What's in a (product) name?

Surrounded by abundant creative inspiration, it's simple to decide on product names. They all pay tribute to the history and everyday life in the City of Motril, Granada Province, and Andalucía Community.

Aldaba - An Aldaba is a highly ornate door knocker, usually solid brass or solid iron. Very common ones here are the Hand of Fátima (La Mano de Fátima), which represents protection; and Lion's heads, indicating strength and power. I've got 100's of different door knocker photos, they are so unique and beautiful!

Aljibe- Aljibes are underground tanks for water storage. The below pictures were taken in the historic Albaicín quarter of Granada, Spain. Built by Arabs between the 8th-10th centuries, some Aljibes still remain in use today. The largest one in Granada holds over 79,000 gallons/300 cubic meters.

Candelón - This is the aqueduct at the entrance of Motril. Cars passing underneath in opposite directions must be very careful since it's quite narrow! From the 18th century, it still carries water from the Guadalfeo River to irrigate nearby crops in the southern part of town.

Ingenio - Ingenio is another word for fábrica de azúcar, which is a sugar cane factory. Motril was a benchmark in the manufacture and export of sugar cane. There used to be 8-9 factories in Motril, and the largest and only one partially intact is Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The others only have their chimneys left standing. Its last export was in the 1980's and now the structure serves as a museum and even a stage for art exhibitions. Some of the structure is currently under major renovations to enlarge the museum.

Mijilla - The Spanish language is bursting with diminutives, and one frequently used in Andalucia is "mijilla". It means 'a little bit'. If you want a little bit more of some food, you ask for "una mijilla". And asking someone to move over a little bit "échate para allá una mejilla" (and in my little city, "echate pa'llá una mejilla". We don't waste time pronouncing the 'r' in lots of words!

Pataura - Pataura was an old town near Motril from ~1492-1572, until the Guadalfeo River exceeded its banks and the town was carried away. The only remnants are narrow roads, used by hikers and those who have land for fruit trees, animals and cortijos. It was a great place for walks during Covid isolation.

Quisquilla - Quisquillas are shrimp native to the Motril coastline. They are quite small and tedious to peel, but wow are they delicious!! They’re served as tapas in many restaurants in Motril. 

Sabika - Sabika is the foundation hill where La Alhambra was built in the 13th-14th centuries.

Washington Irving (1783 - 1859). In 1829 he lived in the abandoned Alhambra while writing the book Tales of the Alhambra. Aside from being an author, in England he was secretary to the American Embassy and in Spain as Ambassador.