Olive Press Costa Blanca South - Issue 30 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 2 Issue 30 www.theolivepress.es December 23rd - January 13th 2021

...and in your Olive Press stocking this year don’t miss: Stunning, but was it worth €1.2 billion?

The Spanish chefs with new ‘green’ stars

See page 3

Festive check before the revelry begins

See page 18

See page 22

Russian mob exposed Mafia corruption probe ends in dozens of arrests of police and politicians in Valencia

END OF A RUFF YEAR: Visitor and pet at Valencia city tree

p shi ts We resenbring p r st youou. Julist!! r y for you

CORRUPT cops and politicians are among two dozen arrested in a major operation against the Russian mafia in Valencia. Several police officers and two local Partido Popular (PP) politicians were among the 23 cuffed in what has been described as the biggest sting against the Russian mob ‘for a decade’. Operation Testudo focused on the money laundering gang that mostly worked in the Marina Baixa area. A series of 18 raids led to arrests in Valencia City, Altea and Finestrat, while gang members were also rounded up in Alicante, Ibiza and Madrid. The investigation was launched in 2013, along-

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side Europol, after a tip off that a series of shady Russian businessmen were influencing politicians to land lucrative real estate deals. The gang is said to have created shell-companies as a front for laundering money out of Spain to be used for international crimes include murder, drug-trafficking, human-trafficking, and extortion. Among those arrested were PP councillor for Benidorm, Lorenzo Martinez, and former PP president in Altea, Jaime Selles. They have been charged with ‘peddling influence’ alongside an Altea council official who was also detained. Alarmingly, two Guardia Civil officers and a Policia National detective were also arrested in the raids. The operation appears to have been run by a Russian solicitor, who masquerades as an Altea real estate agent. The 38-year-old was said to have ‘extensive local contacts’ and was seeking to build a luxury motor-

home park in the area. A Ukrainian IT expert, based in the San Juan area of Alicante, was also visited in the police raids. The so-called ‘hacker’ was previously arrested in 2018 for being the mastermind behind a gang of cyber thieves who stole over one billion US dollars from banks around the world. “The organisation planned to control key sectors of the Spanish economy and infiltrate state institutions, counting on lawyers, officials, politicians, businessmen and hackers,” said a police spokesman.

Luxury

“Profits from these criminal activities were invested in Spain in various businesses, mainly in leisure, hospitality and the real estate sector,” he added. He added the ‘main purpose’ of the criminal organisation was to ‘take over the nightlife and catering sector’, both on Spain’s eastern coast and in the Balearic Islands. The house raids netted 16 luxury cars, €300,000 in cash, virtual wallets with crypto currencies, diamonds, and an array of firearms. Numerous bank accounts and property See page 24 assets worth millions of euros have also been blocked.

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Festive plans wrecked

THOUSANDS of expats have had their Christmas plans ruined as Spain closed its borders to tourists from the UK. Spanish officials had called for an EU-wide response to the news that a virulent new strain – said to be 70% more contagious – was spreading through the South East of England. Spain has now decided to follow the lead of other European countries in restricting travel from the UK. The good news is that Spanish citizens and residents of the country will still be allowed to visit. It does not, however, help those expats who were gearing up for a visit from relatives. It comes as Gibraltar confirmed that it is the fifth country outside the UK to identify a case of the new mutated virus. Over a dozen countries - including Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark - have suspended flights from the UK.

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Party animals SOME 85 people were cleared off a Callosa de Segura site for staging an open air party and BBQ in defiance of coronavirus rules.

Jealousy AN Elche man will spend 20 years in jail after he stabbed his ex-wife to death in a jealous fit over her new boyfriend.

Compensation A RUSSIAN family has been awarded €150,000 by a court after a twoyear-old boy died of a cerebral edema that was misdiagnosed by Torrevieja Hospital in November 2018.

Fatality A 65-year-old woman died and three passengers were injured when their vehicle collided with a lorry on the A7 at Granja de Rocamora last Thursday (December 17).

A TERROR gang that robbed homes on the Costa Blanca while residents were inside has been dismantled. The robbers broke into dozens of homes around the Javea area by smashing door locks before stealing items, often with the tenants at home. The alleged 42-year-old Spanish ringleader was denied bail by a Denia court while an alleged accomplice, also aged 42, was released ahead of trial. The arrests came at the end of operation ‘Toxu 2020’, which began in September after the Guardia Civil received a

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

Bold as brass By Alex Trelinski

stream of home robbery reports. The gang pilfered goods that were then pawned off to second-hand stores in Denia and Gandia, as well as further away in Elche. Police stepped up patrols in the most targeted areas and caught one of the thieves when he attempted to flee

Terror gang that robbed people at home has been shut down

from his vehicle. A number-plate check revealed the vehicle - which was full of stolen items - belonged to a well-known local criminal. Officers soon located other stolen items at a lock up near the suspect’s home. Several televisions as well as a large number of tools,

phones, radiators, a scooter, and an electric bicycle were among the recovered goods. The cheeky thieves had even managed to steal a Guardia Civil cap in one of over 20 robberies. A fresh set of checkpoints were set up and the ringleader was arrested after he was stopped in his car. Guardia Civil are also still looking for a third female member of the group.

Spliffin’ heck! Sticky end

Checkpoint Charlie A SAN Javier fraudster wanted by courts across Spain has been snared at a checkpoint to stop people travelling around the Murcia region. The 46-year-old Spanish conman is said to have used fake ID cards and papers to net him €64,000 since July. Guardia Civil agents pulled him over in San Javier to ask why he was breaking movement rules. An online check then revealed that authorities in Alicante and Barcelona had issued warrants against him for fraud. Agents then searched his car and discovered several bank documents and six ID cards. All of the cards had different names but all happened to feature his photo. The fraudster operated down the eastern coast between Catalunya and Murcia and always used rental cars as part of his ruse. He pretended to be a tourist as he checked into hotels and then stole identity documents of guests that bore a resemblance to him. Banks were then visited with a bogus ID card and DNI number to make withdrawals. The man also wore different glasses as well as health masks to help in his deception.

A BRITISH expat has been arrested for the third time for running an indoor marijuana farm on the Costa Blanca. The Guardia Civil in Jijona said that the Brit, 36, operated out of a villa in Aigues and that his previous arrest was just four months ago. An appearance before a San Vicente del Raspeig court saw the Brit remanded into custody. He has been charged with crimes against public health, belonging to a criminal group, and for the illegal use of electricity.

AN Eastern European gang which marked the front doors of suitable homes to rob across the Costa Blanca with ‘stringed glue’ has been brought down. Seven Georgian nationals are accused of at least 15 thefts after being arrested by the Policia Nacional in Alicante City. Three addresses were searched by officers as well as a jewellery shop that was used to sell stolen items. Gold and jewellery pawn shops were also inspected in the Policia Nacional sweep. The East European crew travelled around the region to commit their burglaries in what was described as a ‘highly organised and structured’ gang.

Knifeman sex attacks COPS have arrested a 20-year-old man after two women were sexually assaulted at knife-point just 30 minutes apart. In the vicious attacks one woman was stabbed, while another is understood to have been raped. The first attack involved a woman, 23, who was cornered by the knife-wielding Moroccan as she was about to enter her Alicante home at 5.30am.

Vicious

He forced her to take her clothes off before sexually assaulting her and stealing her mobile phone. The victim called the police and as officers arrived to help her a second incident was reported. A passer-by phoned authorities to say that a woman was inside a car and shouting for help. The 52-year-old Spanish victim had also been sexually assaulted and threatened with being stabbed. Police launched a major sweep of Alicante to track down the attacker with a man arrested at around 11am and remanded in custody.

It’s fair

t o say that 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in recent memory. We at Telitec are proud to have played our part in keeping workers at home connected, children connected with their schooling, and above all else keeping friends and family connected during this very difficult year. It’s even clearer to us now how much people need and value a fast and reliable internet connection. 2021 will see our biggest deployment of fibre 600 connecting even more people in the community. On behalf of everyone at Telitec we wish you and your family a healthy and Happy Christmas and together we hope we can make 2021 a much better year for all.

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H A P P Y CHRISTMAS from us all at Telitec

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STILL TOP: Quique Dacosta

HOLY SITE: Antonio and Maria paid their respects

Holy visit SPANISH heart throb Antonio Banderas has been busy filming a new show for Amazon Prime, together with journalist Maria Casado. They took a break from filming to visit one of his passions - the Cofradia de la Esperanza de Malaga brotherhood, which dates back to 1641. Banderas often joins the brotherhood on their famous Easter processions parades to carry the statue of Mary that they take their name after. This time he brought colleague Maria to view the impressive figure on the festival day of the Esperanza de Malaga.

New stars are born, and only one lost, as the celebrated Michelin foody bible reveals its picks for 2021 IT must have been one of the hardest years in the food bible’s hundred-year history. But somehow the Michelin guide - which launched in 1910 in Spain - has managed to wheedle out a few new stars for the country in 2021. A total of 22 new winners were selected for the guide this year, with a pair in Catalunya and one in Galicia being the highlight. While no new three-star restaurants emerged, for the first time in five years, Cinc Sentits, in Barcelona, Bo.Tic, in Girona, and Culler de Pau, in O Grove, all grabbed a brace. Meanwhile, the leading Va-

NEWS

Star power By Jon Clarke and James Warren

lencian restaurants maintained their star status, with Quique Dacosta, in Denia, keeping all his three stars. In total, only one restaurant in Spain lost a star (Albora, in Madrid), as the inspectors were told to be fair given the myriad of issues with COVID-19 this year. Chef Benito Gomez, of Bardal, in Ronda, which has two stars, was extremely grateful for this, having been forced to close in March and not opening all year. “It’s been a nightmare year, very tricky and so it’s great the inspectors have been lenient,” he told the Olive Press.

Quality

Royal greetings SPAIN’s royal family have released a Christmas card with an optimistic outlook for the New Year. Princesses Sofia and Leonor have been captured smiling in casual but chic outfits in Pravia, in Asturias. Wearing a khaki gilet and houndstooth coat the princesses look cheerful in front of the Spanish countryside. The decision to include only the princesses in the card is an unusual one, as recipients traditionally expect festive well wishes from Queen Letizia and King Felipe too.

Golden boy 1

SPAIN’S golden boy, Rafael Nadal, has shared his love for Mallorca by enjoying a hike in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and posting this gorgeous family snap. The sporting hero, born and raised on the island, posted a picture on his social media accounts alongside his wife, Mery Perello, and friends, including former tennis player and coach Tomeu Salva.

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

The winners, announced at the much delayed online ceremony at the Royal Casa de Correos in Madrid, included a record 19 new one-Michelin starred joints. Meanwhile there were 53 new Bib Gourmands - or restaurants that have great quality to price ratios. Meanwhile there were new stars in Alicante and in Murcia making up a total of 203 starred eateries. Odisea in Murcia gained a star with its chef Nazario Cano, while Beaza & Rufete, in Alicante, and La Salita, in Valencia, also got a star. A new category was introduced this year to celebrate sustainability.

Ace pad

DOUBLE DELIGHT: Jordi Artal (Cinc Sentits), Albert Sastregener (Bo.TiC) and Javier Olleros (Culler de Pau)

OLIVE PRESS OPINION

Names to trust

The chefs behind the 21 new Michelin ‘Green Stars’ are among the true heroes of Spain. This select, forward-thinking group have been championing sustainability in the catering industry for, in some cases, over a decade. The Olive Press first came across Angel León in 2009 before he won his first Michelin star at legendary Aponiente, which now has three. Back then, in a small backstreet joint, in the heart of el Puerto de Santa Maria, in Cadiz, he was only listing rare and unfashionable types of fish on his menu. Boycotting cod and tuna, he used almost all local ingredients and even gave a lecture series on sustainability to Cadiz university. Way before his time, Spain has been far too slow to wake up to the risks of overfishing. Now, he is finally being recognised for his zeal and passion for the environment. As is rightly Ricard Camarena, born and bred in Valencia, who has long campaigned for the use of local ‘Kilometre 0’ produce, that doesn’t involve air miles. Chefs like he and Eneko Atxa at Azurmendi, in Bilbao, and Diego Gallegos, at Sollo, in Fuengirola, are leading the vanguard towards a brighter future for sustainability in Spain. Called the Estrella Verde, or Green star, it went to 21 restaurants around Spain,

including one in Valencia for Ricard Camarena (see sidebar right).

NOVAK Djokovic has officially settled in Marbella after splashing more than €10 million on a secluded luxury villa. The tennis World No.1 has already moved into the property with wife Jelena Ristic (pictured together) and their two children Stefan and Tara, aged six and three respectively. The family had spent Spain’s nationwide coronavirus lockdown of March and April in the mansion, which sits in the exclusive Sierra Blanca urbanisation. Just a five-minute drive from Marbella centre.

Green award for top Valencia joint A VALENCIA restaurant has scooped a prestigious new environmental gong in the annual Michelin awards. Ricard Camarena (top), has been handed a so-called ‘Green star’, or Estrella verde, in the latest innovation from the celebrated food bible. The restaurant, bossed by the culinary genius, 45, has also maintained its two stars in the new rankings. Camarena, from Barx, has long championed the Slow Food movement and is very careful where he sources ingredients. “I’m very proud because the unfashionable journey we began many years ago has finally paid off,” he said. “While using local produce under the ‘kilometre 0’ idea is relatively easy today, when we began it cost much more. But we did it anyway.” He was joined by 20 other restaurants around Spain to be recognised for their sustainability. They included Aponiente, in el Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, where three-Michelin star chef Angel León (below) has long campaigned against overfishing and doesn’t use endangered fish, such as cod and tuna. “We know we are not going to change the world, but we try hard to share our sustainable practices with as many people as we can,” he said.

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NEWS IN BRIEF Temper temper

Bottom shelf

AN angry Abaran motorist was arrested after waving a knife in front of a woman’s face and slashing her car tyres because she did not park her vehicle properly.. By Dilip Kuner

Sun plan PLANS have been unveiled for a solar power plant in the San Miguel de Salinas area to be built on protected forest land adjoining the Sierra Escalona.

Pay days A Caravaca man notched up over €38,000 in debt on a friend’s credit card which he used for ATM withdrawals of up to €5,000 per day and visits to brothels.

Argy-bargy A 26-year-old Argentinian man wanted for drug offences in Buenos Aires in 2014, has been arrested by the

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EXPATS in Spain have been left in Brexit limbo after the crucial deadline for a trade deal between the UK and EU was missed. Despite negotiators inching towards an agreement, Sunday’s deadline passed with France sticking to its ‘red lines’ over fishing rights in British waters. However, as the clock ticks towards the UK’s departure from the EU on January 1, there still remains hope that continuing negotiations could avoid a no-deal Brexit. One of the main concerns for negotiators - and the vast majority of British expats in Spain - is that all 27 EU na-

A SPANISH sommelier has created a vino to hit back at wine snobs who only value bottles on a scale of one to 100. Enrique Lopez, from Malaga, has created his Cero (Zero) Puntos Parker brand in a direct snub to global wine guru Robert Parker, an American lawyer, who invented the 100 scale for wines. His bottle from Cigales, near Valladolid, is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes and has been selling like hot cakes.

Critical Brexit deadline missed and hope for a deal remains balanced on a knife edge

tions must agree to the deal... and France has the right to veto it. The EU Council of Ministers had given midnight on Sunday as the cut off point if they were to have time to ratify the

home or at a bar or restaurant. The curfew will run this Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve until 1.30am, as opposed to 11pm. Murcia’s relaxation in restrictions is more generous than other regions since the local infection rate is around 30% below the national average. The regional border will remain closed during the festive season.

Out on a limb

A DECISION to keep Los Alcazares’ borders closed as part of COVID restrictions has been blasted. The town’s mayor, Mario Perz, insisted it was ‘shameful’ that the area will be the only part of Murcia to keep perimeter restrictions at Christmas. Neighbouring Torre Pacheco had the travel ban removed this week as their COVID-19 infections had fallen. Perez blamed ‘poor working conditions’ for causing infections among seasonal farm workers.

deal in the EU parliament before the end of the year. Unless a spectacular breakthrough is made, Britain will fall under World Trade Organisation rules, with a range of tariffs being imposed, in

Cash back By Simon Wade

ROJALES Council has been told to return €103,000 to the Generalitat Valenciana. It is the third year in a row the town, which includes the popular British community in Ciudad Quesada, must return the cash. It comes after the council was unable to show where the money had been spent. According to sources, around €25,500 was used for home help in the area, but the spending could not be justified. The regional government is claiming that the funds could have hired teachers, administrators or a psychologist - all of which are needed in Rojales.

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Its label is simple and to the point: ‘On the nose: it smells of wine. In the mouth: it tastes very very good. That’s it.’ The wine, the label of which features a group of friends at a party, is 14.5% in strength, and getting rave reviews in Spain, at least. It is not known yet what Parker’s Wine Advocate magazine and website will give it. Put simply by Lopez: “You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy something that is simply very good.”

Down to the wire

Booze breaker MURCIA’S bars and restaurants will have to close between 6pm and 9pm on four days of the festive season. The closure window will apply to the region’s hospitality trade on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. The measure is aimed at preventing crowds building up in the streets on the four evenings. Up to 10 people from three families will be allowed to meet on those days be it at

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

just over a week’s time. Despite the critical deadline being missed, chief UK negotiator, David Frost, and his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, continued talks on Monday . to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations.” UK health secretary, Matt Hancock claimed that ‘unreasonable demands’ from the EU over fishing rights had thrown a roadblock across negotiations. However, he remained hopeful that a deal could be reached by Christmas.

Deal

He said: “I’m sure that a deal can be done, but obviously it needs movement on the EU side.” If a deal is agreed in the next few days then there remains the possibility of it being ‘provisionally applied’ from January 1 until the EU parliament can meet later in the month. UK ministers meanwhile, have firmly ruled out extending the Brexit process into 2021. It comes after a group of MPs from all parties, plus London Mayor Sadiq Khan, had called for the Brexit transition period to be extended due to the pandemic and slow progress on negotiations.

Christmas clampdown coming

PLANS to loosen restrictions over the festive period have been scrapped across the Valencia region due to a spike in new COVID-19 cases. The midnight curfew has been brought forward to 11pm, except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, while new rules mean only six people can meet at home or in public. The Valencian Community border will also remain closed until January 15, with the pre-existing exceptions remaining in place. That includes people going to their home in the area, visiting sick relatives, or travelling to work. “The health of residents must take priority and I am sorry that we have been forced to make these changes,” said Valencian president Ximo Puig. The new restrictions mean that bars and restaurants can only serve until 10pm, apart from on December 24 and 31, when they get an additional hour.

Party patrol A NEW police task force will be dedicated to stopping illegal house parties over the festive period, as well as preventing outsiders from entering the Valencia region. The Guardia Civil will carry out higher levels of surveillance around the region’s rural areas to detect the preparation of any festive events. The measure is part of a new drive to enforce rules to stop the spread of the coronavirus in what is now one of the most infectious regions in Spain. Some 10,000 officers from the National and Local police are being deployed to ensure that measures are being respected. Meanwhile, the Guardia Civil will monitor the Valencian border - which is now closed until the New Year - in three daily shifts. Extra officers and new checkpoints have been put in place on roads into the region from Murcia, Catalunya, Aragon and Castilla-La Mancha.

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December 23rd - January 13th 2021

NEWS FEATURE

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OPINION Not a Xmas fantasy TRUTH can be stranger than fiction. Take the downfall of a Russian-run Valencia-based mafia operation with multiple arrests including local politicians past and present. The fact that the Policia Nacional have worked since 2013 to expose the gang says a lot about how far it had 'got into every aspect of Spanish society'...the very words of a police statement! It's said to be the biggest mafia ‘take down’ in Spain for a decade. All the elements of a novel or a big TV series are here. There's the alleged 'kingpin' of a Russian solicitor who also runs a real estate business. The Russian was a member and financial backer of the Partido Popular who showered local politicians and police with gifts. The mix gets juicier with an Alicante-based Ukrainian described as the world's 'biggest-ever' crypto-currency thief, who was arrested in 2018 for stealing €200 million from banks around the world. Chuck in bribes, gun-running, dodgy land deals, and international money laundering, and there's a basis here for a full Netflix series. In fact Spain's excellent international hit, La Casa de Papel might struggle to keep up with this lot. You can't make this up and we certainly didn't!

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ALICANTE city has a new festive tourist attraction this year with its world-beating tallest-ever nativity scene. It’s become an instant draw for visitors from around the Valencia region with a chance to take plenty of photos taking in the giant figurines. The Plaza del Ayuntamiento has an 18-metre high statue of Joseph alongside smaller figurines of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. The display was created by Jose Manuel Garcia and was verified by Guinness World Records as the new title holder at the start of December. Alicante’s achievement easily beats the old 1991 height record set in Mexico where the figurines of Joseph and Mary were just over five metres tall. It is also now the world’s largest-ever static nativity scene occupying an area of 56.02 square

Slide away

passes are currently only on sale until January 11. Cost of the day passes vary,

depending on the age of the skier, with adults in high season paying €52.

Capital adventure

HY not head to the capital of Madrid, which has a number of special seasonal things to see and do. These include a new Banksy exhibition (pictured right) called The Street is a Canvas, which has just opened at the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid and runs until May 9.

Top of the

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Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es

NE of the great Spanish traditions over Christmas and the New Year is the outdoor nativity scene, or belen, that’s erected in most local communities. Torrevieja has one of the country’s largest belens which in normal non-pandemic years brings in visitors from near and far. Located in the city’s Plaza de la Constitucion, it has hundreds of buildings and figures, including many moving parts to bring a special element to the scene. The attention to detail is exquisite and you can enjoy seeing it until after the Three Kings holiday on January 8. Health safety is being carefully followed with special routes designed to stop people congregating and plenty of gel dispensers around to keep hands nice and clean.

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Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

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Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

OR those hoping to hit the pistes this festive season, prayers were answered when the Sierra Nevada finally opened on December 18. Launching with 30kms of runs, it is expected to increase this number to nearly 100kms by the New Year. One of Europe’s friendliest ski stations, it has a fabulous range of places to eat and hotels range from good value hostels, right up to the fourstar Sol Melia. But if you’re hoping to head to the Granada resort, sooner is better than later as, due to coronavirus uncertainty, lift

These include ancient Valencia, Alicante and Elche at your beck and call, as well as the famed beautiful villages of Morella, Peñíscola, Bocairent and many more, each offering a glimpse into Spain’s historic past. Here are a few other ideas for a COVID-friendly Christmas, some close at hand and others a little further away…

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Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Beautiful belen

Not heading abroad as normal this Christmas? Looking for something to do more locally in Spain? The Olive Press offers up a few seasonal ideas…

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AS the game of brinkmanship continues between the EU and UK over Brexit, we wish both sides would put their petty differences aside and just reach an agreement. The word is that 99% of a trading deal has been agreed. But both sides are intransigent – for stark political reasons – over the remaining ‘loose ends’. The politicians should remember that these talks will have an impact on the lives of millions of people and finally come up with a solution. And sooner rather than later.

T’S been the oddest of years and as the festive season lands upon us, nobody is quite sure who (or how many people) we are allowed to see… or where we can go? Well the good news is you can definitely take a trip around the entire region of Valencia, at least, this Christmas assuming you live here (although make sure to check our website for the very latest in updates). That means you finally have a free reign to visit three wonderful provinces from Alicante in the South to historic Castellon further north. This spectacular region has much to offer in terms of culture and landscape, with everything from soaring mountain scenery and a selection of national and natural parks, to numerous historic towns and cities.

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Get on with it

Feliz navidad

For a very special show full of thrills and spills, the Circo Price Theatre (pictured below) is in the middle of its annual Christmas run. Tickets are still available for what has become one of Madrid’s classic events that runs until

January 10. This year the theatre has been transformed into a giant toy shop, with a storyline of the heroine Cometa trying to solve the mystery of why all the Christmas toys have disappeared. Meanwhile, the world-famous Prado is throwing the spotlight on major works by women from the times of Rosario Weiss (1814-1843) up to those of Elena Brockmann (1867-1946). Also on until March is an exhibition of German expressionism at the Museo Thyssen.

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

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Voted top expat paper in Spain

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HE annual Alicante Christmas Fair is the biggest of its kind on the Costa Blanca and despite COVID-19 restrictions, it’s running once again until January 10. All of the traditional attractions are on offer at the Rabasa fairground site behind the Decathlon store, but with half of the number of rides and stalls compared to previous years. There will also be a strict limit on

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

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Spending Christmas in Spain? These are a few of the customs you need to know about

world

HRISTMAS is celebrated in many parts of the world and each country adds its own festive twists. Spain, for example, likes to display figures of famous people ta-

king a poo and everyone eats 12 grapes at midnight on New Years Eve… oh, and there will rarely be a turkey or sprout in sight. Well not many. Check out these cool local traditions and a few tips - that make Navidad unique.

Scarlet fever

12 lucky grapes Grape guzzling is probably the best known Spanish festive tradition. During the last 12 seconds of the year before the stroke of midnight we attempt to chew or swallow a dozen grapes timed with the dongs of the church clock. It’s not as easy as you think but there’s an imperative to eat the lot in order to guarantee 12 months of good luck in the coming year.

You might not have realised it before but many Spaniards make sure to wear a scarlet pair of pants or knickers on New Year’s Eve as an extra guarantee of joy and good luck. It can also be a bra or socks but it can never be on show. You can stock up at a Chinese store where the rails turn red at this time of year as Asians too believe it’s a lucky New Year colour.

Don’t poo poo big day In Spain a Christmas tree in the plaza is not enough. Most towns also have at least one Belen de Navidad. These scale model nativity scenes are perfect in every detail, from the stable in Bethlehem to the baby Jesus, his parents’ animals, the three kings and shepherds. Despite the religious theme some visitors are shocked by the touches of irreverent humour which may come in the form of a ‘caganer’ - usually one of the shepherds caught with his pants down in the act of defecating. And, on that subject, carganars are huge in Catalunya and every year there is a prize for the best one. Everyone from the Queen to Muhammad Ali has one.

Fun of the fair

CHRISTMAS SHOCKER: President Trump as a ‘caganer’

Festive food

Sing to win

Forget turkey, the Spanish prefer seafood, particularly prawns and lobster, as well as good jamon, and occasionally lamb or roast suckling pig. We also like the more traditional yuletide treats that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s turron, a honey and almond nougat in brittle or chewy versions - either way, tough on teeth; mazapanes, also made with an almond dough moulded into different shapes; polvorones, a crumbly cake that melts in the mouth; and Roscon de reyes, a big circular cake with a hole in it filled with sugared fruit and cream, and the highlight of the family table on Three Kings Day.

Forget Christmas carols and those schmaltzy Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin numbers. In Spain we have our own festive songs known as ‘villancicos’ which are the true soundtrack of Christmas. Some, like ‘Alepun’, ‘Los peces van a beber al rio’ and ‘Pastores venid’ have been sung in the same way for centuries. They may be performed by a children’s choir or adults sitting around a brazier playing traditional instruments like the zambomba (earthenware friction drum), pandereta (tambourine) or improvised with a bottle of anis and a spoon. It’s a tradition on the verge of extinction but it still survives in small towns.

December fools capacity with up to 400 people allowed onto the site at any given time. Health safety will be carefully maintained according to Alonso Carrion, vice-president of the Alicante Fairgrounds Association: “Every seat on the rides will be disinfected after it has been used.” The go-ahead of the Alicante Christmas Fair is a massive boost to the main ride and stall-holders, who have been largely unemployed since the pandemic took hold in March.

December 28 commemorates the biblical King Herod’s plan to slaughter all babies under two years old, hoping the infant Jesus would be among them. Despite its gruesome religious origin, Día de los Inocentes, is the equivalent of April Fools Day. If you hear of any strange news stories on this day, you’d best take them with a very large pinch of salt.

Yule handout It’s a tradition on the verge of extinction but it still survives in small towns - COVID permitting. In the build-up to Christmas, children roam the streets, stopping at every door to sing a villancico in return for some yuletide pocket money known as an aguinaldo.

Olive Press online ‘Spain’s best English news website’

Wills you believe it? British royals smash their way into the top stories on Olive Press website in 2020

HE British royals have gatecrashed a list of the Top 10 stories on the Olive Press website this year. A story about future king Prince William thanking a school for hitting back at Americans who bullied their son George’s love of dancing, made No.8 in the chart. Proving the continued star appeal of the British royal family, the story has been read by over 100,000 visitors so far this year. The heart-warming tale reported how Wills and Kate (above) sent a thank-you letter to the Hurchillo School on the Costa Blanca, after its head wrote to them supporting George’s passion for ballet. Perhaps predictably, all the other top stories of the year were linked to the Coronavirus.

Popular

Proving www.theolivepress.es is now - by far - the most popular English website in Spain, we had over 80,000 views each for all our Top 10 stories. The most read was about tourists cancelling holidays in Mallorca, while the second most viewed was about where airlines were still flying into in the Spring. The only other stories in the Top 25 of the year that did not involve COVID included the shutting of Alicante airport by a snowstorm and a British fugitive who escaped from police by jumping off a Benidorm hotel balcony. Meanwhile 61,000 visitors read our story about how organised squatter gangs were running riot on the Costa del Sol and 62,000 dipped into our tale about an alarming TIE card hold up on the Costa Blanca. All in all, it has been a record year for our website now in its 15th year. A staggering 22 MILLION VISITORS read a total of nearly 40 MILLION PAGES this year so far. Despite introducing a metered paywall in September, the average visitor reads at least two pages and spent well over a minute reading them. Here’s to 2021 and the chance to raise a toast to a better range of top stories.

Here are the www.theolivepress.es Top 10 stories for 2020 season in Mallorca crippled by coronavirus 1-asTourist major events cancelled and scared tourists cancel holidays (129,023 views) Brits can fly to on Ryanair, Easy2- Spain’s airports jet, Jet2 and Tui (125,493) puts country on lockdown confining citizens 3-toSpain their homes - except for these 8 reasons (116,919) memes bringing comic relief to the 4- 10 hilariouscorona outbreak (115,545) We have toilet roll and gin as British holiday5- makers on Costa del Sol are enjoying the lockdown (112,087) del Sol declared special containment area as 6- Costa cases in Andalucia top 100 (106,828) industry won’t reopen until end of the 7- Tourism year as initial plans to lift restrictions are revealed (102,324) Kate and Will thank school on Costa Blanca for 8- support after Prince George was mocked on US TV (100,194) worries as holiday bookings plummet 9- Coronavirus in Spain with 35 now dead (86,433) Madrid residents flee to Costa del Sol, Valencia and 1-Murcia despite advice to stay at home (84, 609)

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LETTERS

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er about bar and I WAS intrigued to read in your pap ents as a form paym g estin requ ers own restaurant ed by the panof compensation for their losses caus . demic. Good luck to them no doubt gamIt’s their livelihoods and they haveachievements. I r thei for hard ed work bled and obvious worr y honestly believe that apart from the tive PCR test nega a of about the virus, it’s the cost stry. that is damaging the hospitality indu£120 at Boots is date to seen I’ve pest The chea will return in 72 with no guarantee that the results to pay an extra have ld hours. A family of four wou £480 on top of their holiday cost. ks, then this is If you are going for one or two wee if you are staying quite a lot to ask. It isn’t so bad longer. be targeting the I think business owners should I’ve heard a large as ge char this ut abo government wouldn’t go benumber of people saying that theyTourism in Spain of ent cause of this. If the Departm then I’m sure this reimbursed this cost via a receipt, in. As a SpanSpa to ors visit ct attra to would help e out there and ish-loving Brit, I wouldn’t like to coms boarded up. shop and see the bars, restaurants until ‘we get Good luck to their plight, can’t wait al.’ back to norm Steve Williams, Swansea

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NATIVITY DOUBLE! By Alex Trelinski

pying an area of 56 square metres. Some local political parties have criticised the cost of the enterprise, including €123,000 for the sculptures. payThere is also the bill of €14,000 for able to Guinness World Records certification. Councillor Manuel Jimenez justified the expense saying: “The visitor numbers justify it and we are seeing business being stimulated by the display.”

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SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO: Boris was set for crucial meeting with Von der Leyen last night

row could spell a hit of up to 3% for the economy and up to the same for Spain, the biggest predicted victim in Europe. A final last minute push sawJohnson travelling to Brussels in an attempt to salvage a deal. Von der Leyen confirmed that an EU summit will begin on today (Thursday) to address the disagreements. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has been firm that talks will not continue past Wednesday and is ‘very downbeat’ and ‘very gloomy’, according to the Irish government. As Johnson took to Twitter to celebrate the first day of the coronavirus vaccine roll out, Belgium’s president jibed that the jab had been ‘Made in Europe’. See Cash Crash, p17 and No News is Bad News, p22

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message out around the city this week A TRADE deal between the EU and Britain is on the verge of being finalised, after EU looked set to cave the By Dilip Kunar in on fishing rights. Taoiseach Martin An MEP broke ranks to say that it looked week we could see said ‘by the end of this likely the French promise He said it would the outlines of a deal’. mise with Boris would have to compro- France in order to get an agreement. come down to ‘political Johnson’s demands had UK waters. over back down previously been refusing to will, both in the United Kingdom on any clear the political Christophe Hansen will is there from and I’m near-parity to the fishing deal, demanding ropean said the EU the EuUK’s Union’. have to meet the UK’s demands to would It comes as the governorcoastal waters. an agreement. "There clinch of the Bank of En- EU ambassadors were told over will be compromis- gland warned that a no-deal the weekend that a trade deal es to be made on Brexit would with Britain is on be more economically the that is somewherefisheries. The status quo, COVID damaging than verge of being finalised. They were told the he told an event. we're not going to land,” Andrewto the UK. majority of the 11 Bailey said negotiation main French fishermen signed would create failure to get a deal with fewer issues have ‘joint legal texts are understood to a massive backed the compromise and fewer outstanding have points’. despite losing out trade blockage and damage cross-border The European commission on access to certain goodwill be- sula tween Brussels and von der Leyen, struck president, UrIt came after the fishing grounds. Meanwhile, Ireland the UK for years. EU’s chief negotiator leader Micheal Martin saying: “After difficult weeksa positive note, chel Barnier demanded Miwith very, slow the need to com- said on Monday he was hopeful that a Brex- days progress now we have seen in thevery it deal would be completed better progress, last this week. important files. This more movement on is good.”

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SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD crucial meeting with Von der I GO: Boris was set for Leyen last night BRITAIN’S Prime Minister had a date with destiny last deal with Europe. It came after Johnson innight in Brussels. See page 22 Boris Johnson was having sisted a deal with the EU dinner with European Com- was looking ‘very very diffimission president Ursula cult’ on Tuesday. von der Leyen to see if there The frustrating news came was any chance of salvaging after weeks of claims that Environmental groups unite after a so-called soft Brexit trade a deal was close to being finalised. hunters kill two protected brown “We’ll do our level best, bears on ‘dark day’ for Spain but I would just like to say to everybody - be in good cheer, there are great op- SLAIN: Female brown bear Sarousse was shot by a hunter who claimed it tions ahead for our counwas an act of ‘self defence’ try,” Johnson insisted. Talks with the EU have remained in deadlock for days because of disagreement over fishing quotas. While it comprises just 0.1% of the UK economy, the fishing row could spell a AN investigation has been hit of up to 3% for the econ- launched after a pair of brown now been launched. World By Kirsty McKenzie Wildlife Fund (WWF). omy and up to the same for bears were gunned down in a The deaths came just 10 days Brown bears Vol. 14 Issue 359 www.theolivepress.es December 22nd - January 12th 2021 SHOULD became I STAY a proOR SHOULD Spain, the biggest predicted ‘dark day’ for efforts to protect after police in Catalunya ar- tected species I GO:in SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS Boris’s 1973 asmeal part with Von the endangered species. victim in Europe. rested a local der Leyen to grow went numThe adult females were shot gunned her down at point- official over environmental of an attempt badly Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea Pyrenees between dead by different hunters, blank range when she acted in third bear, a the death of a bers in the BORIS See Cash Crash on six-year-old male France and an ‘aggressive Spain.Johnson’s vital dinner date with p19 and No news is with one claiming to have fired being disturbed manner’ after called Cachou, who was killed The deaths EU as chief Ursula came sport by his dogs. and von der Leyen at the bear in self defence. www.moraira-hamiltons.net ended Bad news, p22 in the Val d’Aran without a Brexit hunting became deal. In what has infuriated envi- Sarousse, who had originally The Spanish area in April. commercial Seemingly, one thing the two sides Brown Bear illegal in Spain’s the National ronmentalists, both animals been captured in Slovenia be- Foundation agree on is described the kill- Parks oncan December 5. that things are not gowere killed in conservation fore being released in 2006, is ings as a ‘dark ing well. Von der Leyen day for conser- The law was actually passed in admitted the zones, in the week a law ban- the third bear to be killed in vation’. the EU were 2014, butUK theand then-ruling par- still ‘far apart’, ning hunting in Spain’s Na- the Pyrenees this year. while Downing Street Jávea / Altea ty, the PP, Spain’s environment minister granted a six year agreed ‘very tional Parks came into force. large gaps remain’ extension, which yorkshirelinencostablanca.com Heritage to in annegotiations. The first bear was shot in the Teresa Ribera slammed the Talks havecame now been extended until Palencia mountains, in Cas- deaths and said efforts were The group warned that de- end last week. Sunday, despite EU chief described the ban as negotiator tilla y Leon, by a hunter who underway to determine what liberate hunting carried pen- Hunters Michel Barnier ‘ecological previously disaster’ that will stating claimed he thought the crea- led to the killings on Novem- alties of up to three years in there would be no further discussion lead to job ber 29. and overture was a wild boar. prison. afterlosses of Wednesday the species. December 10. The A second bear, named Sarous- It comes after six green “This is enough. These bears population politician is said to be ‘very downbeat’ groups called se, was killed during a hunt in groups, including Ecologistas were everyone’s heritage,” Environmental and ‘very gloomy’, See page 19 for Aragon’s according to the en Accion, SEO Birdlife and said regional council the Aragon Pyrenees. Irish government. spokesman Garcia Paloall wild boar hunts The 21-year-old animal was Friends of the Earth, united to ma, who insisted the laws to suspend A No 10 spokesperson, has confirmed in the areas where presshot dead in the Bardaji valley. demand immediate action. needed to be strengthened. Johnson andthe von der Leyen is known. The hunter, who claimed he The Guardia Civil’s wildlife Bears, once critically endan- ence of bears that by Sunday a firm decision ‘agreed should was acting in self-defence, unit Seprona confirmed this gered in Spain, are now conbe taken about the future week that an investigation has sidered of the talks’. ‘high priority’ by the Opinion Page 6

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EXPATS in Spain have been 1 left in Brexit limbo after the crucial deadline for a trade deal between the UK and EU was missed. Despite negotiators inching towards an agreement, Sunday’s deadline passed with France sticking to its ‘red lines’ over fishing rights in British waters. However, as the clock ticks towards the UK’s departure from the EU on January 1, there still remains hope that continuing negotiations could avoid a nodeal Brexit. One of the main concerns for negotiators - and the vast majority of British expats in Spain - is that all 27 EU nations must agree to the deal...and France

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has the right to veto it. The EU Council of Ministers had given midnight on Sunday as the cut off point if they were to have time to ratify the deal in the EU parliament before the end of the year. Unless a spectacular breakthrough is made, Britain will fall under World Trade Organisation rules, with a range of tariffs being imposed, in just over a week’s time. Despite the critical deadline being missed, chief UK negotiator, David Frost, and his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, continued talks on Monday . “Talks remain difficult and significant differences remain,” a source insisted on Monday. “We continue to explore every route

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to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations.” UK health secretary, Matt Hancock claimed that ‘unreasonable demands’ from the EU over fishing rights had thrown a roadblock across negotiations. However, he remained hopeful that a deal could be reached by Christmas.

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21/6/19 13:30

Andalucia - Issue 359

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MALLORCA

By Eugene

How Amy’s guitar-maker from Valencia won over the world

2020

“Life goes on and we must forward,” insisted move director of the Antonio Bernabé, Foundation, to Turismo Valencia the Olive Press, week. this “We have struck a good balance be-

tween keeping life normal and ing it safe.” keepWhile tourism year, the touristis down 80% on last ities, including boss says all activums, are open. cinemas and museBest of all, unlike locals and tourists much of Spain, between midnight must only stay in “It’s a great time and 6am. as there are no to discover the city queues,” adds abe. Bern“We take the pandemic but we also believe in theseriously, have a full life.” right to Currently few places in the nidad face tough Comurestrictions due high infection to rates. The city meanwhile, has developed an activity card an app anyone called Valencia On, can download, just aimed at not tourists.

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Vol. 4 Issue 95 www.theolivepress .es December 11th - December

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Valencia is open!

VALENCIA remains open for tors, with COVID restrictions visi-

relaxed than more most other regions, Costello sists tourist chiefs. inThe city has ‘sensible’ approach, nessmen and been praised by busi- the tourists alike economy runningwhich has kept for its sible. as best as pos-

Back to Blanca

- December 9th

EXCLUSIVE UNABLE to have night down the his regular Friday on a cornucopia of boozer during down, expat Emerald Isle lock- lectibles… col- turning novel idea for Conor Wilde hit on a on draught.and it even has Guinness it into Spain’s this one - to build pub. And if I smallest own pub! his “After being cooped up like done a grand say so myself, we’ve The Irish expat, job.” a man 46, got his mates in solitary in March I over and converted came up with Called El Irlandes, after a plan,” the Valencia-based FORGET THE his ite into what he claims his garden shed tate consultant DRAUGHT: real es- fits Martin Scorsese film, it favourand pals at told the Olive happily his closest pals makeshift localConor est watering hole. is Spain’s small- “I had an Press. in for the usual old shed in the Measuring 2.4m garden. I Friday night Blarney. by 2.5m, it counts got the lads over – Tuejar, Wilde, from Skerries, lego & Champ near Dublin, – and we setEl Gal- has run the Found about for two decades. Valencia agency

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November 26th

LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN

COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT

Don’t forget

The new rules in Spain until allowing you to drive next summer

Your

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A bunch of crooks sell my hotel for tried to a song

24th 2020

Page 16

Run by Visit Valencia range of discounts it offers a huge events, restaurants, for museums, transport and even hotels. You valenciaon.com, can find it at www. and it is completely free. Roland Wareham, 55, a company director from pressed by howAndalucia, was imwell the city handling the was pandemic. On a business trip from his Mijas this week, native he said: “I struck by how was Ruzafa, all thenormal life seemed. In were open, andbars and restaurants the terraces crowded with were enjoying the al families and friends “In Andalucia, fresco lifestyle. meanwhile, bars restaurants must and The Olive Press my town is like close by 6pm, and a ghost town at Valencia team “Valencia should getting the message night. out around the print for the rest serve as a bluecity this week of Spain.” A TRADE deal is on the verge between the EU and Britain Opinion, page 6 EU looked set of being finalised, after the By Dilip Kunar An MEP broketo cave in on fishing rights. Taoiseach Martin ranks to say that likely the French said ‘by the it looked week we could see the outlines end of this mise with Boris would have to compro- promise in order to get He said it would of a deal’. Johnson’s demands France had previouslyan agreement. UK waters. will, both in the come down to ‘political over back down been refusing United Kingdom Christophe Hansen on to clear the political and I’m near-parity to any fishing deal, demanding said the EU have to meet the UK’s would ropean Union’. will is there from the Euan agreement.the UK’s demands to clinch It comes as the governorcoastal waters. EU ambassadors of the Bank of es to be made "There will be compromis- gland warned that a no-deal were told Enon fisheries. The Brexit would end that a trade deal with over the weekthat is somewhere status quo, be more economically damaging than verge of being finalised. Britain is on the he told an event. we're not going to land,” COVID to the UK. They were told Andrew Bailey the majority of French fishermen said failure to negotiation issues the 11 main are understood signed backed the compromise have ‘joint legal to have trade would create a massive get a deal with fewer and texts cross-border despite losing blockage on access to certain The European fewer outstanding points’. out tween Brussels and damage goodwill commission It came after the fishing grounds. be- sula von and the UK for EU’s chief negotiator Meanwhile, Ireland der Leyen, struck president, Uryears. chel Barnier demanded saying: “After Mi- said on leader Micheal difficult weeksa positive note, the need to comMonday Martin with very, very it deal would be he was hopeful that a Brex- slow progress now we completed this days better progress, have seen in the last week. more movement important files. on This is good.”

PSYCHO KILLER NOW OUT: Valencia flag

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Lifting the Val

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THE CURFEW THAT STOLE XMAS

IT looks like being a miserable run up to Under this Christmas for bars and new meathe COVID-19 curfew restaurants after sure, bars and restauwas brought for- rants ward by two hours. must close at 10pm and The Balearic Islands government has en- restricted to people are forced a new 10pm to their homes 6am curfew from during last night. the curfew unless a justified reason such for This will stay in place as an until at least De- emergency. cember 21. Armengol President Francina Armengol said the that bars also announced measure ‘serves to combat and restaucoronavirus cases’ as ‘the the growth in rants in Lloseta, ting worse in Mallorca’. situation is get- Soller, Sa Pobla and Muro At present, the COVID-19 incidence rate be bannedwould over 14 days stands from 100,000 inhabitants. at 260 cases per serving indoors with Armengol said this figure outdoor and ‘shows an upward trend is ‘worrying’ service only persince the rate stood at 198 in infections’ mitted during last week. the same period.

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His car was found at the house where Serra lived after he disappeared. Then a year later in 1998, Serra’s German landlord, Thomas Egner, also went41-year-old missing in Ibiza. When questioned at the told police that the mantime, Serra travelling to South Americahad gone him in charge of the house. and left In 2007, 60-year-old Francisco Lopez Alvarez also went missing in Ibiza with Serra being the last person to see him. Serra is being held on suspicion of murder and will remain in police custody.

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John Andrews, Mijas

Tricky

Mallorca - Issue 95

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I AM afraid - in reference to Mr West’s letter - that we really have no choice when it comes to a sustainable future. It is no use refusing to do something about climate change because of real or imaginary problems. These are not insurmountable. What needs to be done is to solve the lesser problems posed by change rather than permit the greater evil to continue through inaction.

Serial killer concern as police probe if ‘the Pirate’ could be behind another missing man in the Balearics

It comes after Britain’s ter claimed that reachingPrime Miniswith the EU was lookinga trade deal difficult’ earlier this week. ‘very very “We’ll do our level best, but I would just like to say to everybody - be in good cheer, there are ahead for our country,”great options Boris Johnson said. Talks with the EU have deadlock for days thanksremained in ment over fishing quotas. to disagree- MISSING: Antonio Ferrer Juan, Thomas Egner y Francisco López. While it comprises just 0.1% of the A PENSIONER nicknamed ‘the Pirate’ UK economy, the fishing disagree- has been arrested by police hunting a ment could spell a hit of By Isha Sesay suspected serial the economy and up to up to 3% for Police believe killer in Mallorca. Juan Torres Serra, 57, a 48-year-old the same for Spain, the biggest predicted victim in could be behind the death of at least under strangeman who went missing However, no trace of the man Europe. has ever of many crimes. four men in the Balearics, circumstances on Au- been found and his bank including a gust 24. As Johnson took to Twitter not been touched since account has The missing men however, to cel- German expat. Police are now ebrate the coronavirus were the the day he most suspicious They also think he may vaccine be behind doz- the body of the scouring the area for went missing. roll as all had out on Tuesday, Belgium’s homeowner, who they This sparked similar circumstances andvanished in president ens of armed robberies and violent believe an investigation into have never jibed that the jab had been found. been ‘Made in burglaries of homes around Mallorca the farmSerra buried on the grounds of Serra, which sensationally Europe’. in Binasselem. revealed The first was and Ibiza. He is also suspected that he had been previously 77-year-old lawyer Anof kill- Serra told the police that ques- tonio ing two dogs. Detectives picked up the man, whose name was the Spanish tioned about the disappearance of Ibiza Ferrer Juan who disappeared in pensioner, who had been given as An- three men over the last in 1997. staying No News is Bad news tonio on p15 the grounds of a property owned in given L.M, had left for Ibiza and had Known as ‘the Pirate’ three decades. Before disappearing, he told some of by as well as the his close him a signed document friends that Serra was that the house now belonged stating nickname ‘Rotavella’ in Ibiza, he had ening long been suspected him to hand over money.threatto him. by police

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The Olive Press Valencia

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IT’S a crime to enter the country illegally. Therefore, they (illegal migrants) are criminals. If you don’t like that, then petition the courts to change the laws to make it legal for anyone to arrive in the country. Until then, it’s illegal and yes, fish are useful. Criminals are not. Marthinus Strydom Senior, via FB

Britain is to blame BRITAIN started the wars in the countries from which people are fleeing, or sold the weapons that caused the wars that made these migrants homeless. Joan Slattery, Kilkenny

HONESTLY, some people think immigrants are some sort of ‘thing’ that is less worthy of happiness, prosperity and a peaceful life than they are. The irony is that they are immigrants themselves most of the time! I just don’t get it at all. Laura Johann Criag, via FB

Pressure time THE world needs to place maximum pressure on the criminal governments running countries such as Nigeria. It’s an oil-rich country, but career politicians take all the wealth and leave their citizens to fend for themselves.

See page 16

Annie Macmillan, via FB

E n d s

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Across 5 Folkloric swimmers (8) 8 Impressed (4) 9 Bodybuilders' practice (13) 10 Failures (12) 13 Catchier muse changed note coach (5,7) 16 Milk, butter and cheese (5,8) 19 Indonesian resort island (4) 20 Enjoyed with zest (8)

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‘self defence’

spokesman Garcia Palounderway to determine what said who insisted the laws led to the killings on Novem- ma, needed to be strengthened. ber 29. once critically endanIt comes after six green Bears, in Spain, are now conEcologistas gered the hunt in the Aragon Pyrenees. groups, including and sidered ‘high priority’ by The 21-year-old animal - one en Accion, SEO Birdlife united World Wildlife Fund (WWF). of just 350 in Spain - was shot Friends of the Earth, action. Brown bears became a proto demand immediate as part dead in the Bardaji valley. wildlife tected species in 1973 numThe hunter, who claimed he The Guardia Civil’s this of an attempt to grow was acting in self-defence, unit Seprona confirmed bers in the Pyrenees between gunned her down at point- week that an investigation France and Spain. blank range when she acted has now been launched. The deaths came as sport and in an ‘aggressive manner’ commercial hunting became after being disturbed by his Heritage illegal in Spain’s National dogs. deaths came just 10 days Parks on December 5. Sarousse, who had originally The police in Catalunya ar- The law was actually passed been captured in Slovenia be- after a local environmen- in 2014, but the then-ruling a six fore being released in 2006, rested official over the death of party, the PP, granted is the third bear to be killed in talthird bear, a six-year-old year extension, which came a the Pyrenees this year. week. called Cachou, who was to an end last Spain’s environment minister male in the Val d’Aran area Hunters described the ban as Teresa Ribera slammed the killed ‘ecological disaster’ that will April. and overdeaths and said efforts were in The Spanish Brown Bear lead to job lossesspecies. Foundation described the population of the called killings as a ‘dark day for con- Environmental groupscouncil for Aragon’s regional servation’. boar hunts The group warned that de- to suspend all wild the presliberate hunting carried pen- in the areas where See page 24 alties of up to three years in ence of bears is known. prison. “This is enough. These bears Opinion Page 6 were everyone’s heritage,” By Kirsty McKenzie

Blueprint

THE WORD ON THE

BEST FOOT FORWARD:

See page 18

OLIVE PRESS

Border

Visitors from Spain will not face restrictions, however, it is understood Spain is set to bring in new tougher restrictions on those crossing from the Rock. The country announced yesterday that it was banning all tourists from coming in from the UK after a new strain spread rapidly around the South East. The government blamed the rapid spread on a particularly busy Black Friday. An angry protest from the Gibraltar Catering Association outside No.6 Convent Place on December 18 led to fines for organisers and participants.

after Environmental groups unite hunters kill two protected brown bears on ‘dark day’ for Spain

AN investigation has been launched after a pair of brown bears were gunned down on a ‘dark day’ for efforts to protect the endangered species. The adult females were shot dead by different hunters, with one claiming to have fired at the bear in self defence. In what has infuriated environmentalists, both animals were killed in conservation zones, in the week a law banning hunting in Spain’s National Parks came into force. The first bear was shot in the Palencia mountains, in Castilla y Leon, by a hunter who claimed he thought the creature was a wild boar. A second bear, named Sarousse, was killed during a

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ALL of the Rock’s restaurants, cafes, bars and gyms have been closed from December 22 until January 10 as the amount of active COVID cases reached unprecedented levels. A ‘major incident’ has now been declared and the authorities are set to reopen the Nightingale Field Hospital, as the enclave reached an alarming 209 active cases. In new rulings, masks are to be worn in all public areas as the Gibraltar Government took action to avoid having to order a full lockdown. A maximum of three households will be allowed to mix over Christmas, while all religious worship has been stopped. Elderly people have been strongly advised to stay at home. Companies are being asked to get staff to work remotely, while it is thought unlikely that schools will reopen early in January. It comes as the number of

Stunning, but was it worth €1.2 billion?

The local Spanish chefs with new ‘green’ stars

infected persons has up five times since the 37 active cases recorded on December 13 and is many more than the previous record of 129. While planes can continue to land, all visitors must have a negative certificate or take a test on arrival.

SLAIN: Female brown bear

Valencia - Issue 2

952 147 834

E n d s

tween keeping life normal and keeping it safe.” While tourism is year, the tourist down 80% on last boss says all activities, including cinemas and museums, are open. Best of all, unlike locals and tourists much of Spain, between midnight must only stay in “It’s a great time and 6am. to discover the city as there are no queues,” adds Bernabe. “We take the pandemic seriously, but we also believe in the right to have a full life.” Currently few places in the Comunidad face tough restrictions due high infection rates. to The city meanwhile,

has developed an activity card an app anyone called Valencia On, can download, not just aimed at tourists.

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...and in your Olive Press stocking this year don’t miss:

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c u s t o m e r s

“Life goes on and forward,” insisted we must move director of the Antonio Bernabé, Turismo Valencia Foundation, to the Olive Press, this week. “We have struck a good balance be-

Page 15

Palace con

A bunch of crooks tried to sell my hotel for a song

Dinner with destiny

Merry Xmas to our readers...

21/6/19 13:30

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas...

with Saint Martin’s Urban Irish is an Irish Pub Valencia. Mediterranean touches, in the center of the best Where you can find good International beer, 7 full HD screens Guinness, live music and sport shown on ...Where Valentian rugby meets all International rugby

See page 15

Gibraltar Issue 138

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BRITAIN’S Prime Minister had a date with destiny last night in Brussels. Boris Johnson was having dinner with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to see if there was any chance of salvaging a so-called soft Brexit trade deal with Europe. It came after Johnson insisted a deal with the EU was looking ‘very very difficult’ on Tuesday. The frustrating news came after weeks of claims that a deal was close to being finalised. “We’ll do our level best, but I would just like to say to everybody - be in good cheer, there are great options ahead for our country,” Johnson insisted. Talks with the EU have remained in deadlock for days thanks to disagreement over fishing quotas. While it comprises just 0.1% of the UK economy, the fishing

EXCLUSIVE UNABLE to have night down the his regular Friday on a cornucopia boozer during lockdown, expat Conor lectibles… and it of Emerald Isle col- turning it into even has Guinness novel idea for this Wilde hit on a on draught. pub. And if I say Spain’s smallest one - to build his “After own pub! being cooped up done a grand job.”so myself, we’ve like a man The Irish expat, in 46, got his mates a solitary in March I came up with Called El Irlandes, after over and converted his favourplan,” the Valencia-based ite Martin Scorsese his garden shed tate real es- fits his film, FORGET THE DRAUGHT: into what he consultant closest pals in for it happily Conor est watering claims is Spain’s small- “I had an old told the Olive Press. Friday and pals at makeshift the usual hole. shed in the garden. night Blarney. local Measuring 2.4m got by 2.5m, it counts lego the lads over – Tuejar, El Gal-I Wilde, from Skerries, near Dublin, & Champ – and we set about has run the Found Valencia agency for two decades.

Valencia is open!

VALENCIA remains open for visitors, with COVID relaxed than most restrictions more By Eugene Costello sists tourist chiefs. other regions, inThe city has been praised by busi- ‘sensible’ approach, which has nessmen and tourists kept the economy running alike for its sible. as best as pos-

How Amy’s guitar-maker from Valencia won over the world

See page 12

Festive check before revelry begins

Dinner with destiny

So was it worth €1.2 billion?

See page 3

the Rock in years gone by HOW IT WAS: Murky air envelopes the GSLP/Liberal election victory. of By John Culatto “We were up against high levels pollution and fanning the possibility of high level fines from the EU. all “We have successfully dealt with of that and attained recorded levels that we must be very pleased with. “Air pollution from power generation has now been dealt with almost entirely.” and Both the LNG power station enmoves towards more renewable the ergy have been made to satisfy protocols of the Paris Agreement cliand COP25 as they try to tackle mate change. Minister Cortes even runs a Climate Change portfolio within the government, the first time so much energy the has been dedicated to saving planet. “I am of course, still not happy with fora Cortes, said quality,” air our mer environmental campaigner himself. “Traffic and, on occasions, shipping, and contributors, main the now are we must all work together to tackle these and improve further.”

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Back to Blanca

Your

NATIVITY DOUBLE

CHRISTMAS PLANS SENT INTO DISARRAY gone

cause a lot of the pollution Air quality is now at EU-recom- which removed and the old powmended levels for the second year are being has now been decommisrunning and closer to stricter World er station sioned. Health Organisation standards. As a result air monitors will now Other pollutants like benzene were to the north district to of also down after the constructiongas be moved analyse and tackle pollution there. a much cleaner liquid natural be affected by aeroplane LNG power station at the North It could exhaust. Mole. challenge the authorities the While air quality is afflicted by re- The next to tackle is pollution from are trying nearby Campo de Gibraltar oil traffic and shipping in the bay. finery and chemical factory, bosses re- The first moves have already been have tried to do what they can to made with electric buses and postduce contaminants. vehicles being examined powdelivery al diesel temporary Meanwhile, possible extended use. er generators in the south district for their “In 2011 we set out to tackle the different afstrands fecting our air quality,” said See page 16 for Minister the EnvironJohn ment Cortes about

COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT

Don’t forget

The new rules allowing you to drive in Spain until next summer

See page 7

COSTA BLANCA

The

of IT will come as a massive breaththis fresh air for Gibraltarians in COVID-hit Christmas. fesWhile the pandemic is forcing at tive plans to change, there has least been some good news about the environment. The latest figures from the Gibraltar is Government show that air quality at the best level since records began. Data provided by the EnvironmenRital Agency alongside UK firm of cardo’s shows that the two types dangerous particulate matter, PM10 deand the more dangerous PM2.5, creased in 2019. niThis particle matter and levels of trogen oxide can cause chronic lung disease, reduce plant growth and even discolour furniture. The findings have been published of in the Government’s Department the Environment annual statistical expected is report… and pollution to have dropped considerably more this year.

Your voice in Spain

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OLIVE PRESS

December 9th 2020

LIKE buses, Alicante has bagged world records in one fell swoop. two The city has been handed the Guinness World Record award after prise, including €123,000 for the building the tallest and largest nativBy Alex Trelinski sculptures. There is also the bill ity scene in history. of €14,000 payable to Guinness The display features a record-breaking 18-metre high statue of Joseph The display is also now the world’s World Records for certification. largest-ever static nativity scene Councillor Manuel alongside a smaller Virgin Mary Jimenez jusand occupying an area of 56 square baby Jesus. Created by Jose Manuel me- tified the expense saying: “The tres. visitor numbers Garcia its giant statue easily beats the Some local political parties have we are seeing justify it and old 1991 height record set in Mexico. criticised the cost of the enter- stimulated by business being the display.”

Sierra Nevada open at last

December 21st - January 12th 2021 Vol. 5 Issue 138 www.theolivepress.es

Government ‘pleased’ as air quality ‘best since records began’

VALENCIA / COSTA AZAHAR 2020 December 10th - December 23rd FREE Vol. 1 Issue 2 www.theolivepress.es

two LIKE buses, Alicante has bagged world records in one fell swoop. The city has been handed the Guinness the World Record award after buildinghistallest and largest nativity scene in tory. The display features a record-breaking 18-metre high statue of Joseph alongside a smaller Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Created by Jose Manuel Garcia, its giant statue easily beats the old 1991 height record set in Mexico. The display is also now the world’s largest-ever static nativity scene occu-

The Rock’s ONLY free local paper

Illegal means criminal

Cruel irony

No choice

Your

expat

voice in Spain

November 26th -

LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN

The Olive Press proudly launches its SIXTH edition in Valencia

See page 6-7

GIBRALTAR

The

FREE

JOY OF SIX!

OLIVE PRESS

VALENCIA / COSTA AZAHAR FREE Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.theolivepress.es

The

OLIVE PRESS BREATHE EASY!

Our opinion piece that pointed out that more value is seemingly put on fish than migrants drew a hefty response...

Dirk Vandendriessche, Sevilla

Why it’s a custom to wear red at Xmas in Spain

See page 4

See page 3

REFERRING to Mr West’s letter about electric cars (Last issue) I must admit that I am one of the persons that bought an electric car out of an ideological point of view and to collaborate in a positive way. Unfortunately, this is something 95% of the population does not do - you just have to look around. What I really hate is the negative comments from people like Mr West. It is amazing to hear what people make up in order to not have to collaborate or to react in a positive way. Regarding his points about rare minerals and people hiring out their children as slave labour, is it not better to put some effort into solving these problems rather than blaming a progressive project? To be honest, I sometimes feel like an idiot driving my electric car behind all these trucks and diesel cars which are killing us slowly by pumping out millions of tons of CO2. Where am I with my electric car? Indeed, in my opinion, you have to be brave to feel that silly. If the batteries are such a worry for Mr West, let him find a solution for unusable batteries. At least do something positive - there are enough eco-disasters to take care of!

Press stocking this issue...

The ‘Super Santa’ doc making a difference on the Rock

The local Spanish chefs with new ‘green’ stars

Be positive!

The

The Christmas crackers in your Olive

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

1 Chopped elm in use in photoelectric cells (8) 2 Memorable (8) 3 Disreputable (6) 4 Screen Bean (4) 6 Sleight of hand (5) 7 Snow runner (3) 11 It's licked on a stick (3,5) 12 Climbing plant with fragrant flowers (5,3) 14 Wrist injury, perhaps (6) 15 Close friends (5) 17 Partly open (4) 18 Average (3)

All solutions are on page 20

LA CULTURA DIG IT: Phoenician works

Ancient moat find

A MOAT dating back 3,000 years has been uncovered during excavations in the Guardamar area of Alicante. Archaeologists from Alicante University made the find at the Phoenician-built wall site of Cabezo Pequeno del Estano. The moat has a depth of three metres and has an eight metre width at the top. The significance of the Guardamar find is that it is just one of only two moats discovered from the Phoenician era across the western Mediterranean area. The other one is at the Castillo de Dona Blanca in Cadiz. The Phoenicians were primarily known as sailors who had developed a high level of skill in ship-building and were able to navigate the often turbulent waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Though based around an area that includes modern Syria, Israel, and Lebanon, they travelled far and wide, including to Spain and the British Isles. They were viewed as pioneers in maritime trading setting up bases in cities like Cadiz, which was known as Gades. The find at Guardamar has not surprisingly generated a lot of excitement. Alicante University archaeologist, Fernando Prados, said: “This is an exceptional discovery of a Phoenician moat, especially as it is large and intact.”

Do you have a what’s on? Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

When four F makes five

what’s on estive shots There will be free festive shots, games and music with DJ Powell at La Vista Bar and Lounge in Ciudad Quesada on Thursday, December 24, from 8pm

Revamped exhibition highlights photographer’s works

DENIA photographer John Lillie has revamped his permanent exhibition at the town’s Restaurante Al Forn in time for the festive season. John’s display at the Plaza de Mariana Pineda eatery is called Quartets. All of the new photos are actually mounted on the reverse of the existing set so that they can be easily flipped over and switched into different combinations. The name Quartets comes from the rationale that many of the photos take

inging live Chiringuito Sunshine 2 at Mil Palmeras Beach, Dehesa de Campoamor will host Big FM’s Rain O’Connor singing live from 1.30pm on Christmas Day.

oxing day tunes Pop along to El Rincon de Sam in Torrevieja from 1pm on Boxing Day to take in the sounds of Forever Young playing live.

E SQUARE DEAL: Photos arranged in fours to make five

on another life and identity when grouped into fours. “Four pictures can make a

SNAPPER: John Little is behind the lens

fifth and I see this as being symbolic as it can be down to the colours, the composition, the actual subjects or even that they are opposites,” John explained. John enjoys travelling around the world, camera in hand, as he concentrates on the many people that he bumps into. “I observe life by capturing the expression and personality of the human face. I just take pictures of random people who convey something interesting.” In spite of lockdown restrictions, John has still had a busy 2020.

Olga’s Plastic Problem A ‘FLOATING island’ sculpture consisting of 3,612 plastic bottles is on display in Alicante to highlight the problems of environmental pollution in the world’s oceans. The idea was conceived by local artist Olga Diego. It was originally going to be a large floating plastic sphere placed in the waters of La Albufereta beach for a few days in March. Pandemic restrictions put paid to that idea, so Diego decided to go for an indoor alternative. The fruits of her labour have been on display in Alicante’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Olga Diego said: “Art is a way of sending out a message over things that can improve our lives and I hope that the floating island can do just that.” The inspiration for the piece came several years ago when she heard that a large area of plastic pollutants had gathered in the Pacific Ocean. “If the Earth continues the way it is, it will not last for long,” commented Olga.

He has concentrated on photographing characters in the local area including a session on a fishing boat. Last month, he held an exhibition at Denia’s Casa de Cultura.

arly start Make an early New Year’s Eve of it at Los Cucalos in Orihuela Costa on December 31, which is hosting Noon Year’s Eve with Stevie Spit and The Jersey Boys from 1pm. Celebration bells will ring at 5pm.

Please help our islands! By Glenn Wickman

VALENCIAN political party Compromis is calling for greater protection of the Illes Columbretes, in Castellon. The group has filed two amendments to the state budget for 2021 – one requesting the ‘better, effective protection’ of the marine nature reserve, and another calling for greater investment in the Baix Maestrat district. A spokesman for the party pointed out that, although the Columbretes Nature Park falls under the jurisdiction of the regional government, the marine reserve is the responsibility of the state. Compromis has also requested a study to ascertain the wealth of the island’s wildlife, as well as the quality of the water. It also wants a moratorium on all oil prospecting activity that could alter the fragile balance of the ecosystem. BOOK REVIEW

The International Brigades by Giles Tremlett

PLASTIC: Highlighting environmental pollution By Alex Trelinski

The ‘floating island’ was created with the help of students from the Miguel Hernandez Institute, who put together the plastic bottle collection, all of which is recyclable. The three-dimensional exhibit encourages people to use less single-use packaging and has lighting within it.

Olga Diego enjoys pushing the boundaries in art, and often making it come alive. She created a square hot air balloon out of plastic in 2015 which she then took for a journey over Elche’s Carabassi beach. Three years later, she spent 58 hours locked away in London’s SCAN Project Room in a non-stop drawing marathon to see how far she could stretch her creative process.

The Award-winning author of Ghosts of Spain tackles the history of The International Brigade in his latest book. During the Civil war, 61 countries around world sent over 35,000 volunteers to fight against Franco, Hitler, Mussolini, and fascism. It was the largest volunteer army since the crusades. Tremlett sets out a fascinating story of resistance and courage against all odds and of European solidarity, through the experiences of The International Brigades.

LA CULTURA

Maya and more

A NEW pair of books which take a close look at the lives of two famous Spanish artists could be the perfect stocking fillers this Christmas. The first is a biography on the enigmatic genius Francisco Goya. Written by Janis Tomlinson, the book, examines Goya, the life of the reclusive artist, born in Aragon. It tells the story of Spain’s turbulent 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly exploring his series of sketches about the Peninsula War.

Love

Goya was a great humanist and has even been described as a chronicler or journalist of his time. This book explains why. The second book looks at the relationship between Malaga-born Pablo Picasso with his eldest daughter Maya. The celebrated artist fell in love with Maya’s mother, Marie-Therese Walter when she was only 17 and he was in his 40s. The book features a number of the incredible paintings and sculptures of his young child, who he loved deeply. Called Picasso and Maya, it comes with a heafty €150 price tag.

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

Sore losers

T seems that some people can’t take defeat - even hundreds of years after the fact. A painting depicting the brave but ultimately doomed final battle of a Spanish warship against British privateers has been removed from public display at the Madrid Madrid Naval Museum banishes its most popular painting because Naval Museum. it glorifies a Spanish defeat ... but who are the real losers, wonders The reason? Museum directors think it ‘disrespectful’ to the deCristina Hodgson feated captain to show the losing fight when it had gloriously beaten the Brits in four previous actions. In place of the offending artwork they have hung a ‘more appropriate’ painting of an English ship sinking... But the removal of the iconic painting in preparation for the museum’s re-opening has sparked a furious spat between directors and the general public. El Glorioso, as it is affectionately known, has been the painting most admired and photographed by visitors since it was acquired in 2014. The reform of the formidable marCONTROVERSY: This picture of El Glorioitime museum, one of the most so’s last stand against British privateers important in Europe, has been has been removed from gallery marred by controversy over its glaring omission. El ultimo combate del Glorioso by painting portrays a heroic ac- pieces in total - there is no place off three other attacks but land- (pictured left), who often draws the current military history paint- tion against a greater force that for a painting themed on defeat. ed her valuable cargo safely on on numerous references to Spaner Augusto Ferrar Dalmau, to give won even the enemy’s praise. “El Glorioso won four battles Spanish shores before doing ish history and colonial past in his the painting its full title, shows For many, the picture depicting against the British and lost one. battle against 12 British warships novels, reproached the museum the eponymous 74-gun warship the ship and its brave crew who Neither the Glorioso nor Captain alone for three days and one decision to remove El Glorioso, shortly before its fought to the Don Pedro Mesia de la Cerda de- night. It was a feat even British tweeting: “Please take this opcapture in a battle last bullet and serve to be remembered for that chroniclers, not usually given to portunity to explain why they (the with a squadron cannonball is an defeat,” insisted Juan Rodríguez praising the Spanish, greeted Navy) have removed a painting by Neither the of no less than 12 inspiring story of Garat, admiral director of the In- with respect, describing it as Ferrer-Falmau on El Glorioso. Is it British privateers something personal against the Glorioso or its human courage stitute of Naval History and Cul- ‘honourable and extraordinary’. off Portugal in against the odds. ture, in defence of the artwork’s With tragic beauty, the magnifi- painter, or is it simply stupidity?” captain should But bosses at the removal. 1747. cent painting portrays the ship in Ironically, as Reverte also pointed The large-scale be remembered museum hold a “The painting does not reflect a its final moments, stripped of its out, in trying to hide the painting work recalls the different opinion. significant event in the history masts but still flying its flag, with the museum has made it even moment when the They are of the of El Glorioso or the Navy. It has the men fighting like beasts on more famous than it was before. for defeat ship, battered and view that in an in- been replaced with a picture by the splintered and smoke-filled “I am happy for Augusto Ferout of ammo after stitution set up to Cortellini which depicts an En- deck, surrounded by English rer-Dalmau and for the memory days of intense battle, was forced showcase great milestones and glish ship sinking,” added Garat. ships. of El Glorioso,’ he tweeted. ‘The to strike the colours of surrender. leading figures in Spanish naval Returning from Havana in 1747, Spanish novelist and journalist, naval museum that acquires it is Admirers of El Glorioso say the history - a collection of 3,000 El Glorioso had not only fended Arturo Perez-Reverte Gutierrez going to be filled with visitors.’

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09/12/2020 13:58:21

BUSINESS

On the up

HOUSE prices, sales transactions and rentals have all skyrocketed in Valencia this year, with international buyers driving the market. The city has seen a growing demand from international buyers, especially from Asia, many of whom aspire to live a Mediterranean lifestyle. However, Asian interest is primarily fueled by the Golden Visa Program, which allows non-EU nationals to gain permanent residency by buying property worth €500,000 or more.

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

Marina makeover

Three Kings to bring stunning mega-million makeover of Calpe marina

Golden

From January to June 2019, 848 residency visas were granted - 132 more approvals compared with the same period in 2018. The figures for 2020 are likely to be as high.. “The inquiries we have received from Singapore have tripled in recent months. Many are interested in the Golden Visa Program and the local property-buying process,” said Conor Wilde, CEO of Found Valencia estate agency.

REVAMP: Calpe marina to be a major draw by 2022

Cashing in A MERGER between CaixaBank and Bankia will generate a return on investment of 200%, according to estimates by Alvarez & Marsal. When the two organisations merged in September this year, the collaboration became the largest banking institution in Spain. Together, the super-company now has assets totalling €664 billion. But, despite the merger’s success, Alvarez & Marsal’s suggest that Sabadell, Unicaja and Liberbank are the most attractive due to their low price-books.

Returns

A BRAND new rebuilt Calpe marina will become a major tourist draw for the summer of 2022. Bulldozers are set to start work at the rundown site which will be renamed Marina PortBlanc and run by the company behind the Santa Pola marina on the southern Costa Blanca.

By Alex Trelinski

Port Boutique Calp will spend at least €5 million on the project alone, and they have been handed a 30-year franchise from the local council to run the new-look marina. A raised walkway will give

pedestrians a great view of the sea and the familiar sights of both the Peñon de Ifach and Morro de Toix. There will be 203 moorings at the site, most of which will be for eight-metre long yachts, with a few berths for 15-metre craft. Five new commercial outlets are to be developed and hotels and sea-tourism businesses are also being wooed to open up at the marina. As well as knocking down all the dilapidated buildings, Port Boutique Calp will also completely drain the marina of water.

That will allow the sand to be dredged and transferred to the Puerto Blanco beach, in addition to extending the water depth by around eight feet.

Enjoy

“Tourists and residents will be able to enjoy this recovered area of the coast with some impressive views,” said Valencia's public works minister, Arcadi Espana. Calpe mayor, Ana Sala, added: “This port area is iconic for local people and within 18 months, it will all look very different.”

In fact, they predict the merger between Unicaja and Liberbank, which is taking place in the coming weeks, could produce even higher returns than CaixaBank and Bankia with 270% . According to the firm’s report, “the opportunities for mergers and acquisitions must be evaluated based on the profitability provided to each of the entities; as well as the risk of integration, the net added value and any other qualitative, strategic assessment or politics.”

Hospitality heartache By Glenn Wickman

BARS and restaurants throughout the Valencian Community have lost over 44% of income this year due to the pandemic. Businesses will have made an estimated €1 billion less than in 2019, with 8,000 jobs lost. Despite the severity of the figures, they are lower than the Spanish national average, which has suffered a 50% drop, according to the Hosteleria de España Business Union (CEHE). The losses sustained by Valencian hostelry – one of the sectors to endure the strictest restrictions in the COVID-19 clampdown – are far better than those in the Balearics (71%), Canary Islands (56.5%), and Madrid (50.9%). On a national scale, the sector is estimated to have lost €67 billion this year, with nearly one third of establishments – up to 100,000 – shutting down for good. Around 25% of all jobs have been lost in the sector. On a more optimistic note, the report by CEHE suggests that, if the vaccines are effective and a certain normality is recovered by next summer, businesses could return to their pre-pandemic level of income by the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022. In addition, the union also highlights the business possibilities created by the pandemic, such as the use of apps to book tables, capacity control systems and digital menus via QR codes.

EMPTY TABLES: Revenues halved Home delivery services are also expected to remain a key tool for many businesses to stay open despite the restrictions and the negative impact of the crisis. The catering trade accounts for 6.8% of the Valencia region’s GDP, with an urgent rescue plan needed to prevent the closure of a further 10,000 bars and restaurants in January. National Treasury minister Maria Jesus Montero announced that the government aid package for the catering trade is due to be approved before the end of 2020.

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PROPERTY

VALENCIA’S La Safor district is desperate for affordable, publicly owned housing. With the financial crisis caused by the pandemic leaving vast numbers of families unable to buy or even rent a home at normal market prices, the regional Housing department of the Generalitat this week issued devastat-

PROPERTY sales in Spain fell by 13.4% in October over a 12-month period according to the College of Notaries. The drop was significantly more than the 0.7% drop in September, but still far less than at the height of the pandemic in May, which saw a 53% decline in house sales. Unsurprisingly, property mortgages granted in October stood at 36,167, down by 6.7% compared to a year earlier. The Notaries pointed out significant regional variations in home sales with the Balearic Islands down by 24.1% in October compared to September, followed by La Rioja, Madrid, and Catalunya. In contrast, the Extremadura region saw a 15% hike in

Real estate slowdown deals. The largest year-onyear fall was in the Balearics at 31.2%. The Brainsre.com real estate website says that the pandemic has also seen a fall in property prices. After analysing over a hundred online property sites and real estate agencies, they point out that before the State of Alarm began in March, the average Spanish house price stood at €1,760 per square metre.

Fall Now the average price is €1,753 per square metre based on figures compiled for July to September this year.

December 23rd - January 13th 2021 ing figures for the region. The report classifies Valencian towns according to their public housing needs – and with regards to La Safor, Gandia has the highest. In fact, the district capital has the top score - in a negative sense - in Valencia Province and the fifth highest in the whole region, with its 3.84% rating classed as ‘High’.

Housing lifeline Other towns and cities with the same qualification in La Safor are Alfauir, Tavernes de la Valldigna, Beniarjo and Almisera, while towns with a ‘Medium’ level of public housing deficit include Oliva, Real de Gandia, Bellreguard,

Xeraco and Potries. The report reveals that a total of 248 municipalities throughout the Valencian Community need council-owned housing urgently, with more than 80% of the region’s population residing in these areas. Analysts point out that up to 30,000 extra properties would be required to cover the permanent housing

needs of all the crisis-hit families throughout the autonomous community. Valencian vice-president Ruben Martinez Dalmau described the figures as ‘shocking’, and yet another reason to put an end to the spate of privatisations that took place within the council housing sector on behalf of previous regional governments.

Not Wimpey-ing out Key UK property developer planning 2021 growth A BRITISH developer says that ‘lockdown misery’ is helping holiday home sales in Spain as they launch five developments for 2021. Taylor Wimpey Spain also claims that the new properties will ‘boost the economic recovery of the country’. Mallorca is getting three new developments, along with one each at Marbella Lake on the Costa del Sol and in Javea on the Costa Blanca. Taylor Wimpey Spain marketing director, Marc Pritchard, said; “We’ve seen plenty of interest in BOOKINGS for Airbnbs in remote parts of Spain have soared in the past 12 months as tourists turn away from busy cities during the pandemic. The average price of a night in the small towns of Ferrol and Ourense, in Galicia, rose 28% and 9% respectively in the third quarter, according to AirDNA, which analyses data on vacation rentals. Meanwhile bookings and rental rates plummeted in major cities as high COVID-19 infection rates and restrictions kept holidaymakers away for

Spanish second homes during 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Many buyers are waiting out the travel and lifestyle restrictions and spending this time planning their property purchase,” he added. “We’re going to be fully prepared when that pentup demand is suddenly released in 2021.” In spite of the push to get British and other foreign buyers, the company said that Spaniards have led the demand for properties this year at 18% nationally. That figure is even more

Remote working

months at a time. Barcelona and Madrid, two of Airbnb’s biggest markets globally, both saw a drop in the num-

By Alex Trelinski

dramatic on the Costa Blanca with 50% of all reservations coming from within Spain. ber of visitors over 2020. Both cities were hard hit by the pandemic and data suggests Airbnb guests will now pay more to stay away from crowds in more rural areas. Hard hit In Barcelona, occupancy fell by an average of 45% while owners in Madrid reported an annual occupancy rate fell 58%. Comparably, Gaucin a picturesque hillside village near Ronda - saw the occupancy rate jump by 27% this year.

Nevertheless, Marc Pritchard believes that lockdown misery in the UK and across Europe will get buyers flocking in to get a taste of Spanish sunshine. “Sitting on a terrace in the sunshine during a lockdown is a very different experience from being stuck indoors in the rain.” “That has been a driving factor for several of those who have purchased homes from us during the pandemic,” he added.

OPTIMIST: Pritchard

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL DRAM-A Cunning plan A NEW campaign to encourage British tourists to Spain in the Spring has been launched. National tourism agency, Turespaña, has drawn up the strategy that aims to get Brits and other Europeans back on planes. Presented by Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña, and Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the ‘Travel Safe’ campaign will ‘offer a service of official and updated information to help restore confidence and security to the traveller,’ said Maroto.

SPANISH police have busted a major crime ring suspected of exporting fake whiskey. Over €800,000 worth of counterfeit booze has been seized and 14 people, aged between 37 and 52 years old, have been arrested. Cops launched Operation Fuco in the summer in a bid to bust what they believed to be the largest criminal network for the production and illegal distribution of whiskey. The group was widespread across Spain, with key bases in La Rioja, in Jaén and in Campo de Criptana, a town

Over €800,000 worth of counterfeit whiskey seized in major crime ring bust By Kirsty McKenzie

in Ciudad Real. The fraud had the potential to be worth more than €800,000 and cause damage to the unnamed counterfeited whiskey brand of almost €4 million. Officers seized nearly 300,000 whiskey bottles, 171,200 counterfeit tax

Vital

The cornerstone of the plan, slated to cost €2 million in the first eight weeks, is to create a microsite, available in 10 different languages, on the official tourism website, spain. info. This will provide vital information to prospective holidaymakers on all things related to COVID-19, whether they are after a weekend in the capital or a beachside escape, such as up-to-date details on travel requirements, regional coronavirus levels, restaurant capacities, and restriction measures.

BUSTED: Fake whiskey bottling plant uncovered

PASSENGER numbers at Alicante-Elche airport in November were 88% down on the same month last year. Travel and quarantine restrictions caused by the pandemic meant that just 112,618 people used the Costa Blanca facility last month. The airport served 3.6 million travellers in the first 11 months of 2020, with the monthly passenger peak standing at 480,000 in August. Last year, Alicante-Elche airport recorded a seventh-successive year of growth as it ended 2019 with numbers topping 15 million travellers.

Fizzing out COVID-restrictions in Spain have pushed cava sales down as much as 40% this year. The early closure of bars and restaurants as well as limits on travel across much of the country meant that the country’s €1.2 billion fizzy wine sector is drying up. Brands like Freixenet have been hit hard according to Cava Regulatory Board Chairman Javier Page. Shipments of the fizz, mainly made in the northeastern Catalunya region, fell 10.5% in January to September from a year ago. Page said there was a bigger drop in domestic consumption than abroad, with sales to Britain, Sweden and Holland remaining steady. Over a nine month period overseas consumption of cava dropped just 7% in comparison with a 13%

dip at home. Damia Deas, chairman of AECAVA business group and manager of the Vilarnau brand, forecast sales could fall between 25% and 40% in 2020 from the 250 million bottles shipped in 2019. He said : “No doubt, it’s a terrible year...we had prepared for the worst but our sector has been able to resist a bit better than we thought.”

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stamps, and more than 27,000 cardboard boxes with the logo of a wellknown brand. Investigators suspect, but have not been able to prove, that some of the bottles seized were destined to supply the illicit market for alcoholic beverages, possibly in southern Spain. The people implicated used a legitimate firm involved in the distribution of alcoholic beverages in La Rioja. The first base of operations, in Ciudad Real, was run by an Asian businessman who imported from Asia fake tax stamps and counterfeit glass bottles, labels and caps for a well-known brand. The second base in La Rioja was in charge of preparing the alcoholic mixture and bottling it. The bottles were sent back to Ciudad Real where they added the labels and seals and got them ready for distribution. Those detained and the seized items have been made available to a court in Calahorra, La Rioja and the prosecutor at the La Rioja Superior Court of Justice.

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

T’S undoubtedly Valencia’s unique selling point, a surreal city of swooping white concrete and glass undulating along the banks of the old Turia riverbed like a CGI creation from Star Wars. Calatravaland , as it’s sometimes called, was envisaged at a time when the cities of Europe were vying to make their mark on the international stage. Once, majestic cathedrals were erected to show a city’s worth. In 20th century Spain it was the spectacle of structural gymnastics like the City of Arts and Sciences that changed the city skyline. Similarly to its medieval counterparts it was built by the taxpayers and it continues to be maintained by the same today. So is it worth it? La Ciutat de les Arts de les Ciencies, to give it its proper Valencian name, is truly a sight to behold. Tourists flock in their droves to visit this spectacular vision which brought in €314.4 million in 2018 and has raised Valencia’s cultural status to near that of Barcelona and Madrid.

UNREAL CITY: Dubbed ‘Calatravaland’ after its homegrown architect, is Valencia’s €1.2 billion City of Arts a world wonder or a monumental waste of taxpayers’ money, asks expat architect Kevin Cash

ANCIENT AND MODERN: El Palau de les Arts i l'Hemisfèric and Ciutat vella by Kevin Cash

Arctic Monkeys

Each year (with the obvious exception of 2020), it attracts tens of thousands of international tourists enticed by events such as free MTV concerts headlining major acts like The Cure and The Arctic Monkeys. In many ways this is important, with cities attracting the biggest mass migration of our times. Their benefits are power in numbers, jobs, municipal facilities, hospitals, schools and the arts. Their downside, overcrowding, rush-hour traffic, inequality, lack of access to facilities and suburban malls killing local trade. Good sustainable management of urban spaces is definitely the key to their success. And the ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy has worked to a point creating new spaces and allowing new neighbourhoods to gain a foothold within the city limits, such as Calatravaland, which sits just outside the city centre. However, it is my belief that this overpriced development was created at the expense of the existing urban structure, which has been sadly neglected for a quick return. In particular, the old town of Valencia - Ciutat Vella - where I reformed my own flat and have been living and working since 2003.

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

Did Valencia need Calatravland? It was the PSOE who envisaged it in the late 80’s, to the condemnation of the PP. But when the party took power in the mid 90’s the scheme mushroomed to even greater heights. As a result of the ‘too big to fail’ syndrome, costs spiralled four-fold from the original budget of €300 million to well over a billion euros. During its construction the old town was largely neglected and the rot

set in, with drugs and anti-social behaviour becoming more commonplace. Just think what the city could have done with this amount of money? Sure, the architecture is impressive… The Palau de les Arts dominates the site allowing the city to host major international events. But after the obligatory photos to show off to your social media friends, what else does Calatravland offer? L’Hemisfèric, a

FISHERMAN: One of the few people seen at the City of Arts and Sciences this month, while (right) and dog walker

cinema, albeit 3D; an arboretum and disco where young Valencianos strut their stuff, and an opulent opera house where the moneyed older demographic splash the cash, paying up to €130 a seat. But behind the glitz, there are glitches. It’s been prone to flooding in the past. And what is the true value of a

science museum where the permanent exhibition hasn’t changed in 20 years. To a scientist, maybe that’s the nature of permanent, but only now are there new exhibitions in the pipeline. Upwards and onwards to Calatravaland’s crescendo, a mussel-like coruscation of a building yet to be finished, closed to the public after host-

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

A MARVEL: But by night it ‘dies a death and becomes cold and clinical and without depth’ ing a couple of tennis matches and a fashion show. The Àgora, a classic oxymoron populated by ghosts. It too is to get a facelift by bringing the Caixa Forum here to match Madrid and Barcelona. This can only be topped by the twisted apartments in the sky project (design fees €15 million) that is still on hold, although housing may

well give Calatravaland back some much-needed function over form. Therefore, do we blame the architect for all its shortcomings? Being one myself, I stand in solidarity with my fellow professional and say no. Calatravaland is a product of its time and the cultural psyche - Nero fiddled while Rome went down the pan. It may have satisfied our immediate

craving for new, shiny objects to raise us up, while giving us a quick fix of so-called high culture. The big question remains, what is needed to give it purpose in an age where sustainability is the new buzz word.REDUCE, reuse and only then recycle. After the tourists have overdosed on Calatravaland, the magnet which may have drawn them to Valencia in the first place, they must be enticed to venture further afield and discover its polar opposite, the old city where people live and work and raise their kids. A pleasurable bike ride along the old riverbed, the amazing green lung of the city, leads to a world of total contrast to Calatravaland. You can still meander along the narrow streets, albeit many are interspersed with vacant lots, like missing teeth, and decaying buildings covered in green construction mesh But beneath the cobbles, medieval and Moorish imprints still underpin the core of the city, and under these the Roman city that began it all. This is the Rome to Calatravaland’s Nero. Nowadays, the streets tracing the old city walls are almost devoid of traffic and manage to retain their tranquil charm. The grand palaces with their quiet and reclusive internal courtyards and the less noble buildings that tie in the whole urban fabric give a real sense of place. This has been a gradual evolution over millennia, not one man’s vision built over a few decades, devoid of the life blood of a living, breathing city. So why is the old town not being treasured as it should be and what will be the consequence of this? Private development here is at a standstill if not regressing, stifled by

red tape and the additional costs and restrictions that come with free zone. developing in a historic neighbour- But it is time that neglected plots hood. There are new build opportu- were addressed. Redesign would nities elsewhere in the city that are encourage community ownership of more lucrative and less hassle. neighbourhoods through ‘passive Like many cities, there is also an surveillance’. For example more element of antisocial behaviour in semi-private spaces are needed to some areas, especially in August protect private domains, such as when most people leave the highs simple front gardens for existing of 40 degrees celsius for the beach ground floor social housing projects. or mountains and a less discernible All this would be for the greater good, element frequents the area, includ- creating an environment for everying the most vulnerone, as Calatravaland able of society, the continues to draw in homeless, drug addicts the tourists to the widCould and drunks. Although er city. it’s not as bad as the In conclusion, is CaCalatravaland, 1980s and 90s when latravaland, just too a heroin epidemic left be too modern? modern? Is that why most of the old town it’s so intriguing, beIs that why it’s cause no one really and the riverbed off limits. it? In my so intriguing? understands Before the pandemopinion the main dific, tourist rentals and ference is that ‘it just noise pollution plagued ain’t got soul’. the sleep of residents and the build- No doubt in architectural terms it’s a ing works, though desperately need- marvel, a sculpture to behold. But at ed, caused tension between home night it dies a death, becomes cold, owners within apartment blocks. clinical, without depth. It’s people inMoving forward, how can the char- side looking out, unlike the old town acter of the old town be preserved which is outside looking in. whilst being regenerated, along with The charming ruin of the much nethe wider city (La Cabañal, Beni- glected c iutat vellais a more human machet, Russafa, Patriax)? Some scale, an area that carves out places measures have been put in place to as opposed to Calatravaland being address the situation, for example, objects within space. The old town is public consultation. Unfortunately, given life by its inhabitants and, even this is slow and small scale as the through this surreal time, it contintown hall is strapped for cash. ues to delight and give hope for the Some positive initiatives have also future. borne fruit, such as the traffic engi- The pandemic has given us pause for neering project to reduce vehicles thought. Let us use this opportunity and increase bike travel city-wide. to focus on our built heritage and reThe old town has benefitted the most invigorate what we have here in Vafrom this and is now an almost traffic lencia, the existing old and the new.

Photos by Jon Clarke

Clever-trava?

COLUMNISTS COLUMNISTS Bah humbug! Lessons from Christmases past

S a child, Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge scared the bejesus out of me. My mother, Ann Burgess, created the most magical Christmases every year and my memories are splendorous but I wondered youthfully how life would be without her as I watched him with utter fear. In Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Scrooge said: “I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link and yard by yard and I girded it of my own free will”. I never understood that till I lived my own life. Rather than the material part of Christmas, I think forgiveness is the greatest gift we can give to all. If we were all visited by the Ghost of Christmas past, present and future let’s wonder where we would all be? We have all made mistakes, nobody is infallible. Yet we can change the paths of our life

with small steps. If you are alone this Christmas and I will be too then these tips may help: Try volunteering on the day to help out at a shelter, wrap up and take yourself for a brisk walk so you see other people and most of all never fail to treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be all the turkey and trimmings with sparkly people around you. Enjoy what you love.

Ruined

I hosted a huge Christmas once with my great aunt Lily. She had lost her husband and was so dreadfully unhappy. She ruined Christmas dinner because I had been given a car for Christmas and she didn’t think I appreciated it enough, never mind that it was on my credit card and though the big red bow was wrapped around it, I felt I had been had. I miss her and all those who have gone before her, especially my dear mum. So I say let’s raise a glass to Christmas present and future. As Scrooge said: “Can you forgive a pig-headed old fool with no eyes to see with and no ears to hear with all these years?” Yes, we can and I say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!

Killing time

HRISTMAS in Spain consists mostly of killing time until the kids go back to school. El Gordo (Yes, the Christmas lottery is called ‘The Fat One,’) marks the beginning of Christmas, if we ignore the fact that El Corte Ingles started whacking out the toy adverts and riling the kids up in October while we were still throwing together ghost costumes. El gordo is a bit pricey to participate in, but you’ve got a good chance of winning a prize, however small. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) is the next family event you have to endure. It’s an evening do and typically a matriarch will have the whole family over to eat €200 worth of gambas (prawns) before you’ve even thought about the main course. Once everyone is full to bursting point the family divides down the middle - the ones who go to misa (mass) and the ones who go out to ponerse ciegos (get blind drunk)

Requiem for the Christmas card

DON’T know about you But who can blame them? but I’ve got three solitary No one wants to stand Christmas cards to dis- outside the post office in play on my mantelpiece a slow-moving queue for this Christmas. It’s nothing stamps when they can press like ye old yuletide’s past Send from the comfort of when cards were sent from their own home office. My ‘The Becketts’ to all and sun- thoughts go out to anyone dry, from great aunts twice behind me in the queue removed to Dad’s office at Los Barrios post office caretaker. last week. I got the trainee Throughout the month of who spent 13 minutes and December, the postman 26 seconds finding out the rang at least twice daily and price of a stamp to the USA reciprocal Christmas mail and had never heard of Nueavalanched through our let- va Zelanda … or maybe it terbox like the owl letters was my Spanglish accent … in Harry Potter. Cards not and thought it was probably only decked in Europe. the hall but Mind you, with covered every I got a trainee the recent locksurface area, down confining who spent 13 littering occaus within borsional tables, minutes finding ders, there were festooning the precious few defireplace and out the price of cent card shops hanging like you could legala stamp bunting from ly go into. Luckthe pelmets, ily I found some an impressive testament to from last year at the back of my parents’ wide social cir- a drawer so if you get one cle. from me, you got leftovers! These days everyone’s COVID has changed almost Zooming, emailing virtual everything but it would be Moon Pig cards or compos- a shame if the Christmas ing Christmas newsletters card became another casuembedded with live video alty. Like Charles Dickens, links to family weddings, plum pudding and the 1951 christenings and holidays Alastair Sim movie, Scrooge, abroad - such as they were, they’re part and parcel of a in 2020. It is far more in- tradition that goes back lonteresting than a card from ger than you think. someone indecipherable, The commercial Christscrawled in the handwriting mas card was invented by of a drunk, although it does Sir Henry Cole in 1843 but leave one’s mantelpiece be- Queen Victoria was not, as is reft. commonly thought, the first

The ping of the inbox will never replace the postman’s knock, writes Belinda Beckett

to send one. She was pipped at the post by learned German alchemist Michael Maier who sent one to James I of England in 1611. Only discovered in 1979, his long-winded message laid out in the shape of a rose read: “A greeting on the birthday of the Sacred King, to the most worshipful and energetic lord and most eminent James, King of Great Britain and Ireland, and Defender of the true faith, with a gesture of joyful celebration of the Birthday of the Lord, in most joy and fortune, we enter into the new auspicious year 1612.” In short, have a good one!

Talking Christmas in Spain, writes Valencia-based Tash Aleksy

WISHING ON A STAR: El Gordo lottery is a national addiction

safe in the knowledge has hit it. There isn’t a set that they’re not cooking or tradition food wise - some hosting on the 25th. people eat cordero (lamb), El día de Navidad (Christ- some cocido (a kind of mas Day) stew) or of is basically course in Vamore food. Have the whole lencia, arroz The toy adfamily over to (rice). verts mean After that the nothing beeat €200 worth only thing cause the left to do is of gambas kids generalhave a lie ly open only down. Like in (prawns) something many other small, if anyplaces, the thing. The good stuff is days between Christmas saved for Reyes (The Three and Noche Vieja (New Kings - 6th January) and Year’s Eve) is no man’s then the kids are back to land except for December school the next day. Great 28, which not many people negotiation tool over the know is El Día de los Sanschool holidays. El día de tos Inocentes (Innocent navidad everybody gets Saints Day). Those that together in another house, went to misa en noche because yesterday’s buena know that this day house looks like a bomb is a Christian commemoration day from the killing of innocent children in Bethlehem. The ones who went out partying will be the ones who know it is also the equivalent of April Fools’ Day - so take anything you’re told on the 28th with a pinch of salt!

FLYING HIGH: Local girls at El Día de los Santos Inocentes Tash Aleksy has been living in Patraix for 10 years and offers online Spanish classes at www.spanglishcity.com; her number is 633 091 664

OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 5 Mermaids, 8 Awed, 9 Weightlifting, 10 Miscarriages, 13 Music teacher, 16 Dairy products, 19 Bali, 20 Relished. Down: 1 Selenium, 2 Historic, 3 Ragtag, 4 Sean, 6 Magic, 7 Ski, 11 Ice lolly, 12 Sweet pea, 14 Sprain, 15 Chums, 17 Ajar, 18 Par.

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Lisa Burgess

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st in Tra December 23rd - January 13thLo2021

December 21st - January 12th 2021

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HEALTH Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count on the herd!

JUST under 10% of the Spanish population have been infected with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, a study has found. The fourth round of the ENECOVID National Seroprevalence Study estimates that 4.7 million people (9.9%) have already caught the disease. Around half of these were infected during the first wave and the other half during the second, said the report, prepared

As few as 5% of many regions, including Valencia, have been infected with COVID By Laurence Dollimore

by the Ministry of Health, the Carlos III Health Institute and National Institute of Statistics (NIE). At a regional level, the most

Big test ahead PRESIDENT of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, issued the sternest of warnings to the population on Spanish TV. He appeared on La Hora de la 1, claiming that the next few days will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;very big testâ&#x20AC;? regarding lockdown rules. Despite regional figures being better than many areas in Europe, they are not getting better. Puig stressed that if more restrictive measures were to be taken, he would not hesitate. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The severity of the possible third wave is up to us." Maximum prudence was asked of the population with joint responsibility being taken to address the possibility of a third wave of coronavirus at Christmas. He said the idea of that, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;is terrible, very terrible.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He reminded everyone that although the official restrictions end on January 15, we have some periods of respite. The exceptions allowed are from December 23 and 26 and then December 31 and January 1.

affected have been in Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha and Castile y Leon, particularly during the first wave. After the nationwide lockdown, Navarra, Barcelona, Lerida and Zaragoza were among the hardest hit. According to the study, there are three provinces in which more than 18% of people have been infected; Cuenca, Soria and Madrid capital.

Hardest hit

The prevalence of the disease is also higher among the foreign population, standing at 13%. This anomaly is explained â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;by the work they do or by their living conditionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, said the director of the National Epidemiology Centre of the Carlos III Health Institute, Marina Pollan. The expert would have been referring to the fruit pickers and farm workers who are mostly made up of immigrants. According to the report, no province in Spain will achieve herd immunity in the short or medium term, as this would require at least more than 50% of the population to have overcome the disease.

On the other end of the spectrum, the least affected provinces, with less than 5% of people infected, are Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas, Lugo, Pontevedra, La CoruĂąa, Valencia, Huelva and Cordoba. A total of 51,409 people took part in the study, which revealed the most at-risk groups were health workers, of whom 17% have been infected. As have 16% of women who care for dependents, 14% of female cleaners and 13% of women who work in care homes.

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

Summer Target SPAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S health minister, Salvador Illa, has predicted that 70% of the population will be vaccinated by the end of the summer. He added that enough â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;herd immunityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; would be generated at that stage to witness the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;beginning of the endâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of

the coronavirus pandemic. Vaccinations will start in Spain next month with the first jabs heading to nursing homes and their staff, followed by health workers.

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HEALTH HEALTH

December 23rd - January 13th 2021

estive check

With the run up to the rich foods and boozing of Christmas looming, Gabriella Chidgey (left) decided to go for a full health examination, with wine and a vegan diet brought to the fore

EACHING 50 and already While the advancement of heart losing friends to cancer disease follows a more predictthis year, I was anxious to able pattern, requiring screenfind out if I had anything ing every five years, cardiologist untoward lurking beneath the Henrik advises yearly screening surface. for cancer. With the festive season set to In our consultation immediately begin, I knew I’d be polishing after the test, he thankfully reoff double the usual calories for ported that he could see no obweeks on end, as well as prob- vious signs of disease or injury. ably tripling the recommended Nonetheless, the following week, alcohol rates. Would this set off he promised a more studied rea domino effect of pain and suf- port of the MRI scans alongside fering in the new year? the laboratory results of the I was particularly concerned blood, urine and stool tests. since I have been suffering from And then, perhaps predictably, debilitating digestive complaints the subject turned to diet, which that were beyond the range of according to his research should the familiar IBS symptoms this be our overwhelming priority. year. Now I am a pretty healthy eater I chose a full medical check at and have to be due to my stomExecutive Health, in Marbella, ach issues, but he surprised coordinated by me by suggestheart scientist Dr ing that I follow Henrik Reinhard Eating poultry a largely vegan, in the hope that plant-based, increases your wholefood diet. it would enlighten me. was more acrisk of prostate Icustomed The annual to rescreening inceiving platitudes and colon volves a thorough from doctors cancer MRI examination about reducing of the thorax, abstress and avoiddomen and pelvis ing the obvious alongside a clinical evaluation dietary irritants, namely cafof my heart, balance and coor- feine, spices and alcohol. dination, a lung function test, However Henrik claimed that and analysis of blood, urine and this would be much more than stools. a salve for the stomach. He exMagnetic Resonance Imaging plained that a vegan diet can (MRI) uses a powerful magnet- ‘modify our natural history and ic field combined with specific actually reverse the process of radio frequencies to create de- atherosclerosis’ (the dangerous tailed images of internal body calcification of the arteries that structures (organs, bones and can lead to heart attacks and tissues) with the aid of a sophis- cardiac arrests) a claim supportticated computing system. ed by scientific research. By detecting abnormalities, Since 40% of the population are cancerous and non-cancerous at risk of cardiovascular disease growths, damaged tissues, in- then this is revolutionary inforflammation, infection and much mation. more it can help diagnose the He added that other studies presence of disease or injury. revealed that eating poultry in-

MIX: Cut down red meat and eat more pulses, grains and nuts creases your risk of pancreatic, prostate and colon cancer by 72%. Red meat is considered even worse for your health, with pork slightly better than lamb and beef, while fish also has its dangers. Dr Henrik recommended following the approach to nutrition as outlined by Dr.Greger in his excellent book ‘How Not to Die’, which I conveniently have on my bookshelf. Greger advocates the consumption of a ‘daily dozen’, which includes servings of beans, fruit,

greens, grains, flaxseed, berries, spices, nuts, and also 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. As for the vast array of supplements I have bought over the years, Henrik advised just two; vitamin D3 and B12 cyanocobalamin.

Wine

He also mentioned - and this was the good bit - that medical evidence supported the benefits of a couple of glasses of wine per night, so long as there are also a couple of days of abstinence a

INSIDE OUT: An MRI scan can detect cancerous growths, inflammation and infection, and even more imbalances in the body

week. He did stress that. I took note and went home to pore over my copy of Greger, relieved to discount the many other diet books taking up valuable shelf space. About 10 days later, we met again to discuss the laboratory results and full MRI report. All of which were also given to me on a memory stick for future reference. Fortunately, nothing of any significance had appeared in the detailed report so no further consultations with specialists

For more information and to set up a health check contact Henrik at Executive Health on 603840984 or info@ executivehealth.es

nor treatment programs would be necessary. The laboratory tests also confirmed that there were no infections present in my body and that my levels of good cholesterol were high and the bad cholesterol low .

Eggs

Using all the data gathered, Henrik was able to calculate my overall risk of heart disease to be just 20%. I was thrilled. For my part, since then by following a weekday vegan regimen with meat on the weekends, I have improved my symptoms by about 80%! The main culprit for me is probably dairy (including sheep and goat products) however Henrik suggested that I also continue avoiding gluten due to the general sensitivity of my digestive system. And then the good doctor threw down the gauntlet by suggesting I give up meat, fish and eggs completely. In his opinion this would lower my cholesterol from 115 to below 100, which in turn would reduce my risk of cardiovascular disease to just 5.8%, the lowest rate imaginable...one that practically no-one he knows has got down to. With Christmas coming, I may just make this my New Year Resolution!

OLIVE PRESS

Windy night

The

RUDOLPH and his flatulent reindeers will ‘emit’ up to 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Spain alone this Christmas Eve. Professor Phil Garnsworthy, from the University of Nottingham, has calculated Santa will cover 419,000 kilometres as he travels around the UK, with a similar figure in Spain. While the country has fewer households, it has more distance to cover. It also has to deal with the Three Kings and their ‘windy’ camels conCOSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA tributing to the climate crisis when they visit for the Epiphany. FREE Vol. 2 Issue 30 www.theolivepress.es December 23rd - January 13th 2021 Professor Garnsworthy, who conducted the study to publicise Fiat’s By Alex Trelinski COVID queue E-Ducato electric van, said: “Rudolph, Vixen, FORGET COVID, one long Dasher and co have a very AN injured grey seal which standing Christmas trabusy night of work ahead surfaced in the waters of the dition held firm on Monof them and the methCosta Blanca has been given day when people stood in ane they will be emitting, a dose of antibiotics via a Globe-trotting Sammy gets much needed TLC after line for hours to buy an El while considerably more blowpipe. arriving in Valencia, via Gibraltar and Portugal Gordo lottery ticket at Mapotent than CO2, is reVets from the Oceanografdrid’s Doña Manolita shop, spectable considering the ic Foundation, in Valencia, Wales and Scandinavia. renowned as a lucky store. work they’ll be doing. tracked the elusive mammal He is believed to be the “They’re a lot more efdown to the Javea area after same seal that was spotted ficient than your averit had been spotted off Altea Girl power at a jetty in Gibraltar in late age diesel van and they and Moraira. November, and a month bewouldn’t be subject to Mystery surrounds how the A GROUP of six womfore that off the Algarve, in any congestion charges, grey seal reached the area as en who used to run cyPortugal. but the sleigh they power it is native to the north Atcle tours in Barcelona Apparently on a global tour, is still a fair way off being lantic, with its main breedhave decided to take on the adventurous animal sadzero emission.” ing grounds in Scotland, ON THE MOVE: But Sammy needed urgent treatment ly injured himself when it Amazon and Deliveroo by setting up their own appears he got tangled in a ‘ethical, sustainable fisherman’s net. A BRITISH photographer has captured the and inclusive’ delivery Vets boarded a Javea police alignment of Saturn and Jupiter, aka the Star service based on two boat and got close to the seal of Bethlehem, from his Costa Blanca balwheels. who was bobbing along in In the year 7 BC, the so-called Star of cony. the waters off the Portixol Bethlehem - or Christmas Star - ocAlexander James (left) caught area, clearly in discomfort. curred on three occasions, in May, the remarkable moment Till rings Knowing it would be exSeptember and December. from his Torrevieja The Olive Press tremely difficult to capture The story goes that its first appearhome. A VALENCIAN businesswishes all our him, it was decided to use a ance, visible ‘in the east’ before The last time the man has been awarded readers and clients a blowpipe to give it an injecsunrise, began the three Magis’ so-called ‘great €25,000 in damages after tion to reduce any infection very Merry Christmas journey to Bethlehem. conjunction’ oca photo of him standing caused by the injury. The final showing took place on Decurred is believed next to a picture of a ficand hopefully a Oceanografic Valencia cucember 5, just as they arrived to meet to have been in tional mafia clan in 2016 happier New Year rator Jose Luis Crespo said: with King Herod in Judea. 1623. The galactic wonBen Affleck movie The “We are still hopeful of trying ahead. We are out Herod was the king who gave orders to find der was seen by the majoriAccountant was used by a to capture the seal as we need the baby Jesus. ty of planet Earth in 1226. again on January 14 film company. to make sure it recovers.”

Your expat

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FINAL WORDS

Heal the seal Christmas Star

Seasons greetings

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* O f f e r v a l i d f o r n e w c u s t o m e r s o n l y. S u b j e c t t o c o n d i t i o n s . E n d s 3 1 / 1 2 / 2 0 .

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