038 april torrevieja outlook

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038 April 2017

Fiestas Calendar – Alcoy Moors – Mona – Banyeres de Mariola – Santa Faz – Sikh Festival in Torrevieja – Los Alcazares Berbers – Passion of Holy Week – Sweet Side of Holy Week – Alicante processions – Elche’s Palms – Orihuela Mobile Museum – Murcia Sea of Colour – Torrevieja Holy Week line-up – Lorca’s Blues and Whites – Crevillente – Onil Moors & Christians – Books & Roses – Castile & Leon – Cheese, please – April Fools – Juvenile Habaneras – Band Festival in Torrevieja – Miniature Naval Exhibition – Book Fayre – Archives – Too Much Water is Dangerous – Heart attack and Strokes – Expo Torrevieja 2017 – Casita del Arte – When Wine is not Wine in Appearance – What’s On? aormi@icloud.com

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APRIL FIESTAS CALENDAR IN ALICANTE PROVINCE

Alcoy Moors & Christians in honour of Saint George (Jorge) are of Interés Turístico

Because Easter falls in April this year Semana Santa will be the most important fiestas although there are many more including the start of the Moors & Christian season.

On Easter weekend (Good Friday to Sunday) an Artesan Fayre is held in Xàbia.

Easter Sunday in Alcoy sees a magnificent procession of the Encuentro. This is held in several towns.

The Monday following Easter Monday is the feast of San Vicente Ferrer, known as the day of la mona. Some towns celebrate it before or after the day. A Romeria is held in Benidoleig: other fiestas are in Benejama, Biar, Guardamar del Segura, La Nucia, Torrevieja. Moors & Christians parades in Teulada and San Vicente de Raspeig hold wonderful parades over this weekend.

On this weekend thousands of people take part in the Romeria of the Virgen del Rosario in Albatera. This event dates back to the 16th century the group ending up at the sanctuary of Serralba at the foot of the mountains. Usually the town lays on a giant paella for the occasion after the mass.

The Moors & Christian festivities in Busot are held for 4 days falling on the weekend after Easter Sunday.

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Santa Faz pilgrimage in Alicante after Easter attracts thousands of people 11 April Virgen del Milagro procession in Relleu.

18 - 19th April Cocentaina holds the Mare de Déu del Miracle fiestas.

21 April Alcoy Trilogy 22 April Hogueras in the streets of Onil.

22 - 24th April Moors & Christian Fiestas in honour of Saint George in Alcoy.

22/&23 St. George festivities in many towns possibly including in Orihuela Playa in the parking lot behind the satellite town hall which is converted into a market, stage with various dancers and musicians plus a load of bars and take away stalls.

22 - 25th April Moors & Christian Fiestas of Banyares de Mariola.

Mig Any in Alfas del Pi 27th April On the Second Thursday after Easter Sunday an enormous romería of la Santa Faz in Alicante.

On the 4th Sunday, from the previous Friday, the patronal fiestas of Benissa last for a week in honour of the Purissima Xiqueta Virgen.

23rd April - 1 May Benifallima hold Moors & Christians parades.

22nd April to 3 May Jávea celebrates the fiestas of Jesús Nazareno.

Last Saturday of the month the Festa de Romer takes place in Xaló.

28th - 29th Torrevieja Juvenile Habaneras 28th April - 1 May Moors & Christians fiestas in Onil.

Third Saturday after Easter Castalla celebrates the Focs de Sant Francesc.

30th April - 3rd May Moors & Christians in Granja de Rocamora.

The last week of April into May: Fiestas in honour of Jesus Nazareno in Javea.

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As said before Easter can fall in April and many times this is followed by other fiestas, although on occasion they may be postponed should the dates clash with Easter events. Always check out local Tourist Office for updates.

Alcoy Moors & Christian Spectacular Possibly the oldest of the Moor and Christian celebrations are those held in the week preceding the saint’s feast day, 23rd April, held in the mountain town of Alcoy, where 5,000 people dress up for the colourful parades. The files of the armies make a wonderful spectacle as they are magnificently clad in a variety of costumes using leather, leopardskin, feathers; with wonderful headgear, some with projecting tusks.

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Some 5,000 kilos of gunpowder are used as the noisy battlefield is covered with clouds of smoke from the firing of arquebuses by the opposing sides. Each year over 200,000 people watch the various events and RENFE put on extra trains for visitors.

Be warned and although it may be the middle of April it can still be cold; on one year the children’s Sunday parade was postponed because of snow falling.

The re-enacted battles of the 13th century are dedicated to San Jorge who appeared above the Christian army in 1276 leading to the defeat of the Moors led by Al-Azraq.

During these days the town is garlanded with flags and bunting, full of music and the smell and sound of gunpowder, not only from fireworks, but from the arquebuses of the opposing armies. The first documented reference is in 1672 written by Carbonell in his Célebre Centuria describing a mixture of religious services and processions, firearm competitions, and the appearance of groups of costumed Christians and Moors.

As the centuries passed the fiestas evolved so much, that by 1741 the ‘trilogy’ of a three-day event was normal. The archebus was brought into play in the 18th century along with a wooden castle for the opposing groups to fight over. An important

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element is the role of the ambassadors of both forces as they parley for honourable peace. An 1838 document describes the text of the ambassadors.

The Christian army is composed of Andaluces, Asturianos, Cides, Labradores, Guzmanes, Vascos, Almogávares, Navarros, Tomasinas, Montañeses, Cruzados, Alcodianos, Aragoneses, Mozárabes. The Moors compose of Llana, Verdes, Magenta, Cordón, Judíos, Ligeros, Chano, Mudéjares, Abencerrajes, Marrakesch, Realistas, Berberiscos, Benimerines.

On 21st April the Día dels Musics is held as a start to the celebrations. Around 1,500 musicians congregate with over 20 bands marching through the town’s streets playing traditional music associated with the fiestas. In the evening, around seven o’clock, music continues with the Fiesta del Pasodoble in the Plaza de España. This in turn leads into the Nit de Olla, in which the musicians and others involved in the fiestas partake of a typical Alcoyan type of stew (potaje) in the various headquarters of the Moors & Christians.

This heralds the trilogy of fiestas with the entrada of the Christian troops at 10.30 in the morning of the 22nd. There are 14 groups or files in each opposing army; each year a different comparsa takes the lead role. Over 4,000 people are involved in this first parade. At 16.30 the Moors parade through the town centre’s cobbled streets.

On the second day San Jorge is honoured with a general procession in the afternoon.

On the third day over 4,000 kilos of gunpowder are used up during the day known as Al Alardo or battle. The end of the day is marked by the miraculous appearance of San Jordi above the castle.

In 2001 the group of Moors known as Mozárabes celebrated their 75th anniversary and among their celebrations was the first hispano-mozárab Mass in 500 years conducted by the Archbishop of Valencia. This rite of Mass was overtaken by the Roman rite at the time of the Reconquest: one of the differences is that the sacred host of bread is in the shape of a cross.

At the time of writing it was possible to enjoy the entradas via the internet used by the Valencian To u r i s t A g e n c y : comunitatvalenciana.com

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Torrevieja’s Day of the Picnic In Torrevieja San Vicente Ferrer’s day has been celebrated for almost a century. It is always on the Monday after Easter Monday and requires an early morning rise for the faithful and including some of the councilors as a procession wends its way through the streets with the priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance. Previously this was a procession to the local pensioners residence in the town centre known as the “hospital” where the sick were blessed and given communion. But when the residence moved further away the procession continued, but visited several houses where there were sick people who are blessed and receive communion.

It is a local holiday also known as picnic day because many people and families retire to the nearby pine woods and beaches or to their weekend homes to enjoy a brotherly camaraderie and eat the traditional mona, a bread cake that is associated with Easter and often has a boiled egg inside it, although many are decorated with chocolate or cream. This day ends the Easter celebrations and a return to school on the next day, Tuesday.

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Saint George in Banyeres de Mariola This feast of San Jorge is also held in Banyeres de Mariola where once again the Moors and Christians parades take over the town from 22nd to 25th April. There are ten comparsas (groups) five Christians and five Moors.

The Christian army has five groups Estudiants, Cristians, Contrabandistas, Jordians and Maseros. The Moors field five comparsas - Moros Vells, Moros Nous, Marrocs, Pirates, Califes. In 2001 for the first time women were allowed to take part in the comparsas.

The fiestas begin with the transfer of the image of San Jorge from the Ermita to the church of Santa Maria through the streets on 21st April at 19.00. This is carried by a different comparsa each year.

The following day is the important Entrada is held and announced by the church bells ringing out at one in the morning, followed by fireworks. By 11.00 the comparsas are aormi@icloud.com

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congregated in the Plaza de los Plรกtanos accompanied by groups of musicians to make a Floral Offering to honour San Jorge. 12.00 is time for the Angelus and the cracking of fireworks. Each musical band attached to the comparsas plays its own assigned pasadoble as part of a musical competition.

Throughout the day there are different parades and events held. At 17.00 Children in costume parade followed at 19.00 by the procession to San Jorge finishing in the Plaza Mayor with more fireworks.

The 23rd starts at 7.30 with a Gran Diana reveille call; throughout the day the town is alive with troops marching and countermarching until the evening when around 19.00 the solemn procession of San Jorge is held finalised by more fireworks.

The 24th has an early start at 7.30 a.m. with a Diana and the festivities continue with the groups celebrating a breakfast meal. Battle begins at 10.45 initiated by the captains and ambassadors of the two opposing sides. At 17.30 battle continues ending with groups entertaining in dance, song and humour in the castle set up in the Plaza Mayor. If you have managed to stay on your feet you can enjoy the pasacalles at midnight by the Christian band, followed by the Moors. aormi@icloud.com

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On the 25th, the DĂ­a del Santo Cristo, festeros dance with their flags at 8.00 in el Morer, this is an intricate movement of both arms and legs presenting a splendid moving and colourful sight. They then march to the San Jorge hermitage where a blast of firearms is fired into the air by each comparsa. The procession continues to the cemetery where another salvo of gunfire rents the air, followed by a Mass for those who have died. At midday the captains sign the Libro de Oro del Santo Cristo signifying the peaceful accord. At 13.00 the Conversion of the Moors is celebrated at the La Malena hermitage followed by the Moro Ball. Later at 17.00 once again the Flag Dance is held in the Plaza Mayor.

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ALICANTE - SANTA FAZ PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimages are a popular way for the people to combine religious observance while at the same time having good fun, often dressing up in traditional costumes. There are many pilgrimages held which are unique to various parts of Spain. One of the most important in Alicante province is that of Santa Faz when over two hundred thousand people walk on the second Thursday after Easter from Alicante to San Juan.

The week prior to this day thousands of pilgrims visit the 15th century monastery where the holy relic is kept. The Santa Faz is a relic that is a linen sheet on which Christ´s face is seen, with a single tear falling from the right eye. On 17th March, 1489, the reliquary was being carried by a Franciscan priest, padre Villafranca, in the direction of Los Angeles hermitage, at the Barranco de Lloixa, when he felt it becoming heavier and heavier, so much so, that he was borne to the ground. His cries attracted other people who witnessed the teardrop. According to tradition this tear appeared a week later at a pilgrimage held on 25th March 1489, during a solemn rogatory for rain when there was a long drought when the River Monnegre which irrigated the crops, was almost dry. The crowd was so large that the Mass had to be celebrated outside the hermitage. Legend says that a caballero couldn´t believe his eyes and touched the teardrop which burst out anew; after this unexpected apparition the caballero wore a silver thimble over his finger until his dying day.

The drought disappeared and the rains came down: this pilgrimage has been held ever since.

Mission accomplished - Promise kept In the monastery of the Santa Faz is a small model boat, a replica of the “Victoria” in which Juan Sebastian Elcano circumvented the world. Under the model is a text aormi@icloud.com

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relating to the explorer stating that on 22nd June 1526 at one degree of the equinox in the Pacific Ocean, on board the nao Santa Maria de la Victoria that the navigator promised to visit the Santa Faz de Veronica in Alicante and donate 25 ducats to the convent. The ship was in a storm at the time; one that was horrific for the sailors and lasted several days and it was in the calm in the eye of the storm that the famous sailor made his promise. It was a promise that he never managed to keep. However, the document did survive and on Thursday, 20th April, 1944 after the Spanish civil war conflict, among the estimated 80,000 pilgrims at the monastery was Admiral Francisco Bastarreche y Diaz de Buines, director of the Cartagena Navy Museum who with others including Julio Guillen Tato, walked with his cane and rosemary in his hand. Among the pilgrims were members of the famous training ship “Juan Sebastian Ellcano”. This was a solemn occasion as both civil and naval authorities walked together and donated the money in the name of Juan Sebastian Elcano and his crew. aormi@icloud.com

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Torrevieja Sikh Nagar Tirtan Festival 'Nagar Kirtan is a Punjabi terms which literally means "Neighbourhood Kirtan". The word "Nagar" means "town or neighbourhood," and "Kirtan" is a term describing the singing of Shabads (divine hymns). The term refers to the possession of Sikh Sangat (Congregation) through the town singing holy hymns. The concept of a Nagar Kirtan is to bring the message of God to the doorstep of the community. It is very common for Nagar Kirtans to take place wherever Sikhs live. They especially common during the month of Vaisakhi and take place all over the globe.

Torrevieja has a very close Sikh community and for the past few years they have continued this custom of processing through the town playing traditional music and mock sword battles. The sword is a symbol of of self defense and of dignity, nobility, power and spiritual invincibility. The procession begins from their temple in Parque Empresarial Casa Grande, winding its way with color and music to the town centre.

There are young and old, Sikh, non-Sikh that follow the Nagar Kirtan route, stand on the sides and freely distribute refreshments to all alike.

It is also noticeable that the majority of the Sadh Sangat have covered their heads, this is a significant sign of respect to the presence of their sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The colour Orange is in honour of the Khalsa Panth, as the Panj Pyaras are robed in Orange. One believe is that women have the same rights as men.

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Berbers and Medieval Market in Los Alcazares

The Arab pirates were always attacking the Mediterranean coast and the Murcia region was one of the areas constantly under vigilante against such attacks. The primates would steal livestock, crops and people who would be ransomed or sold in the slave markets of Tangiers.

The attacks became so frequent that King Felipe II order watchtowers along the coast and several are still around today .

Within the Los Alcazares area is the Rame Tower belonging to the Bienvengut family and this offered shelter to their workers. Right into the 18th Century there were still attacks by the Berners.

The annual Berbers invasion (number 15) will take place from the 13th to the 16th April 2017. Festivities include a medieval market with performances of various types regular throughout the day. These include donkey rides, falconry, maybe even camels. There will be demonstrations and Workshops as well as fun stuff for the kids. The market is usually around the town hall. There is a spectacular firework display on the evening of the first evening at the Embarcadero de la Pescaderia.

On the next day the invasion begins in the evening , usually around 21:00 that includes hand to hand combat as the townspeople try to fight off the pirates from North Africa. Again there is another marvellous fireworks display to round off the day.

On the third day, a great parade of the pirates that includes performers from the market, horses and carriages plus a bit of the Moors and Christians. This normally begins at the roundabout on the Avenida de la Libertad and Carril de las Palmeras and finishing at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

On the final day there is the annual cooking competition about 16:00 the Caldero Competition at the Embarcadero de la Pescaderia.

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Semana Santa Passion of Holy Week

Holy Week is an important time for the towns people of Callosa del Segura and significant among the Semana Santa processions is a dramatic theatrical presentation of the Passion of Jesus, now declared as being of Touristic Interest. This play has been performed since 1969 during the last three Lenten Sundays and on Good Friday itself on the hillside of Callosa. Sometimes the amateur performers take the play to other nearby towns. The original script is by Juan B. Pont and there are 15 scenes with over 60 actors and 50 extras behind scenes and a further 140 bit players.

Before the play reaches its final conclusion with the crucifixion of Jesus it goes through various phases of the weeks happenings including the Last Supper.

They are equally flamboyant celebrations where once again the identity of those taking part is hidden, this time as ‘capirotes’ under penitential robes and a hood, the regalia of a variety of cofradias (brotherhoods/guilds).

Each cofradia has its own colours and usually its own style of lantern which is a symbol of the guild’s devotion. Most cofradia groups will have a float with a statue representing their devotion, such as The Flagellation of Christ, which would be a figure of Jesus tied to a pillar and whipped. aormi@icloud.com

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The sweet side of Semana Santa Although the long lines of hooded figures in a wide variety of colored gowns may seem a bit daunting, there are several things about the processions we should look at.

There is a fun side to all this for the spectators as one of the traditions of many Semana Santa processions is the giving away of sweets to the bystanders by the capirotes. The sweets are a reminder that one of the Christian virtues is almsgiving “it is better to give than to receive”. Some of these sweets are in the shapes of the hooded penitents who walk in the processions. Other sought after sweets are the traditionally made “guirlache” sweets that are made of honey, almonds and sugar.

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Alicante Processions Alicante is so large that processions are held each night in different districts. Some events are more famous than others and attract larger crowds.

One of the largest celebrations are those held in Alicante during Holy Week when over 20,000 people take part in the various processions. These processions have been given the honour of being considered as of Touristic Interest of the Valencian Region by the Spanish Tourist Board. 26 brotherhoods take part with 45 immense sculptures

carried in the procession on various nights. One of those which has recently been restored is the figure of Cristo del Hallazgo which is normally in the Villafranqueza district. The work dates back to the 18th century, but was severely mutulated during the Civil War. New limbs were added in the 1980’s but cracks appeared between the old and new wood of the statue. Now the restored figure takes part in the Semana Santa processions.

Another figure that has been restored after an attack of termites is that of the Descendimiento de Santa Cruz. In 2002 the Bishop blessed the new image of the Resucitado (Resurrected Christ), the work of Ramón Cuenca, made in Cox. This took the place of the previous image which has been donated to the the Sagrada Familia church at Rabasa. It weighs 120 kilos and is two and a half metres long.

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E l c h e ’s Palm SundayGood Elche has an international reputation for its Semana Santa celebrations as it is the centre from which palms are sent to many countries and it is famous for its Palm Sunday procession. Elche is renowned for its palm groves and the procession held on Palm Sunday is particularly worth seeing as thousands line the streets waving their palms. Palms are blessed at Mass and many palm leaves are ceremoniously burned for distribution among Christian churches for use in the Ash Wednesday services the following year, marking the beginning of Lent and that we came from ash and to ash we will return.

Again underlining the reality of Spanish thought of life and death being such close companions. In 2009 a new trono was that of the Virgen de la Palma an image that follows the Malaga style of artistry. A mixture of men and women carried this addition; The Palm Sunday procession has several groups parading on Palm Sunday. - The Samaritans, Maria del mayor Dolor, San Juan with the Mantillas, El Lavatorio Romans and the ecce Hombre.

There are 26 guilds with 32 thrones: the first guild was that of 16th century Cofradia de la Sangre de Cristo in which the town´s nobles participated. Many of these thrones and their statues are the work of famous artists such as Valentín García Quinto, Lastrucci, José Sánchez Lozano.

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Orihuela’s Mobile Museum Orihuela processions are opened by a blast from the Gemelas, a pair of one hundred year-old giant horns, the patrimony of the Ayuntamiento. These have been in cold storage for over forty years and now, once again, take an important part in the Semana Santa processions. The town has a long tradition of Holy Week processions with many statues made by Salzillo and his pupils as in the photo above.

The Semana Santa processions of the city are considered to be in the National Touristic Interest category and it is hoped to raise this status to International Interest level in the coming years. These processions began in 1759 with smaller processions than today’s impressive thrones and images. In reality you have a veritable mobile museum of religious art at its very best plus an emotional display of Christ’s last hours. The diocesan authorities banned the former processions organized by the Third Order of the Franciscans with the image of Jesus the Nazarene in 1748. In the 18th century the first procession of La Sangre, the Precious Blood of Jesus, was held starting from the Loreto Chapel on Good Friday. Those accompanying the images wore black and several people whipped themselves in penance. Then followed groups carrying the Burial of Christ, the cross, the famous Diablesa (she devil) and initially only went from

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church to church.

O n e unique figure is that of the Caballlero Cubierto who was originally selected from the t o w n ’ s nobility who had the honour of carrying t h e standard and for this reason w a s permitted to keep his hat on in church.

Those first cofradias consisted of La Sangre de Cristo, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados and La Soledad. The former medieval system of guilds for various craftsmen (gremios) has been an important influence on Seaman Santa processions throughout Spain. Some of these guilds including the cobblers, patronized the processions of images in 1772 when the hoods were replaced by those that covered the compete face.

As elsewhere, specific floats were borne by different guilds; for example, bakers carried the image of Jesus in the Garden of Olives.

The Roman soldiers, the Armaos, were introduced in the late 18th century and have always provided a popular spectacle for the aormi@icloud.com

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thousands of people in the crowds lining the streets. During the War of Independence there was a break from these celebrations but afterwards the Franciscan friar Mariano de la Concepcion renovated some of the pasos and made more use of the Romans, extending the number of nights as well. Salzillo was a famous sculptor who created the image of the Fallen Christ and which was restored in 2009, and this appeared on a procession of Holy Tuesday organized by the Congregation of Pilar in 1852. By the middle of the 19th century processions were held on Palm Sunday, the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Holy Week.

After the civil war of 1936/39 the processions gradually reappeared continuing to attract more people to the cofradias and the symbolic boiled sweets appeared, not only as a type of almsgiving, but also to counter the rigors of Lent and the constant hunger of those lean years.

On Thursday the Grand Silent procession in Orihuela has over 9,000 people taking part, without music or sound, only a great silence hanging over everyone, underlining the tragedy of Christ’s last hours.

On Good Friday the streets become a veritable Way of the Cross and onlookers are caught up in the emotion of Christ´s final hours. On Holy Saturday the procession of Santo Entierro (the Holy Burial) is linked traditionally to the participation of the governor or town hall officials. In this is the appearance of the Caballero Cubierto (the covered gentleman), a priviliged position which was instituted by a Bull of Pope Paul V in 1620. Most towns each year elect someone to fill such an honorary position.

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Music during Orihuela’s Semana Santa

Music plays a prominent part in the processions of Orihuela. A male voice choir, with its origins in the 18th century, sings ‘a capella’ about the passion and death of Jesus. One musical group with precedents going back to 1926 is Los Cantores de la Pasión, a choir which has linked generations of Oriolanos, often having fathers and sons in the choir. The group takes to the streets of the town to sing the Passion of Christ. There is a second musical group named Los Cantores de la Primitiva Pasión Federico Rogel.

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Murcia a Sea of Colour

SEMANA SANTA is the most important fiesta of Murcia city and the processions held throughout this week are of singular interest, with a sea of colour in blues, reds, purples, magentas, black and white, as the floats and images are carried - invaluable works of art, many by the master Salzillo. One magnificent example is the ‘Oración en el Huerto’ with life sized statues by Salzillo showing Jesus being comforted by an angel, while the apostles sleep.

Here you have a living museum processing before your eyes. In fact most of the guilds refer to some form of assistance to others . Misericordis, Rescate, Caridad, Perdon, Salud, Refugio and Amparo, Retorno, Yacente (Pity, rescue and ransom, charity, pardon, health, sanctuary, return, burial and aid).

On a visit to Murcia take time out to visit the Salzillo museum which offers a great deal of information about the man and his works.

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Torrevieja’s Semana Santa The actual opening of the Semana Santa begins with the Pregon (or announcement) given by a guest speaker; this year it is the we'll known radio and television presenter Antonio Pelayo Bombín who spent some years as lynchpin for Spanish television in the Vatican. usually at this time the honour of being Capirote de Oro is announced. This personage is a leading figure in the processions of Torrevieja.

The first religious devotions of Holy Week start on the Friday before Palm Sunday. This day is dedicated to the Virgen Mary, the Dolorosa, who suffered so much for her son Jesus, and is easily identified with by mothers who often agonize for their own children.

At midday the town centre streets are lined as Roman soldiers escort the guild of Saint John the Evangelist and the statue of Jesus riding on a donkey, representing his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Then around ten o’clock the first evening procession takes place.

Each evening from Sunday through to Friday, different cofradias take part in the procession, all of which normally start around ten o’clock.

In 2011 processions of Torrevieja were declared as ‘Provincial Tourist Interest’, the first in a series of attempts to raise the Semana Santa weeklong fiesta to be recognized at national and international level.

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The origins of the Semana Santa processions in Torrevieja date back to March 1807 when Don Antonio Blasco y Viudes donated a statue of la Soledad and this image was used in the first procession. Initially these fiestas were liturgical processions on Palm Sunday, Good Friday and the early morning Encuentro of Easter Sunday. In 1846 the town hall undertook the expenses of these fiestas. In 1912 the week took on an extra splendour when the local carabinieri police marched in their ceremonial uniforms and ever since military personnel have appeared during the processions, sometimes as musical band.

By this time extra images donated by some of the town’s inhabitants had been added including the La Veronica, La Samaratina, San Juan, El Cristo Crucificado, El Nazareno, El Cristo de la Caida, Nuestra. Señora de los Dolores, El Santo Sepulcro.

Disgracefully all these images were destroyed in the Spanish Civil War and at the beginning of the Second Republic the processions ceased to take place. Afterwards in 1940 the women undertook the first defiant procession wearing their black mantillas along with the image of the Virgen de la Esperanza. This developed into a renovation of these fiestas, but in the 1960’s there were problems of identity and in the 1970’s the programme included the local businesses and then in 1981 the Junta Mayor de Cofraidas with the intention of this one body organizing all the various processions and allied events such as the Pregon, the introductory speech.

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One should look closely at details in the different groups, such as the intricate embroidery of the banners or the lamps that are carried.

One of the most impressive processions is held on Maundy Thursday, which is a solemn silent night in Torrevieja where the very silence itself seems to break the night’s air.

This procession is held after the Mass of the Last Supper and announces the coming arrest, trial, suffering and death of Jesus. As in other towns’ processions this is an awesome event that can

deeply affect the soul.

On Good Friday the longest procession held in Torrevieja takes place with some 2.500 people participating. There are now 15 cofradias in the celebrations, including 600 costaleros and, among these latter, there are two of the cofradias that have women carrying or pushing the tronos over a long and trying distance. Some cofradias have their own anthem and even band. Many penitents are carrying out promises made to God for graces received.

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This Year the International Cofradia will wheel the float of the Jesus in the Garden of Olives as there are not enough members this year.

Torrevieja Semana Santa Programme Sunday 9th April 10:30 Blessing of Palms at la Inmaculada church Followed by a solemn procession of palms and olive branches with three floats to the other church Sacred Heart in plaza Oriente:Jesus on an ass; St. John Evangelist; children carry Holy Scriptures In the evening the first of the evening processions, this one known as Las Mantillas because of the ladies who dress completely in black wearing traditional black mantilla headgear, at 20:30 from the Sacred Heart Church to the main plaza.

- Cofradía de la Convocatoria y Mujer Samaritan - Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús Triunfante y Ntra. Sra. de la Esperanza y de la Paz - Sociedad Musical Ciudad de Torrevieja “Los Salerosos” playa suitable music.

Monday 10th April 22:00 starting from La Inmaculada church will be six ccofradias:aormi@icloud.com

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-Cofradía de la Convocatoria y Mujer Samaritana -Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús en la Última y Sagrada Cena -International Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús en la Oración del Huerto de los Olivos -Cofradía del Stmo.

Cristo de la Flagelación; Stma. Virgen de la Estrella, Reina de los Ángeles; y san Judas Tadeo -La Mata Cofradía de San Pedro Arrepentido -Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús Cautivo – Nazareno -Tuesday 11th -2 2 : 0 0 from la Inmaculada Church with six cofradias participating:-Cofradía de la Convocatoria y Mujer Samaritana Cofradía del Cristo Crucificado, Ntro. Padre Jesús de la Salud y María Santísima del Silencio Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús de la Caída Cofradía de la Santa Mujer Verónica Cofradía de San Juan Evangelista Cofradía de Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores

- Wednesday 12th - 22:00 from la Inmaculada church with two main groups: - -Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús Triunfante y Ntra. Sra. de la Esperanza y de la Paz At the same time from the Sacred Heart Church leaving the Plaza de Oriente, Zoa y Ramón Gallud. aormi@icloud.com

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-Cofradía de la Convocatoria y Mujer Samaritana -Members of the la Santa Mujer Verónica -Cofradía de Ntro.

Padre Jesús de la Caída

What is known as el ENCUENTRO EN LA VÍA DOLOROSA or the meeting in the via Dolores where Jesus carrying his cross meets his mother Mary. This is a very emotional event that occurs on the crossroads of the streets Maria Parodi and Rmon Gallud. It is always packed so if one wants to see the actual reunion then they have to be at the crossroads early. While the scene is being enacted the band plays the March Real or Royal March. From here the two processions fuse together and head back towards the la Inmaculada church. Thursday

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The part played by women in Semana Santa is fundamental, just as is their presence in our everyday lives.

Thursday 13th 23:00 The Solemn and Silent procession starts out from the Inmaculada Church.

- Cofradía de la Convocatoria y Mujer Samaritana - -Cofradía del Cristo Crucificado, Ntro. Padre Jesús de la Salud y María Santísima del Silencio. There are no sweets handed out as this is a solemn moment with two choirs singing and this year it is la Coral Francisco Vallejos interpreting two songs “Señor, me cansa la vida” and “Madre del Silencio.”

Later at 0:30 in the early Friday morning another one takes place carrying Jesus on the Cross down the hill from Calvary district with only the Cofradía de Ntra. Sra. de la Piedad. As this procession begins the Agrupación Coral Manuel Barberá will intone “LaPasión de la Tía Tortas”.

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Friday 14th There are two processions the early morning one at 0:30 as above and the main one begins at 20:00 as it is a very large procession with 14 cofradias carrying 18 pasos participating in the death and burial of Christ.

- Cofradía de la Convocatoria y Mujer Samaritana - Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús en la Última y Sagrada Cena - Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús en la Oración del Huerto de los Olivos - Cofradía del Stmo. Cristo de la Flagelación; Stma. Virgen de la Estrella, Reina de los Ángeles; y san Judas Tadeo - Cofradía de San Pedro Arrepentido - Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús Cautivo – Nazareno - Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús de la Caída - Cofradía de la Santa Mujer Verónica-Cofradía de Ntro.

Padre Jesús Triunfante y Ntra. Sra. de la Esperanza y de la Paz - Cofradía del Cristo Crucificado, Ntro. Padre Jesús de la Salud y María Santísima del Silencio - Cofradía de Ntra. Sra. de la Piedad - Cofradía del Santo Sepulcro – Yacente - Cofradía de San Juan Evangelista - Cofradía de Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores

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Saturday 14th 22:30 This is a quiet day which is broken in the evening by the tabors of dozens of young and old prepared to bang on a drum in time. Gathering point is the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre than the group processes along Calle del Mar, Gumersindo, Apolo, Pedro Lorca, Joaquín Chapaprieta, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez y Zoa, hasta la plaza de Oriente. Here there is break and afterwards calles Torrevejenses Ausentes, Campoamor, Patricio Pérez, plaza Miguel Hernández, Canónigo Torres y Concepción, to the main square which has a turn around three times.

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Sunday 15th Easter Sunday 08:00 A solemn procession that becomes a joyful one as two processions leave la Inmaculada Church going in different directions only to meet at the intersection of the calls Fotógrafos Darblade and la Concepcion.

The Cofradía de San Juan Evangelista and the image of the Immaculate Conception wearing a black veil set off in one direction. Meanwhile the priest with the Sacred Host goes off in the other. When the two groups meet the veil is taken off the Virgen Mary image as a reminder of the joy she had when she realized her dead son had risen. Petals and alleluia papers are dropped from neighboring balconies. The band plays the Marcha Real and the church bells peal. Hopefully this year the rockets will bang with the smell of gunpowder as they failed to turn up last year.

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Know the Colours Some cofradias will have more than one trono to carry, especially on Good Friday.

Today’s groups are: Junta Mayor: Convocatoria y Mujer Samaratina (The Samaratin woman at the well carried by women) - capirotes black tunics with white sashes and hoods.

Nuestro Padre Jesus en la Ultima y Sagrada Cena (The Last Supper) originally the waiters etc. of hostelry carried this. Colors golden cape with tunic and hood of white.

Nuestro Padre Jesus en el Huerto de los Olivos (Jesus in the Garden of Olives) an international group carry this. Gold capes with green tunics and hood. Costaleros wear green satin blouse and black trousers with a golden sash.

Santisimo Cristo de la Flagelacion (Jesus Whipped at the Pillar) with a new torn under construction in Seville. The costaleros wear black suits and the capirotes have white hoods and tunics with green cape.

San Pedro Arrepentido (St. Peter the Repentant) of La Mata wear tunics of cardinal red and sash of silver grey, while the capirotes have a silver grey cape and cardinal red robes and hood with a silver grey sash.

Jesus Caida shows Jesus on his knees falling under the cross, the capirotes wear mustard colored robes and hoods with a purple tunic and the costaleros have mustard colored tops.

Nuestro Padre Jesus Cautivo Nazareno (Prisoner Jesus of Nazareth) colors are rich purple capes, hood and tunics and the bearers have velvety wine colored tops.

Santa Mujer Veronica (St. Veronica) carried by women with lovely blue cape inlaid in gold colour with white tunics and hoods. The women wearing mantillas accompany this image.

Nuestro Señora de la Esperanza y de la Paz (Our Lady of Hope and Peace) Green satin tunics and hood with white cape.

Cristo Crucificado y Maria Santisima del Silencio (Crucified Jesus and Silent Mary) they wear all black.

Nuestra Señora de la Piedad (Holy Mother Mary) the costaleros wear blue satin blouses and the capirotes have blue capes and red robe and hoods.

Santo Sepulcro Yacente (Jesus in the Tomb) wear black robes and hoods with a white cape embroidered with a red cross.

San Juan Evangelista (St. John the Evangelist) wear white robes and hood with red capes.

Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of the Seven Dolours) have white robes and hood with black cape.

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Lorca’s Blue and White groups

Deep in the Murcia Region is the impressive fortress town of Lorca. It is a very interesting town to visit, but also has a great reputation for its Semana Santa fiestas leading up to Easter. The processions are very ostentatious with elaborate costumes including Romans and even Egyptians. Horses play a good part on some processions.

There is a tremendous rivalry between the so-called Blues and the Whites. This dates back to the the time when the Franciscans wore blue habits and the Dominicans wore white and during Semana Santa each religious order tried to outdo the other in its organisation of Semana Santa processions. Nowadays ordinary citizens have formed cofradias following the tradition of these colours.

The agriculture workers wear the blue, in la Hermandad de Labradores, with the Virgen de los Dolores as their patroness. The whites are in the majority in the Archcofradía de Nuestra Señora del Rosario. This competitiveness has meant that the processions of Lorca are a bit different and on Good Friday one can see Bible personages, Egyptian troops, Assyrians and Romans, members of the tribes of Israel, prophets, Kings, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. More than 200 horses take part in these Semana Santa processions.

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Crevillente is another town which has a long history of celebrating Semana Santa as its origins go back to the early 1700´s: In addition the town publishes the oldest Semana Santa magazine which celebrated its 72nd anniversary in 2009.

According to tradition the original pasos were one of Christ the other of the Virgin. (this being carried by the women of the town). Several of the statues are the work of Valencian sculptor Mariano Benilliure (1862-1947) and are in the town’s Semana Santa Museum. This artist´s works can also be seen in the processions held in Seville and Cartagena.

Another difference in Crevillente´s Semana Santa celebrations is that the children have their own special processions carrying 17 pasos with smaller statues: this ensures that the traditions will be carried on from generation to generation. The children are accompanied by several brass bands from other towns as well as 60 tambourines, so it is quite a noisy affair.

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Onil Moors & Christians

From April 22 to May 1, the holidays of the Moors and Christians held in honour of Our Lady of Good Health are held in Onil. Their origin reaches as far back as 1648 when the pestilence destroyed the village. Then, on April 22, three councilmen advised the people to appeal to the Virgin Mary, whose image was in an almost forgotten hermitage that existed in the suburbs of the people. The idea was accepted by the priest and the people and the following day held a rogativa on April 23, with everyone processing to the hermitage and prayed to the Virgen Mary. From then on there were no more deaths from the plague in Onil and the remora has been held most years ever since.

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The previous night of April 22, all the furniture and clothes were burned that could possibly be infected to avoid more contagions. Though the Onil population was free from disease it continued in the surrounding villages killing a lot of the populace.

So nowadays the event is remembered in Onil on April 22 the holidays inaugurate with the “Night of the Bonfires” in honour the Virgen of Good Health. Then on 23rd April the main celebration is held with a procession. From 24th to 26th April it is singing and dancing traditional songs and dances.

On April 27th, the Night of the Olleta and afterwards from May 28 to May 1 the fiestas of Moors and Christians.

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Books and Roses The April 23 coincides with the International Day of the Book (UNESCO 1996) and the death of Shakespeare and Michael of Cervantes that gives rise to a peculiar celebration in Catalonia, especially in the capital, Barcelona. Some places hold it earlier in the year.

Nowadays roses and books are given to friends and lovers. The city fills with the gardens with flowers and kiosks are busy selling books until late in the night, as the Catalans celebrate this day as a bank holiday. Throughout the day, several concerts, musical events and activities alternate with the presence of various authors signing their books.

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Castille and León

by Dave Stewart

Every Spanish region has its regional day and Castille and León have their public holiday this month on Monday 24th April to celebrate the battle of Villalar in 1521 in the time of Carlos I. It is associated with Liberty León first appeared as a Kingdom in 910, whilst the Kingdom of Castile gained an independent identity in 1065 and was intermittently held in personal union with León before merging with it permanently in 1230. It is the largest autonomous community in Spain and the third largest region of the European Union, covering an area of 94,223 square kilometres (36,380 sq miles) with an official population of around 2.5 million. Castile and León was constituted in 1983, although it existed for the first time during the First Spanish Republic in the 19th century. It is the region of the world with the most World Heritage Sites, 8 in total. 23 April is designated Castile and León Day, commemorating the defeat of the comuneros at the Battle of Villalar during the Revolt of the Comuneros, in 1521.

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The principal River Douro runs 897 kilometres (557 mi) from its headwaters in the Picos de Urbión in Soria to its mouth at the Portuguese city of Porto. Flowing into the Douro from the north, on its right bank, are the Pisuerga, the Valderaduey and the Esla, its most capacious tributaries, and from the east, on its left bank, the lesser flows of the Adaja and Duratón.

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Because of its geographical position it has a bit of everything, lovely rivers, majestic mountains, woodlands, natural parklands, which means there are lots of opportunities for plethora of sports - fishing, hill walking, even skiing. As for places to visit the whole region is full of interesting medieval and even older towns, including the walled Avila.

There is the beautiful Burgos cathedral, the university city of Salamanca, the Roman remains in Segovia, the castles of Leon, or the lovely views of Palencia and its rivers.

Again because of its diversity there is a rich gastronomy to enjoy including over 300 different types of wild mushrooms that are used in the many wonderful restaurants.

There is also an active ecotourism as several wines are produced . aormi@icloud.com

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Say Cheese, please!

Pat Hynd

Castilla and Leon have the largest production of the popular sheep milk and the second largest producers of cow milk, thanks to its geography and weather. This, of course means a variety of cheeses that, in the main are hard cheeses but have a very strong flavour. Many of these cheeses are often “home-made” in caves or rustic houses and their style includes smoked cheese.

The best cheeses of Spain will be featured in an exposition known as " GourmetQuesos, Cheeses of the Author “ in the IIfema in the Feria de Madrid In Pabellon 8 . Cheese will the absolute protagonist at an exhibition of over 400 varieties of Spanish cheeses. The master cheesemaker Jose Luis Martin is again in charge of this specialized space where one can find so many varieties of cheeses to tickle the palate – cheeses from cow, goat, sheep, or more specialized cheeses using various home grown techniques. There is a growing market for small producers doing their own thing and providing excellent distinctive cheeses, some smoked, some aged, some bland, others blue. aormi@icloud.com

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Championship of The Best Cheeses of Spain 2017 will reward one the best national cheeses in 15 different categories depending on the milk, the texture between other parameters.

The visitors will be able to look and to harmonize selected cheeses with wine, or champagne, and to know the principal characteristics of the national varieties.

In the past edition, more than 60 experts were valued between almost 510 samples that they presented to the championship (75 % craftsmen) choosing the absolute winner: Subaida Curado of the cheese shop Subaida. Lst year’s remaining cheese of over 300 kgs was donated to Caritas for their work with social kitchens. Other benneiciiaries in the past have been It can consult the list of the Winners in every category of the past edition. Also it can consult the complete Juror and the cheeses participants of every category of the past edition in the link.

The remaining cheeses - 300 kg in the first edition - were donated to Sweet little faces and distributed between his social dining rooms; whereas in the second edition he has been the Padre Angel and the Association Messengers of the Peace in charge of redistributing these cheeses. aormi@icloud.com

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April Fools’ Day

First day of April is All Fools Day, as I am sure all you clever people will know. It is not only friends who may play the dirty with you, but it has now extended into social media so be aware of what you read and unwittingly pass on. Let’s have a look at some of the things that have happened in the past by large companies.

For example, Microsoft used the background image for its main Bing search page to project its joke claiming the search system could read palms and minds to ensure that users could get the best aormi@icloud.com

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results. Anyone could try thought-powered search by putting their right hand on a screen where the Bing homepage indicated.

"The innovative new search function intelligently analyses the electrical signals transmitted through the hand to calculate the relevant search term," said the software firm.

Samsung also got in on the act when they produced a spoof page for a Blade-edge version of its Galaxy Smartphone claiming that it was designed for cooks.

The limited edition handset incorporates a diamond-edged blade so the phone can also be used to chop food when it is not being used for calls, texts, or browsing the web.

Even fast food chain Domino's pizza said they were introducing a driverless pizza delivery system using autonomous scooters – a sort of drone home pizza.

The one I liked was when the HTC produced fake product pages for the Re-Sok - the "world's first truly smart sock". The technology-enhanced footwear is engineered with GPS so pairs of socks can easily find each other and have an automatic hole warning system to alert owners when their intelligent footwear is running thin.

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23rd Juvenile Habaneras concerts and contests take place in Torrevieja Auditorium on 28th and 29th April. Last year the Angelus Domini Choir de Corea del Sur Angelus Domini Choir de Corea del Sur took first place and second place to el Coro Las Veredas de Madrid. Choirs this year are Galicia, Comunidad Valenciana, Andalucía and Madrid, Colombia, Ukraine, Russia and Slovakia.

Usually these days open with the participation of local young choirs.

The International Contest of Cuban dances and Torrevieja's Polyphony is usually held in April, bringing together young people of different social and cultural backgrounds to enjoy the one thing they have in common – music. It is a contest that looks forward to the future, it is about the new generations of chorales that with the inexorable step of the time, will occupy the place that corresponds to them. Today, this contest is an event of cardinal importance for the future development of this choral spirit that helps distinct groups meet and enjoy each other’s company.

It is also an important event for the continuity of the tradition of the singing of the Habaneras and polyphonic music and its further development.

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In early April there will be the XXXI Encuentro Coral Internacional Ciudad de Torrevieja. It is organised by the Francisco Vallejos Choir and takes place over three days with magnificent singing by local, national and International choirs. This event that has already spanned 30 years has become a reference to the beginning of the Spring international choral music.

These are not stuffy choirs singing rigidly but offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the variety of music and styles adopted by choirs. This year almost 200 choir members will participate in the concerts in the Torrevieja Auditorium.

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14th Miniature Naval Exhibition

The Park of the Nations of Torrevieja will again be the place to enjoy the Exhibition of miniature ships in the Sala de Expositions de Los Aljibes and also the maneuvering of the remote controlled boats in the artificial lake of the park.

This very popular gathering attracts thousands of people and will be the 14th edition. The diverse naval models, both in engine and in sail always attract thousands of people. Enthusiasts and competitors come from clubs of Santa Pola, Murcia and Torrevieja.

Among new underwater displays will be the “sinking of the Titanic” the work of a local Torrevieja aficionado.

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Annual Book Fair

The international day of the Book is held on 23th April, the anniversary of the two literature giants - Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare. Once again over the Holy Week period will be the annual Book Fair held on the promenade at the daily outdoor “hippy market”. Usually the book fair goes on until the Monday after Easter Monday, that is the feast of San Vincent Ferrer on 24th April. A couple of authors will be present to sign copies of their own books and there are talks held about literature.

There are also events that children can join in trying to bring alive some of the characters from fiction.

Unfortunately the well-known shop, Bargain Books, has had to move to Pilar de la Horadada, which means that there is no English language book shop in Torrevieja now. You will find some English language books at the fair along with modern and old books in Spanish and German.

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The Torrevieja Archives The Municipal Archives of Torrevieja, over the years has been located in d i f f e r e n t buildings, such as old town houses in the nineteenth century, in the former town hall and in the basement of the present town hall.

At times the archives have been temporarily relocated to other places such as when they transferred to a dependency of the old headquarters of the Guardia civil in la calle San Pascual.

At the moment, the Archives department is located in the Habaneras Avenue opposite the bus station where innumerable documents relating to the town are stored. Despite wars a great deal of documentation has survived to the present day.

The archives are a great source of information researchers and writers who may require certain information to write a book or give a lecture, and is a source of information for people who want to learn about data of their ancestor, which tend to be in the registration books. aormi@icloud.com

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The church of la Inmaculada and the Holy Rosary also hold pertinent records relating to Birth, baptism and marriage from which other valuable information can be deduced.

Several people and companies have donated their own papers and documents including the salt mining companies. Not everything is stored here as the present archive offices are too small so department files are still scattered in other buildings as for several years there has been a lack of political will to make a decision about making a permanent and suitable base for old books and records which they deserve. Then we have railway documents, citizen and voting rolls, fiesta files, and education, even slaughterhouse.

In Torrevieja the director of the municipal Archives is Carmen Cerezuela who only has two staff to help out. There is a lot of work in codifying archives as each document has to be easily found when required.

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Too Much Water is Dangerous

by Pat Hynd

In May Alicante (San Juan) will be the venue for the European Championships, the IV Campeonato de España Máster in lifesaving. This will be an opportunity to see top swimmers in all classes and ages in action. From 25th to 28th May should have been held in the Torrevieja municipal swimming pool and at the playa de los Naufragos. But the pool wilt open until September, though the open air one will be available for 1st June.

Last year 321 persons died in swimming accidents. Almost half of them in Galicia, Andalusia and Canaries. With Easter holidays upon us we would like to offer some statistics and advice. At the time of writing we don't know who will be manning the Torrevieja beaches that were manned last year by private company but in the past by the local Red Cross.

August has been the most tragic month, with an average of almost two drownings each day. Over half of the deaths were in the sea off beaches (170). 18,4 % was in rivers (59), 7,2 % in swimming pools (23). The rest, two in every 10, took place in rivers, ports, marshes, rafting and reservoirs. The majority of the events were between the 12.00 and the 20.00. These figures do not count those would be immigrants who have died trying to reach Spain The heat, the dehydration and anything associated with the beach and with the sea, can unleash cardiac sudden problems like hearts attacks or arrhythmias.

In summertime many beaches have lifeguard Systems organised by municipal authorities. At the time of writing there is still no word of who will be manning the beaches of Torrevieja: last year it was a private company aormi@icloud.com

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but in previous years it has been the responsibility of the local Red Cross. Most of the lifeguards begin work around 11:00 as in Torrevieja, but those most at risk are elderly people who tend to be drowned on the beach at eight o’clock. Many of those who have died are just going for a dip, rather than a swim and even the sting of a jellyfish can be the cause of a heart attack in the water. It is essential that in these cases time is of the importance for resuscitation procedures and the lifeguards informed or if not on duty phone 112. Most lifeguards will have access to a Defibrillator or other resuscitation equipment. aormi@icloud.com

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More than half of the children who died last year were in swimming pools, 10% in municipal pools and only 2% in the sea. Drownings are the third highest cause of infantile death in the world especially small ones under four years as a child can die in a puddle or 20 centimetres of water in less than two minutes.

Children should be taught to float first before actually learning swimming strokes. Care should be taken with floating items, especially waterbeds where children can be caught underneath out of sight. If children are in the pool someone should be checking them every ten seconds according to the lifesaving experts. If it is a community pool a telephone should be close to phone for assistance if required.

The Red Cross urge adults and children to learn Basic first aid procedures and resuscitation. Nine out of ten accidents related with water might be avoided as simple cramps can cause a death.

It is recommended that a person should wait two hours after eating to allow the digestive system to do its work. If a person has odd feelings such as nausea, fatigue, headache, cramps etc. they should get out of the water immediately. Â

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Heart attack symptoms Chest pain - a sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing in the centre of the chest Pain in other parts of the body - it can feel as if

Your Heart by Pat Hynd

Can you recognize the symptoms if you or someone else has a heart attack or stroke call 112

the pain is travelling from the chest to the arms (usually the left arm is affected, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and abdomen Feeling lightheaded or dizzy Sweating Shortness of breath Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) Overwhelming sense of anxiety (similar to having a panic attack) Coughing or wheezing

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Call 112

Although the chest pain is often severe, some people may only experience minor pain, similar to indigestion. In some cases, there may not be any chest pain at all, especially in women, elderly people and people with diabetes.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, is when blood flow to the brain stops. The brain cells in the area begin to die. A stroke can affect the entire body.

01 Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.

02 Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg. Especially on one side of the body.

03 Sudden trouble seeing in one or Both eyes.

04 Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

05 Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

There are two main forms of stroke. Ischemic stroke is blockage in the artery. A hemorrhagic stroke is due to a blood vessel rupture. You can also have a mini stroke (transient ischemic attack), which is a temporary blockage. Mini strokes don’t cause permanent damage but they do increase your risk for stroke.

People who recover from stroke may experience: • weakness and paralysis • spasticity • changes in senses aormi@icloud.com

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• • • • •

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memory, attention, or perception problems depression fatigue vision problems behavior changes

You can prepare for stroke if you know you’re at risk for one. These steps include: • educating family and friends about “FAST” • wearing medical identification jewelry for medical staff • keeping updated medical history on hand • having emergency contacts listed on your phone • keeping a copy of your medications with you • teaching children how to call for help

Call 112 aormi@icloud.com

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You can take steps to minimize your risk factors for having a stroke by: • eating more veggies, beans, and nuts • eating more seafood instead of red meat, poultry, and eggs • limiting intake of sodium, fats, sugars, and refined grains • increasing exercise • limiting or quitting tobacco use • drinking alcohol in moderation • taking prescribed medications for conditions, such as high blood pressure, as directed

Torrevieja Stroke Association The Annex, Municipal Buildings Calle Paganini s/n Urbanization La Siesta Torrevieja Alicante 03184 Spain 00 34 965 071 920 (Please leave a message) 00 34 653 588 475

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Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

'3' steps, STR. S *Ask the individual to SMILE. T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. Chicken Soup) R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.In If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Rehabilitation

Stroke victims can recover if they are treated as soon as possible at hospital.

After that, if there are any visible defects in movements, then the doctor will advise on adequate physiotherapy treatment.

I have seen stroke victims coming into rehabilitation at Entremares Clinic in Torrevieja and within a few months be as good as new. On the other hand I have seen others who have to have regular physiotherapy for years just to keep going after a debilitating stroke.

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Expo Torrevieja Lifestyle 2017

Expo Torrevieja drew large crowds. Young Bradley Lillie was encouraging people to try out boating trips for fishermen. Photographer Keith Nicol helped organize the event and was busy chatting and snapping both exhibitors and public. Those attending could have a taste of virtual reality or have an eye test and check for glaucoma.

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A foot and posture check by Pisano Firme

Electric Bikes by Rubio

Menswear by Metro aormi@icloud.com

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On a bright sunny day on the second weekend of March crowds of people of various nationalities turned out to enjoy the buzz of this exhibition largely organized by an international team with Keith Nichol, Kjetil, Arturo and others. It was held in the lovely Salones de Bahia Costa, a large restaurant complex close to the Torre del Moro, an ideal local for weddings and other events.

The theme was “quality of life and luxury living”. And the vast range of products lived up to the theme with solar energy, electric bikes, and automobiles, fishing trips, luxury homes and home d e s i g n , telecommunications, technology that included virtual reality.

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such as chiropody, dental, ophthalmologists and optometrists, wellbeing, and the Hospital Quiron.

Torrevieja Tourist Office

Experienced Property salesmen and women

Businesses came from not only Torrevieja, but nearby towns or as far away as Valencia, to exhibit their wares and services. A number of gourmet and wine establishments including jamon and a blue wine selling well to the Scandinavians.

Lawyers rubbed shoulders with estate agents, clothing, massage, hairdressers and beauticians.

The hairdresser Margherita was present celebrating her 30th year in Spain with a popular salon at Villamartin. Several clubs and associations were present and Monroes Bar’s annual Rock Against Cancer concert to be held on 10th June was seeking support from the public and bands.

Torrevieja Tourist office and the small businesses association, APYMECO, were on hand to deal with enquiries and a discount card was available providing

Margherita Salon celebrates 30 years aormi@icloud.com

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Spanish MP Joaquin Albaladejo meets the public

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discounts in many Torrevieja shops and outlets.

Apart from introducing businesses to the general public, the Expo Torrevieja also was a meeting ground for various businesses to exchange ideas and possible cooperation in various projects.

Apart from all the various types of food and drinks available an excellent jazz trio of guitar, bass and drums playing quietly as background music enhanced the ambience.

Cool Jazz trio

Llanusi eye specialists one of the professional medical stalls as well as handicrafts

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Andy Ormiston writes: At ExpoTorrevieja I met Rita Jochumsen Hee , a charming Danish artist who has a small studio, La Casita del Arte, in the La Mata area, so I was able to interview her briefly and she kindly gave me her time. She is Danish, but speaks English and Spanish fluently and loves travelling when she is not engaged in teaching art techniques.

Rita. How many years have you been a teacher of art?

Well over twelve years now, and I love it.

Have you any special artist that inspires your own art?

Although I don't have an particular artist to copy, I love most styles of artform. So, not really as I like to do whatever appeals to me at any particular time in my life. aormi@icloud.com

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You seem to concentrate a lot on the human body, does it mean something special to you?

Of course, the human body is full of interesting and different shapes that are both a stimulation and challenge to an artist. The human body offers planes and rounds, depending on the light one can play with the shadows formed.

Do you guide pupils in any particular direction or do you let them do their own thing?

I try to let them do what inspires them and gently nudge them with ideas in a direction. I show them the basic uses of the paints and shading.

What type of person attends classes in la Casita de Arte?

They are people of very different backgrounds and many nationalities. Although, because of my native background, I have many Scandinavian students.

How long has the Studio been going?

I started it in 2011when I chanced upon this little studio facing pine woods and close to the Mediterranean. It is a very picturesque and stimulating environment. I have beginner and advanced classes What type of style do you encourage is it oil, acrylic, water painting or drawing or other system?

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We always use oils, although some prefer acrylic painting Do you have classes in other art forms such as ceramics?

No it is a very small studio and I stick to what I know and really I don’t have time for other things.

Do you have any invited guest artists for demonstrations?

Yes, students benefit from classes by other artists and their personal stylee of painting. A regular guest is the noted Irish artist T.J. Miles who is popular with the students and often has interesting activities.

Do students ever have their own work exhibited?

Oh, yes indeed. We hold regular exhibitions in the Casita and have exhibited in the Torrevieja Casino for example.

Are there any other services offered to students, such as framing paintings?

We are fortunate to have access to another artist who also frames paintings.

Do you visit art galleries or exhibitions with your students?

I have organised art trips for my students to museums and galleries in some of the larger cities such as Barcelona, Madrid or Alicante.

I understand that you have organized courses in other places, even living in caves? Does this offer inspiration for the students?

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Indeed it does. It is a wonderful experience. We offered successful weekend courses for students living in cave houses in Almeria and the ambiance was remarkable, inspiring some students to do really excellent work.

Do students ever sell their work?

Of course. I encourage them to do so. Indeed in a recent exhibition by one of my students at the Casita she sold 50% of her work. That encourages them to be more adventurous and strike out in a special way that suits them and their personality.

What satisfaction does art bring you?

Art can be a very personal pleasure. I tend to finish one project but I already have another idea bubbling away and rush to finish. I must admit I do not have the patience of some other artists. It is also a great satisfaction being able to see a new student progressing and suddenly blooming in their paintings. I just love what I do.

LA CASITA DEL ARTE Pino Mar. Fase 3. Nr 163 Between La Mata and Guardamar Tlf 659 510 239

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Blue Mediterranean Wine?

by Pat Hynd

Last year I wrote about the five Basque entrepreneurs who had invented and marketed a unique blue wine - Gik. It was a damp squib among the wine making companies who insisted wine was tinto, blanco or rose, but never blue. The complaint was upheld for three months and now other companies are producing, not only blue wine, but rainbow colour if you like.

There was another similar case in Spain. Viñedos Amaya, a winemaker from El Bierzo, with its own vineyards, was told by a court that its coloured “technowine” cannot be marketed as wine, regional daily El Diario de León reported. Instead, the company now markets a Rainbow Drink “made with wine and in any color you wish,” which should appeal to the gay crowd.

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At the Expo Torrevieja there was an enterprising company run by Åge Folkestad, who has lived and worked in Spain for 16 years, he is now marketing a range of three types of blue wines – a dry, sweet and fizzy. It is proving to be popular to Scandinavians and is centered on the Casa Vital Restaurant in Altea, which has a menu of Spanish and Scandinavia cuisine, as well as a wide range of first class wines.

So what is this blue wine? Azul Mediterráneo is made from chardonnay grapes.

Although most famous for its still, dry wines, Chardonnay is used to produce an impressively diverse range of wine styles. The variety is put to use in sparkling wines all over the world (most famously Champagne), when it is usually paired with Pinot Noir.

Canada even produces sweet ChardonnaAzul Mediterráneo that is made from chardonnay grapes. Although most famous for its still, dry wines, Chardonnay is used to produce an impressively diverse range of wine styles. The variety is put to use in sparkling wines all over the world (most famously Champagne), when it is usually paired with Pinot Noir.

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Azul Mediterráneo is blue thanks to a natural pigment called anthocyanin. This pigment is extracted from the skin of red grapes and is mixed with the broth until the chardonnay grape color that characterizes AZUL MEDITERRÁNEO. Anthocyanin? Anthocyanin is preferred in the industries of food and drinks when it comes to colours ranging from orange, red and pink to purple and blue natural dye.

Besides anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants, and thus have anti - aging properties. They are protective against cellular oxidative stress, as with most of flavonoids has been able to establish a link between regular consumption of foods rich enantocianina and a lower incidence of a variety of malignancies.

I tried out these blue wines at the Expo Torrevieja and was pleasantly surprised.

The colour tends to tell your senses to expect something watery, but the palate tells you this is definitely wine. My companion told me that the dry blue wine was better than the dried white wine she had previously tried.

I suspect that this blue wine will appeal to the young people who are always willing to try new things. And I think Åge Folkestad has a market ahead, a FUN novelty market. And as pensioners tend to be fun folk, then possibly for them as well.

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11, 12 & 13 May Stagestruck Roman Frolics in Pompeii, San Fulgencio

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