Expat Lifestyle Magazine April 2023

Happy Easter!

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We here at Expat Lifestyle, would like to wish you all a very happy Easter.

Whilst Easter is a time for many to indulge in chocolate and be over faced with chocolate eggs and chocolate bunnies, for many it is a time of reflection and renewal. Regardless of your religious beliefs and views on the resurrection, the custom of Spring awakening runs deep through many cultures, and many see it as an opportunity to reset their lives after the long winter months. Spring brightens our mood as the landscapes change colour and flowers begin to bloom – so step out and see the brightness with fresh eyes and enjoy everything around you.

As our spotlight on travel this month takes us to Caravaca, and the incredible running of the wine horses, I thought we would look at wines from the same area. There are many vineyards and different wine towns, and this month we are looking at the fabulous wines from Bullas. I hope you enjoy and maybe take a trip out to soak up the culture and of course the wine.

We also have some great advice from Alvaro at Nordicfysio about your physical health. So, whatever you are doing this month, look after yourself and see the spring as a time to renew healthy habits that enhance your life.

Have a great April.

Love

Moira

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Talking Wine - Bullas WITH

MOIRA CARMENATE

Talking about wines from Bullas is similar to taking a walk through history. As with many parts of Spain, Roman occupation in many areas influenced winemaking traditions. For over 2000 years, both wine making and agriculture shaped the history of Bullas and although like many other municipalities, the history was poorly documented, we know there weren’t any major settlements until early Middle Ages. The population was spread over rural terrain and information has been gathered from archaeological findings to give a picture of life and the inhabitants of the area.

In relation to the history of wine production, one important find was the discovery of a ruined villa known as Los Cantos, which had been used by the Romans when overseeing the agriculture and production of wine, and the statue of El Niño de las Uvas, (the boy with the grapes). El Niño de las Uvas was one of four statues that were removed from the site. Famously, the statue of El Niño disappeared and today there is replica in the Wine Museum of Bullas.

Bullas is located halfway between Murcia city and the mountainous frontier with Andalucia.

Because of the rugged landscape, and small valleys, the soils on the slopes have to be broken mechanically in order to plant the vines and although poor in organic matter, they have good drainage. Due to the challenges with the landscape and market conditions, farmers decided to work more closely together and the first wine co-operative was formed in 1950. In later years, in 1994, Bullas received Denominación de Origen) and since then the town has prospered.

What are the wines like?

Bullas is traditionally a wine region with predominantly red wines from the red grape variety Monastrell, which represents over 80% of grapes planted. Other red grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Tinta, Syrah, Tempranilla, and Merlot. Grown in compact bunches of small grapes, the intense blue-purple colour gives the bouquet, taste and complexity giving the wines their character as well as health benefits. Dark red grapes are rich in antioxidants and can protect against heart disease, diabetes, and may help you heal faster from illness.

Bullas also has excellent quality white and rosé wines. White grape varieties in the area include Macabeo, Malvasia, Moscatel de Gran Menudo, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

The Wine Route of Bullas

Bullas wineries include Bodegas del Rosario, The Casa-Museo Don Pepe Marsilla and Bodega San Isidro.

A few bottles for you to try -

Moira’s Easter Kitchen

Quick and Easy Southern Fried Fish

Ingredients

Cod fillets, skinned and boned

Flour

Seasoning (tsp each - cajun, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt & pepper)

Beaten egg

Oil for frying (sunflower, corn, vegetable oil)

Method

1. Cut cod fillets into chunks.

2. Season flour with spices and put in bowl.

3. Beat egg in bowl.

4. Dip cod fillets into flour, then egg then flour again.

5. Heat oil until hot (350 /180 degrees) and fry fillets for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown.

6. Place on lined oven tray and keep warm in oven whilst you fry off all the pieces.

7. Serve with mayonnaise with squeeze of lime juice and some zest of lime.

Asian Inspired Fish and Prawn Soup

Ingredients

King prawns

Pieces of fish (you can use the fried fish fillets)

1 stick celery, chopped

Small piece of butter & spray of oil

Pak Choi

1 small pack of noodles

Chopped spring onion

Coriander (cilantro)

Grated ginger

Grated garlic

1 tsp chilli flakes

1 pint chicken stock (or more if you are making for a few people)

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp fish sauce

2 limes

Method

1. Spray oil into your pan and add small piece of butter.

2. Add chopped celery (if you don’t like celery or don’t have, just leave it out).

3. Add ginger, garlic, chilli and paprika and fry lightly to release flavours.

4. Add chicken stock, fish sauce and Pak Choi to the pan and mix well. Bring to boil and then simmer for 10 minutes until the celery is soft. Add noodles and fish pieces and cook for further 5 minutes. If using fried fish add at the end.

5. Pan fry king prawns in piece of butter and garlic powder in a separate pan until pink.

6. Add juice of lime, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

7. Add spring onions, coriander, prawns and simmer for a minute before serving.

8. Garnish with slices of lime and sprigs of coriander and a few pieces of spring onion.

Quick and easy Easter Spatchcock Chicken

Spatchcock chicken is a quick and easy way to roast a whole chicken either roasted in your oven or directly on your bbq. You will get an evenly cooked chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat in a shorter time than traditional roast.

Ingredients

Whole chicken

Salt

Seasoning – paprika, garlic salt, pepper

1 tbsp oil

Method

1. If you have time, you can place the chicken in deep container with 4 tbsp salt and cover with water and leave overnight to brine. Remove from brine and pat dry and chill in fridge. If not doing this, go straight to point 2.

2. Lay your chicken on your board, breast side down.

3. Firmly push the backbone and you will hear it crack. You can then remove the backbone by cutting it out with sharp scissors. Just cut either side of the bone.

4. Rub chicken with oil and then add seasoning making sure to rub into every bit of the chicken.

5. Place on roasting tray and roast in oven (about 200 degrees) for 45 minutes or a bit more if you like the chicken skin a darker brown.

6. Remove from oven and leave to rest for 10-15 minutes before eating.

Chicken Kiev

Chicken Kiev has been around for centuries in both Russian and Ukrainian cuisines. It first became popular in the UK in late 1970’s and was one of Marks and Spencer’s first ready-made meal offerings.

Ingredients

Large chicken fillet

Garlic and herb butter

Flour

Paprika

Parmesan cheese

Egg

Breadcrumbs

Oil and butter for frying

Method

1. If you have time, you can make garlic and herb butter ahead and keep in your fridge or freezer. It’s a great thing to make, roll like a sausage shape and wrap in cling film and you can use anytime you need some garlic herby butter.

2. Place chicken breast on your board and using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket inside the chicken breast at the fattest end of the chicken fillet. Be careful not to cut all the way through or butter will leak out.

3. Push garlic herby butter into the pocket and set aside.

4. Line up your bowls, one with flour, salt and paprika, one with beaten egg and one with breadcrumbs and some grated or dried parmesan cheese.

5. Dip chicken breast in the flour, egg and breadcrumbs and then repeat.

6. Place the coated chicken onto a tray and keep in the fridge for at least an hour before cooking. This is good to prep ahead if you are having some people round or just getting ahead of yourself for your dinner.

7. Remove from fridge 15 minutes before cooking.

8. Heat oil in a large frying pan and gently fry the chicken, browning the chicken and then place on baking tray and cook in oven for 25 minutes to make sure it is well cooked through.

9. This is an optional extra, but I like to melt some butter in a pan, squeeze in juice of a lemon and drizzle over the chicken when you are serving

Simnel Cake

Ingredients

225g butter, softened, plus extra to grease your tin

225g self-raising flour

2 tsp ground mixed spice

400g mixed dried fruit

150g light muscovado sugar

50g golden syrup

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

4 medium eggs, lightly beaten

2 tbsp apricot jam

500g marzipan

Icing sugar for dusting

Method

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan) Grease a 20.5cm (8in) round cake tin with butter and line with baking parchment.

2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, mixed spice and dried fruit.

3. Put the butter, muscovado sugar, syrup and lemon zest into a separate large bowl and beat together until pale and fluffy.

4. Gradually beat in eggs, whisking well after each addition. Add flour mixture and fold everything together with a large metal spoon.

5. Empty mixture into prepared tin and bake for 1hr 25min, covering with foil after 1hr of cooking to stop it going too dark on top. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean, but don't be tempted to test too early or the cake may sink. Leave to cool completely in tin

6. Take cake out of tin, peel off parchment and transfer to a serving plate.

7. To decorate, dust the work surface with icing sugar and roll out two-thirds of the marzipan until large enough for a 20.5cm (8in) circle (cut round base of cake tin).

8. Heat jam with 1tsp water in a small pan over a medium heat until runny. Brush the top of the cake with the jam, then lay the marzipan circle on top and gently press down to stick. Using a small knife, score lines on top of the cake to make a diamond pattern. Crimp the edge of the marzipan using the thumb and forefinger of one hand, and the index finger of the other.

9. Roll remaining marzipan into 11 equal-sized balls (traditionally - one ball symbolizes each of the disciples except Judas) Brush the underside of each with a little jam and stick the balls to the top of the cake. If you like, use a blowtorch to lightly brown the marzipan.

Easter Treat Bundt Cake

The great thing about a Bundt cake is you can fill it with anything you like. At Easter, you can fill it with mini eggs, but if you don’t want chocolate, fill it with berries. With this basic cake mix, you can change it and flavour it with chocolate, orange, lemon, anything that takes your fancy.

Ingredients

10 oz self raising flour

2 tsp baking powder

8 oz caster sugar

8 oz butter

4 eggs

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla essence

8 oz Icing sugar and 4 tbsp water

Mini eggs and chocolate treats

Method

1. Heat oven to 175 degrees.

2. Grease and flour a Bundt tin making sure you get every bit covered.

3. Cream butter and sugar until you have a pale and smooth mix.

4. Add baking powder to flour and mix well together.

5. Slowly add eggs, flour and baking powder to the creamed butter and sugar.

6. Add 2 tbsp milk and vanilla and beat for a couple of minutes.

7. Add mix to greased Bundt tin and smooth the top.

8. Bake in oven for 45 minutes.

9. Cool in tin.

10. Make icing glaze by adding warm water to the icing sugar.

11. Turn cake out of tin and onto wire rack.

12. When cold, drizzle icing over cake and fill the middle with mini eggs and decorate with chocolate treats.

COULD CHOCOLATE BE GOOD FOR YOU?

Easter, for many, is a time associated with an abundance of chocolate eggs. But is chocolate a saint or a sinner? Should you be avoiding it or loving it?

In general, we are advised by health bodies, not to eat chocolate as it is has high amounts of sugar, it’s high in fat, and diabetic associations tell us it’s ok only if it’s eaten as an occasional treat.

But could chocolate be good for you?

The answer to that really depends on how you define “chocolate”.

Here are 7 health benefits of dark chocolate or cocoa that are supported by science.

Very nutritious.

Powerful source of antioxidants.

May improve bloodflow and lower blood pressure.

Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation.

May reduce risk of heart disease.

May protect your skin from the sun.

Could improve brain function.

The ‘goodness’ in chocolate comes from the percentage of cocoa solids which contain ‘flavonoids’ – plant substances which appear to have benefits for your health.

However, most chocolate bars are made from milk chocolate which means extra fats and sugars have been added to the cocoa solids to give a sweeter taste and the healthy flavonoids have been filtered out during the manufacturing process as most people find dark chocolate too bitter.

On the other hand, if you like the taste of dark chocolate, and many people do, there could be some health benefits when eaten in moderation.

Remember it’s all about the flavonoids from the cocoa that has the potential health benefits, and don’t think that scoffing a load of milk chocolate bars will enhance your health, it won’t!

However, although milk chocolate is not good for your health, it might give you a brief “high” and short-term feeling of satisfaction and contentment.

Chocolate contains the “love molecule”!

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), an amphetamine like substance that has been labelled the chemical of love.

Hence many people feel good when they have eaten chocolate. Phenylethylamine triggers the release of dopamine and norepinephrine transmitters in the brain.

Norepinephrine stimulates and produces adrenaline, which can make your heart race and Dopamine is the neurochemical that is released when we feel good and affects our brain processes which can make us talkative and excitable.

On the negative side, although chocolate is not addictive, it can cause irresistible cravings and if you eat too much there could be unwelcome health consequences, such as high cholesterol from the saturated fat content and insomnia and headaches from the caffeine.

However, everything in moderation. It is a fact, that if you are feeling down, a small amount of chocolate might just give you the lift in mood that you need.

Maybe for this reason, there is no stopping the sales of chocolate on a worldwide basis and in the UK alone, 660,990 tonnes of chocolate are eaten every year – around 11kg of chocolate per person. As of 2023, the global chocolate industry is worth a staggering $127.9 billion USD.

Overall, chocolate is loved by millions of people and is proven to boost our mood. So, make someone happy and give a little gift of chocolate.

Talking Wellness WITH

MOIRA CARMENATE

Socrates said ....

“Everyone wants to tell you what to do and what’s good for you. They don’t want you to nd your own answers, they want you to believe theirs”

EASTER - A TIME OF RENEWAL BUT ARE YOU FILLED WITH SELF-DOUBT?

As children we were taught to behave according to what our parents or guardians thought was acceptable. We were either praised for being good or punished for being bad.

Progressing through our years from childhood, to teens, to adulthood those assessors of our life’s actions continued.

Life stage Assessor

Infants School

College/University

Work Relationships

Parenthood

Parents/Guardians Teachers Professors

Managers/Bosses

Partners Children

During those years from being told what to do as a child by your parent or guardian, to coming full cycle as a parent and being conscious of the opinions of your children, we adapted our behavior to what we deemed acceptable to our assessors.

In our childhood we had no fear of expressing our opinions however as we grew up, we lost some of that freedom and adapted our behavior to fit in to social norms. We shifted our focus from self-confident free thinking individuals to social game playing, indecisiveness and prejudging situations before venturing forward with our thoughts and ideas. Would they be acceptable, would they be judged, would they comply with other people’s opinions?

This cycle eroded our free spirit and limited our self-confidence to voice our opinions based on our inner wisdom. How can we bring back that spirit and release our inner wisdom without fear of retribution?

Firstly, we need to be self-aware.

Self-doubt:

How many of us procrastinate on making decisions or taking steps forward to the extent of inaction? Can I? Should I? What will they say? What if? Your belief system has been created over many years and put you in a place where you doubt everything you do and your ability to change.

Heads and hearts filled with self-limiters we can talk ourselves out of anything that involves change by thinking “it’s not possible, I can’t do it, I am not good enough, I don’t deserve, someone else should do it, I will fail”. Really? What’s the worst thing that can happen? You may even succeed! Imagine how that is going to feel.

You can put those steps in place to make changes immediately. Why wait? Be confident, nothing is impossible with a little guidance and your desire to move forward.

Self-confidence:

When you are self-confident you will shine like a bright star. You have a belief in yourself and your abilities although your mind state can shift depending on circumstances you are in at any one time. Often the most self- confident person can take a confidence knock. However, it is their ability to pick themselves back up and get back on track that sets them aside from the self-doubters, or someone generally lacking self-confidence. Those self-doubters have the knack of beating themselves up and staying in a dark hole without being able to visualize a way out.

When you have self-confidence and belief in your abilities you will display clarity of purpose, be proactive and assertive in your drive to achieve your goals and ambitions. Self-confident people bring out the best in others around them. They share a light that is infectious and you want to be around them as their energy flows like a river and you want to get in that river and swim with them. Self-confident people feel worthy, not afraid of making decisions, feel self-worth, feel they can achieve and happy to ask others for their support. Self-confident people feel and demonstrate gratitude which comes back ten-fold from the Universe and the law of attraction. Be aware who you spend your time with and avoid those who are like vampires sucking the life out of you.

Self-worth:

The dictionary definition of self-worth is “sense of one’s own value or worth as a person”.

Self-worth is about you and who you are, what you do for yourself and for others. When you are aware of your self-worth, you are aware of your inner voice and how in your quietest, weakest moments it can creep in and be destructive. When you are at one with yourself, you know how to tame that inner voice and keep its nastiness at bay. At its worst, the inner voice throws some negativities about who you are and what you deserve, how you should be in comparison to others either in looks or activities that others partake in. These at their most horrible can lead people to moments of despair, to drugs, to bingeing, to eating disorders or alcohol abuse. The mind is a delicate instrument and your sense of self-worth can be in and out of tune depending on your latest successes or failures.

Keeping your self-worth intact is an on-going part of maintaining your well-being because when you take your eye off your self-worth, that inner critic will be there like a shot. Pursue activities and a lifestyle that are meaningful to you and in line with your own personal core values that we looked at the beginning of the book.

Be kind to yourself – if you can’t look after yourself, how can you be kind to others. Remember that nobody is perfect and we can all make mistakes. Maintaining your high self-worth, means you pick yourself right back up and get back on track.

• Challenge your inner voice when it is being critical and keep your faith in yourself and your abilities.

• Nourish your brain and your body and be aware of what you are consuming

• Don‘t allow external influences to take you off track and shake your resolve.

• Retain your feeling of worthiness – you deserve the best.

This is a short extract from book ‘In a Mental Fog’ by Moira Carmenate. Available on Amazon

We love to be part of the community and support local artists like Anna Palsdottir her amazing artwork is for sale in our shop and we have space for more artists.

If you are a local artist why not come in and discuss using our space.

HI I would like to invite you all to see my new wellness centre in Rojales Formentera Del Segura, we have been at this location since January and before that in Quesada.

This centre is a dream come true for me as it does all my favourite things, by focusing on the well-being of us and also the planet.

I thought I would write this article to introduce ourselves and welcome you to come for a visit and to see what we are up to.

Firstly, I will introduce myself I’m Sarah Dougan and I’m the owner of Shamballa Crystal and wanted to open a centre which would actually make a difference to people’s lives and also make it easier to be kinder to the planet.

We stock a wide range of crystals which can help you to connect to your own healing ability. We have some rare pieces as well as some really impressive pieces for you guys to come and see if you have a connection with.

I have been working with crystals since the nineties and I run short courses showing you how to connect and use your crystals for your own development. At Shamballa Crystal we also offer meditation classes with crystals in Spanish and English everything we do is in both languages.

We have an amazing studio which we use for our yoga and Pilates classes and also our personal training and children’s yoga sessions. If we don’t have a classs at a time that suits you message for a more personal one to one approach. The yoga for adults and kids is taught by Dadianna while the personal training and Pilates Andy from movement medicine.

We use this amazing space for our workshops with teachers from around the world as well as local. We have mediumship nights as well as this great tarot and workshop starting on the 22rd April which runs over 2 days. Keep an eye on our social media for more information on this.

In our amazing massage room we offer some great pamper treatments like face cleans with vitamins to relaxation massages to getting your eye lashes done all done by the amazing Dadianna. We also have Andy who does the deep tissue massages and stretching to get any issues sorted. I also do energy sessions as well as crystal therapies.

I started my own personal journey with the Shamballa energy system back in 1997 and this is what I’ve named my shop after. Shamballa MDT has changed its name in recent years to the New Paradigm MDT and I am Honoured to say I’m the president of this for the whole of Spain. New paradigm is a healing technique similar to Reiki but is a new system which has been downloaded for the modern age we are now in. The new paradigm is growing rapidly around the world with Spain being one of its biggest families. I will be teaching the basic masters course in June and be doing them regularly from this point on to keep the energy flowing and sharing this exciting new energy system.

We sell a lot of eco friendly products from yoga matts and clothes, to bamboo tooth brushes and cotton buds, working together we really can make a difference to the world with eco friendly products and self worth and respect. Our mission statement is reaching the wholeness you deserve while taking care of the planet.

We have our lovely website which has some of our products for sale as well as articles about them and up and coming events. You can also follow us on Facebook Shamballa Crystal and on the instagram shamballcrystalshop .

Please keep an eye out for more events, courses, treatment packages and special dealings and new and exciting things or come in and speak with us.

of Semana Santa with

The Expat Centre

Holy Week in Spain is the annual tribute of the Passion of Jesus Christ celebrated by Catholic religious brotherhoods (Spanish: cofradía) and fraternities that perform penance processions on the streets of almost every Spanish city and town during the last week of Lent, the week immediately before Easter.

Spain is known especially for its Holy Week traditions or Semana Santa. The celebration of Holy Week regarding popular piety relies almost exclusively on the processions of the brotherhoods or fraternities. These associations have their origins in the Middle Ages, but a number of them were created during the Baroque Period, inspired by the Counterreformation and also during the 20th and 21st centuries. The membership is usually open to any Catholic person and family tradition is an important element to become a member or "brother" (hermano).

Some major differences between Spanish regions are perceivable in this event: Holy Week sees its most glamorous celebrations in the region of Andalusia, especially in Jerez de la Frontera, Granada, Málaga and Seville, while those of Castile and Leon see the more sombre and solemn processions, typified by Semana Santa at Zamora, Leon and Valladolid. This is a religious holiday.

A common feature in Spain is the almost general usage of the nazareno or penitential robe for some of the participants in the processions. This garment consists of a tunic, a hood with conical tip (capirote) used to conceal the face of the wearer, and sometimes a cloak. The exact colors and forms of these robes depend on the particular procession. The robes were widely used in the medieval period for penitents, who could demonstrate their penance while still masking their identity. These nazarenos carry processional candles or rough-hewn wooden crosses, may walk the city streets barefoot, and, in some places may carry shackles and chains on their feet as penance. In some areas, sections of the participants wear dress freely inspired by the uniforms of the Roman Legion.

Touristic Interest Declaration

Holy Week is not only a religious, cultural and social event but a touristic one. Many visitors from inside and outside Spain travel to attend the crowded parades. The most popular destinations holds titles and declarations of International Interest for tourist of Spain and are promoted in major International Fairs, TV, press and so on. Every year, many hand guides are released, including timetables, routes and pasos of every procession so visitors can easily follow the celebrations.

Holy Week in the Spanish culture

Many Spanish artists have included, recreated or used the Holy Week as a background in their creations, such as paintings, music, literature or movies, reflecting the cultural and social importance of these events. Painter Zuloaga, writers Antonio Machado and Federico García Lorca, composer Joaquin Turina and filmmaker Mateo Gil are some examples.

Local Processions:

Alicante:

More information and dates

Lorca: semanasantalorca.com

Murcia: cabildocofradiasmurcia.net

Cartagena: semanasanta.cartagena.es

Alicante: alicanteturismo.com/semana-santa

on the preparation of the hundreds of horses that will take part in today's celebration of an event which happened hundreds of years ago.

For today is the 2nd of May. On the same date in the mid 13th century, the Christian inhabitants were being held under siege by the mainly Moslem troops of the Moors. Death and illness was ever present as shortages of food and water drove the population to the edge of extinction. Then a miracle.

The Knights Templar, an organisation which had been formed to protect pilgrims going to the Holy Land, heard of the town's plight and rode to the rescue. Unable to nd su cient fresh water supplies, the Knights instead lled containers with wine which they strapped over the back of their horses. Then heroically rushing the Moorish lines, somehow managed to enter the city, bringing salvation to the poor souls within. On arriving in the town a piece of wood which was reputed to come from the cross that Christ was cruci ed on was used to bless the wine, which in turn led to the miraculous receding of illness and the purifying of water which had been poisoned by their enemies.

This wood, now in the form of a jewel encrusted cross, remains in the town and can be seen in the sanctuary which overlooks it.

Fast forward to the 21st century. The horses after being carefully groomed for today's procession, and sporting beautiful and very expensive silk and gold embroidered capes, which represent the capes gifted to the Knights Templars by the grateful women of the town all these years ago.

Thousands of visitors ll the quaint, narrow streets of this lovely little town. Slowly the excitement rises as the rst few stunningly decorated horses enter the streets followed by more and more until the streets are lled with hundreds of these beautiful animals resplendent in their festival capes and head dresses. Bands join the throng with a cheery selection of stirring music.

On the balcony above the town square the mayor and his celebrity guests wave smilingly to the sun drenched crowd.

Round by the Church of El Salvador , through the town square, under the arches, and down the main street the colourful procession winds. Cameras click, people dance, visitors with a beer in one hand and a sandwich in the other cheer enthusiastically as each of the horses trot by.

By this time a delightful street party is developing, with the horses providing the centerpiece. The locals join in the fun. Almost all dressed in the costume of the festival, A white shirt to re ect the heat of the sun. Black trousers so as not to show the wine stains and a red neckerchief which comes in handy for mopping your brow. As the rst horses disappear down the high street, a fresh wave of equally beautiful turned out horses take their place. Some hours later the last horse slips out of sight. There is a few minutes to take your breath before an army of rather jolly looking moors sweep purposefully down the street. Quite quaint, but good fun.

And then as if by magic the street empties, because by now the focus has changed to the ramparts of the castle.Here is played out the main event of the day. Horses selected for their speed run off against the clock, imitating the daring rush up to the castle by the Knights Templar all those years ago. Not only do the horses run, but each horse is accompanied by four handlers attached to its front and rear who run with it. And they do need to keep up if they don't want to be disqualified.

The streets and parapet leading up to the castle are lined with hundreds of people wearing the white red and black colours of the event. All loudly cheering on their favourite. For the less adventurous the races are shown on close circuit TV in the town square and many of the bars. What a fabulous day this is. Definitely one of the most exciting festivals in Spain and set in the Beautiful historical town of Caravaca de la Cruz, with its ancient medieval castle dominating the skyline. The running of the horses is the main event in a week-long festival better known locally as "Los Caballos de Vino". Parking can be impossible on this day. And of course you might well want to have a few drinks to join the celebrations. So travel by coach is ideal.

David's Coachtrips runs several coaches each year to this event on 2nd May. Early booking strongly recommended Book online at www.coachtripsonline.com In person at the o ce or by phone 966785910

Talking Legal with Costasea Legal Advisers

IMPORTANT TIPS IN INHERITANCE TAXES

Do you know the cost that your heirs will bear when they receive the Spanish assets that you leave them as an inheritance, and whether they will even be able to pay the amount that the transfer of the assets will entail?

Spanish Inheritance Tax regulations determine the amount of tax your heirs will pay for receiving your assets in Spain, as well as whether or not your heirs will pay tax for receiving your inheritance, depending on whether they are related to you and the total value of the assets that make up your inheritance.

Bear in mind that if you live in Spain, for example, with your partner, with whom you have lived together for many years, but you are not married or are not a legally registered domestic partner, BEWARE, your partner will pay tax on inheriting your assets, as Spanish Inheritance Tax regulations treat your partner, with whom you may have lived together all your life, in the same way as a friend, paying very high taxes on receiving your inheritance.

There is no doubt that, faced with this scenario, you should organise the distribution of your assets with sufficient time to have a tax succession plan, and foresight will allow you to make important decisions to organise your will with the least possible tax repercussions for your heirs, saving them a headache.

In any case, and against all odds, we cannot recommend that you ignore these issues. The best advice we can give you is to know in advance the tax implications of passing on your assets to your heirs, and to make the right choices in organising the beneficiaries in your will.

Finally, if there are no heirs to your assets, the Spanish State will initiate legal proceedings to acquire them, and this will most certainly not be your wish.

Problems with swollen legs?

The heat and summer are approaching, your legs have a terrible time at this time, they swell more and even hurt, and on top of that you do not look good with the swimsuit. Sound familiar? Every year the same.

You've tried dieting, putting on creams, exercising... Or maybe not even that because you don't have time. But nothing has worked, your legs are still the same. And you're embarrassed to wear that bikini.

Why can other women boast beautiful legs and hips and you can't?

Can you imagine being able to show o beautiful legs, and at the same time feel light and look beautiful?

Most of the o ers on the market only propose pressotherapy or lymphatic drainage to ght this problem, achieving limited and inconspicuous results.

In Nordicfysio we present our TISSUE REGENERATION FORMULA 3 X 1, the most powerful and e ective solution against cellulite, orange peel and tired legs.

PRESSOTHERAPY LEGS AND ABDOMEN

3 Therapies In One!

Improves lymphatic and blood circulation, mobilizes fat deposits, ghts fatigue, pain and swelling in the legs.

What do we o er you? 10 sessions of:

-Pressotherapy legs, abdomen and arms -Value 300 euros

-Diathermy (Powerful tissue biological accelerator and drainage e ect) -Value 300 euros

-Trampoline (Stimulation lymphatic system) – Value 300 euros.

Total 900 euros. For only 299 euros! (only for the rst 20 registrations).

All meat and fish are fresh on the day it is recommended that you pre order to avoid disappointment of availability. Entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 11.00pm latest then extended hours from March Amazing Entertainers booked for this year are Marsy from Dream Girls, Carolynn May, Margaret MacDonald, Dani, Carla Stone, Chloe Leigh, Roberto Knight, Andy Winwood, Ben Valentine, Paul Christie, Holy Hepburn, Alex Tipping, Danny Fisher as Elvis and many more...

What’s On April 2023

I Love Rock and Roll

30 April - Teatre Circo Murcia

After the success of the family shows I Love Rock & Roll and I Love Rock & Roll 2, Rock en Familia is back with a third part full of music and humor in which the youngest members of the family will enjoy discovering the history and the most representative songs of great artists and bands in the history of music.

https://allevents.in/murcia/i-love-rock-and-roll-3/200024139698436

WASP

4 April at 7:00 pm - SaLa Gamma, Calle Las Moreras,251,Murcia

Few bands in Rock N' Roll history have ever incited love, hate, raw emotional effect this band has had on the world. From the beginning, in the small halls of Los Angeles, California, and later in the many countries around the world that prohibited these Winged Assassins from performing live, the Band's unique style of Shock and Rock provoked religious organizations, local councils, legislatures and the Washington DC Senate held hearings in an effort to stop this group from selling records and vandalizing stages around the world.

Founding band member Blackie Lawless has led the group as lead vocalist and songwriter since its inception. His visionary and revolutionary attitude in the social and political spheres catapulted the group and led them to sell millions of records along with an endless number of sold outs around the world over 4 decades.

ttps://allevents.in/murcia/wasp-40th-anniversary-tour-murcia/200022902611632

The Bon Jovi Experience

16 April Benidorm Palace

Looking for the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute? Look no further than The Bon Jovi Experience, the official Bon Jovi tribute band, backed by the man himself! As the only Bon Jovi tribute band in the world to have performed live with Jon Bon Jovi, don't miss this exceptional tribute, headlined by a lead singer so familiar you won't believe he's not the real thing.

https://www.benidormpalace.com/es/blog/ver/eventos/the-bon-jovi-experience

2nd Annual Help Vega Baja Mini Golf Championships

Quesada Mini Golf

29 April at 15:30

Join us for a fun afternoon competing in our Mini Golf Championships. No golfing skill is required. Entrants of all or no ability welcome to enter. Have a fun round of Mini Golf for only 4.90 adults or 4.50 kids. Prizes for the winners. Food & drink available. To book either call us on 966 723 733 or email events@helpvegabaja.com

Easter market

6 To 10 April - Santa Pola Castle

Santa Pola is a municipality in the Valencian Community located on the coast of the province of Alicante, in the Bajo Vinalopó region. It had 33,303 inhabitants in 2020

The castle-fortress of Santa Pola (Alicante, Spain) is located in Plaza Glorieta and was built in the 16th century in Renaissance style, having subsequent reforms in the 18th and 19th centuries. Inside is the parade ground and the cistern, with the Chapel of the Virgin of Loreto (Patroness of Santa Pola), the Sea Museum and the Fishing Museum. In the center of the courtyard, where it used to be located a well, is the coat of arms of Santa Pola.

Easter Parade Information and dates:

Lorca: semanasantalorca.com

Murcia: cabildocofradiasmurcia.net

Cartagena: semanasanta.cartagena.es

Alicante: alicanteturismo.com/semana-santa

PLANS

FROM ONLY 2495 EUROS

MORE THAN JUST A FUNERAL PLAN

MEMORIAL JEWELLERY

“Always in your heart”

We are delighted to announce our collaboration with a fantastic jeweller, to bring you beautifully hand-crafted memorial jewellery. All the items are made using highest quality materials and available in yellow or white gold, silver and platinum.

Each creation is made using your loved one’s ashes. We handle every piece with love and respect, creating a beautiful treasure that will last forever.