LAKE Weeroona was alive with the sound of flamenco on Sunday as 60 Spaniards met to celebrate the annual Festival of Rocio, a tradition originally from southern Spain.
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Spaniards from Melbourne, Geelong and Bendigo ate typical Spanish fare including tortilla, chorizo and cured ham.
Patricia Rios Chapela of Kennington said it was a rare treat to have so many fellow countrymen and women by her side.
The Festival of Rocio is an epic Catholic pilgrimage in southern Spain but is also a celebration of Spanish culture and family.
It was first celebrated in Australia 20 years ago when a group of Spaniards in Adelaide decided to bring the festival to their new home.
Yesterday was the first time it was celebrated in Bendigo.
The second part of the Festival of Rocio will be held in Heathcote in March.
One of the original founders of the festival in Australia, Josie Hernandez, said all people in Bendigo were invited to next year's celebration.
It will be at the Heathcote RSL from March 20 to 22 and will involve Spanish food and a flamenco show.