August 054 Torrevieja Outlook by Andy Ormiston

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

054 August 2018

Calendar – Fiestas – Pilar beaches – Dolores Farm Fayre – San Fulgencio – Buñol’s Bloody Mary – Orgy in Fortuna Spas – Bigastro Summer fun – Los Alcazares Agricultural Fiesta – Roque in Callosa del Segura – Torrevieja celebrates summer – Music & Monuments – Leaving on a salt train – 400 festivals – Open Day sanctuary – Rocck against Cancer Youth Music festival – Payas’ Never Ending Story – ALPE Gala – Bombing anniversary – Health in schools – Mental Health – Connecting with HELP – Red Riding Hood – Mediterranean Oasis – Montezuma’s revenge – Mermaids and other tails – CD Torre – Lourdes Pilgrims – Violet Points – Covera or Ciervo? – Intimate DIVAS – 64th Habaneras – Bill board . aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

AUGUST Summer is in full swing and this month is full of festivals and fiestas. The 15th is a national bank holiday and some of the festivities in towns such as Elche date back to medieval times. Some of the most spectacular ones are held in Elche and Orihuela. 1st - 25th

Aspe holds fiestas almost every day. On the 3rd there is a romería carrying the image of the Virgen de las Nieves which is returned again to the hermitage on the 14th; another main day is on the 5th with a procession. (See 10th) 1 - 8th Aug. Patronal fiestas in Pinoso. 2nd- 6th Patronal fiestas in Els Poblet. 2 - 6th Aug. Patronal fiestas in Xaló. 3 - 10th Patronal fiestas in Murla. (see 7th) 5 - 9th Moors & Christians in Elche. 5 - 6th Main fiestas of Calpe. 6th Aug. Principal fiestas of Mutxamel. 7th Aug. Fiesta dels Fadrins in Murla. 7th Aug on the weekend nearest to this date a romería is held in Relleu. On the first weekend of the month the Fiestas of the Virgen de la Paz are held in San Fulgencio. In La Marina urbanisation. 8th Aug. Fiestas of San Domingo held in Beniarbeig. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

The medieval Mystery Play is held in the Basilica of Santa Maria from 11 to 13 August rebooking advisable from 7 euros to 57 euros https://entradas.instanticket.es/ misteridelx/public/janto/# First weekend of the month youngsters of Penàguila celebrate the Fadrins fiesta with a romería. Altea holds the fiesta of San Roque. Beniardá has pàtronal fiestas until the following Monday or Tuesday. Tárbena holds patronal fiestas Friday to Monday. Alfafara holds patronal fiestas. Habaneras festival in Torrevieja. Famorca holds patronal fiestas. First week Benidoleig has patronal fiestas in honour of Santa Barbara. First or second Sunday Vall d Ébo has patronal fiestas. 9 - 15th Parcent holds fiestas in honour of San Lorenzo. 10th Aug. Weekend nearest to this date San Lorenzo fiestas held in Altea, Busto, Benimantell and Benillup. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

10 - 13th Moors & Christians in Aspe. 10 - 18th Novelda celebrates San Roque. 12 - 15th Moors & Christians in Cocentaina. Patronal fiestas in Benichembla. Local fiesta in Altoza (Alacant). 12 - 16th Moors & Christian fiestas in Callosa de Segura.

12 - 17th Bigastro holds patronal fiestas of San Joaquín.

Second weekend beach fiestas of Albir. Second Sunday patronal fiestas of La Vall d’Alcalà. Patronal fiesta in Sagra.

In Xixona dance festival with dances dating from XVII century.

Summer festival in Benialí (Vall de Gallinera).

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

During the first two weeks Elche celebrates the Fiesta de los Pobladores.

13th Aug.

14 - 15th 13 - 16th 14th Aug. 14 - 18th

aormi@icloud.com

Fiestas in Ondara in the Cristo district, include blessing of bread at Mass, procession and fireworks with a slice of coca cake for over 2,000 people. In Elche between 23.15 and 00.00 h., the Nit de l’Albà a spectacular firework display whose origins go back to XVII century. Representation of the Mystery Play in Elche. Moors & Christians in Dénia. Fiestas in Castalla. La Nit de l’Olla introduces the Moors & Christians fiestas in Benilloba. Patronal fiesta in Guadalest. Polop fiestas of Porrat de Sant Roc. La Nucía celebrates patronal fiestas. Patronal fiestas in honour of the Virgen de la Cueva Santa in Beniarrés. Principal fiestas of Castel de Castells. As we go into grape picking season Summer fiestas begin in Montforte del Cid.

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

14 - 22 15th Aug.

Summer Fair in Orihuela. La Torre de les Macanes has unique traditional fiestas. Sax celebrates la Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción. In Senija the Fiestas de la Mare de Dèu d’Agost are held. Pilar de la Horadada have special celebrations. Weekend after the 15th fiestas in Beniferri. 15 - 20th Main fiestas at Llíber. 18 - 23rd Patronal fiestas in Benasau. 20th Aug. Fiestas in honour of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Benimaurell (Vall de Laguart) The weekend nearest to this date are the fiestas in Forna. 20 - 21 Alcoy holds fiestas of La Virgen de los Lirios.

21st - 26th Aug. - Moors & Christians in El Camp de Mirra 22nd Aug. Summer fiestas of Alacant.

Third weekend of August Xixona holds 3-day fiestas with Moors & Christians. Summer festival begins in Patró (Vall de Gallinera). Between the 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month the Patronal fiestas in Bolulla. The third week sees the patronal celebrations in Benimasot. 23 - 26th Moors & Christians march in the José Antonio district of Alacant. 24 - 26th Aug. Patronal fiestas in Almudaina. 24th August

Xixona holds the fiesta of El Porrt de la Candelaria. Patronal fiestas of Finestrat on nearest weekend to this date. 28 - 30 Aug. Patronal fiestas in Xirles (Polop) 28 - 31 Aug. Patronal fiestas in Alcocer de Planes. 30th Aug. - 8th September Virgen de Loreto fiestas at Xàbia. 31st Aug. Jávea fiestas of the Virgen de los Angeles. 31st Aug. Start of Castalla Moors & Christian fiestas with the Nit de l’Olla.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

31st Aug.

Montforte del Cid holds the Festival of San Ramón. Festival of the Virgen de los Angeles in the monastery of los Jerónimos in Xàbia. Second last weekend of the month Les Danses fiesta of Castalla.

Last weekend of month patronal fiestas in Benifato, Alcoleja and Facheca. San Miguel fiestas in Alcalí. Major fiestas in Benimeli. Summer fiestas in Benissili (Vall de Gallinera) Patronal fiestas of San Roque in Beniarbeig. Monòvar holds fiestas of Santa Bárbara. Hondón de los Frailes have fiestas. Patronal fiestas in Formentera del Segura.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Summer Beaches in Pilar Pilar de la Horadada has a host of activities throughout summer, including the now annual Fiesta de la Moda, which each year garners more attention in the fashion world and annually provides a window display for up and coming fashion designers and new models. Young designers have the opportunity to show off their originality in their designs, and models have the experience of appearing in the latest fashions of these young designers. The 30th July is the date when the town was segregated and gained its independence as a town. So this important civic celebration is a good introduction tot he summer activities at Torre de la Horadada, Mil Palmeras, El Mojรณn and Pinar de Campoverde. CONSULTA LA WEB www.pilardelahoradada.org

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Dolores Farm Fayre by Dave Stewart

Dolores is a neighbouring town of Torrevieja in the Vega Baja area. The annual Farm Fayre held in Dolores from 2nd to 8th August and draws thousands of people, many being attracted by the horses and the many equestrian competitions held during the week. But there are many other entertaining events such as dances, barraca popular, verbena animada with live music and lots more. Thye poster this year is the work of Pablo Uncetabarrenechea Elguezabal. It was stopped for one year until it was decided that the town warranted its own exhibition area. In 2008 the XVII Livestock Fair was held in better surroundings, as the fair ground was extended. Here there is an opportunity to see some of the best horses in the country and enjoy the various horse competitions from one-year old mares to mature equestrian participants.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

Several stalls sell equipment and souvenirs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; carriages, outdoor clothing, and all the fun food of the fair including toffee apples and candy floss. There are both a horse drag and a cattle drag where animals are harnessed to one thousand kilos weighted carts and pull them competitively. Dogs also have a look in with an agility competition that is extremely popular with a wide variety of dogs participating to the shouts of their owners.

Possibly one of the most traditional events is the donkey race when youngsters are shouted at by their granddads on what to do next and finish a winner. Not that being a winner is important as every rider gets a traditional turkey prize from the town hall. Make a date for the first week of August and enjoy yet another aspect of Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural culture.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

San Fulgencio and the Virgen de la Paz

More and more towns are bringing the fiestas and culture into their urbanisations. In the Vega Baja town of San Fulgencio the fiesta in honour of the Virgen de la Paz has spread into the sprawling brat of an urbanisation that is bigger than its parent - La Marina. Normally this is held over the first weekend of August. A temporary mock bullring is set up at the entry to the urbanisation. Horses are the darlings and centrepiece with lots of gasps of admiration from the audience as they step high and do an amazing variety of skillful tricks. One year there was a bull with a difference as young Basilio Mateo rode his horse to face a wheelbarrow contraption that had a pair of horns on it which had a set of horns. You can expect traditional dancing and music and a really great show. There is always a good line-up of live entertainment over the weekend sometimes livened up with a foam party. But like every Spanish fiesta it all ends with a magnificent fireworks display.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Buñol’s Bloody Mary by Dave Stewart

Probably after the bull runs of Pamplona the most famous international fiestas is that of the Tomatina in Buñol. Each year 60,000 people crush into the small town of Buñol swelling its normal 10,000 inhabitants to participate in the annual battle of tomatoes. It started in August 1945 with an outraged young man throwing vegetables rom a market stall and the following year other youngsters decided to follow suit. Although the police broke up the early tradition in the following years, the young boys had made history without being conscious about it. La Tomatina was banned in the early 50s, which was not a problem for the participants who were even arrested. But the people spoke and the festivity was again allowed with more participants and more frenetic feelings. This fiesta has now received worldwide publicity and has become big business as each year it attracts more and more visitors willing to brave the Trituran, a barrage of tomatoes thrown at everyone in sight for one hour. 120 tons of tomatoes, carried on seven open lorries manned by local men, proceed slowly through the designated narrow streets and those on board chuck the fruit at anyone they can see, so that, eventually, the streets resemble a giant tomato ketchup spread over all the buildings and anyone in the way. Although at street level the houses and shops are barricaded sometimes people on the balconies above have tomatoes thrown at them, which can end up spattered against their salon walls. Once the tomatoes are used up the hosepipes are turned on the battlefield to wash everything away and the battle of the T-shirts commences as men and women take off their red spattered shirts (and shoes) and throw them at each other, often causing bodily damage. In 2002, La Tomatina of Buñol was declared Festivity of International Tourist Interest by the Secretary Deparment of Tourism due to its success.For the sixth consecutive year children will enjoy the quintessential festival of Buñol perfectly adapted for them. It will be on Saturday the 25th of August 2018 (the Saturday before La Tomatina) at 12:00 h. in la Plaza del Pueblo. The age to participate is from 4 to 14 years

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Roman Orgy in Fortuna by Dave Stewart

Fortuna is in the Murcian Region located 240 metres above sea level. It is an appropriate name as Lady Fortune does smile on this small town bathed in the sun in a dry climate. The thermal waters gushed out of the warm mineral springs in La Cueva Negra and the Baños de Fortuna and were sought after by the early Iberians and the Romans who used the area as a resting zone for weary soldiers. After the February Carnival and the processions of Semana Santa, the modern “Romans” have a parade to the Cueva Negra to re-enact some of the lascivious rites of the Romans as they splashed in the baths there. This is a good example of the Christians taking over pagan rituals, in this instance the 15th August, the feast of the Assumption of the Virgen Mary into heaven. In Fortuna both ancient civilisations are recalled in the annual fiestas. In these “Fiestas de Sodales”, the parades are not only a tourist attraction, but an opportunity aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Torrevieja Outlook

to know some of the history of Fortuna. A parade of Iberian warriors and files of Roman legionnaires march to the sound of music, several of them on horseback. The principal parade takes place on the 15th August at 19.00. Here fun is combined with culture in a revival of ancient Rome; a Rome that made good use of the curative powers of the thermal baths of Fortuna’s springs to bathe and cleanse the ills of both body and soul. At the end of the night a funeral pyre is lit followed by a fish festival of the Sardinala Popular. Fiestas take place from 10th to 15th August beginning with a spectacular scene of the Iberians and the arrival of the Romans, attracted by the waters of life. During this the scantily clad, fl o w e r- b e d e c k e d “ Wa t e r Nymphs” are crowned. These lovely ladies are escorted by fierce, gaudily painted Iberians or strutting, toga wearing, Romans. There is a Roman market in the town centre and at night there is a Roman dinner in the balneario Romano, where the group of Sodales recline on low benches, wearing typical Roman costumes.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Bigastro Has Summer Fun

Nº 54 August 2018

Bigastro is another Vega Baja town which celebrates their patron saint, San Joaquín, the grandfather of Jesus and father of Mary. Joaquin is patron of Bigastro and his day has become a central holiday for the town. His statue is in the town church, Nuestra Señora de Belén, and is the work of the famous sculptor and artist Salzillo.

Bigastro is an agricultural based town close to Orihuela and often is bypassed by the passing traffic, but is worth a little stop to have a look. One of it main attractions is La Pedrera a natural parkland of over 500,000 square meters with well over 30,,000 pine trees growing there. In this area is a camping ground and some mountain cabins for rent. There is also golf green for practicing shots. There is a possibility for parking caravans. The week preceding the 16th August is full of events, including a Cena Popular organised by the women featuring typical dishes of the area. Every morning begins at eight o’clock with the Charamita in the streets. In the evenings there are various events such as a carnival parade. On the Saturday at midday there is a carnival parade for the children. The Flower Offering is held on the 14th with an open air Mass followed by a concert. Please contact the local tourist office for further information.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Los Alcázares Agricultural Fiesta

Just south of Torrevieja is the old town of Los Alcázares. Like many towns in Spain the inhabitants are gradually becoming aware of the historical culture of their town as more and more foreigners come to live there and look for some local history. Each year, since 1972, a tradition has grown up whereby farmers, and those who work on the land around, have a get-together and this has developed into a grand feria each year between 15th and 30th August. The Semana de la Huerta includes traditional representations, costumes and folklore music and dancing. A barraca is built in the fair area and traditional food from the region is served, which includes a lot of vegetable and fish dishes. An alcázar is an arabic word for a castle or fortress or even just a keep; in nautical terms it means the quarter-deck. In Los Alcázares there are still some remains of the original alcázar built in the XII century when the town was known as Al Qasr or Al-Kazar. The Arabs built a small port to hold their fishing fleet. Long before this period the Greeks and Phoenicians used the area which was rich in fish. When the Romans arrived they used the district as a resting zone for troops and many of the richer Romans built villas making use of the mineral rich warm waters of the Mar Menor for spas, often using a clay tube system aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

of heating the water and running it into special baths. Using the same system, but running the pipes under the hearth of the fire, the Romans also had a central heating system that was in use in colder climes such as Germany and Britain. More modern spas still function in the town. Some statues from Los Alcรกzares can be seen in the Museo Arqueolรณgico de Murcia. Los Alcรกzares has developed its traditions into attractive fiestas throughout the year. This includes the gastronomy with a traditional calderon party on the beach cooking in large pots suspended on tripods over a fire. Or spectacular Berber invasions at Easter, a reminder of the past incursions by rites looking for booty and slaves. There is also a popular medieval market with live entertainment and a wide variety of stalls selling all sorts of its that have a fragrance of medieval times. The town has a balneario spa hotel that is over an hundred years old. It is right on the Mar Menor beach and the terrace is a delightful place to sit and watch the calm inland sea or visitors from La Manga sailing for a quiet drink at the spa.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

San Roque in Callosa del Segura Pat Hynd

San Roque is one of the best-loved fiestas in the Vega Baja area. It has special significance in the hearts of the people of Callosa de Segura where San Roque is the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patron saint. The sanctuary dedicated to San Roque was built in the hills in 1759; constructed, according to tradition, as a result of when the saint appeared in 1409 to a maimed shepherd whom he cured. Since 1409 two sanctuaries have been built over the intervening years. On the 16th of this month a pilgrimage takes place with acts such as the Floral Offering or the Subida del Farolico take place. The first Mass of the day takes place around 4.00 am in the sanctuary. But before the 16th the preceding week is full of festivities. These fiestas are the main ones of the year for the town and central are the Moors and Christians parades. These begin on the 13th with four comparsas of Christians and two of Moors. The comparsas collaborate in other events throughout the year: The Medio aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Año Festero and in May the medieval market. The Saracens group had a special march composed for their 25th anniversary a few years ago. A popular event is the Floral Procession and Offering. The 14th is dedicated to the multicolour procession with groups such as the Pensioners taking part. There are cycling competitions and football contests, with musical interventions each day and evening. The queen of these fiestas is known as la Maja; the outgoing Maja is 18-year-old Vanesa Manresa, who has represented the town on many occasions, recently at the San Juan Hogueras. There are events for old and young and teenagers have their own VII Cañamo Rock festival by local bands.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Torrevieja celebrates Summer by Andy Ormiston

In recent years the parish of San Roque in Torrevieja has celebrated their saint’s feast with their own fiesta. This takes place for a few days with a variety of events, including a verbena and a procession. In 2006 a throne was built to carry the statue of San Roque on the shoulders of the men through the streets of the district. There are lots of activities in the district of San Roque close to Acequion. There is the inevitable floral procession and Santa Ana also has a place in this district’s celebrations. A popular culinary event is the paella competition that provide a distinct flavor to the fiestas. Then there is a colorful carnival parade and usually a foam party to finish off the fiesta for the young people. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

San Emigdio is the co-patron saint of Torrevieja, he is considered a protector against earthquakes from which the town suffers often with quit quakes that hardly disturb the dogs. Calvary (or also known as los Molinos) is one of the oldest districts of Torrevieja and neighbors here have a party on the feast day of the saint. This is usually held in the PARK OF THE NATIONS where there is small sanctuary dedicated to San Emigdio.

On the final day,5th August, The saint is carried with honour from the sanctuary around nearby streets San Policarpo, Bilbao, Santa Trinidad, Los Molinos, Plaza del Calvario, San Emigdio, José Romero “El Felisia” y San Policarpo, accompanied by a local band such as Los Salerosos. When the image arrives in the small plaza e Cavario there is a traca or letting of fireworks, mostly bangers.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

15th August is a national holiday The Assumption, body and soul, of Mary the Virgin Mother of Jesus is a national holiday in Spain and nearly every small village and large town will have some form of festival and entertainment programme.

Torrevieja has an open air concert on this day of UB40 in the historical Eras de la Sal.

Other acts during August include: 2/8/2018 Joan Manuel Serrat 6-11/8/2018 Festival 'ร rea 51'

9/8/2018 Noche Flamenca 11/8/2018 La Uniรณn 12/8/2018 Sette Voci 14/8/2018 Festival Latino 15/8/2018 UB40 16/8/2018 Soul 18/8/2018 Luz Casal 21-25/8/2018 Festival de Bandas 29 y 30/8/2018 Eras Music Festival 31/8/2018 Kiko Veneno y Los Secretos (se entregarรกn los premios de los ganadores del Eras Music Festival) aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

TORREVIEJA MUSIC AND MONUMENTS by Andy Ormiston

Our cover photo shows one of Torrevieja’s monuments, namely the quay jutting out of the Eras de la Sal open air theatre, which is a monument in itself. Both relate to the main industry of Torrevieja throughout the years of harvesting salt. The Eras was built to store the salt before it was loaded on to the small boats at the quay, then manhandled out to waiting ships anchored in the open sea as there was no port in those days. You can see attached to the quay two small boats laden with salt as a memory of the hard work men had manhandling the salt from the quay to the waiting ships. In later years there was a small railway line that carried the salt, but previously it was manhandled onto ox drawn carts from the alt lakes. This combined work of sea and salt led to ships carrying goods to and from the Cuba and the birth of Torrevieja’s love with habaneras. At the quay is an interesting plaque showing a list of people connected with the salt trade, mostly captains. A nearby statue within the grounds of the Eras de la Sal is aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

The Eras de la Sal was the former storage area for salt. Today it is an open air theatre with interesting monuments.

that of a music conductor handing his baton over to a young boy, who represents the next generation of musicians. Behind these figures is a group of people in the water who represent the sailors and choirs who handed on the tradition of singing habaneras to fire generations. These tie in with the Eras de la Sal Theatre where the annual International Habaneras are held each year. They also link up with the large fountain outside the complex located on the page Vista Alegre. This fountain is in the shape of a crown with sculpted plaques on each face that have images of aspects of the Habaneras. The Paseo Vista Alegre is in itself a monument that has had its name changed several times depending on the politics. Vista Alegre is the promenadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

name meaning a happy vision, which ties in with the sight of the fishing boats and the small beach that was originally here, but is today the scene of the huge amount of yachts and larger vessels in the port area. But originally the name alludes to a nickname of the reigning queen who was well looked upon by her subjects. The promenade has a curved bank of tiled seating sheltered by another type of sculpture using wood from South America, again tying in with the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history as seamen from Torrevieja sailed to almost every part of Latin America and the Caribbean islands, enjoying their rhythmic musical beat. Paseo Vista Alegre

At the further end of the paseo is another group of musicians with their musical instruments and another conductor who is always having his baton stolen. These figures are dedicated to the several town bands that are intrinsically bound up with the town and always on show at processions, parades and fiestas. So as you can see in this short space Torrevieja celebrates a very rich heritage of music and those who sing or play instruments as portrayed in statues and other monuments. But there is more as just across the road opposite this small last band of figures of musicians, we have the actual memorable centre of culture of Torrevieja in the historic Casino. The Casino is a cultural and social club that houses its own collection of art and is home to a number of musical events throughout the year and has always been an important element in the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural lifestyle.

Habaneras memorial fountain with bas relief on each face about the Habaneras

Group of bandsmen and women remembering the music of the town aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

But it is not the only cultural centre as nearby is the Palace of Music, built on the site of the headquarters of the Union Musical Band of Torrevieja that has trained generations of young musicians over decades, some of whom have gone on to gain international recognition. This building is in the shape of a musical and instrument that sits in its case at the entrance. The building has n u m e r o u s classrooms and a small theatre with very good acoustics. Nearby are the offices of other musical bands like Los Salerosos, as well as the To r r e v j e j a S y m p h o n y Orchestra and its Junior Symphony Orchestra that makes good use of the International aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

VIRGEN DEL CARMEN IS A CULTURAL CENTRE THAT SERVES DISTINCT CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND OFFERS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS STUDY AND CLASSROOM FACILITIES.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

Auditorium of Torrevieja for various symphony concerts as well as invited guests. Nearer the bus station is another municipal cultural centre of Virgen del Carmen that also has a small theatre that is used by a wide variety of associations that provide a range of music from elsewhere in Spain Andalucia, Galica, Madrid, Asturia and elsewhere. This building houses the municipal school of Dance, Painting, Theatre and has study rooms for the Alicante University. On 5th August the Junior Symphonic Orchestra of Torrevieja will begin the international auditorium under the baton of director Adolfo Arronis Ruiz. The will be playing a diverse programs including Overture by Beethoven, Suite Sencilla de Santiago Quinto Serna, Tribute to John Williams, Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean 3. This youth orchestra draws its members from various conservatories including those of Torrevieja, Orihuela, Murcia, Elche and AlmoradĂ. There are 34 playing n the chord section, 25 in wind instruments, and 5 on percussion pieces.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

You can still enjoy visiting the Virgen del Carmen exhibition room and see the varied work of pupils of all ages who are par of the Alejandro León Pérez Municipal School of painting. The exhibition bears the title of Imagen taking the viewer on a journey through the universe and discover ourselves. The photo shows some of the pupils with teachers Mar García and Olga Parr. Foots - Joaquin Carrion

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Leaving on a salt train by Andy Ormiston

Thanks to Joaquin Carrion and Objective Torrevieja for these photos. Once again tours have commenced around the salt workings with a guide explaining how the system of extracting the salt occurs. The tours start at the train stop near the hippie open air market where they can board the small tourist train at the paseo de la libertad. The train takes visitors to the mountain of salts piling up relay for the ships to take it to countries where it is used on snowy roads. “Discover the salt of the of the Natural Parks of Torrevieja and la Mata” is the theme when visitors can see not only the industrial side of the salt workings, but also the rose colored waters and the greenery of the protected park.

The tours are between ten o’clock and finish at eight in the evening each day from Monday to Sunday, leaving the tourist train stop and cost 6.95 euros for adults and 5.95 euros for children and pensioners.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

400 festivals

Every year August is one of the most packed months, not only for fiestas but for exhibitions, expositions, fairs, beauty queens etc. etc. There are over 400 festivals held in the Valencia area during this month. The 15th August is a national feastday and bank holiday, and nearly every town has its own celebrations; in Madrid the day is celebrated as the feast of the Virgen de la Paloma with traditional Madrid dress for men and women the rule of the day. And this spills onto the DoĂąa Sinforosa Park where Madrid residents of Torrevieja have their own party. The Coro de la Casa Regional de Madrid hold a splendid concert in the Virgen del Carmen cultural centre.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Open Day Sanctuary

Torrevieja residents have been building slowly, slowly a small sanctuary in the Park of Europa. Each Saturday during August they hold an Open Day so that people can see the progress and enjoy the connivence of this group of devotees. At eight o'clock in the evening there id usually a typical dinner and games to raise funds for the completion of the sanctuary. The image of the Virgen del Rocio is normally kept in the church of SS Ana y Roque or San Salvador. Please contact tourist offices for up-dates on fiestas as programmes are not normally issued until the days prior to any event.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

For the third consecutive year a very popular and successful event as the Rock Against Cancer day held in the Eras de la Sal on 19th June organized by Neil Wyatt and friends. Neil Wyatt and Janet Figueroa were able to give a 5,200 cheque to Torrevieja branch of the AECC , represented by its president Manoli Flores An estimated 2,000 people of all ages enjoyed the day where there were a variety of things for kids, such as Fantasy Face Painting by Salon Margarethaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; , to do during the day and bands in concert in the evening - Sonic Blue, El Despertar del Silencio, The Cages, Wild Freedom, Copper Age, Osezno, Sensa Yuma. Once again many local businesses loaned their support

Keep on rocking against cancer aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Youth music festival

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

The XI International Festival of Youth Orchestras under the auspices of the Alicante Diputación and the Alicante Youth Orchestra will be held in August from 1st to 9th. Venues are at Torrevieja Auditorium, The Teulada/Moraira Auditorium, and at ADDA in Alicante. There were 35 requests to participate this year from youth orchestras at home and abroad. There are three symphony orchestras and one of Chamber music. The Youth Orchestra of Thailand, The Orchestra of Chord Europe Noé, and Polish Youth Orchestra The young soloist Carla Leurs will star in the closing concert as well as her own concert. In the 8th August there will be a GalGala Festival Internacional de Jóvenes Orquestas, FIJO at ADDA. Dutch violinist Carla de Kleuver-Leurs began his studies at the age of 6 and later under the tutelage of Itzhak Perlman y Donald Weilerstein. 35

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Payas’ Never Ending Fantasy Story

A memorable and ambitious event was undertaken by the students of Payas Dance School when they decided to perform their own rendition and interpretation of The Never Ending Story film. This was performed in the Virgen del Carmen with two performances, one at 19:00 and the other at 21:00 very demanding on the over 100 performers. These youngsters danced a fantasy story that continued to unfold as the hero boy read out and played out the book’s passages. Some really incredible performances by students and professors Macu y Melani Payá; Brandon Vicente; Marta Martínez, Christian Pastor y Sergio Loaiza, uner the direction of Matías Antón. The storyline followed the adventures of a young warrior, Atreyu,who at the bidding of the young Empress goes in search of a cure for the gradual disappearance of the Fantasy world. On the way he meets some fantastic characters who came alive in wonderful aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

costumes and makeup as well as scenery. There was so much detail that brought the whole fantastic make-believe world come alive. At times performers appeared amongst the audience making a very realist and necessary connection. The fantastic performance was applauded by the enthusiastic audience throughout the various scenes As Payaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often does, the entrance money went to a solidarity cause in this instance a Spanish association GAEX whose president, Vicente Onteniente, was a spectator. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

An important and glamorous fund raising event was the magnificent and expensive the first Solidarity Gala Dinner held at the Hotel La Laguna Spa Resort in Quesada. This was jointly sponsored by several Torrevieja concert such as th University Hospital of Torrevieja, the lawyers Chapapría-Navarro & Asociados, Euromarina and held on 16 June. The Director of the Hotel Laguna, Sofía Madrid, was able to donate a cheque to ALPE of 9, 560 euros which will go towards the remodeling of a park or the children of the school.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

80 years anniversary of Torrevieja Bombing

I know that some people think that Torrevieja needs bombing to start all over again, while others think it already has been bombed because of the state of the street planning. Torrevejenses are reluctant to talk about the Spanish Civil War. A group of would-be Republicans gather each year to remember the bombing of Torrevieja by Italian airplanes on 25 August 1938 that caused the lives of 19 people, including a two-month old child. Only ne person was over 60 years of age, 5 were in their 30’s and the rest under 30 years of age including 5 children. 80 years later it will be interesting if the Mayor, José Manuel Dolón, will follow up on his promise to erect a permanent memorial to these victims of bombs that spattered through the town as it was then. The most dramatic part of the bombing was of the queue of old people and women waiting in a line to collect newly landed fish. A problem is that the law of a previous PSOE government brought out the

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Historic Monument Law forbidding any memorial of that time including street names. This led to an overall destruction of images of Francisco Franco and streets bearing his name. Logically this should mean that any monument to the losing Republican side should also disappear. As it is 8 decades since the bombing then it is likely that there will be more people attending any memorial service. There are few memorials to the Civil War in Torrevieja, but under consideration as a tourist attraction are the bunkers at Punta Prima and the one that is under the main square. In August 2011 a bomb from the time of the Spanish civil war was uncovered in the waters of Torrevieja and destroyed in a controlled blast.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Health in Schools Remember the school days when the teacher would shout, “sit up straight that boy and stop lounging about.” or “ you there, the girl with the long hair, stop slouching about.” David Valero has been going around Torrevieja schools talking to pupils about the future bad affects bad postures in school has on the body. David is one of the physiotherapists at the Torrevieja University Hospital rehabilitation centre. He has finished the first part of a campaign to address pupils about correct hygiene poster and the necessity of physical exercise and sports. An important aspect of his work has been teaching children how to correctly carry their haversacks, which at times can be very heave with books and school materials. So far David has visited 25 colleges in the “22 District of Health”. He discusses the illnesses that can be prevented through bad posters and not looking after the body at an early age - osteomuscular lesions, or deformities like Curvature of the spine, cifosis. He will continue the classes in the new school term starting in September.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

ADIEM Supports families dealing with Mental Health

In 1997, ADIEM emerged as an Association in Orihuela (Alicante), with the help of a group of families and Founder Members who joined together while sharing needs and concerns of their family members with mental health problems. They met in coffee shops and private homes, without financial or material means. But ADIEM was developed, sharing all the needs experienced and a firm commitment to improve the lives of people with mental illness and walk towards a future of opportunities. And it is that, the essence and nature of ADIEM, is the common good and the best of the improvement in the sociallabor and sanitary attention in mental health. During the first years ADIEM developed actions of social awareness and vindication of services and resources for people with mental illness in the Comarca of Bajo Segura. Special attention was paid to the creation and management of the first social care resources for people with mental illness and family members of the area. In 2003, they started to manage the first Sheltered Housing of the Vega Baja, and since then, ADIEM has continued working to create opportunities for people and their families. Currently, ADIEM is made up of people with mental illness, family members, professionals and people sensitized with the sector, who work together for the fulfillment of Social Rights and to take actions that make available to people with mental illness and their families, with the necessary means to support and to improve their quality of life and their personal autonomy.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Following agreement at the HELP Vega Baja Committee Meeting, we are delighted to advise that 5,000 euros has been donated to this local charity - ADIEM. Mental Health Support Sheltered Housing. (Mental Health Vega Baja).

Thank you to everyone who supports HELP Vega Baja which provides us with the resources to make donations to worthy charities such as ADIEM

CENTRO DE RECURSOS TRINO MESEGUER Pza de Torrevieja, Blq. I, bajo 03300 – Orihuela (Alicante) Tfno: 966 34 23 40 Fax: 966 29 49 73 adiem@adiem.org CENTRO DE RECURSOS PADRE JOFRÉ C/ La Paz, 194, Bajo 03182 – Torrevieja (Alicante) Tfno: 966 70 52 94 Fax: 966 29 49 73 adiem@adiem.org CENTRO DE RECURSOS MIND C/ Hércules 28-30 03006 – Alicante Tfno: 966 44 83 59 Fax: 966 29 49 73 adiem@adiem.org

aormi@icloud.com

The Center of Rehabilitation and Social Integration, (CRIS ADIEM), provides a set of specific and specialized service, in ambulatory regime, directed persons with chronic mental illness, with need of supports to improve his/her functional capacities, where there are carried out programmes of work adapted to the characteristics, needs and situation suited the users. Annually nearly 100 persons of between 18 and 65 years receive attention, being the capacity of the Center of 70 squares. The following presentations are realized all the year round of continued form: - Social and functional evaluation. - Training in social competition and in skills of self-care and of the daily life. - Recovery of cognitive skills. - Activities of Psychomotor activity. - Production of an Individualized Program of Rehabilitation (PIR). - Meetings of Psico-education and promotion of healthy ways of life. -Follow-up and support in the community. - Support and advice for the family.

Torrevieja Outlook

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

A pantomime style Little Red Riding Hood fantasy music and comedy in Spanish can be enjoyed in the Torrevieja auditorium on 11 August @ 20:00 Caperucita Roja, the maddest version of the history, is an entertaining way of knowing the classic story. Two book-keepers of history come to the theatre to count and to represent the story for the young and older. This curious coincidence does that both prominent figures have necessarily that the spectacle and his prominent figures to share and with the entertaining situations that one is going to present them. The one who will be the wolf? Who Little Red Riding Hood? The hunter? A spectacle that will not make children indifferent not not major. This is the latest production of the La Murga Teatro, a company of Cartagena and part of a national tour.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Elche - Oasis of the Mediterranean Elche is well known for its world heritage acknowledgement of its famous palm groves and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site and sight. It is also well known for its Mystery Play dating from the 13th century. Why call it a mystery? These were and still are in many parts of Europe, plays that try to explain and express something that can’t be really explained. In this instance it is the belief that the mother of Jesus, Mary, when she died both her body and soul were assumed into heaven. A difficult concept to understand, but this play tried to physical show these concepts. The mystery of the Trinitarian God. The apostles gather around the image of Mary as she is taken upwards by angels playing medieval instruments and singing. The mysteries of Elche includes at one part the Virgen Mary, accompanied by four Angels ascends heavenwards, after baritone Saint Thomas, the doubtful apostle, sings of her virtues; another group of figures descends representing the Trinity who crown Mary as aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Queen of heaven. So at this point the ceiling is supporting two groups as the audience shouts. ยกViva! There is a Gloria sung after this. While the group reaches the heavens that opens to receive her body and soul. In 2001, UNESCO declared it one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. All the parts are played by males, boys and men, with parts that are often transferred down families. But it is a very professional play and I met two of the singers, Carlos Espinosa and Carlos Garcia, recently. Both are dedicated and professional musicians and singers and both teach some form of music and voice at university. Both are bearded ready for their parts in the mystery play of Elche. The play is on the 14th and 15th August within the bait of Santa Maria. Plays were banned in churches by the Council of Trent , but Pope Urbano VIII in 1632 gave permission for the basilica to be used for this particular play. The play is written in medieval Valencian with a few Latin verses, using an amalgam of various styles including medieval, Barroque and Renaissance. There are dress rehearsals 11, 12 and 13 August which can be attended purchasing a ticket. In even-numbered years (i.e 2018), there are special performances in October and November as well. In this case the two acts are performed on 1 November (first act in the morning and second in the afternoon) and the dress rehearsals are 29 and 30 October. As in the summer, the 1 November performance is free, while tickets must be purchased for the dress rehearsals. Tickets go on sale from the end of July.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Montezuma's revenge

In 2015 two billion cases of gastroenteritis resulted in 1.3 million deaths globally. Children and those in the developing world are affected the most. In 2011, about 1.7 billion cases resulting in about 700,000 deaths of children under the age of five. Gastroenteritis usually involves nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Sometimes only one or the other is present and is prevalent in summertime in Spain. Especially with the hot weather the risk of some sort of infection is high and patients are advised to go to the clinic. Gastroenteritis is associated with many colloquial names, including "Montezuma's revenge", "Delhi belly", "la turista", and "back door sprint", among others Rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus are known to cause viral gastroenteritis. In the developed world Campylobacter jejuni is the primary cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, with half of these cases associated with exposure to poultry. Some foods commonly associated with illness include raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs; raw sprouts; unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses; and fruit and vegetable juices. Stool cultures should be performed in those with blood in the stool, those who might have been exposed to food poisoning, and those who have recently traveled to the developing world A determination of whether or not the person has dehydration is an important part of the assessment, with dehydration typically divided into mild (3–5%), moderate (6–9%), and severe (≥10%) cases, So as always the advice is drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Other potential causes of signs and symptoms that mimic those seen in gastroenteritis that need to be ruled out include appendicitis, volvulus, inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract infections, and diabetes mellitus. So again it is important for a clinical diagnosis to be made. Diabetics have their own risk. Classical diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, but without diarrhea. One study found that 17% of children with DKA were initially diagnosed as having gastroenteritis. Personal measures (such as hand washing with soap) have been found to decrease rates of gastroenteritis in both the developing and developed world by as much as 30%. ] Food or drink that is thought to be contaminated should be avoided. The primary treatment of gastroenteritis in both children and adults is rehydration. This is preferably achieved by drinking rehydration solution, although intravenous delivery may be required if there is a decreased level of consciousness or if dehydration is severe. Spanish pharmacies have a orange tasting sure solution that is easy to take to replenish the body’s requirements. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

There are plenty of mariner’s tales about sirens in the sea, but every year Torrevieja is visited by one of them who is crowned as Torrevieja’s Mermaid. For the past two years Sara Maddaloni Girona has played the part as it has been a special time celebrating innumerable events for the 50th anniversary of the Real Club Nautico. Paloma Gil Girona will be drawn from the sea this month by some husky lads who will cry her ashore as she cant possibly walk on her tail. After being crowned queen of the sea and Sirena of the Real Club Nautico she will b able to enjoy using a pair of legs. Then for the next year she will undertake many duties representing the club and the town.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

Torreviejaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football team,, CD Torrevieja, now have their own clubhouse and a list of friendlies before the season stats in earnest. â&#x20AC;˘ CF La Nucia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CD Torrevieja, SĂĄbado 28 de Julio a las 19:00, Estadio Camilo Cano (La Nucia) â&#x20AC;˘ Triangular Crevillente Deportivo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EDMF Churra y CD Torrevieja, MiĂŠrcoles 1 de Agosto a las 19:00, Estadio Montesico Blanco (San Miguel de Salinas) â&#x20AC;˘ CD Torrevieja â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Yeclano Deportivo, MiĂŠrcoles 8 de Agosto a las 19:00, Estadio Nelson Mandela (Torrevieja) â&#x20AC;˘ CD Torrevieja â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UCAM Murcia B, Domingo 19 de Agosto a las 19:00, Estadio Nelson Mandela (Torrevieja) â&#x20AC;˘ UD Petrelense â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CD Torrevieja, Martes 21 de Agosto (Horario pendiente), Estadio El Barxell (Petrel) The clubhouse is in:â&#x17E;Ą C/Caballero de Rodas, nÂ°56 bajo, 03181 Torrevieja (Alicante) đ&#x;&#x201C;&#x2026; | Horario: â&#x17E;Ą Mondays - 17:00 a 20:00 â&#x17E;Ą Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, -10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00 â&#x17E;Ą Fridays from 10:00 to 13:30 â&#x2DC;&#x17D; | TelĂŠfono:

aormi@icloud.com

â&#x17E;Ą 965 719 699

Torrevieja Outlook

Lourdes Pilgrims by Andy Ormiston

Nº 54 August 2018

"To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history," declared Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. "To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God.”

Continuing our series on pilgrims as a type of tourist, I was invited to the Orihuela pilgrimage to Lourdes. I've never done this before but decided to give it a go as in my youth I half made a promise to the father of a friend that someday we would go to Lourdes. My friend did go with his wife, so when I phoned him up after my visit he was delighted that we both had completed our promise, even though separately and a bit tardily.

Our small Torrevieja group met beforehand to discuss the agenda laid out by the central group who organised all the arrangements. We started out at five in the morning from Torrevieja main plaza on a microbus to Alicante train station, where we met groups from all over the Costa Blanca 600 people then another 1,600 of Murcia region.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

These are volunteers, pilgrims and the sick are mostly elderly with a variety of conditions - strokes, bad hips, etc. Many have been a number of times before to Lourdes. Asked why they return it's the same sort of response, the sense of peace, tranquillity, wellbeing. Some have been as much as forty times. Everyone has their own story to tell. Health is a principal theme. But no one really complains,they like to talk about it. On the subject of wealth almost all say they'd prefer to have good health. Accompanying the sick are volunteer doctors and nurses able to cope with most emergencies. At Lourdes the volunteers showed their mettle dealing with elderly sick in wheelchairs, crutches and loads of ailments They managed all the logistics of luggage and medical supplies including mundane things like nappies, cleaning equipment. The previous group of whichever nationality had ensured rooms were clean, beds made. The Orihuela group undertook to do the same preparations for yet another lot of pilgrims, while French staff prepared a menu including special dietary needs for those like diabetics. These are the all year round members of the Orihuela and Alicante Diocese Hospitallers of Lourdes. A group is based in most parishes including Torrevieja. However it is in a central meeting of representatives of most countries who annually plan the year's pilgrimages so that not too many people are there at the one time. aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Another group of volunteers consisted of youngsters, i.e. teenagers at various stages of studying from infants to university students and seminarians. I was most impressed not only by the Orihuela/Alicante youngsters but the thousands from s many other countries and places in Spain. There is also a youth group of the Lourdes association and this year was notably more numerous, I was told. Which is good as next year the hospitallers celebrate their 60th year. In whatever organization the youth are the future. But others were giving up their holidays to participate. I met handsome young lads studying to be priests, painters, organist and music teachers, carpet maker, young girls studying to be social workers, even one young girl aspiring to be director in a large business (so she said, then added “just to have something to say”. The great gift they took away was camaraderie encountered among themselves, making new friends and experiencing emotions of joy, shared religious fervour (or not). Sadness as they experienced deeply spiritual feelings and eventually said goodbye to those they had met and befriended. They also grew to respect the elderly sick as they talked to them, hearing not only health complaints, but stories of overcoming suffering joyfully. Of the lives of older people who aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

had had the same experiences that they were going through as boy meets girl. The amount of compassion I felt was amazing. The youngsters and I also admired how people in general had endured such a long tortuous journey to get to Lourdes. The children enjoyed a different kind of holiday and earned their way by singing at services or a happy birthday if it turned out to be a birthday.

The teenagers were on call to help the disabled get around, humphing them around the grounds in rickshaw style carros and forbidden to take any sort of tip. The above photo is going around the 15 Stations of the Cross. The principal hospital where we stayed has 1,000 beds for patients, which I was informed will increase in 2019 by another 500. What writers often comment about that spoils Lourdes is the number of souvenir shops cashing in on pilgrims eagerness to take back a momenta for themselves and family and friends. Business is business and I have to admit they were kept outside the large and lovely sanctuary area But often associations such as the Hospitallers of Lourdes will set aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

up their own souvenir stall to raise funds and Torrevieja group hold bingos etc .throughout the year for the same. That is important as most of the registered sick don't pay for their journey,or it is only a very small amount. But the volunteers all pay for themselves, their uniforms and their stay elsewhere in a nearby hotel. Other pilgrims not sick also stayed in nearby hotels and ate outside the hospital area, but met up attending various spiritual services. It is impressive how this polyglot of people meld together to make a Christian community united by fervour and suffering, that is enhanced by friendships old and new. I have to admit I was hoping to feel the peace that other people encountered at Lourdes. Forty years ago my secretary who was dying of cancer went to Lourdes for this peacefulness. A hospital nurse ventured to go with her and her older brother. She found her peace as she died on the 8th December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Her brother was amazed at the tranquilness he experienced as he watched his sister die peacefully and happily. I never found this peace. Other things that struck me was the beauty of the scenery in a mountainous zone with uncertain weather.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

So what is Lourdes? The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes or the Domain (as it is most commonly known) is an area of ground surrounding the Catholic shrine (Grotto) to Our Lady of Lourdes in the town of Lourdes, France. The Sanctuary is a destination for pilgrimage; sick pilgrims are reputed to be miraculously healed by Lourdes water. The Domain includes the Grotto itself, the nearby taps which dispense the Lourdes water, and the offices of the Lourdes Medical Bureau, as well as several churches and basilicas. It comprises an area of 51 hectares, and includes 22 separate places of worship. A bit of history: On 11 February 1858, a 14-year-old peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have experienced a series of apparitions of a girl dressed in white and with a blue belt around her waist, who eventually introduced herself as the Immaculate Conception, a name by which the Virgin Mary was known.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

On land bordered by a loop of the Gave de Pau river is an outcrop of rock called Massabielle, (from masse vieille: "old mass"). On the northern aspect of this rock, near the river bank, is a naturally occurring, irregularly shaped shallow cave or grotto, in which the apparitions took place. The figure always appeared in one place, a niche above the main cavity of the grotto, in which a wild rose bush was growing. At the time of the apparitions, the grotto lay well outside town, on common ground which was used by the villagers variously for pasturing animals, collecting firewood, and as a garbage dump, and it had a reputation for being an unpleasant place. Among the instructions from 'the Virgin' were "Go and drink from the spring", "Go and tell the priests to build a chapel here", and "Have the people come here in procession". These three instructions in particular were to prove pivotal in the development of the Domain and its ceremonies. Each week there is the almost same routine or thousands of pilgrims who will take part in Masses, processions (including a nighty torchlight one), In 1864, the Lyonnais sculptor Joseph-Hugues Fabisch was commissioned to create a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes based on Bernadette's descriptions. Although it has become an iconic symbol of Our Lady of Lourdes, it depicts a figure which is not only older and taller than Bernadette's description, but also more in keeping with orthodox aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

and traditional representations of the Virgin Mary. The statue rests in the niche where the Virgin appeared to Bernadette. The original wild rose bush was destroyed shortly after the apparitions by pilgrims seeking relics, but a newer one has been planted nearby.

Thirty full-time chaplains work in the Domain, from dioceses and religious communities worldwide. As of 2010 there were 292 full-time lay employees and a further 120 seasonal employees working in 63 different divisions, with an annual running budget of â&#x201A;Ź18 million, 90% from donations. These are known by the sort of braces they wear and they organise pilgrims, putting the carros in lines and locking them into place so there are no accidents. An estimated 200 million people have visited the shrine since 1860. The Roman Catholic Church has officially recognized 70 miracle healings, the 70th of which was the cure of Sister Bernadette Moriau, recognised on February 11, 2018. I was ill on the day our group went to the baths for full immersion in the Lourdes grotto water. So I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t write first hand about the experience, but others said it was wonderful, sos perhaps it is in the baths that on another visit I will find the peace that others have had.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Lourdes water flows from a spring at the same spot where it was discovered by Bernadette. The original spring can be seen within the Grotto, lit from below and protected by a glass screen. Each year about 350,000 pilgrims bathe in the water at the baths (Piscines).

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

The Sanctuary or Domain is in a little valley with the river Gave de Pau flowing thrown the middle. In this fairly small place outside the town of Lourdes and independent of it physically is the main of Lourdes and no commercial enterprises are allowed..apart from photographers who make a living out of large group photos. You will find plenty of information about the buildings in the sanctuary but here are three very impressive buildings.

The Basilica of St. Pius X, known as the Underground Basilica, is the largest and most controversial of the Domain's churches. It was designed by the architect Pierre Vago and completed in 1958 in anticipation of the enormous crowds expected in Lourdes for the centenary of the Apparitions. A modern, concrete building, it is almost entirely underground (part of the building lies beneath the Boulevard Père Rémi Sempé above). When full it can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, known widely as the Upper Basilica, was the second of the churches to be completed, consecrated in 1876. It is an impressive, elaborate building in Gothic style, designed by architect Hyppolyte Durand, and on one side seems to emerge directly from the rock of Massabielle (the sanctuary is directly above the Grotto). The Rosary Basilica is the third of the churches to be completed, in 1899 and designed by architect Leopold Hardy. It was consecrated in 1901 and has a capacity of 1,500 worshippers. Its style is influenced by Byzantine architecture. The nave is open and circular, surmounted by a dome. The exterior of the dome is surmounted by a dramatic gilded crown and cross, which were a gift from the people of Ireland in 1924.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

The Chapel of Reconciliation formerly occupied a site slightly more remote, at the entrance of the Upper Stations of the Cross. It was moved several years ago into a more prominent position, into the building previously known as the Accueil Notre Dame, near the Crowned Statue and facing the Esplanade. The Chapel of Reconciliation is somewhat unusual in that no masses or other services take place there; instead it is given over entirely to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests from different countries observe a duty roster, which means that, at almost any time of day, pilgrims from Europe (and occasionally further away) can find a priest who will hear their confession in their own language.

Since Easter 1997 sick pilgrims from all over the world have been housed in the Accueil Notre Dame, an airy modern building. This is across the river from the grotto and the churches iknown as the Accueil Notre Dame, a modern facility built in 1996 to house sick pilgrims during their time in Lourdes. The Accueil is organised into two wings, each consisting of six storeys, with the Reception area on the ground floor and the Transit Lounge on the fifth. Each floor from one to four is named after a specific saint, with female saints honoured on one side and male ones on the other. Each aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

NÂş 54 August 2018

floor has a central refectory area where pilgrims congregate to eat. Each room has anywhere from one to six beds in them, each a hospital style bed. In contrast to the grandness of Rosary Square and the various basilicas, the grotto at Massabielle where St Bernadette's visions took place is very simple and stark. The recess of the grotto itself is undecorated, although a plain stone altar and lectern have been placed there so that Mass can be celebrated. Above the main recess is the niche where the apparitions took place and Fabisch's statue now stands. A large stand of candles next to the altar is kept burning throughout the year. During the pilgrimage season, 2 pilgrimage masses are usually celebrated each morning at the grotto.

Rows of benches allow visitors to sit and pray or contemplate. Pilgrims are asked to remain silent while in the vicinity to create an atmosphere of devotion. Modern Lourdes contains many souvenir shops bearing names of saints from different countries and aimed at attracting custom form those pilgrims. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very expensive like the rest of France. After living in Spain for over 30 years 5 euros for a small beer is a bit over the top. But then I didn't go to Lourdes for the beer, but for the experience and have to admit the quality of the tap water was excellent and I enjoyed it as it came from Manantial springs and went well wit whisky. I would have welcomed some more free time to explore a bit more such as the castle looming over the town. Perhaps another time.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Lourdes War Memorial and some of the many volunteers who worked unstintingly

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Violet Points of Cruz Roja

Yes, violet centres that the Spanish Red Cross are setting up at several main festivals in the Valencian Community region. The idea is to have centres at these festivals to assist women who are likely to suffer from the ongoing machismo of violence against women. The thrust is to prevent anything happening as in Pamplona fiestas last year with a virtual gang rape in the street, taking advantage of a young drunk woman, raising the question of what constitutes agreement to have sex. This project has been placed in the hands of the Youth section of the Cruz Roja in conjunction with the Generalitat Valencia. Groups of volunteers and professionals will be in the right place to help and support women, offering advice on how to deal with particular situations. Apart from first aid, there are specialized psychologists to deal with any aggressions and legal aid as well as support for emotional problems. The more than 50 volunteers will be in situ from 19:00 to 3:00 in the morning. Drugs and alcohol are the principal problems leading to machismo violence against women, but also women tend to use them and young women who have been raped without force are often deemed to consent even though they are in almost unconscious state. Mediterranew Fest violet centres will be at eight festivals. In July at Marenostrum, Music Port Fest,the FIB at Castellon, the Benidorm Low Festval, Burriana Arenal Sound, Villena Leyendas del Rocak(8-11 August); Medusa Sunbeach in Cullera (10-12 August): Benecasim Rototom Sunsplash (16-22 August).

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Juan de la Cierva or Covera? by Dave Stewart

Cartagena and Corvera were two of the places chosen as backdrops in the new Arnold Schwarzenegger epic film which is the sixth in the Terminator series. โ จ Streets were closed off to build typical Mexican streets and the frontier between Mexico and USA. As far as the new airport at Corvera is concerned AENA is taking on the operational control with the intention of calling the airport Juan de la Cierva. This is a nod in the direction of the Murcian born inventor of the Autogiro who pioneered the first flight of the C4 Autogyro on 9th January 1923,

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

AENA will have the contract for 25 years and said that the airport will be ready t open before the end of the year, although it seems the official opening date will be January 2019. This offers opportunities for a wide range of businesses for car rental and other businesses, including vending machines, although there will be a 180 sq. meter cafeteria. It is expected that there will be a smooth transfer of operations from San Javier airport to the new larger airport at Corvera. It is estimated that there will be more jobs created; for every million passengers who travel through the airport, 4,000 jobs will be generated in businesses and services. Thee passenger tariffs have been set at around 30% lower than the main Alicante/Elche airport in a bid to lure more airlines than at the present San Javier. Easy jet and Jet2 are already promoting flights to Corvera which will likely be the popular name for the new airport as its easier to say than Juan de la Cierva, Probably other airlines who will take on operations from Carver will be Ryanair, Volotea and Iberia Express.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

If the new Murcia airport is named after the famous inventor, who exactly was Juan de la Cierva y Codorníu? He was the 1st Count of De La Cierva born on 21st September 1895 in Murcia, Spain and died on 9th December 1936 in Croydon, United Kingdom. He was a Spanish civil engineer, pilot and aeronautical engineer. He was a technical adviser of a factory of his father in the population of Lorquí. Also a project of the railroad between Murcia - Mula, and occupied on two occasions a seat in the Spanish Parliament (1919 and 1922) as a delegate of Murcia. His most famous accomplishment was the invention in 1920 of the Autogiro, a single-rotor type of aircraft that came to be called autogyro in the English language. In 1923, after four years of experimentation, De la Cierva developed the articulated rotor, which resulted in the aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

world's first successful flight of a stable rotary-wing aircraft, with his C.4 prototype. De la Cierva was born into a wealthy family. After several successful experiments with aviation as a boy, he eventually earned a civil engineering degree. He moved to the United Kingdom in 1925 where, with the support of Scottish industrialist James G. Weir, he established the Cierva Autogiro Company. At the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, De la Cierva supported the National forces led by General Franco, helping the rebels to obtain the De Havilland DH-89 'Dragon Rapide' which flew General Franco from the Canary Islands to Spanish Morocco. His brother was killed by the Republican army in Paracuellos del Jarama.

This pioneering work of his aircraft was carried out in De la Cierva's native Spain. In 1925 he brought his C.6 to Britain and demonstrated it to the Air Ministry at Farnborough, Hampshire. This machine had a four blade rotor with flapping hinges but relied upon conventional airplane controls for pitch, roll and yaw. It was based upon an Avro 504K fuselage, initial rotation of the rotor was achieved by the rapid uncoiling of a rope passed around stops on the undersides of the blades. The Farnborough demonstration was a great success, and resulted in an invitation to continue the work in the UK. As a direct result, and with the assistance of the Scottish industrialist James G Weir, the Cierva Autogiro Company, Ltd., was formed the following year. From the outset De la Cierva concentrated upon the design and the manufacture of rotor systems, relying on other established aircraft manufacturers to produce the airframes, predominantly the A.V. Roe Company. On the morning of 9 December 1936, he boarded a Dutch DC-2 of KLM at Croydon Airfield, bound for Amsterdam. After delay caused by heavy fog the airliner took off at about 10:30 am but drifted slightly off course after takeoff and aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

exploded after flying into a house on gently rising terrain to the south of the airport. He was made very welcome in the USA and photos show the autogiro flying in Washington, on board a warship and in the skies over New York. In 1966, De La Cierva was inducted into the International Aerospace Hall of Fame for his innovation in rotor blade technology, using them to generate lift and control with precision an aircraft's height. Less well known is his work creating weapons systems for the Spanish military and his relationship with King Juan Carlos I in the early days of Spain’s transition back to democracy in the 1970s, when he designed the security systems for the Zarzuela royal palace in Madrid. Over the years he’s patented 48 inventions, as well as come up with “around eight or 10 that the Defense Department wouldn’t let me.”

He was the first Spaniard to win an Oscar in 1970, for a camera stabilizer. It was his favorite invention - the Dynalens, an optical stabilizer that keeps cameras steady when in motion. He came up with the idea so he could film his children waterskiing, and it later won him an Academy Award, but the idea also had military and defense uses. De la Cierva set up information technology pioneer Electroóptica, employing almost 200 people. Electroóptica also won contracts with the Spanish armed forces, the most important of which was probably the Meroka anti-missile system that is still used by the Spanish navy. His name was used in a street in Madrid but under the Ley de Memoria it was taken away along with the inventor of the also train, , Alejandro Goicoechea. That’s Spain, swings and roundabouts.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Intimate Divas by Dave Stewart

Torrevieja’s La

Cueva de Melpómene mini-theatre was once again the intimate venue chosen by Torevejense Shani Ormiston to present DIVAS, a personal presentation and homage to some of the DIVAS of pop music. This small theatre offered the opportunity for Shani to have rapport with her audience, which she obviously had as she combined her musical talents with a marvelous pianist Eugenio Fernández and some of the biggest hits of well known female singers and composers over the years. Shani said that she has tremendous respect for those many singers who have had their own struggles in this life, writing their own compositions and expressing their feelings and the difficulties life offers. The singer said she had great respect for these FIVAS wh had a great influence on her own career. The concert opened with her interpretation of Jennifer Hudson’s "One Night Only" originally from the 1981 Broadway musical “Dreamgirls”. It was a night of a full moon and Shani certainly reached for the heavens in her concert.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

The voice of Shani has some wonderful timbres that enable her to keep pace with those DIVAS who reach new notes, such as “Like a prayer” of Madonna or Mariah Carey’s “Hero”. Her interpretation of Lady Gaga’s “A Million Reasons”, or a “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin obviously reached the hearts of her audience who reacted to her songs, often singing the chorus with Shani. Her interaction with the pianist was notable in the up-tempo song of “The Last Dance” of Donna Summer and extended into the audience who Kept on Rolling with “Proud Mary” of Tina Turner. The backdrop was a photograph of each Diva she presented throughout the night, which is a virtual reminder of the empowerment and talent of so many women like Whitney Houston, Adele or Ariana Grande who reached the top of their profession. Shani Ormiston is a bit of a Diva herself in that she composes a lot of her own material and this was shown in her encore number of her award winning video song, “You Gotta Let It Go” that had the La Cueva de Melpómene rocking. She said that she enjoys these small venues as she and the audience can connect, especially if she has the backing of such a fine musician as Eugenio Fernández.

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Quality 64th Habaneras Competition

Historic setting of the Eras de la Sal and some of the media covering the event. Fotos; J. Carrion (2nd left) Guardiola (2nd Right)

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Torrevieja Outlook

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Torrevieja Outlook

Nº 54 August 2018

Four days of excellent chorale music by twenty choirs joined together with a zest and love of singing made up this year’s annual Torrevieja Habaneras Competition. Thirteen of these choirs were competing. Apart from set piece of song the choirs are able to demonstrate some of their own mixed culture and usually dress up for the occasion. España, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Rumania, Byelorussia, México, Colombia, Indonesia, Macedonia y Filipinos were all represented by some of their finest choirs. Competing c hoirs were: la Coral de Trabajadores de la Universidad de Los Andes (Venezuela), Tavor Chamber Choir (Ucrania), The Choir of Bieijing University of Technology (China), KUD Branco Cvetkovic Belgrado (Serbia), Corul Cantarad Arad (Rumanía), The Girl’s Choir “Raniza” (Bielorusia), The Orfeón Universitario Puebla (México), Coro de la Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga – UNAB (Colombia), Xolo Voces Blancas Murcia (España), Maranatha Christian University Choir (Indonesia), Female Chamber Choir Sv. Zlata Meglenska (Macedonia, Grupo Vocal “Amitié” Asturias (España), University of Philippines Singing Ambasadors (Filipinas). On the opening evening six local choirs and the UMT band warmed the audience up of the ensuing three competitive days. Noe preparations are under way for next year’s 65th edition of Torrevieja Habaneras. The winning choirs were • ‘University Of Philippines Singing Ambassadors’ directed by Edgardo Lumbera Manguiat won the first prize in the two categories as well as the popular vote of the Public. • The Girl’s Choir ‘Raniza’ of Bielorrusia took second place in the two categories. • El Coro Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Colombia, did well with two of the third prizes. • El Grupo Vocal ‘Amitié’ de Asturias won the National Prize. • ‘Sal de mi vida’ by Víctor Daniel Lozada Lima, of Venezuela, won the prize for the best composition of Habaneras ‘Manuel Parada’ 2018

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Bill Board

NÂş 54 August 2018

Humorous Workshops - learn to be a clown

la cueva de melpomene Magic & Comic Theatre Children can learn some of the tricks of magic along with farcical theatre. Monday, Wednesday & Friday 13 - 31 August from 9:00 to 10:45 info on childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workshops628 406 943 or 676 811 888

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

d ll e

e c an ss C e li ln

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

aormi@icloud.com

Torrevieja Outlook

Nยบ 54 August 2018

Torrevieja Outlook