032 october torrevieja outlook by Andy Ormiston

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

032 October 2016

Calendar – October angel fiestas – Valencian Day – Pilar in Zaragoza – Elche Medieval Play again – Moors & Christians in Campello - Callosa d’Én Sarria – La Mata bull running – Los Montesinos – Cheste wine – Begoñia flower – Villena Fair – Cocentaina medieval fair – Halloween in Spain – Shakespeare potions – Bookshelf Oviedo sudarium – Tax – Torrevieja where birds go – Uruguay Indian exhibition – Safeguarding the beaches – When mate is a drink – Ecce botched Homo – Torrevieja Canals – Children’s shoes – This time next year – Motorbike Challenge – Torrevieja Solidarity Calendar 2017 – All change in nature – classic music programme

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Torrevieja Outlook

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Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

October a month for angels

The image of Torrevieja’s patron and co-mayor, la Inmaculada, includes several angels including two holding the coat of arms of the town.

October is the month of the Angels and the Virgen of the Rosary, so fiestas tend to have a religious bent. On each Sunday of the month the songs of the Rosario de la Aurora are realised in Benferri, Callosa de Segura, Benijófar and Granja de Rocamora. This is a specialized aurora choir that sing the decades of the rosary at dawn. hence the title name 1 - 10th Patronal fiestas of Rafal. 2 - 10th Patronal fiestas in Pilar de la Horadada. 4th Oct. Moors & Christians in Crevillente. 4 - 7th Oct. Patronal fiestas in Polop. 1st weekend of the month: Moors & Christians in Benidorm.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Patronal fiestas of Sella. Patronal fiestas in Planes. Alcoy holds a week of traditional dancing 6 - 7th Oct. Guardamar del Segura celebrates the festival of the Virgen del Rosario. Nearest Sunday to the 7th the fiestas of the Virgen del Rosario are held in Albatera, Rojales and Torrelamata (Torrevieja). 7th Oct. Petrer fiesta in honour of the Virgen del Remedio. During the following Sundays of October the carnival type fiesta of les Carasses is held in Petrer with old traditional dances. 7 - 12th Patronal fiestas of Los Montesinos whose patron is Our Lady of the Rosary (left foto). 2nd week of October the Fiesta de la Cerveza is held in Calpe. 12th Oct. National holiday in honour of the Virgen

del Pilar (right foto) celebrated in every town, but especially in Pilar de la Horadada. 12 - 15th El Campello holds excellent Moors & Christian fiestas. 1st Sunday after the 12th the ‘Baile del Vino’ is held in Los Montesinos. 2nd weekend until the following Tuesday there are Moors & Christians in Callosa d’En Sarrià. 19 - 22nd Calpe fiestas. 3rd Sunday (from the previous Thursday to this Sunday) patronal fiestas of Benimantell. Monday after 3rd Sunday festival in Xaló. 1st Sunday after 25th San Crispín fiestas in Elche. Last two weeks of the month a Feria held in Villena. Last week of the month Calpe holds the Gran Día de las Quintas. Last Sunday of October fiestas to honour the Virgen del Rosario in Granja de Rocamora.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

The Virgen de la Pilar is a national holiday that reaches a peak in Zaragoza where a

Valencian Day All the Valencian towns celebrate the ‘Dia de Valencia’ on the 9th October, which is a local regional public holiday in the Region with most shops closed. In Alicante a medieval market is held on the Esplanade, mainly aimed at entertaining children with jesters and street entertainers. Several towns, especially the capital Valencia, have several local events and most shops are closed. This date is a reference point in the history of Valencia when King Jaime I triumphantly entered the city of Valencia in 1238 having ousted the Moors. Festivities will take place across the region on this day but the main party is on the streets of Valencia city, where colourful and noisy community parades will feature local people dressed in medieval costume. The finale will showcase a re-enactment of ancient scenes between the Moors and Christians in an authentic and entertaining display to entertain all ages is of special importance in the city of Valencia where in true Spanish style, the festivities begin the night before on October 8. Tin the aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

evening the finale of the annual International Festival of Pyrotechnics is held, which promises to go out with a bang – in the form of a dazzling and colourful fireworks display. The events planned for the Region of Valencia Day include a previous show, a Fireworks Festival held at midnight on 8th October. The next day, as every year, the Bajada de la Real Senyera (the Descent of the Royal Flag) from the Municipal Historical Museum will open the festive day. From this place a civic procession starts toward the Metropolitan Church Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria. Then the procession will stop to make a floral offering at the statue of the Rey Jaume I (King James the First) and then it continues towards the Town Hall. Later, a terrestrial Mascletà will be let off and a Dansà Popular will take place at Plaza de la Virgen at 4 p.m. Then, the Festival de Balls, Música i Cançons Valencianes will be held and finally, at 5 p.m., the Entry of Moors and Christians Ciudad de Valencia will fill with colour every corner of the city of Valencia.October 9 also marks the Day of Saint Dionysius, the patron saint of lovers, so there are even more reasons to be happy on this day. It is customary for men to give their loved one a gift of Mocaorà – a silk scarf with marzipan sweets handcrafted by local confectioners.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Pilar Puente

The 12th October is a national public holiday celebrating the feast of the Virgen del Pilar. Often these two dates happily coincide with a weekend, so many people take a long ‘puente’ bridging break. Our Lady of Pilar is the co-patron saint of Spain and is also the sacred protector of the armed forces and the Guardia Civil. According to tradition St. James (the Elder) the Apostle, spent seven years preaching in Spain around 40 AD before returning to Israel, where he was eventually beheaded in the persecutions against the Christians in Jerusalem. He is supposed to have built a temple to the holy Virgin Mary in Zaragoza, as she had appeared to him above a marble pillar. This led to the devotion of the Virgen del Pilar and today thousands of Spanish girls are named Pilar. Under this title the Virgin Mary is regarded as the patroness of Spain and also of the Guardia Civil; there are normally speeches, parades and a flag raising ceremony in front of town halls. It is also a day when links with other Spanish speaking nations are remembered and is known as ‘el dia de Hispanidad’.

Zaragoza

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It is the patronal fiestas at Pilar de la Horadada and many events are arranged throughout the preceding week with sporting events, bull fights, traditional dancing, Parades, concerts and activities for the children. Foreign groups have taken part in the main parade with their own float over the past few years. But it is in Zaragoza where this particular fiesta comes alive. These are the main annual fiestas in the regional capital of Aragon, characterised by a broad range of activities that fill the streets with fun, colour and entertainment for a week at the least. The programme brings together theatre performances, concerts, children's entertainment (puppet shows, clowns, magic...), shows, dance, bullfights, craft exhibitions, all kinds of music (from regional folk to pop-rock and electronic sounds at the Independent Music Festival) and many more events. There are also fireworks, the traditional "Giants and Big-heads" parade, sports competitions and exhibitions. The "peĂąas" (fiesta associations) also play a vital role at the celebrations, which get underway with an opening speech at the Town Hall. The most important day is 12 October, the feast of La Virgen del Pilar, patron saint of the city. A mass Floral Offering takes place from early that morning: thousands of people from all over the world, dressed in traditional costumes, come to Plaza del Pilar Square to leave flowers before the Virgin. Meanwhile, 13 October sees the Offering of Fruit. And at dusk, the Rosario de Cristal takes place. It is a procession of carriages and glass lanterns that runs through the streets of Zaragoza.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Repeat of Elche’s medieval play On years that have even numbers there is an extraordinary repetition of the famous mystery play held in Elche´s basilica in August. Mystery or Miracle plays were very popular in the medieval period, bringing theatre, pageant and bible stories to life as most people could not read. The Elche one has survived all these years in roughly the same format and uses the basilica and the street as backdrops to the stories. These types of plays are making a bit of a comeback and each year attract more and more people. They were popular in England and each year modern versions are popping up all over the place, such as the Passion Play in Trafalgar Square at Holy Week. Valencia has a street version with a huge procession of biblical characters underlining the message of Corpus Christi. In the Elche play the 135 parts of this traditional musical extravaganza are all played by men and boys, with lines and music going back to the Middle Ages. In recent years, a medieval market has also accompanied the pageant with people, suitably clad in clothes of the time, selling crafts of that era. Medieval markets are now popular tourist attractions in many towns during fiestas. If you missed all the pageantry of August then you can still catch up on this fiesta. On even numbered years the wonderful medieval play of the Assumption of the Virgin into heaven is enacted in Elche´s basilica with an extraordinary representation on 31st October to 1st November. The basilica of Saint Mary becomes a theatre and the angels descend from the beautiful reinforced ceiling to take up the body of the Virgin Mary to her home in the heavens to be crowned queen. The all-male cast play out the aormi@icloud.com

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NÂş 32 - October 2016

descent of the angels to earth and their return to heaven with the body of the Virgin Mary. The words and music have been handed down since medieval times. This musical play is normally held each year on the 15th August in St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basilica which has been granted a special indult from the Holy See, but at the end of this month there is an extra performance. This extra-special event takes place 31st October and 1st November, the feast of All Saints. Tickets should be bought in advance: contact Elche Tourist Office for further information.

St. Francis of Assisi

Crevillente has marvellous Moors & Christian parades aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

The saint of animals is patron saint of quite a number of towns and villages including El Altet and Crevillente. El Altet also celebrates their patron, San Francisco de Asís, with a week of fun and games. During the first week of this month the town’s Plaza Mayor is the scene of paella competitions with around 80 dishes being cooked. A special Mass is celebrated on the saint’s day 4th October. St. Francis of Assisi is also a patron saint of Crevillente, which gives the citizens an excuse to take to the streets for fiesta time, especially this year as it is the 50th anniversary of celebrating these particular festivities. For five days before and five days after the saint’s feastday on 4th October there is a very wide variety of events including a medieval market, carnival parade, 12 groups of Moors & Christians, the usual wining and dining and ending with a wonderful fireworks display. The parading of the Crevillente Moors & Christians began in 1976 but are based on real acts chronicled in the 13th century. The town has a magnificent statue dedicated to both the Moors and Christians and now with so many North African immigrants the main street through the town sometimes looks and smells like an Arabic enclave. In 2005 the fiestas were given the title of “National Tourist Interest”. In passing many towns have guest comprises of Moors & Christians form other towns which not only increases the size of parades, but a lot more color and glamour. Throughout the year as is common in every town, these groups meet together for a variety of events to continue the feeling of camaraderie and also raise funds for the main fiestas. Competitions include a photographic one with an exhibition for the best ones.

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NÂş 32 - October 2016

Moors all at sea

As the sun rises the Moorish ships appear and the troops disembark in El Campello hoping to surprise the waiting populace. However, waiting for them in the shallow waters and on the beach are the Christians, some warriors, others ordinary towns folk desperate to defend their homes. This is the early dawn setting for the first encounter of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous Moors & Christian festival every October. This is one of the best events of its type on the Costa Blanca and is worth a visit to this small town to enjoy the parades of strutting gaudily clad warriors, some incongruously wearing spectacles or puffing on a cigar as they fire off their medieval armaments.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

El Campello Moors & Christian fiestas begin on the beach as the enemy land and are met by a smaller force of townsfolk defending their town until death.

Tourist Attractive fiestas in Callosa d’Én Sarria.

It is also fiesta time in Callosa d Én Sarrià and during the first weekend of the month Moors & Christians rule the streets. Exerting a combination of powerful attractions on the local populace, including theatrics, farce, masquerading and special costumes, music, gunpowder and general revelling, the Moors & Christians festivities have now become the showcase fiestas of the provinces of Alicante and Valencia. Callosa dÉn Sarria fiestas go back to 1860 and include traditional dancing of the warriors, processions and a Floral Offering to the town’s patroness la Virgen de las Injurias. These fiestas are considered to be part of Spain’s national heritage and have been declared of National Touristic Interest. The town’s fiestas are in honour of the Virgen de las Injurias; celebrations that go back to 1866. The town was originally a Moorish one until the 13th century when aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Jaime I incorporated it into his kingdom. It takes its name from Admiral Bernat de Sarrià who purchased it from king Alfonso I of Valencia and II of Aragon in 1290. During the 16th century the land was bought over on several occasions by different noble families; the most recent in 1767 by the Count of Orgaz. The Rio Algar makes the area fairly fertile and, therefore, attractive. The church, dedicated to San Juan Bautista, was reconstructed in the middle of the 17th century. There are still the remains of the original castle in the Plaza del Castell supposedly built by the original Admiral. In the XVIIIth century the stones were gradually used to build other houses nearby. During these fiestas a dozen groups of Moors and Christians parade in style. These celebrations take place from the second Saturday of October. Men and women form the contingents of the two opposing forces of the Moors and Christians, while a castle is set up in front of the Ayuntamiento as the centre piece of the various festival acts. Children have their own part to play in the dance known as el ‘Ball de les Pastoretes’ or dance of the shepherds. Distinguishing these events from other ones is the ‘war’ dances, which are held at midnight on the Saturday and Sunday in the Plaza del Convento. Another feature is the dance of the Bigheads undertaken by two groups of three pairs representing good and evil. Three pairs of Cabezudos (Bigheads) precede the files of warriors as they chase away the devil and frighten the children who run away screeching and laughing. These Cabezudos have their own peculiar dance at midday on the Saturday. During the fiestas children dress in traditional costumes and perform the Ball de Les Pastoretes: first on the Saturday afternoon in the local church, later at the Floral Offering and then on the Monday at midday in the Church Plaza. There are some unique musical instruments used in the bands and during the Civil War these disappeared only to re-appear once the fighting was over. In the procession of the Virgen youngsters dress up as Biblical characters as well as saints such as Santa Bárbara, Santa Úrsula. The actual image of the Virgen is a beautiful piece of workmanship: she is seated on a throne carrying the Child Jesus and surrounded by cherubs.

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NÂş 32 - October 2016

Torrelamata

Bull runs that have little chance of being If you missed the February/March carnival parades, or the August one, then visit this district of Torrevieja for a fun carnival parade with lots of participation from many groups. La Mata has its own season of fiestas and events, including a carnival parade, Sand Castle competition on the beach, plus lots of musical concerts in honour of the Virgen of the Holy Rosary that start in September but go on into October. The usual venue is the plaza de la EmbaraciĂłn that had a new look in 2007. An important event is the Flower Offering and the procession through the streets of a float with the image of the Virgen of the Holy Rosary carried on the shoulders of volunteers. Torrelamataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s church is dedicated to the Virgen who appeared above the Christian forces at the naval battle of Lepanto, 7th October 1571. One of the most famous persons in this battle was Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote.

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Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Los Montesinos

Los Montesinos is still a young town insofar as it is only just over a couple of decades since it became a separate municipal entity. Slowly the townsfolk are recuperating old traditions and during the fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Pilar a romeria is held in conjunction with many sporting and social activities. Each year more foreign residents are actively participating in the colourful parades and verbenas. A competition is held for the best decorated street. Los Montesinos was segregated from Almoradi in 1990 having been a part of that town since the 16th century. Part of it borders on the Torrevieja La Mata Lake. The town takes its name from the family who originally owned the lands in the time of Cardinal Belluga, who was the driving force behind settling people in remote rural areas, often noted for being the refuge of bandits. The aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Cardinal was responsible for founding several towns in the Vega Baja area. The church is dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Pilar, built in 1886. It was renovated between 1996-1999. Nearby is the Roman highway Via Augusta and there are the remains of two Roman villas - La Marquesa and Lo Montanar. This highway linked Rome with Cadiz passing over the River Segura at what is now Los Montesinos, leading on down to Cartagena. The area is rich in wells and small reservoirs, which indicates the reason why there is so much agricultural development. It would be a pity if the local authorities permitted too much construction in the municipal area. Later there was a Moorish presence and an important discovery in the 1970’s was ‘the treasure of La Marquesa’ that consisted of 246 silver coins from the Xth and XIth centuries. La Marquesa was the central most important house in the area serving as the parish church and housed the original hermitage until the present parish was constituted. The Jesuits owned the property in the XVIIIth century, just after the 1829 earthquake, and undertook reforms to the chapel dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The present parish church has a lovely statue of Nuestra Señora del Pilar made by José Sánchez Lozano of Pilar de la Horadada. Another striking figure is that of la ‘Virgen de la Dolorosa’ in the style of the Salzillo school. Another interesting image is by an unknown person, that of ‘el Cristo de la Agonía’. Nowadays the town has an official population of over 3,000, but is much greater than that as there is a continual influx of people buying new properties in what is a growing town. The new Town Hall was inaugurated at the beginning of 2003.

Los Montesinos is still very much an agricultural town growing a large variety of crops

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Cheste wine This Valencian town is well known for its hosting of a large motor bike rally, but is also a wine producing area and in the first three weeks of October the grape harvest takes place with a great deal of supplementary activities. Many wine producing zones have a vendimia fiesta when the grape harvest comes in and grapes are squad for their juices. In Cheste the Vendimia is the pressing of the grapes to make the first juice and this consists of a procession of pairs of young people dressed in traditional costumes, the lady carrying a basket with grapes and the young man has an empty chorito for drinking the pressed grape juice. Young boys, again in local costume, hopefully with clean feet, then press the collected grapes in a barrel in an act known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pisaâ&#x20AC;?, and once there is sufficient juice this is poured into the empty glass vessels for drinking among the populace. Other events include a literary competition, an exposition of paintings and a craft fayre. Saint Luke is the patron saint on the 8th October.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Begoñia flower by Pat Hynd

Bilboa is a lovely city with a variety of fine architectural beauties including the famous platinum Guggenheim Museum. The riverside has become a much-loved Paseo for the citizens and is the scene for several festivals. Dominating the city is a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgen de Begonia, a simple 16th century building in Gothic style. The inside has three naves supported by ten columns. The three altars have images that are the work of sculptor Juan de Mena. Especially sailors of this port area of Bilboa venerate the Virgen de Begoña in all of the province of Vizcaya. The image dates back to 1796 when it is first written about. The Virgen Mary is often associated with flowers and the begonia is a beautiful white flower. which can be in other colours of yellow, red or rose and is sometimes formed in a tree format. Actually there are at least 400 species and comes is found in tropical areas such as China, Japan, Africa, East Indies and America, but is widely cultivated in Europe. Begonia is also a popular Spanish and South American girl’s name.

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Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Known as wax begonias or bedding begonias, annual begonia plants (Begonia semperflorens) grow quickly and easily fill in spaces in the garden that will benefit from attractive foliage and frilly flowers. Watering correctly is important in the care of begonias. Soil should remain moist, but not too wet. A well-draining soil or potting mix simplifies this task. Water wax begonias at the base to avoid leaf spot and the possibility of fungal diseases. The most compact and healthy wax begonias result from deadheading and pinching back regularly. Annual begonia plants may be cut back before frost and used inside as a houseplant in winter. Once inside, keep the soil moist, provide humidity with a pebble tray and place in bright filtered light.

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Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Begonia propagation is an easy way to keep a little bit of summer all year long. Begonias are a favorite garden plant for the shaded area of the garden and because of their low light requirements The three most popular types of garden begonias are the tuberous types, which are large leafed and sold either growing in pots or as brown tubers for do-ityourself planting; the rhizomatous, commonly called Rex begonias; and the old fashioned wax, which are known as fibrous rooted. While professional growers use different methods for begonia propagation for each of these types, we are fortunate that all three types can be easily duplicated through begonia cuttings. The more than 1,000 species of begonia are part of a complicated classification system based on flowers, method of propagation and leaves. Some begonias are grown just for the fantastic color and shape of their foliage and either do not flower or the flower is unremarkable.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Villena Fair by Dave Stewart

Every year, from 30 September to 2nd October there is an agricultural Feria del Campo de Villena. Over 5,000 square metres of exhibition areas are set out so that local producers and suppliers can display their goods. This is a good time for tourists to visit the town as this farm fair is an added attraction and an opportunity to taste some of the local home grown food and wines of the area. There are various well-known wines bearing the Vinalopó brand - look out for the tintos ‘Vinalopó’ the 1996 Crianza; the ‘Gachamiguero’; the Fondillón Alicante ‘Tesero de Villena’ the rosado ‘Vinalopó’; the blanco ‘Vinalopó’; the Moscatel ‘Vinalopó’. However, September is when the main celebrations of the Moors & Christians are held (4 - 9) during six frenetic days in which the whole town

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comes alive to honour the patroness, la Virgen de las Virtudes. Declared to be of National Touristic Interest, these fiestas have deep roots that stretch back centuries to 1474 when the Virgen de las Virtudes was considered to be responsible from saving the populace from the Black Plague. A sanctuary dedicated to her was built in 1490 only five kilometres from the town centre. The citizens decided that twice a year they would have a pilgrimage to the sanctuary in thanksgiving; once in March the other on 8th September. It is not only processions that take place, but there are other events such as concerts and dinners, not forgetting the initial fireworks display at one o’clock in the morning from the castle’s ramparts followed by verbenas in fixed places in the town. Children have their own parade in the Desfile de la Esperanza. Music is an important part of the fiestas and parades with local bands playing rousing marching music and pasadobles. The actual Moors & Christians have their roots in the fact that local provincial militia escorted the processions, firing their guns en route. The militia was instigated in 1562 by Felipe II and their presence is recorded in 1586 and 1638 and indicates that the militia were regular features of the pilgrimage. At the beginning of the 19th century the roles of ambassadors was inaugurated with written texts between 1810 and 1815 and the group of soldiers became known as the first comparsa of Christians. Around the same time another group was formed to represent the Moors each group with its captain and riflemen. It was in the 1870’s when the castle of ambassadors was constructed. In the imitation battles that occurred the Moors won the first one but were routed at the second battle. One important element is the conversion of the Moorish Ambassador to Christianity, which is conserved in a written text of the 17th century and published in the 18th century, although it was a common feature of the fiestas in Jaen as far back as 1463 and is, now imitated in several town’s Moors & Christian celebrations. . A new initiative was introduced just before 1838, when it is first recorded. This was the carrying of the effigy of Mahoma from Biar by the forces of the Moors. La aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Mahoma is an interesting character, a tradition that dates from the Middle Ages. The figure is related to the giant figures of the Gigantes and the Cabezudos popular among the Aragonese and the Catalans and also appear in Hungary representing Samson. The figure was used in Jaen at least in 1463 and sometimes was called Papaz or Aduar in the 18th century Moors and Christian festivals. After the Second Vatican Council it was deemed inappropriate to continue using this figure in many fiestas of the area, but Mahoma has returned to Villena amid controversy. In Biar, where the figure is kept in a private house, the figure is used in May fiestas that date back to the 13th century, in a dance known as Ball dels Espies – the dance of the Spies. The music is traditional using the dolçaina and tablet. This is divided into four parts in different scenes: the spying, the handing over land on part of the Arabs, the ambassador, the actual dance that represents the triumph of the Saracens and Mahoma, symbolising the triumph of Islam. However, in the 2007 Villena fiestas the figure was used in a parody form, which brought down the condemnation from the townspeople of Biar with the threat that it would never be used in Villena again. In 1845 the Villena fiestas became known as those of the Moros y Cristianos. By 1863 there were three groups, then in 1884 nine comparsas took part, but it was in 1956 when the figure was fixed as 14 comparsas, seven on each side. These are -Moros Viejos, Moros Nuevos, Bandos Marrowuí, Moros Realistas, Moros Nazaríes, Moros Berberes and the Pirates. On the Christian side there are the Estudiantes, Marinos Corsarios, Andaluces, Labradores, Ballesteros, Almogávares and Cristianos. aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

In the middle of the 19th century the morning Dianas had been introduced along with the Retreat and the important Entrada. 1955 was when the cavalcade was begun and the Offering of Flowers and the position of regidoras were begun. In the 1970’s the special forces of las Escuadras Especiales were begun within different groups and they are able to change their costumes each year adding a fresh spectacular alteration to the fiestas. These mark out the difference between Villena’s fiestas and those of other towns. The Cabalgata, or cavalcade, is held on the night of the 6th September, a marvellous spectacle of files of men marching to the beat of drums with prancing horses and carriages on part of the route. In 2003 it was stopped short for a time when a downpour brought ten centimetres of water gushing down the streets and the procession was halted until nature had finished her own battle.

Gastronomy and wine It is during the fiestas that traditional recipes of the area come to the fore. Villena, being a mountain town with a very cold climate during winter, dishes high in calories are the par for the course. The gastronomy is based on that of the Mediterranean and the Manchega cookery. Oil, garlic, flour and water are the basic ingredients of gachamiga. A warming dish is triguico with pork, potatoes, turnip, and beans. Gazpacho in Villena is Manchego style with rice, duck, and snails, beans accompanied by garlic-flavoured oil on bread. Everyone has a sweet tooth and Villena produces cakes and sweetmeats such as rollicos de vino, toasted almonds, sequillos and toñas. aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Cocentaina Modern Medieval Fair by Dave Stewart

Cocentaina is a mountain town that holds a medieval market known as La Fira de Tots Sants, the Fair of All Saints, whose liturgical feastday it is. It had its origins in 1346, the year in which Pedro IV, the King of Aragón, conceded the right to hold a fair in this area from 21st September to 14th October. In 1671 the dates were altered to the end of October and the first day of November. This fair brings together the cultures of Christian, Arab, Mudejar and Gitano, that co-existed quite happily centuries ago. Each year there are over 900 exhibitors from small stallholders to large international firms. In 1912 it was considered in the category of Interés Turístico Nacional and is not only traditional crafts, but modern inventions can be found in this fair in its 671st edition. Here you will find a horse section, medieval market, emblematic, Arab and Jewish zocos, large fairground, farm machinery, typical local products and stands on tourism. It is a busy fair with half a million visitors. Apart from the fair and its attractions there are always several exhibitions held in the town.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Halloween in Spain by Dave Stewart

Only a few years ago the Spanish celebrated the vespers of All Saints (1st November) only with traditional sweets such as los huesos de Santo (Saints’ bones), caqui (persimmon fruit) and quince (membrillo) made from it. Many places would offer the theatrical work of Zorrilla known as “Don Juan Tenorio” which is often shown on the television. But thanks to film and television the idea of “trick or treat” American style Halloween monsters has become well known and youngsters in particular take to the streets dressed up as some sort of ghoul or monsters, while similar parties are held in suitably decorated pubs with hues of orange and black represented by jack o’lantern and plastic pumpkins. This fiesta based on pagan Samhain Celtic rites has now become a part of the Spanish fiesta calendar. Torrevieja has accepted it as ghoulish carnival and the past year a Walking Dead game in the streets that met with a lot of criticism as to content, cost and organization. The first group of Halloween monsters in Torrevieja were The first group of Halloween monsters in young girls about 27 years Torrevieja were young girls about 27 years ago, ago, British, Spanish and British, Spanish and Norwegian, who tried trick Norwegian, who tried trick or

or treat.

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treat round houses of people they knew. Today kids tend to dress up as monsters and witches and seem to think they are entitled to a treat expecting bags of sweets. Last year I was annoyed at some of them who came in demanding a treat without performing the required song or joke. It is very much an American styled commercial event. Whatever you think, these few days give us an opportunity to reflect on our ultimate goal, the things we fear, what we believe, and things we may desire. It is an opportunity to look at questions of every day life, the meaning of our life and our effect on other people, questions of good and evil, of death and its hereafter if there is one. Halloween is Holy Ones Eve or the vigil of All Saints . The 1st November is All Saintsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day in the Catholic calendar and is celebrated by other Christian denominations including Anglicans and Lutherans, a day when traditionally we celebrate the lives of saints or holy people who have made it to heaven. La Mata is having one of those terrible Walking Dead and Zombies games with 300 people involved. Halloween practices can be traced back to Celtic origins in Europe including Britain, France, Ireland and northern Spain. Since early days mankind has observed the cycle of the seasons as the earth gives birth, death and rebirth or resurrection. For the Druids the st New Year began on 1 November marking the end of summer and the beginning of the long, dark winter. As the earth entered a period of hibernation the Celts associated it with human death. So on the previous evening 31st October the boundaries between the living and the dead became blurred; and it was believed that the Lord of Death sent evil emissaries out to attack humans. The way to escape these demons was to assume a disguise that made you resemble another evil spirit. The Druids would build bonfires and gathered the people together to burn animal and crop sacrifices to Celtic deities. People donned animal furs and masks and when the festival was finished they would take a light from the main fire and relight their own hearth fire with the light believing they would be protected over the winter. When we see the huge number of horror films on release and tv series we can realize how death is a fascination for people. It may be a ghost or monster we see and fear, but in reality it is death that we fear. So on Halloween we have an opportunity to ask ourselves some important questions about death and our lives leading up to its inevitability.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

Shakespeare and his potions by Pat Hynd

Often we take the plays of Shakespeare as makebelieve tales with little real content to modern times. But Shakespeare was a man of his times, and a well informed one at that. He talks about what’s happening in the world around him, while reporting history, exploring religion, criticizing decisions by monarchs. There is a gap in his life that remains unexplained and many think he decided to explore Europe and learn about its cities. In his times there was free movement among the countries that make up Europe. He was in contact with Cervantes, the Spanish writer about using one of his plays.

Shakespeare was a product of the European Renaissance, and he grew up in the knowledge that the territory in which he lived had originally been Britannia, a mere province of something much larger and more significant, the Roman Empire. It is misleading to suggest that Shakespeare thought of Britain as anything other than part of a larger geopolitical entity called Europe. Shakespeare used the word ‘Europe’ ten times (and ‘Europa’ three), and on only one of those occasions does it seem to distinguish one side of the channel from the other. ‘Europe’ is more or less synonymous with ‘Christendom,’ which is possibly how the Islam fanatics view us.

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Many situations in his plays depend on poisons and potions so as Halloween is looming lets have a look at some potions and poisons used in his plays to kill or seduce. Another vexing question is what truth is there in some off his potions, which often he spells out. Macbeth In Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Macbeth, the three witches brew a potion with ingredients chosen to symbolise incredible evil. Amongst human organs and animal parts, the witches use the root of the deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum), a highly poisonous plant known to have a chemical structure and pharmacological properties similar to nicotine. Even in low doses, the plant can cause respiratory failure and death. The root of the plant, used by the witches in their deadly concoction is known to have the highest toxicity concentration of all of the plant.

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The witches also add yew (Taxus baccata). The plant contains the highly toxic alkaloid taxine which if ingested can cause rapid death through cardiac arrest. Though the witchesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; potion is a magical creation, the deathly potential of the ingredients used is very much real. The plants are some of the most poisonous species found in Western Europe and it is evident that Shakespeare was aware of their lethal nature. It is also significant that the witches were boiling their broth. Boiling has long been known to sterilize water and destroy pathogenic, disease causing microorganisms. The increased temperature would also give the molecules more kinetic energy and the reaction would proceed faster. However, whether or not the concentration of the product would increase is dependent on the type of reaction.

'In the caldron boil and bake; Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog' Macbeth. Act 4, Scene 1 The scene is one of the most evocative in all of Shakespeare, and has inspired many writers, from J K Rowling to Samuel Beckett.

Hamlet 'Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole; With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial; And in the porches of my ears did pour.' Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 5

Poison takes a leading role in Hamlet, as sibling rivalry leads to regicide and throws the Danish royal castle at Elsinore into a state of jealously and mistrust. King Hamlet, father to Prince Hamlet and brother to Claudius dies seemingly in his sleep, but the young prince soon discovers that poison in the ear was in fact the cause. Scientists and scholars have wondered what Shakespeare meant by "cursed hebenon". There may be a few possibilities including hemlock, nightshade, yew, ebony and henbane.

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Indeed henbane looks the closest in spelling, and the active ingredient in henbane is hyoscyamine, which if concentrated to a high degree could be lethal to humans. Perhaps it is this is to what Shakespeare is referring?

Romeo and Juliet

In the final act of Romeo and Juliet, our tragic heroine takes a potion to fake her own death and place her into a catatonic state. Many believe the potion is most likely to be deadly nightshade (Atropa Belladonna) a plant native to Europe. The dose would be very low. A berry can kill a small child. It certainly is a classical case of highly toxic plants, but it all depends on the form of administration, the dose, and other circumstances, the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s characteristics (age, size, preconditions).

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Cleopatra 'Put this in any liquid thing you will, and drink it off; and, if you had the strength of twenty men, it would dispatch you straight.'

In ancient history, an asp referred to a number of different venomous snakes from around the Nile region. Cleopatra had already administered the venom to criminals to test its effects and believed an asp bite allowed for a much more humane death. There are four main types of snake venom; proteolytic, which disrupts the molecular structure of the bite region, haemotoxic which affects the blood and cardiovascular system, neurotoxic, which acts on the nervous system and cytotoxic which has a localized effect at the bite site. The asp venom that was most likely used by Cleopatra is both neurotoxic and cytotoxic and would have caused a particularly excruciating death. The venom first stops signals to the muscles, and later to the heart and lungs. Victims die from respiratory failure.

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream One of Shakespeare's most famous love potions is used by the fairy Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and made from a flower called ‘love-inidleness’, otherwise known as the wild pansy (Viola tricola). The potion is created when Cupid shoots an arrow at 'the imperial votaress' (Queen Elizabeth I), but misses and instead hits the flower. The petals turn from white to purple, and the flower's juice becomes a love potion. Puck then places the potion on the sleeping eyes of Lysander, and later Demetrius, which causes chaos in the forest. In the natural world, petal colour is an important feature of plants, as insects use petal designs to determine where they should land to collect nectar. Many insects can also see a broader spectrum of light than humans including ultraviolet, which means that flowers look significantly different in 'insect view'. Scientifically speaking, viola tricolor is not able to induce love, but extracts from the plant have been shown to be anti-microbial and cytotoxic. Cytotoxic chemicals can kill whole cells so may be able to treat diseases caused by uncontrolled growth, like cancers. There does however exist a 'love hormone' known as oxytocin which can foster feelings of love or affection in humans, and the hormone dopamine which is released when we kiss, has been found to stimulate the same areas of the brain as heroin and cocaine. This information has been taken from the magazine about Shakespeare Lives sponsored by The British Council. http://www.shakespearelives.org/

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Bookshelf Hynd

Nยบ 32 - October 2016

by Pat

Shroud, sudarium and holy grail Janice Bennet

One of the towns twinned with Torrevieja is Oviedo and in the park at the railway is a small replica of Oviedo cathedral. In the Oviedo cathedral the Sudarium is revered. The Sudarium of Oviedo is an ancient, bloodstained cloth that was rescued from the Persian invasion of Jerusalem in 614 AD. Believed to be the Sudarium of the Lord, it was hidden in a chest of relics and taken by sea to Spain. When the Moors invaded the country in 711, the Christians fled to the north with their relics, safeguarding their treasure in a well on the top of a mountain known as Monsacro. Fifty years later Oviedo became its permanent residence, and the cloth

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has been in the cathedral ever since, exposed very briefly on only three occasions every year. After nearly two thousand years of obscurity, scientists began to study the linen cloth in 1988. It is now linked to the Shroud of Turin because of the remarkable similarities between the bloodstains found on both relics. The Spanish Center for Sindonology (CES), the association responsible for the research, has discovered a wealth of knowledge about the Sudarium, first-century Jewish burial customs, and the meaning of the evangelical texts that mention the funerary linens. Their findings were published in Spanish in 1994, but have been unaccessible to the average reader. A sudarium is basically a “sweat cloth”, that is for wiping sweat away. The vestments worn at Mass by priests mostly have Roman origins as daily street wear. but have been decorated and encrusted with golden thread etc. The maniple is no longer used, but was meant to be hanging on the arm so that sweat could be wiped away. The bishop’s crozier had a cloth half way up, which served for the bishop or abbot to wipe his hands, sometimes known as pannisellus. Sudarium specifically refers to two relics of the Passion of Jesus, the Sudarium of Oviedo and the Veil of Veronica. Another sudarium is found in Altmünster,

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Germany, and was supposedly given to Saint Bilihildis; it is locally venerated since the 15th Century. In Alicante the Santa Faz relic is supposedly a copy of Veronicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veil. All great stuff for Indiana Jones and his investigations and adventures. The Shroud of Turin is in the Italian city of that name, dating back to at least 1354. The controversial shroud is a 4 1/2 meter, 7.62 centimeter long linen cloth that bears a remarkably detailed image of a bearded, long-haired man, with numerous lacerations over his body. It is the artefact that has been most likely examined many times and thoroughly by scientists of every ilk. Tradition, dating back to at least 1354 A.D., has it that the fabric, with its brownish, stain-like shadings, is the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Since the first photographs of it taken in 1898 showed the markings to be a "negative" rather than a "positive" image. The resulting "picture" resembles rubbings made from base-relief art works. Two NASA scientists Donald Lynn and Jean Lorre were drawn into the investigation of both the Turin Shroud and the Oviedo sudorium using the advanced image processing techniques. sophisticated computer analyses might be applied to negatives and color slides of the shroud obtained in 1973. They explained that many questions about various types of marks on the shroud remained unanswered: Was the body image formed from ammonia vapors absorbed into the linen threads, as thought in earlier years? Was it caused by a radiation phenomenon, as one analysis has indicated, or by processes of which scientists are still unaware? Are the dark spots at the wrists and feet directcontact blood stains? Is the image possibly a "picture" that was painted on? And how could investigators better distinguish between the original image and blemishes such as holes, wrinkles, and burns, scorching and water stains that damaged the cloth during a fire in the Sainte Chapelle in Chamery in 1532? The pictures they produced (using mathematical and contrast enhancement techniques) revealed a noticeably clearer image of the figure. "We didn't feel we made any major finds," says Lynn, "partly because we had poor quality negatives to work with. However, frequency analysis did tend to rule out the possibility that the figure was hand painted." A report by Dr. John Jackson and Dr. Eric Jumper of the Air Force Academy showed that the figure discernible on the shroud probably was that of a man 5' 10" tall, weighing about 175 pounds. These scientists ultimately hope to produce a three-dimensional statue of the body imprint. One unusual examination by Zurich criminologist Max Frie, indicated that pollen particles found on shroud fibers are indigenous to Palestine, Turkey, France, and Turin, at dates appropriate to the alleged history of the shroud aka 2,000 years ago. Is this cloth really 2000 years old? Is the image aormi@icloud.com

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Nº 32 - October 2016

truly the imprint of a human corpse? If so, whose image is it ? And, especially from the scientific viewpoint, how did that image get there?" Catholic authorities in Turin allowed the American science team to make an unprecedented 24-hour examination of the shroud itself. The team took infrared and ultraviolet photographs as well as conventional black and white and color pictures. Other team members made radiographic and X-ray fluorescence examinations. Primarily, they explored the mechanical formation of the unique "negative" image of a 5-foot-10 man with lacerations about his head, face and body. In another scientific investigation known as STURP, Max Frei applied commercial sticky tape to the Shroud to pic samples for Chemicals análisis. Later it was apparent that particles of dust started attaching themselves to the sticky are where the tape had been used: later tests used specially develop tape by IBM. Other tests included vacuum and endoscopic tests, Infra red, low powered x-ray exposures, UV Reflectance and Fluorescence Spectroscopy . The results? Still a mystery but conclusions were that the Shroud image is that of a scourged, crucified man. It is not the product of an artist. The blood stains are composed of hemoglobina and also give positive for serum albúmina. The image is an ongoing mystery and until more scientists come up with more technological testing it remains a mystery. From STURP report 1981 The possibility that repairs or reweaving were responsible for the medieval results of the 1988 radiocarbon dating of the Shroud of Turin is arguably the most hotly debated theory in all of Sindonology (outside of image formation). Yet to date, it is also the only argument that is supported by the observations of multiple, independent researchers (Benford & Marino, Rogers, Brown, Villarreal et al, Heimberger and others) who physically examined aormi@icloud.com

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and corroborated the data. Significantly, it was the first theory to openly challenge the results of the 1988 dating in the peer reviewed scientific literature.

Another favourite theme for films is that of the Holy Grail, the cup used at the Last Supper of Jesus and his apostles before he was captured and executed. Authoress Janice Bennet has another book about this, combining her research on the sudorium with the Holy Grail kept in Valencia.

Sacred

Blood,

Sacred

Image

is a comprehensive examination of these studies, which have been translated, expanded and explained in non-technical language by the author, now a member of the Spanish investigative team. In this book the reader will follow the odyssey of the cloth from the tomb to Oviedo, entering into the fascinating historical, scientific, cultural, and Biblical investigations that have led many to believe that the Oviedo cloth is the linen that had covered the head of Jesus of Nazareth, as mentioned in John 20:7. Twenty pages of color photographs appear in this beautifully published, 224-page hardcover edition. Many are from the Spanish Center for Sindonology (CES), and explain visually the bloodstains and wrinkles found on the cloth, its compatibility with the Shroud of Turin, how the cloth was used, and its historical odyssey from Jerusalem to Spain.

Since the time of Christ, many have wondered about the whereabouts of the cup used by Jesus of Nazareth at the Last Supper. Made of agate, with stripes that resemble fire, the relic was described in the legends of the Holy Grail, and sought by many when it was hidden in the Pyrenean Monastery of San Juan de la Peña after the Muslim aormi@icloud.com

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invasion of Spain. The Spaniard Saint Laurence, deacon and treasurer of the Church under Sixtus II, saved it from the third-century Roman Emperor Valerian by sending it to his homeland, and was consequently roasted on a gridiron. Centuries later, many endangered their lives rescuing it from the desecration and burning of the Cathedral of Valencia during the Spanish Civil War. The story is told here for the first time in English. In spite of a lack of written documentation, the tradition of Aragón, Spain, has always insisted that the agate cup of the Holy Chalice of Valencia was sent to Spain by Saint Laurence shortly before his martyrdom. Now, however, there is new evidence: A sixth-century manuscript written in Latin by Saint Donato, an Augustinian monk from Africa who founded a monastery in the vicinity of Valencia, provides never-beforepublished details about the martyr Laurence, who was born in Valencia but destined for Italy. It explicitly mentions the transfer of the Holy Cup of the Last Supper to Spain. The authoress, Janice Bennett, acquaints the reader with the enthralling story of the Holy Chalice, the renowned relic that embarked from the Last Supper on an amazing pilgrimage that providentially ended in the Cathedral of Valencia. The author presents abundant evidence for authenticity, delving into topics such as the importance of relics for the early Christians, the reliance of ancient civilizations on oral tradition, and the veracity of Saint Laurence’s death of the gridiron. The narration will dispel the erroneous notion that the Holy Grail was lost. Thirty-two pages of color photographs reveal the centuries-old popularity of Laurence in the area of Huesca, Spain, where locals are convinced he was the first savior of the Holy Grail. For centuries, the name of Saint Laurence and the Holy Grail have been linked. More information: http://www.janicebennett.com/Janice_Bennett/Welcome.html

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IBI Taxes UNTIL 3RD OCTOBER

An Improved service for foreigners :-) Like death, taxes are dreaded and the property tax is due now, BEFORE 3RD OCTOBER, collected by the organization SUMA. Usually paid once a year, it is possible to agree to pay it in installments by direct debit. Suma has a department to specifically assist citizens of other countries, who own property in Alicante Province, with the management and payment of local taxes and fees in English, French, German and Russian either on the phone or in person, with special prevalence in Suma's offices on the coast, from La Vega Baja to the Marinas. Informative campaigns have been used to increase the organization's publicity efforts principally English, French, German and Russian publications in Alicante. For further information consult:-

http://bit.ly/2bBWUlg

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Torrevieja - Where the Birds Go by Dave Stewart

One of the benefits that Torrevieja has is the natural Park of La Mata surrounding the salt lake. It is Fast becoming a tourist attraction in its own right with birdwatchers and those interested in astronomy. There are regular guided tours so that visitors can see, but not disturb the wildlife of the park. When there is a phenomenon in the sky such as the Perseides meteors then people gather together to watch the event without being disturbed by the city lights. There is an interpretation centre with lots of information about the flora and fauna in this part of Torrevieja. This area of protected land has a superficies of 3,700 hectares of which 2,100 are water. It is not only visited by tourists, but thousands of birds in season flying between northern climes and warmer areas of Africa. â&#x20AC;¨ The lake is bordered, not only by Torrevieja and La Mata, but Guardamar de Segura, Los Montesinos and Rojales so there is a shared interest in the use of the environs. As mentioned it is of international interest and in 1989 by a directive of the European Union was included in the zones of special protection ZEPA by the Ransar Convention. This forms a triangle with the salt flats of Santa Pola and the large area of the Hondo near Elche. In recent years over 200 species of birds have been recorded throughout the year, some passing through, others actually nesting. As we see less construction in Torrevieja area we can notice a significant increase in the number of birds, not only in the park area but also in the proximity of the salt workings. Possibly the best time to see birds are in springtime. But in October and November there are many exotic species fleeing the cold for their holidays in Africa. You too can enjoy your holidays better if you include a trip to the park natural of La Mata.

Uruguay Indian exhibition

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Uruguay Indian exhibition by Pat Hynd

The sala Noble de la Biblioteca of the MARQ Museum in Alicante has an interesting exhibition running until January about the work of the Guarani Indians in Uruguay. This covers an interesting historical period in Latin America where the Jesuit Order founded various self-sufficient mission stations in which the indigenous Indians lived, worked and prayed, living an Utopian existence during the17th Century. The Jesuits built a socio-cultural organisation that was envied by the Spanish and Portuguese colonists. The priests and Brothers taught the Indians a very high level of European culture intermingled with their own Guarani culture and art. They built large churches with a variety of images of Saints, stained glass windows, even musical instruments. Some of the results can be seen in this exhibition. The Guaranis had a natural disposition to music, “like the birds, they are singers by nature.” The Guarani had a natural flair for music and excelled at singing in choirs and a Jesuit brother, Anton Sepp, who had been a member of the famous Vienna choir, wrote music for them to sing. He also built the first organ in Latin aormi@icloud.com

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America and showed the Indians to make a range of musical instruments and how to play them. Br. Domingo Zipoli (although studied as a priest there s no record of him being ordained) was another brilliant musician and composer. In 1971 Hans Roth, wan architect, discovered over 2,500 folios of his work surfaced and have been performed in Britain. The Jesuits also taught them how to be soldiers and there was a police force in each district. On occasion the Indians fought on behalf of the Spanish crown, but this was all forgotten when the King Carlos III expulsed the Jesuits from all Spanish dominions. The Reductions, as they were called, fell into disuse, the Portuguese enslaved many Indians The angelic musicians in the illustration above are sculpted on and others melted into the jungle and their old the walls of the apse of a church in ways. ruins, in a remote area of Paraguay. This exhibition inevitably has a religious bent and many of the artefacts are damaged. The film “Mission” starring Jeremy Irons, Robert de Niro, Liam Neeson and Ray McAnally portrays this last phase in the work of the Jesuits.

Vikings:-

The MARQ Museums always has several exhibitions on at the same time. Amongst them is the exhibition " Vikingos. Masters of the North. Giants of the Sea " is also still on at the MARQ until January, 2017. Dedicated to the Vikings in the Mediterranean. This is allied to another local exhibition about the Viking incursions into the Alicante province, notably upriver to Orihuela. This large exhibition is in conjunction with the Copenhagen museum looking at one of the cultures and civilizations of the most exciting northern peoples of the history.

So it is a must visit when in Alicante and the MARQ Museum is located in the Plaza Goméz Ulla, Alicante, and open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 14:00 and 18:00 – 20:00, then on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 – 14:00. Entrance fee of 3 euros.

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NÂş 32 - October 2016

Safeguarding the Beaches by Dave Stewart

During summer Torrevieja had a new-style lifesaving outlook as a private company was hired to man the various beaches with 64 lifesavers. In general they coped well, but many people bemoaned the fact that they were a bit late in the year starting and that the Red Cross have done better over the previous decades. This year the Protection Civil also had a rescue team on beach duty. One problem is that the hours for lifesavers are rather limited so no-one need die before ten or after seven in the evening. Unfortunately several elderly people failed to realize this and swam just the same, and a couple died and others were rescued and taken to the hospital. Ideally if Torrevieja wants to be recognized as a tourist town then the position of lifeguards has to be redefined and a longer season from Easter until the end of September also recognized. This year also saw the introduction of a coastguard boat sailing several miles offshore with the aim of helping small boats in distress. Although only for July and August, the mayor would like to make this a more permanent feature of the lifesaving facilities of the town. Mind you it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prevent a small boat getting into the Palangre Curve beach with eight illegal immigrants. SAR Mesana is one of seven new coastguard boats that patrol the Spanish coastline and built in 2011 has a great maneuverability . The whole concept of what constitutes a tourist town and its obligations in respect of lifesaving and guarding the beaches needs a deeper study. Tourists need to feel safe when on holiday and flying blue flags wont make them feel safer.

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Nº 32 - October 2016

When mate is a drink by Pat Hynd

Further to the article on the exhibition in MARQ Museum we bring you mate - no not mate but Maté. Mate hypercorrected as maté in English to get the emphasis on the “e”, but never in Spanish or Portuguese, where it is often pronounced "jerba"), also known as yerba mate, chimarrão. In the heart of South America, Paraguay's answer to 100-degree heat is a centuries-old Guarani Indian refreshment. For many here, the early light of day is met with hot yerba mate. As the day progresses, businessmen and farm labourers alike stop to sip terere, a cool version of yerba mate. The drinking of hot or cold infusions of the native yerba plant is an intrinsic element in the everyday routine in both the country and the city. In South America's heartland -- Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil and northern Argentina -- yerba mate is drunk through a bombilla (straw) from sunup to sundown from plastic cup, from silver, from gold. The yerba is an indigenous plant that grows wild in eastern Paraguay.

ruins of San Ignacio mission

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"Terere is very refreshing, it doesn't have any calories and it gives you a little bit of stimulant, like Coke," said Dr. Meredith Smith, an American nutritionist doing research for Kansas State University's Department of Foods and Nutrition. A few years ago there were attempts to sell it in Spain, but it never caught on. Guarani Indians originally discovered the appeal of the yerba plant. When Jesuit missionaries arrived from Spain in the early 1600's, they found the Indians chewing the leaves of a plant later labelled Ylex Paraguayensis. After chewing these dark green leaves, the Indians were rejuvenated for work in sugar cane, cotton, tobacco or indigo fields. The Jesuits domesticated the wild plant and "Jesuit tea," as yerba mate was familiarly called, became a primary cash crop, first under missionary supervision and, later, in private enterprises. This became one of the main sources of income for the Reduction Missions ensuring a high degree of independence from the Spanish colonies. After their expulsion in the 1770s, the Jesuit missions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along with the yerba mate plantations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fell into ruins. The lores and rituals of drinking yerba mate are very much a part of Paraguayan life. Babies are given a version of the green tea made with milk, and are served galletas (biscuits). At the age of 13 or 14, a boy samples his first terere, an informal sign of reaching manhood.

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After the expulsion of the Jesuit order from Spanish territories in 1767, most Jesuit reductions in South America were abandoned and fell into ruins. The former Jesuit missions of Chiquitos are unique because these settlements and their associated culture have survived largely intact. Six of these former missions (all now secular municipalities) collectively were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 It is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, particularly in Argentina (where it is defined by law as the "national infusion"),Uruguay, Paraguay, the Bolivian Chaco, Southern Brazil and southern Chile. It is also consumed in Syria, the largest importer in the world, and by the Druze in Lebanon and popular in Syria. Attempts have been made to import it into Spain, but so far unsuccessfully. In recent years it has had a large USA market. Rather like a fondue it is often a family ritual sharing from the same gourd-like container and bombillo. Over recent years, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay have created a route that guides visitors through the sites of the 17th century Jesuit missions: this has now been extended into Argentina. The country has seen a growth in interest since the election of Pope Francis in 2013. The route through Argentina was opened recently by the country’s minister for tourism, Gustavo Santos, at a ceremony in the ruins of the Jesuit mission at San Ignacio Miní in north-western Argentina, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

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NÂş 32 - October 2016

Ecce botched Homo

I suppose everyone remembers the story four years ago of the elderly woman who decided to restore a fading paint of Ecce Homo in her local church..and botched the job. Everyone was aghast, but it turned out for the good as tourists flocked to see the messed up painting for themselves. At the time there was a lot of derision and mocking but now, thanks to social media, it has become an earner for the small town of Borja in Zaragossa. The widow, Cecilia GimĂŠnez, now 87, commented that the bad remarks made earlier had tunred into gratitude as the small town of nearly 5,000 inhabitants with the influx of foreign toursts wanting to see her handiwork. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

Now the whole episode has been turned into a comic opera performed in Borja by a professional singers and a local choir. A 45-minute abbreviated production of the opera, “Behold the Man,” was staged in the courtyard of the 16thcentury Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy church in Borja, where the fresco is encased on a wall, behind a clear cover. The opera was written by two Americans, Andrew Flack, the librettist, and Paul Fowler, who composed the music. It tells the story of Ms. Giménez’s restoration attempt and how it turned into an economic miracle for the city. The music seeks to reflect the wild nature of the internet, Mr. Fowler said. He cited among his inspirations “a Gregorian chant, a Spanish fandango, a Renaissance motet, a jota from Zaragoza, a classical chorus, an aria from the Zarzuela, a Flamenco tango, an indie-rock hook and a Swedish-house baseline.” The opera begins with a fairly traditional aria sung by the Cecilia character, “It’s Faith That Guides My Brush,” and shifts to a song that evokes the style of Lady Gaga, “Come Getcho Ecce.” This year, Borja inaugurated an interpretive art centre at the sanctuary, where visitors can paint their own versions of “Ecce Homo.” The city has also devoted an art exhibition to Elías García Martínez, who painted the original fresco, and to his two sons.

Friends again the artist and the restorer

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Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Torrevieja canals by Dave Stewart Acequion canal and the oldest construction in Torrevieja

Three Canals link two lakes and sea Everybody knows about Acequion canal that links the sea with Torrevieja lake and which gives its name to the district. This was originally built to balance the seawater with the lake water salinity, with the intention of introducing fish into the lake. But the lake water continued to be too salty for fish to survive. This is the oldest canal and the oldest construction in Torrevieja. There are two other Canals. One is the La Mata canal that runs under the main N332 road linking the sea at the Roman remains of a quay and a salt seasoning area. It is reckoned that the Romans used the salt from La Mata lake to season fish and even make the gram condiment.

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Canal linking sea to La Mata Lake

Nยบ 32 - October 2016

The third canal that united both lakes was finished on 29 March 1928, measuring 2,530 metres with an 880-metre tunnel under the Crevillente road and the old railway line. This canal had a pump station that fed the Torrevieja lake with a high salt mixture of water and clorium sodium to help increase the salt production. On average there are 250,000 tonnes of salt annually. In a way this meant that the La Mata lake supplied the Torrevieja one with sea salt water. Nowadays a fourth canal though tubes links Pinosa salt mine with the Torrevieja lake increasing the salinity of that lake

1927 Canal

A plan on the cards is to clean up the Acequion canal to make it easier for small boats to pass along and also to restore the footpaths. In this way it would be another tourist attraction and place to walk.

It might be an idea to do the same to the other canals and make a circular walking route through green zones, starting at the Acequion canal, along the green road of the old railway line, cross the road to the La Mata Lake and walk along the side of that until the canal is reached. With a bit of work this could also be used by bicycles. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Above the canal at La Mata close to the Roman remains. Below the Acequion canal where boats used to be built.

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Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

Children’s shoes affect the body

by Paloma Frutos Andreu

The type of shoes that we use is key to our health and our way of walking. The way that we have of walking reverberates notably on other areas of our body, many of them unimaginable THAT CAN BE A PROBLEM IN LETER YEARS . The first shoes of the baby have the aim to protect the foot and to provide balance and stability in order that the child feels secure and safe, at the best time that aids the good functioning and musculoskeletal development. The sole can be of leather or of rubber and has to fulfill two requirements; a good

flexion of the foot and that acts as a shock absorber for the impact of the foot on the ground. Draw small drawings in relief of the child’s feet, all you need is a bit of paper and marker. Shoe shops have sizes and measurement gauges. Buy what is comfortable and not just how pretty it the shoe looks. The mould of the shoe has to be broad so as not to compress the foot of the little one. The finished article has to be smooth to avoid frictions. Some children have broad feet and adequate shoes must be bought. When your baby's born, the bones in his/her feet are made of soft, flexible cartilage. T his gradually hardens over time. They won't be fully developed until late teens. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

The fastenings can be with velcro, clasps or cords, though what most matters is that they allow a wide opening of the shoe in order that the foot of the child can get in easily, without provoking forced positions or that the foot stays in bad position inside the shoe, for example, with the toes in the correct area. As for the materials, if the shoes are made of leather they will favour the perspiration and friction will be avoided. How do we know that it is the correct size? When of buying shoes for your child, there must be approximately a centimetre larger than their foot. To know this length, there must be the sufficient space in order that we can put a finger, between the shoe and the heel, always with the shoe loose and not tied. This space that we leave, is for the mobility of the toes, and for the growth of the foot in the next months.

If the shoe for child has a removable insole, we can measure the foot with this inside. If it is not possible to remove the insole, we must see that the toes do not hit the top end of the shoe. Also we must keep an eye often on a child’s feet as the often don’t notice any pain or discomfort. Should we notice some redness in the toes or in the heel, then possibly there is a need for a larger size shoe. So ensure that the sole is flexible and light with attention to the space and breadth with adequate support and safe and easy to use fasteners such as velcros, clasps or shoe laces. Socks or tights made from cotton, or a cotton and wool mix, will keep your toddler's feet warm while giving them room to develop. Regularly aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 32 - October 2016

check that she's wearing the right size, especially if you tumble dry them. Socks can shrink, and if they're too tight, this can restrict how your toddler's feet grow. Even if your toddler isn't walking yet, make sure that any soft booties she wears also have lots of room for her toes to move. If one foot is larger than the other then choose the larger size foot. It is advisable always to round up to the ext size of shoes if they are not in half sizes. Children have growth spurts, so measure the feet every six to eight weeks, when they are older it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be so frequent but before buying new shoes do measure the feet and not just order the previous size. Buying the right size is really important. Find a shop with a professional shoe-fitter, who can make sure you get exactly the right size for your toddler. The shoes should come in whole sizes and half sizes, with a choice of widths, so that you can get a pair that's a perfect fit. Blisters are often caused by new or ill-fitting shoes. If your toddler gets a blister, check her shoe-size in case her foot width or size has changed. Choose a suitable shoe and the correct size, it will help the healthy development of the foot of your child and help his/her posture.

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Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 32 - October 2016

This Time Next Year In Spain itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to separate religion from fiestas as so often they are the main theme of the celebrations. October is a month dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima and next year will be the centenary of her appearances to three children. Our Lady of Fatima has been the subject of much controversy and speculation. Though the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima took place almost a hundred years ago, Our Lady's call to prayer and penance for the salvation of souls and peace in the world is as relevant now as when first delivered to three Portuguese peasant children in 1917. At the peak of the First World War, Our Lady warned of another worldwide conflict, the rise and spread of Communism, and a terrible persecution of the Church unless people repented of their sins and returned to God. She also requested devotion to her Immaculate Heart and a special consecration of Russia. Much of what Our Lady of Fatima said was revealed soon after her appearances, but the third and final "secret", which was not a message but a prophetic vision seen by the children, was not unveiled by the Vatican until 2000. Pope John Paul II, who read the third secret while recovering from the attempt upon his life in 1981, believed the vision signified the sufferings the Church had endured in the twentieth century. So you can expect more fiestas in places such as Campo de Guardamar that have churches dedicated to Mary under this title of Fatima.

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Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

The Motorbike Challenge – Spain – October 2016 In October of this year (2016) father and son, Dave and Mitch Bull, are on the road along the whole coast of Spain (and along the border of Portugal) on two motorcycles, avoiding motorways and sticking to the edge of the country as far as the roads will allow. They plan is to cover the distance in 23 days and they will be stopping at schools along the way to ‘collect’ plastic bottle tops

Some great views but hairy bends

that each school will have been collecting up until the time the two bikers arrive. The bottle tops will all be gathered in a central place by postal service and handed in to raise funds for the AECC (Associacion Espanol Contra Cancer). This follows on from last year’s inaugural challenge for Mitch and Dave (The Kayak Challenge) when they raised three thousand euros by rowing 52 kilometres down the Rio Segura from Murcia to the coast at Guardamar.

To donate/Para donar: https://www.gofundme.com/2ggh7wqc

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Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Once again there will be 5 euros a solidarity calendar for 2017 with lots of information about fiestas in the area. It will be on sale from 6th October in various charitable outlets. The theme of the calendar is La Bella Lola representing the women of Torrevieja and their input into the life of the town in every aspect social and charitable works, pushing for justice, sports, culture, music, or as mothers, and all the 101 things that women do naturally. Each month has a splendid photograph donated by local photographers with special sections on the culture of the town as represented by musicians, dancers and theatre groups. Once again the sponsors of the calendar have paid all the costs of printing, enabling the calendar to be donated to the various organizations free for them to sell at five euros for their own funds. Our sponsors are:Alamo Costa Blanca Inmobilaria, Atlas Seguros, Aroca & Sequier abogados, Currency Direct, Mapfre (Brithol) Insurance. On 8th October there will be a Charity Fair in Torrevieja for voluntary organizations on the promenade close to the statue el Hombre del Mar and calendars will be on sale there by some associations. Some of those selling calendars in shops and centres will be AGE CONCERN, HELP, AEEC , AFA ALZHEIMERS' ASSOCATION, K9, RBL, REACH OUT, etc.

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Torrevieja Outlook

y ar u r b Fe FEBRERO

ust AugAGOSTO

. músic a de samba a la hora de la ente y danza vestir osten tosam mujer es poder se prest a a las o de fiesta que tiemp MI un es DO NGO . • El carna val of samba music SÁBADO dance to the time flamb oyant ly and able to dress VIERNES wome n being Day cer lends itself to that Can S time VE JUE Carniv al is a fiesta ake day

AY WEDNESD

TUESDAY

MONDAY

S MIÉRCOLE

MARTES

LUNES

k Interfaith wee

Wetland s Day

06 Radio Day

Valentine day

day Pancake Tues

Full Moon

MONDAY

TUESDAY

LUNES

MARTES

Notes:

Irish Holiday

Notes: r es the Flou offices. In Plan local tourist on is held in check your Queen Competit . The V Drag of February festival is held kend (13-15) na. The the middle wee In Xixo . in e vieja plac Torre take tian parades “Festival del Moors & Chris 15) begins the re Lent (13n of Altea la weekend befo is held, patro o de la Salud” Santísmo Crist l associations loca Vella. with of Andalucia ts. even e 27th Feb. Day danc tional song and the “Festa holding tradi the start of Lent 27th prior to The Monday in Agres. del Pi” is held de la Cremà

112 EMERGENCY 062 Guardia Civil 092 al Policia Loc al 091 Policia nacion 200 pital 965 721 Hos ieja Torrev /4453 os 966 704 433 FIRE/ Bomber LENCE 016 DOMESTIC VIO

Assumption Bank Holiday

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

LUNES

MARTES

MIÉRCOLES

JUEVES

VIERNES

SÁBADO

DOMINGO

Notes:

Int Sports Day

10 -19th - Passover

Bank Holiday

Full Moon

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

19 26

Yom HaShoah

UK Bank Holiday*

Notes:

Elche: first two weeks "Settlers' Festival" Iberians, Romans, Moors. Aspe: celebrations all month. 1 - 8th: Pinoso Patronal Fiestas. Los Alcazares: 46th International Week of Sea and Orchards. La Union: 57th International music festival – Cante de las Minas. Torrepacheco: Melon Festival depending on harvesting. Dolores: Livestock fair. Torrevieja: Salsa Festival Torrevieja.

4 - 5th: C. Quesada Local Festival. 5 - 6th: Torrevieja San Emigdio Festival in Parque de las Naciones. 12th: Altea Castel de Olla - wonderful musical firework display. 11/15th: Callosa del Segura - Moors & Christians 11/15th: Cocentaina Moors & Christians 11/16th: Bigastro Patronal Fiestas of San Joaquín. 11/15th: Xixona folklore dance festival followed by Moors & Christians. 11/16th: Denia Moors & Christians. 13th: Elche firework display as part of all month

ya la pla

22 29

Juvenil Habaneras Lyrids Meteor shower

Y SDA DNE WE

Y SDA TUEARTES

Easter/Pascua Irish

ay holid

procession of the Resurrection Encuentro in Alcoy, Torrevieja and many other towns. The Monday following Easter Monday (23rd) is a local holiday, the feast of San Vicente Ferrer, known as the day of la mona; a sweet bread is eaten at picnics, sometimes containing a boiled egg. On the same day a “Romería” is held in Benidoleig: Other fiestas are in Benejama, Biar, Guardamar del Segura, La Nucía, Torrevieja. Moors & Christians parades in Teulada and San Vicente de Raspeig over this weekend. On this weekend thousands of people take part in the “Romería” of the Virgen del Rosario in Albatera that dates back to the 16th century, the group ending up at the

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sanctuary of Serralba at the foot of the mountains. Torrevieja - XXIII Juvenil Habaneras. Torrevieja - Nagar Kirtan, Sikh procession 22-23th: The Moors & Christian festivities in Busot are held for 4 days falling on the weekend after Easter Sunday. 16-19th: Cocentaina holds the Mare de “Déu del Miracle” fiestas. 27th: Thursday large Santa Faz procession in Alicante. 8/9 - 23th: Infantil “Habaneras” competitons. Los Alcázares - Medieval market with Berbers parades. 22-24th: Exceptional Moors & Christian Fiestas in

Torrevieja Outlook

Ocean

17 16

15 14

AY FRID

Sacr

ed He

St. An

estas

art Fi

ng th

Troopi

Ho Juan

s: Note

DAY

guer

Ends adan day Ram e June Anti-Slav tas es les Fi Roja

l ra de Seño of estra ors of Nu d doct an nour in ho moradí ta Al es in a Fi s : Is corro Tapa Paul 27th l So Mata ter & etua / La SS Pe Perp e Day stival ute. ieja. fuge d Fe tral. ro d Ca iente, Torrev ja seafoo pas Int. Re a Or ra an da ta ie l Segu s in Plaz Torrev la Horada de ta de mar & arda t Fies Pilar oors r, Gu Hear ith M nata cred s w del Pi : Sa Fiesta 27th nal 20 Patro de. ieja. in para tral . Torrev th: Ca olor brated l Pego tic le ul in 24 Ce m ul. ar de tians 22 - ns and a Chris Peter & Pa Guardam and Day ja. tia rs & and bia. rrevie Chris Slave : Moo of Saints tians; in nissa Altea in Xà in To Anti- d-al-Fitr t 28th a in ris in Be a and in eria eras Ei tas. 27 Padu : Feas rs & Ch ristians Rom rc : Hogu nio Fies June Taba Ch nio de 24th h Moo to nia. 29th nd of Anto roug 14 n An rs & in Dé s with San e Isla a Sa Moo ns th le ld th of at gi ja t a; he M ni Ro La tas on evieja. ival be : Feas s are ra, Dé ja, Fest rr l Fies 19th In Fiesta ulada. Segu 17 rrevie trona etas of To orio. l Jazz inity in Te t. Pa Greg rm, To Calpe, Mata. e Holy Tr aciona en Agos tians d Torr San nido in la : Th Intern a Virg Chris ante, Be s of jama, ata an a, 19th esta rs & ntísim s area. ic Javier La M , Bene Cid, Déni 17 es Fi in Al San la Sa : Moo po dorm del dro lebrat estas of Cam and in - 21th Hogueras ly. Beni Pe ce rte in , Ju t n 19 s tfo Fi dà : to l , Sa ales esta wns Mon 24th a, Beniar linas Guad e Patrona holds Fi bia, any to r towns 20 i 5th: th las Sa Alte in m ía), Xà ld; Ib othe lalí, júzar ated omer Miguel de wing Alca de; are he ti celebr Bene la (R para e follo a Po sario , San val on th Chris Sant rgos edie del Ro sion rpus de Go ith m a proces is Co Gata ty w 7th: ld ci ho ja ncia s. rrevie Vale esta ing To nio Fi includ Anto la. ay. a St. Mario Sund rrelamat es de : To nyar 13th in Ba ería m Ro

tony

Int Jazz Day

honour of Saint George in Alcoy and Banyares de Mariola. Orihuela Costa three-day market and entertainment in honour of St George. 23rd: Public holidays in Aragón and Castlla y León. 23rd: 1 May Benifallima hold Moors & Christians parades. 27th April to 3 May: Jávea celebrates the Fiestas of Jesús Nazareno. 28th April - 1 May: Moors & Christians fiestas in Onil. 29th: Int. Dance Day 30th April - 3rd May: Moors & Christians in Granja de Rocamora.

06 13

SUN

DAY

UR SAT

s Day

Juvenil Habaneras Lyrids Meteor shower S. George/Day of book

. rta nte y im po rts . nt pa pe l mu O im po rta ga n un pa ING pla y jue t DOM d gir ls ac ha s ecos me n an es y mu ch wo Pent e jer wh er las mu e oc io d el Ro Ro cío , do nd DO an an el ÁBA Sa n Ju n Ju an y S of as Sa ho gu er na de -lo ng a la se ma ek we S en tod e the ay inc lud ho gu er as RNE Sund sta s en VIE Trinity nday rk s. Fie s inc luy June inity Su an d pa La s fie sta Tr un try of co y pa rq ue s. all ur e jes VES joy the los pa isa E en n JU de ca op le ca nto on ,pe tar de l en ra cti risti im e att ed e dis fru us Ch pu is a pr LES Corp er’s Day be ac h l, la ge nte RCO th n ipa ug h the oon MIÉ UK Fa as begi Alt ho ció n pr inc Full M guer atr ac ur Ho lo la a se e Co

Y NDA MOUNES

Humanitarian Day

Torrevieja's annual Band festival begins, going into September.

Y SDA HUR

Autism Day

Perseids Meteor Shower

fiestas, incl. film festival. 14/15th: Elche Medieval Mystery play and Medieval Music Festival. 14th: Orihuela livestock fair. 15/16th: Torrevieja SS Roque & Ana Fiestas. 24th: Orihuela and San Bartolomé Fiestas. 27 -28th: Hondón de los Frailes Summer Fiestas 27 - 28th: Formentera del Segura Fiestas. *28th: UK Bank Holiday not Scotland/Anti nuclear day

e JUNIO n u J

19 Semana Santa begins on Friday 7th April with the Virgen de Dolores. Palm Sunday begins the daily processions of Holy Week with midday palm procession and in the evening the start of the nightly processions. Good Friday is the last of the main nightly processions, but on Saturday another one is the tambores, drum parade. Murcia, Lorca & Cartagena’s Holy Week processions are of national Touristic Interest as is the Parade of Tambors in Mula. 14-16th: Good Friday to Sunday an Artesan Fayre is held in Xàbia. Early Easter Sunday morning there is a magnificent

Youth Day Perseids Meteor Shower

DOMINGO

s: Note

SUNDAY

SÁBADO

Au nq ue

SATURDAY

VIERNES

Partial Solar Eclipse

H o l y W e e k p r o c e s s i o n s c o n t i n u e s t o b e p o p u l a r w h e n w o m e n c a n p a r t i c i p a t e a s fl o a t c a r r i e r s , h i d d e n u n d e r h o o d s , o r w e a r i n g l o v e l y m a n t i l l a s – b l a c k o n w e e k d a y s a n d w h i t e o n E a s t e r S u n d a y r e p r e s e n t i n g h o p e a n d j o y . Procesiones de Semana Santa continúa siendo popular cuando las mujeres pueden participar como portadores del tronos, ocultos como capirotes, o usando mantillas negras en días laborables y blancas el domingo de resurrección que representa esperananza y alegría.

MONDAY

Local Bank Holiday

FRIDAY

JUEVES

AprilABRIL

THURSDAY

MIÉRCOLES

Lunar Eclipse

Full Moon

ay next, the Ash Wednesd time Tuesday with d is also the 9th: Pancake a. This perio l on or Cuaresem with traditiona is the celebrati start of Lent zgo - Market in Pego there the El Pinos Villa cement of carnivals and the men 9th - 10th: for com re the n vieja al food. Bullent” whe Saturday befo and the Torre Ríu the music and typic des del on Lour ada of h to “La Baix Bernadette n from paris a variety of on ival known as essio 11th: Saint carn proc river a ciation hold go down the materials. Lourdes Asso recyclable youngsters Ash els using ival parade. kend before emade vess parish. carn wee m hom the Crea on Jijona: Ice a "Burial of usually held de Alcoy, 16th -17th Carnivals are ival parade with Calpe, Muro cante - carn in Alacant, damar del Cartagena/Ali Wednesday r, Pego, Guar nt del and has a alla, Pedregue . nte, Sant Vice the Sardine" Benidorm, Cast for its carnivals Juan de Alica ia is famous but do ra, Villena, San Aguilas in Murc and Novelda, Segu vieja . Torre eum Mus Xàbia, d in Sax. eig, Xixona, great Carnival lia is celebrate Rasp Eula a Sant t of 12th Feb.: Feas . ntine 14th St. Vale

WEDNESDAY

Scot Bank Holiday

Full Moon

Panc Ash Wed

In the heat of summer families enjoy holidays together, making use of beach and salt lakes. En verano las familias puden disfrutar de unas vacaciones juntos, pasando grandes momentos en las playas, parques y salinas de Torrevieja.

Notes:

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

Nº 32 - October 2016

Torrevieja Outlook

ULIO July J

LUNES

DAY TUESTES

FRIDAY

02 09

12 11

Habanera

s Habanera

Habanera

Day

Int Women’s

Water Day

y in o Holida Santiag e Places som

nts Day

Grandpare

. . l del día the day end of la paz al fina rar ce at the find pea pue de enc ont an can a wom de una muj er whe re ina s don t lak es the sal sol en las Sal NES set s at de VIER dou s sun s pue sta s pen mit s stu de est upe nda gs per tar r eve nin de dis fru ES Sho rte se pue JUEV cor tas y hes más

Y RSDA

noc En las

Note s:

AY NESD

WED RCOLES MIÉ

AY UESD TES MAR

ints All Sa Holiday Public

THU

Da alism

AY FRID

on r Meteo Taurids Shower

Full Mo

06 Diabe

14 13

tes Da

15 22

21 20

30 29

y ws Da

Almora sta in w fie . Andre towns Saint rious 30th: s in va ration celeb

g five s, lastin a. Fiesta reviej tronal h in Tor Churc orm Pa Benid Siesta fa”. Carxo ekend: en de la tuary. ay wh 2nd we “Festa l Sanc . c Holid of fae orm bli s Ra Pu nid n ys. Catalina da Be Sa nal grave Santa ekend: Nucía to the a Natio clean the luding sta of cession 3rd we Day is ies, in La ns, inc the fie th a pro Saints ería” meter rates on 25 me tow the local “Rom 1st: All the ce a celeb ” and rs. So visit flowe ce to Teulad ry of ogueras 22nd: people ones and lay memo s servi has “H . in o bu i ina os e d The Pin in Tib Catal a fre Onil. 24th: departe ería” Santa have arby ur of d “Rom “La ieja il. in ne in hono Fiestas an Torrev s in On Host rket of th: cred r fiesta val Ma and ria. tery. 28 - 30 the Sa 28th simila Medie ceme lena Fe , music ft of ntaina wares ek: Vil the the the nearest to 1st we : Huge Coce held offers ” is day 3rd Satur Sants 1st s. La Tots els fiesta ma. Fira de ing at tronal includ ular dra l Pi Pa ces, spectac lfàs de y servi th: L’A ce da 7 - 10 mbran Reme th: 11

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Note

dre

St. An

od Day

ish d Scott dí an

DAY

Webpages and Lin

info www.torrevie ja.com www.torrevie jatur (Hospital) www ismo.com .torrevieja.sa Dr. appintm lud.com ent (Cita) www.sa.gva.e s/citaprevia www.tuplanc ostablanca.c www.eurotou om rguide.com Facebook torreviejaoutlo ok

THU R

FRID AY

VIER

NES

05 12 18

24|31

Hallow een

UK Mothering Day Clocks forwa rd

SDAY

23|30

Day

BRE

NES

World Fo

19 San Jose Fathers Antislavery Day

Notes:

Iri Clock sh Holiday back (30th)

24 23

WED

10 16

Full Moon

Th er Ha y mu ch as as e ar e ma ny su pp or oc iac ion t as es de ay ud a so cia tio ns en To rre in vie ja. To rre vie ja an MIÉ Du ra nt e es te d th is mo nt RCO h La Lo me s se LES la pu ed e ve r a dr aw at te nt “L a Lo ion to la” co n el sím br ea st ca nc JUEV er . bo lo de ES l cá nc er de ma ma .

26 25

MAR DAY TES

TUE S

wkes Guy Fa er r Show Meteo

ce Da

mbran

Reme

05 Taurids

SÁ

DOM

RDAY SATUBADO

Journ

DAY SUN INGO

LUN AY ES

18 25

DOMING

OctoObCer TUB

berRE m e VIEMB O N Nov

Note

S. Patrick Day

SUNDAY

SÁBADO

mel “Milagro is held in de la Lágrim 19th: Public a”. 8th March: holiday in Castil Procession la La Mancha, in Mutxamel. Rioja, Madri Galicia, La March/April d, Melilla, effigies, on : Torrevieja Murcia, Navar only. the 19th March Radio Contr ra, Valenciana exposition in olled boats . Other place celebrate with Park of Nation s that 19th - 29th: Fallas are: Albala s. 17th March y The Moors t, Alboraya, Algemesi, Algen & Christian Da: Rocío Choirs “Encu Alcasser, district of Villafr parades in et, Alzira, Benag ndship entro”. the Frie15th anqueza in Alican - 23rd: San uasil, Benifa Buñol, Catarr io, Bétera, Vicente de te are held. 21st: Almor oja, Dos Aguas Raspeig Moors Christians and adi holds a , Gandía, Manis Ontenient, Patern San Moors & Christ & Emigd es, Oliva, service of the io remembranc a, Picassent, ians in Denia 17th: St. Patric 1829 earthq e . Puzol, Sagun Sueca, Taver uake. k, three day to, Valen nes Silla, de la Valldigna, fiesta in Orihu cia city Daya Vieja and Fallas fiesta ela Costa, Torrent, Utiel, among others Lorca. s are well-k internationa Xativa . Burriana, lly as being nown Vall d’Uixo, Viver. Alican spectacular Peñíscola and beginning on te city, Denia and important 15th, with the , Calpe, Guard Segura, Pego Crema, the amar del and Benidorm burning of the l. and hel Mazza ron. in La in Benitac

MON

DAY MONNES

Wildlife Day

SATURDAY

VIERNES

edio. s del Rem Virgen Christians al Fiesta h: Patron ar Moors & idorm, 22 - 25t lo, Ben as Spectacul Campel ns such ta Pola, 24th : men: El many tow yosa, San those del Car a. ajo iday in yos Vill en ong Villajo Local Hol nd, La 16th: Virg are am Jaime. feast s. San arca Isla Cox, Moraira sta h: this Tab 25t al Fie l. bines ia, Calpe, itachell ar Patron llím y Oni a. and Xàb Altea com ijóf Ben efa ieja in ta. Ben Ben rev ueñ Tor this fies ería in da, Los Christians s in Alg in ebrate Horada 26th: Rom Moors & al Fiesta , the ma who cel ea. r de la Peter. Poblets a are Raspeig. h: Patron in Orba. t of St. ans in Jáv a s in Pila 28 - 30t Patronal ” in Els Fiestas Magdalen a de with tha s with & Christi t: Fiesta h July. . Patronal al carrer ta María our huela. lada, Gat the 25t t: Moors Ondara r Fair end “Bous 30 - 31s y: San . y in hon es) in Ori Orba, Tue 17- 21s around Summe ta Ana in os, and flowers 14th Jul 16th Jul Jaime Tollos, ending las (bonfir honour of San Valencia Montesin battle of ceding irrama, in Tibi, our San August 17th: Fal ts and a week pre fiestas ura hon stas in rfull, Ben floa Fie Seg ada ima g July into ra. th: l. Ben ate in Cañ mar del 19 -26 of flowerin sica Festiva es Fiestas huela, Alb . men. in ades. Mu t : Guarda Parade Banyar Gorgos del Car ans in Ori a celebrated Mar de 20 - 21s & Christians par Magdalena in l. of Virgen & Christi Cartagena ría ors Festiva Magdalen istian parades. h: Moors del Pi. with Mo Santa Ma ier Jazz 15 - 22t Chr ta María stas of this San Jav l in L’Alfás Benicassim. our of the h: San Moors & Festiva time for 22nd: Fie l in tas in hon gre”. 15 - 25t h Romería and a. 29th: Film Music Festiva tas at this ante fies of de la San de Mariol h August: Alic elda wit many fies fiestas el “Día tional d s Nov the rna hol ate Inte ebr - 11t re are towns Fair and trict 22 July Pego cel nth the zura dis Castellón dí begins 1st July: nd of the mo the Dul Almora saint. sual fun eke talla: in patron August: parades. First we g” in Cas of Benifato. Unu y - 4th Christians a de la San 7th Jul ors and “Bouet Pedro are Tárbena. and Mo stóbal. the San fiestas San Cri rins” in in Ibi: in las Fad e del fiesta de “de ent the of s Vic fiestas in San celebrate y: Biar ay fiesta 10th Jul Hogueras 4-d h: 8 - 10t

24|31

Day

deporti vas y un program a deporti vo con muchas oportun idades para las mujeres .

FRIDAY

JUEVES

1st: s Fiesta of eraThe the Miracle Haban of the Tear Mutxa

30 Hepatitis

Poetry Day Downs Syndr ome Day

St. David Day Balearics First Ash Wedn Day esday

15 14

Carmen 27

for women. • Torrevi eja cuenta con excelen tes instala ciones

THURSDA Y

RCOLES

Virgen del

06 05

13 on Full Mo

Habanera

Pentecost

Notes:

GO DOMIN

MIÉ

LUNE

WEDNESD AY MIÉ

MARTES

AY SUND

DAY SATUR

MAR

AY MOND S

TUESDAY

THUR

ESDAY WEDN ES RCOL

ch Mar MARZO

Torrevi eja has excelle nt sports faciliti es and a sportin g program me with many opportu nities

Notes:

en. en. del Carm del Carm the Virg en nero s la Virg en on sain t de los Mari thei r patr fies ta of la Patr ona seam en’s y la Fies ta de s, and the SÁBADO ane ras com peti tionrnac iona l de Hab ras song ión Inte l Hab ane S NE rnat iona Conc urso de Canc ER Inte VI k long son el mes que are the wee n even ts cipa les en este Two mai tos prin JUEVES dos even dest aca r

SDAY

Pode mos

MONDAY

Nº 32 - October 2016

URD AY D

SÁBA

Full M oon

Hispa ni Public c Day Holiday

SUN

01 07

19 25

SAT

DOM DAY ING O World M

usic D

Draco

nids M eteo Show r er

14 20

Octobe r is th e mon the Ro Breast th of sary, Canc the An so fie each stas te gels Rosh er Day Sund and th nd to ay of Hasha de la e Virg have the m na Aurora a relig en of onth Orioni ” are ious be Benijó the so ds Met sung An far an ng nt an . s of th in Be On nual To eo d Gran With nferri, e “Ros rr an ja de Show r fiestas ev d ie Callo ario hand ja even Roca er on sa de week lers. t is th Orioni Torrev Segu or long 9th and 12 mora. e Agili ds Met ra, ieja Ou th man weeke Severa ty Tria eo tle 1s nd ho t Fair y peop l ls for t - 10 Show r liday. and Ol dogs le will Oktobe towns no th : er Patro Fiesta d Book w take rfest 9th: nal Fi s in Pi a s Torrev Fa Vi includ hold a Ge es rg ir. lar de tas of 1st ieja. ing rman Rojale en del Ro la Ho 4th: M Ra Calpe, Torrev fa sa ra s and style l and dada oors rio Fi 1st ieja al Torrel . & Chris beer estas Orihue 7th: Pe Patro 2n so ho d: am nal are he tians la Moo trer ho ata (T lds an Fiesta Costa, in Crev ld in orrevi Sund nours annu s of Se rs & Chris Albate illente eja). ay of al Asso the Vi tians lla an 1st ra, . Octobe rgen ciatio in Be Carass d in Pl 9th: Al del Re r the de la ns Da nidorm anes. es” is coy ho 6th medio Hora y. carniv , Patro held 7 - 12 lds 7th: and ev al type with 12 - 15 dada. nal th: Pa Guarda a week of Festiv ol ery d tro th: El Fi tra “Baile esta tra nal Fi al of mar ditiona Campe 19th of “les the Vi estas del Vi del Se ditional da l da - 22 llo Moo rgen no of Lo nc 17 - 19 gura ”. del Ro s Mon nces. rs & Ch 13 - 15 nd: Calpe celebr ing th: Th sario. te Fiesta sinos ristia th: Pa e Holy ates 8th s. n Fies and 16 trona 30th: the 11th: Trinity tas. l Fies San Cr th Moors Fi 12th tas of ispín & Chris estas are 15 - 30 Oct.: Benim Fiesta held Natio tians th: Fe Pilar antell. s in El in Dé nal Ho in ria 22 celebr Ca ni in Ville nd che. liday llosa a. ated in ho d’El Sa na. 30th: in ev Qu no rrià. Calpe ur of intas” ery to the Vi . wn, bu holds rgen 30th: t espe the “G del The Vi cially ran Dí rgen in Pila a de del Ro r sario las in Gran ja de Roca mora.

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

All Change in Nature

Buddhist monks tread warily on the ground. It is not because they are frightened of stepping on a thorn, but rather of killing an insect. Part of their belief is that we are all re-incarnated again in some other form, it may be another person, but could be an animal or even an insect, depending on how well we did in our anterior life. Buddhists are very close to nature and other religious leaders are urging coherent action to avoid disaster for humanity. Most observers would acknowledge the vital role played by Pope Francis as the conscience of the climate talks by politicans. His encyclical, Laudato Si’, was a real game changer—a shot in the arm for the negotiators at the April Paris climate talks as they reached final conclusions and promises. And it was not just Pope Francis. Other religious leaders spoke out with force and passion. Leading representatives of the different faiths—Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu—issued timely statements on the moral imperative to care for the earth. And faith-based petitions amounting to almost 2 million signatures were presented to President Hollande during the negotiations. When the climate march, cancelled for security reasons, was replaced by a sea of shoes in the centre of Paris, the image of the pope’s well-worn footwear was beamed across the globe. It sent a compelling message— Pope Francis stands (quite literally) with you. But although all these respected churchmen want to do something about climate change it is up to the politicians to have the will, planning and Financing of altering things befote our children will suddenly aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

find themsleves in different temperature zones. With Americans, in particular and especially president candidate Donald Trump, in denial that there is a global change caused by humanity’s use of energy. There is no doubting that Trump has a large following who deny that they have anything to do with any weather changes. The Paris Agreement provided that every country put forward a national contribution every five years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (or update it for countries whose contributions cover a longer period). This contribution should grow over time. On September 27, the COP22 Scientific Committee organized an international conference in Skhirat, Morcco, “Measuring Adaptation For Concrete Action”, chaired by Nizar Baraka, President, COP22 Scientific Committee. The event brought together national and international experts to advance the debate on evaluating climate change adaptation. Participants included economists, academics, researchers and international organizations such as the World Bank, World Health Organization, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Federation of Moroccan Insurance Companies, GIZ, University of Cape Town and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The event opening words were by Abdeladim Lhafi, COP22 Commissioner, followed by 4 thematic panels, the closing panel and closing remarks. • Panel 1: Adaptation metrics for the financial sector: opportunities and challenges • Panel 2: Measuring Adaptation through its impact on resilience • Panel 3: A sectorial approach • Panel 4: Linking adaptation metrics with SDG metrics Morocco is particularly concerned by the issue of adaptation and will share its experience in water resource management and food security during the conference. Climate change adaptation is a priority for the COP22 Moroccan Presidency and will be front and center during the conference in Marrakech, November 7-18. So some politicians are taking climate change seriously, but is that enough.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

There are two interlocking dimensions. The first is obviously to increase ambition in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We know that decarbonization over the course of the century is feasible. The technology is getting better all the time. The experts tell us the required energy transition costs in the range of 1-2 percent of GDP (Gross domestic product) a year. As a point of comparison, world military spending is close to 2 percent of global GDP. And the IMF tells us that fossil fuel subsidies amount to a whopping 6.5 percent of global GDP, largely because polluters are not paying the full social costs of their activities. So it is less a matter of resources than priorities. The second dimension is for the developed countries to help their poorer neighbors cope with climate change—both to invest in renewable energy and adapt to the effects of a changing climate that are already built in. This is not “charity”, or even “aid”. It is rather a matter of justice. It should be seen as a debt owed by developed countries to developed countries, as these countries grew rich from burning fossil fuels at the expense of their poorer neighbours. In this sense, the Paris agreement rightfully calls the pledge of $100 billion a year a floor rather than a ceiling. But that pledge now needs to be backed up with real money, which to date has been sorely lacking. As we move into the next phase—the move from grand commitments to concrete actions—this moral dimension will become even more important. It will be the best antidote to waning ambition, to political distraction, and to the reassertion of narrow economic interests. This has special resonance in the United States, where leading politicians deny the very existence of climate change and threaten to shred the Paris agreement the moment they gain power.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 32 - October 2016

In a report called The Truth About Climate Change, they said many people seemed to think of global warming as “abstract, distant and even controversial”. But the planet is now heating up “much faster” than anticipated, said Professor Sir Robert Watson, a former chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and one of the authors of the report. The world could hit two degrees Celsius of warming – the point at which many scientists believe climate change will become dangerous – as early as 2050, a group of leading experts has warned. Even if all the pledges to cut emissions made by countries at Paris are fulfilled, the average temperature is set to reach that level in the early 2030s and then 2C by 2050, they said. The report said that full implementation of the pledges made at Paris would require wealthy countries to give a total of $100bn a year – as promised at the summit – to poor countries to help them transition to a zero-carbon economy. There is a movement, not only to ban plastic shopping bags, but anything to do with plastics. Ocean Plastic Will be Found in 99 Percent of Seabirds by 2050 -

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Torrevieja Outlook

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 32 - October 2016

Torrevieja Outlook