It is found at the northern entry to Lepe, where we can contemplate a sculptural ensemble crafted by Francisca Abreu in homage to the Lepe’s seafarers, who participated in the discovery of the Americas, and specifically to Rodrigo Pérez de Acevedo or Rodrigo de Triana, the first seafarer to spot land in Columbus’ expedition and who some authors link with the town of Lepe.
Lepe’s Carnival, increasingly popular over the last few years, offers a wide variety of activities, such as the Galas of Carnival, the Habá con Chocos (beans with cuttlefish), the Proclamation and the Coronation Gala, the Street Carnival, the Parade and the traditional Entierro del “Jigo” (burial of the “Jigo”).
The International Film Festival by Moonlight, Islantilla Cinefórum, is Islantilla’s wink towards film lovers, who are invited to enjoy the most outstanding avant-gardist audiovisual propositions in the best possible of surroundings: the beach. A happening with the best films produced worldwide, displayed outdoors in a two months lasting time frame. All this decorated with round tables, exhibitions and training programmes, among other cultural activities that are mainly held during the last week of August. It is an initiative by the Tourism Board of the Islantilla Association, in cooperation with many public and private entities (Town Councils of Lepe and Isla Cristina, Turismo Andaluz and Junta de Andalucía, Provincial Council of Huelva, International University of Andalusia, Huelva University...). Moreover, Islantilla Cinefórum is fully backed by the tourist sector of the area and especially by the hotels of Islantilla, Lepe and Isla Cristina.
The activities of Islantilla Cinefórum are held in July and August, when projections during the moonlit night are enjoyable because of the heat during the day. In the last week of August a special programme of films, round tables, exhibitions, etc. is planned, as well as a Closing Ceremony during which the Jury hands out the Luna Awards of Islantilla.
The showcases that exhibit the artistic heritage of the brotherhood can be contemplated. Documents and historic artefacts that were spread over various places in the village and whose owners were friendly enough to selflessly give them back have been recovered, so that they can be contemplated by visitors.
The first we encounter is the shrine cart of the Virgin, located in the magnificent inner courtyard of the residence. At the back, the float of the Virgin and its old base can be found.
On the walls, several shawls of the Virgin worn during processions throughout history are exhibited. In the showcases the liturgical and processional artefacts are shown such as the front pieces of the worshipping altar, a set of candelabra from the end of the 19th century, a set of silver tray and cruets from the 18th century, the candlesticks that are currently used on the worshipping altar as well as those of the procession. The mantle of Our Lady of La Bella, made from burgundy velvet with rich, fine golden embroidery takes up a privileged position.
Finally, the showcase closest to the steps hosts the coat of arms of the Brotherhood, of which the standard and the brotherhood banner, both from the famous workshop of Carrasquilla Perea, are the most important. The supporting archangels, sculptured by Sevillian sculptor Ricardo Rivera, are also worth mentioning.
The museum is located in 30, Calle Iglesia. Guided tours from 10.30am to 13.30am Tuesdays to Saturdays. Weekends for groups, to be checked previously. Other hours, to be checked previously.
Tourist Information Office of La Antilla Opening dates: 15 June - 15 September Mondays to Saturdays: 10am – 2pm and 7pm – 9pm Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am – 2pm
This parish church has been built recently. It consists of three vaulted naves and is dedicated to the patron saint of the seafarers, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Its façade is richly decorated with artistic tiling which depicts a theological composition with many symbolic elements full of conches as a symbol for inner listening. The composition depicts Jesus in the barge with his disciples. On the same façade Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also prominently present.
The weekend after the romería, the faithful carry the Virgin’s Standard, which has previously been transferred to the parish temple of the town during the romería, to the premises, where it will be kept until the next romería begins, the year after. This festive day is commonly known as the “Romería Chica”. Since a few years back, each third Sunday of May has been converted into another romería which could compete with any other in the vicinity in terms of festive atmosphere and popular influx.
Reshaped on top of the old square, it is situated in what used to be the old suburbs of the village. It is known as “El Llano” (the plain). Its design draws from the gardening and benches made out of Sevillian bricks and tiles depicting the several stages of the village.
La Almadraba of Nueva Umbría was built in 1929. These old facilities are the “chanca” or settlement where the crew and personnel related to the almadraba (the art of catching big fish like the Atlantic blue-fin tuna during its migration through an elaborate and age-old Mediterranean technique) lived together up to months per year (from March to September). Most of them were accompanied by their families what made the population swell to 800 inhabitants, in other words, transforming it into a small village with services as a commissary, school, bar, hairdresser, artisan workshop, etc. were set up.
The technique of fishing with almadraba in the area probably dates back as far as the 15th century. This almadraba was intensively practised in the first half of the 20th century, as illustrated by the construction of warehouses around 1950, and the yearly catch reached up to 32,000 tuna fish. After this date, the catches started declining sharply, until it was decided in 1963 to abandon this technique of fishing, along with the facilities, due to loss of profitability. At the beginning of the eighties a new intent to revive this type of catching was tried out but led to no result.
An artistic work crafted by the sculptor José Manuel Martínez. Located in the Huerta del Pozo, it symbolises a number of metaphors of the relation of the village with its patron saint, Our Lady of La Bella, and the set of attitudes of the old of age after their long and rich life. At the base an old woman is seated composedly, contrasting with the figure on her right, the old man, joyful, who holds a child in his arms offering a pigeon to the Virgin as a symbol of the Holy Ghost.
