Parasol

A parasol comprising:

• a. an awning supported on a plurality of awning bars which are, in turn, supported by a plurality of spreader bars;
• b. a spreading device coupled to first ends of the plurality of awning bars and to the plurality of spreader bars, said spreading device being adjustable to place the awning in a range of awning positions between and including a closed position and a fully opened position;
• c. a locking mechanism associated with the spreading device, the locking mechanism having a locked state in which the spreading device is secured in a position within said range of awning positions.
• d. a guide member;
• e. a supporting element pivotally connected at one end to the guide member and, pivotally connected at second end to the one of said plurality of awning bars;
• f. a tension element attached at one end to the guide member and at an opposite end to the spreading device, and g a holding device slidably attached to the guide member, the holding device being pivotally attached to the one of said plurality of awning bars, the holding device causing the one of said plurality of awning bars to swing away from the guide member and the spreading device to spread the plurality of spreader bars and the plurality of awning bars to open the awning upon movement of the holding device along the guide member, wherein the awning is pivoted upon movement of the holding device along the guide member when the locking mechanism is in the locked state.