Games of Hazas

Vejer was built in a defensive position 194m ASL and excavations have recently uncovered the "existence of an oriental-type population dating back to the 8thC" (sic).
I can only surmise this to mean they found the remains of a Chinese take-away.

The early history is the common Andalucian one with a slight twist to the tail. Exposed as the inhabitants were to the perils of banditry, (one door in the city walls - the Puerta Cerrada - remained bricked up for 200 years as it faced the direct road from the seas frequented by Barbary pirates,) the King granted them perpetual rights to the land, water, wells and hills of the town.
All was well until the 15thC when our old friends the Guzman family, (whose great great grandfather you may remember had been given this town as well as others for his readiness to provide the knife for his kidnapped son's murder,) decided to grab the lot.
Well the town revolted and, led by Juan Relinque (photo) who did not live up to his name, harried the Guzmans for several years. Finally, the Courts decided in favour of the townsfolk: a decision which has endured to this day.
Now sharing land in common is all very good, but someone has to work and maintain it. Thus the Spanish Lotto or Tombola was born. Every leap year on Dec 22nd, these cages are spun containing the names of the eligible and the winner is awarded the land, known as the "Hazas de Suerte" or "Plots of Fortune". This ancient rite was also nicked from the Spanish without creditation and you may know it as "Wheel of Fortune".Read more