A string of fortresses looking forbiddingly across a desert landscape; an artificial frontier that is marked at a radius of 2,900 metres (delimited by a round from a canon affectionately called ‘El Caminante’ – The Wanderer); architecture that is a mixture of north African, southern European and what is called ‘modernistic’ (distinctive for its reflection of early twentieth tastes for art deco).
This is Melilla, the southernmost European enclave, an autonomous city and radically different from its southern and most intimate neighbour, Morocco.
The distinctive architecture of Melilla is the brain child of Spanish architect, Enrique Nieto y Nieto, a disciple and close collaborator of the world famous Antonio Gaudi, and is woven, like intricate lace, in buildings all over the city. The ornate facades, painted in contrasting pastels and the warm colours of southern Spain, lend a serene distinction that is typical of old colonial towns.
The existence of Melilla as part of Spain is a political hot potato. Spanish defendants argue that Melilla, along with the similar territories of Ceuta and various islands dotted along the northern coast of Morocco, is not, and never has been, a colony but that it is an integral part of Spain; that its Spanish origin dates from the days of Felipe II, before Morocco was a kingdom, even before nationalistic one-upmanship as a political tool was thought of.
Its location, the arbitrary frontier and the genius of the human animal ensure that the arguments for nationality will be batted back and forth for as long as the sun sets in a splendid display of brilliant colours beneath the tranquil and timeless horizon of the Mediterranean.
Melilla will always be a bone of contention. But the accident of geography and its political consequences doesn’t detract from the beautifully preserved medieval ambiance of its old quarter, or from its streets dripping with history, or from the colourful and exotic bazaar. Neither does it detract from its atmosphere as a cultural melting pot where Europe meets Africa.
Melilla enjoys a great climate and mild temperature almost all year round. In winter it’s mild and in summer the Sun King provides some of the most fabulous displays of the year, all this in a mild temperature with fresh sea breezes mocking the steaming mainland to the north.
And the food…..Well, what can we say other than the fact that Melilla bases its offering mostly on the products from the sea. This includes succulent fish and shell fish of all types and varieties. Of course, we can’t forget the famous pinchitos morunos which are made from pieces of meat bathed in a special sauce and then slowly cooked over a glowing barbecue. Whoever tries them will not only repeat the experience but will also try to take the recipe.
However, be warned, because without the special ingredient of the atmosphere that Melilla imparts to the food, nothing tastes the same once you’re in foreign climes. Due to its closeness to its neighbour, Morocco, there is much on offer that comes from this country.
This food is seasoned with strong spices and hot peppers to make whatever dish that is produced a real culinary experience.
Fiestas and celebrations
The celebrations of the Christian community are in accordance with the solar calendar, the mains ones being Easter, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Easter: There is no fixed date for the Easter celebrations. However they are celebrated in March or April every year. Although distinctly religious in character, the streets fill up with citizens from all religions who admire the beauty and colour of the images passionately carried by hundreds of believers.
The Romería del Rocío: During Pentecost the citizens of Melilla take part in this pilgrimage in honour of Our Lady of the Rocío.
Corpus Christi: Two weeks after Pentecost this festival celebrates Jesus' presence in the consecrated bread and wine which are given to the faithful at mass.
Virgen del Carmen This procession in honour of the patron saint of the sea takes place on July 16th. Hundreds of citizens go to the port to accompany Our Lady on a procession around the bay and streets of Melilla.
Patron Saint of Melilla, Our Lady of Victory: This festival takes place on September 8th. In honour of Our Lady of Victory there is a procession with the participation of the "Casas Regionales de Melilla" from all over Spain.
Patron Saint of the City, Saint Francis of Assisi: This festival takes place on on October 4th. Hundreds of people gather at Hernandez Park to have their pets blessed.
A string of fortresses looking forbiddingly across a desert landscape; an artificial frontier that is marked at a radius of 2,900 metres (delimited by a round from a canon affectionately called ‘El Caminante’ – The Wanderer); architecture that is a mixture of north African, southern European and what is called ‘modernistic’ (distinctive for its reflection of early twentieth tastes for art deco). 
Melilla enjoys a great climate and mild temperature almost all year round. In winter it’s mild and in summer the Sun King provides some of the most fabulous displays of the year, all this in a mild temperature with fresh sea breezes mocking the steaming mainland to the north.
