The people of Arcos de la Frontera

José | Emilio | Isabel | Cristobal and Cristobal | Sonia

The Father and Son.
Cristobal and Cristobal González, born 1953 and 1977.

How long have you lived in Arcos de la Frontera?
Cristobal Senior: All my life. Cristobal Junior: Me too!

What are your earliest memories of the town?
Cristobal Senior: A bar I liked, now gone, called 'El rincón del Andaluz', and I remember playing in the street as a kid. I also remember the Romería, a procession with horse and cart. It doesn't happen here any more. Cristobal Junior: My earliest memory is also of the Romería.

How has Arcos de la Frontera changed?
Cristobal Senior: It has grown a lot and people tend now not to leave, as they used to have to. Cristobal Junior: Arcos de la Frontera is bigger and better than in the past. People used to work in the fields and now they are more likely to work in construction. The town is more prosperous.

What changes would you like to see in future?
Cristobal Senior: Traffic is a problem and I'd like to see more activities on offer at the lake. Cristobal Junior: I think Arcos de la Frontera needs to continue expanding. This will mean building houses on land not currently classified as urban.

What does it mean to be 'arcense'?
Cristobal Senior: To be proud of the beauty of this town. Cristobal Junior: To be different to others. To be more welcoming, more friendly...

What do you like about Arcos de la Frontera?
Cristobal Senior: All that the Old Quarter incorporates - the cliff, the monuments, the churches etc. Cristobal Junior: I like everything! The streets, the people, the fiestas...

How would you sum up Arcos de la Frontera?
Cristobal Senior: Charming, beautiful. I love this town. Cristobal Junior: 'Between reality and the dream', to quote the town's motto.

What is your favourite time of year here, and why?
Cristobal Senior: Summer. The hours are long, it's nice and hot, and I like being out on the street, the terrace etc. Cristobal Junior: Easter Week. This is when the whole town is in party mood.

Where do you like going outside of Arcos de la Frontera?
Cristobal and Cristobal: We both enjoy going to the beach, and usually the closest one - El Puerto de Santa María.


Next: Sonia

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