastronomy draws its uniqueness from the fusion and blend of Berber, Arab, Andalusian and Mediterranean influences over centuries with other cultures, she said, noting that Ethiopian culinary traditions intersects with Morocco's flavorful cuisine. Moroccan and Ethiopian cuisines can be considered among the oldest and most delicious worldwide, as well as the most varied in flavor and imbued with hospitality, the diplomat added. For their part, guests underlined the importance of this event, which brought together communities from different backgrounds to share more than a simple culinary experience: to share traditions and a heritage rooted in time. MAP: 13 July 2025
CairoScene
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Medieval (But Make It MENA) Edit
The trend cycle is dead. Long live medieval fashion. Jul 12, 2025 Fashion is cyclical, but some things are just timeless. While the West looked to Tudors and corsets, the Arab world had already perfected the art of regal dressing centuries earlier. From Abbasid courts to Andalusian gardens, fashion wasn't ornamental, it was architectural. Kaftans with sweeping sleeves, golden embroidery as dense as scripture, leather flats molded for movement, musk oils that didn't just scent the body, but mingled with it, skin and scent indistinguishable. At the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, we've hit a snag in the fashion road. The trend wheel is imploding, taste fatigue is rampant, and the desire for something timeless and established is more prevalent than ever. People want the kind of clothing that speaks in undyed cotton, rich velvety hues, hand-stitched hems, and calligraphy-etched jewellery; something that feels human, in its design and execution. Bardcore is booming on YouTube, Chappell Roan is serving Joan of Arc in armour, and your algorithm is thirsting for knit bonnets and bloomer-style shorts. But this isn't some micro-trend debauchery wreaking havoc on your for-you page, it's medieval, and it's sticking around. Because if men's opinions are going medieval, why shouldn't fashion? In this edition of SceneStyled, we're going back to basics, the 11th-century-Fatimid-dynasty-kind of basics. Think: silk kaftans as statement outerwear, chainmail-inspired bags, gold filigree earrings, leather soles for modern ground, and perfume oil pens perfect for that medieval pouch of yours. Because time isn't real. But taste? Taste endures. Moroccan Touch | Jouri Kaftan This 100% silk velvet kaftan is the epitome of opulence. Rich in texture, deep in hue, and finished with a braided sfifa neckline, this is the perfect piece for wandering bare foot through your palatial garden. Azza Fahmy | Gold Blessings Chain Ring Azza Fahmy knows how to re-embellish history. In this 18kt gold ring, inscribed with 'مودة' (Endearment), 'رحمة' (Mercy), 'بركة' (Blessings), intricacy leads and handcraft take the spotlight. Azza Fahmy | Crescent Chandelier Earrings Crafted in Filigree wirework, these earrings incorporate centuries of symbolism in the swaying crescent moon and stars. Finished with an inscription with 'مودة', they encapsulate the simple intricacy of medieval jewellery. Shahira Lasheen | Ateeq Collection Long White Crepe Dress This sculpted black bustier and flowing slitted skirt cut a striking silhouette. Complete with hand-crafted buttons and intricate embroidery, it's a piece that speaks with a soft power, rooted in heritage and human artistry. Akaoui | Antique Finish Filigree Ring Intricate handcraft finds its proudest celebration in this Filigree ring. Made with traditional Italian craftsmanship, this piece is rooted in tradition and timelessness. Dôen | Ischia Dress Medieval dress gets an unwrapping in this Ischia dress. Lightweight and highly versatile, with a functional centre tie and an adjustable waist tie on a smocked bodice, this dress exudes the pragmatism medieval fashion is rooted in. Double-puffed sleeves, a scoop neckline, and ankle-grazing A-line skirt cultivate a fairytale-esque silhouette, or layer with a sweeping kaftan for the full medieval effect. Okhtein | Mini Dome Embossed Bag Every medieval muse needs her pouch, and this mini dome embossed bag from Okhtein is close enough. Maya Fragrances | Base Perfume Oil This base perfume oil from Maya Fragrances follows the same philosophy as its medieval perfume predecessors: less is more. Amber, musk, and sandalwood make up this intoxicating concoction, which works with your body chemistry and intertwines with your natural scent. In medieval times, even sweat smelt like luxury. Dima Ayad | Knitted Metallic V Neck A decadent take on the classic kaftan, this metallic kaftan from Dima Ayad appears like liquid gold in motion in the sunlight. Structured but also fluid, it's illusive and deceptive: the perfect piece for myth-making . Ettika | Gold Mesh Shoulder Bag Chainmail has always remained in fashion. While it shimmers down red carpets as translucent mini-dresses, this mesh shoulder bag offers a more utilitarian twist on medieval armour-core. It's one of the few pieces you could actually take into battle.
Fashion Network
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Juana Martin highlights religious fervor at Paris Haute Couture Week
The Cordovan brand returns to bring the Andalusian tradition to the Parisian Haute Couture Week. The University Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, hosted on July 8 the parade of the seventh haute couture collection of the firm founded by Juana Martín, in which the creator presented her proposals for autumn/winter 2025-26. Through this parade, which shared the day with firms such as Chanel, Stéphane Rolland and Giorgio Armani Privé, the designer continues to consolidate her presence in the Parisian circuit, claiming her Andalusian roots through a narrative full of symbolism. Named "Fervor", the new collection evoked one of the deepest traditions of southern Spain: Holy Week. The processions, the Christs and Virgins, the shower of petals and the golden ornaments served as a starting point for a sober and solemn proposal, in which black ruan, the fabric usually used in the manufacture of the tunics of the Nazarenes, acquired a leading role. The designs were strongly inspired by religious devotion and brotherhood imagery, with details that recalled characteristic elements of the processions, such as the penitents' belts or the sacred powers. "We wanted to bring the tradition and craftsmanship of Andalusia, with its art and with a totally different vision, showing everything that is a Holy Week, with art, the spirit of the brotherhood, goldsmithing. It is a very important moment and I want people to have lived it from the feeling, which is what we always try to evoke from the firm," the designer told backstage, minutes after the parade. Among the styles presented on the catwalk, the opening look stood out, in which she incorporated a crucified Christ made with ropes; a silhouette completely covered with petals, in clear allusion to the floral rain on the steps; or a series of styles finished with golden handmade details and virgin headdresses. All this accompanied by a staging marked by the rhythm of an imposing Easter march, underlining the mystical spirit of the proposal. As for footwear, the firm relied on the talent of Italian designer Francesca Bellavita, who designed a series of handcrafted shoes. Likewise, Juana Martín once again had the support of the Málaga de Moda brand collective. "It has been a very exciting day in every way," concluded the designer, who had received just a few hours earlier, in the midst of preparing the parade, the news that she has been awarded the National Fashion Design Award 2025, granted by the Ministry of Culture. Founded in 1999, the firm Juana Martín takes another step in its consolidation as a reference brand, claiming the Andalusian tradition and female empowerment through its bold and artistic designs. Looking to the future, it aims to continue growing with the opening of a new boutique located in Miami, scheduled for December, or the presentation of an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, which will see the light in November 2026.
