Sheeran in town

RESEARCHERS have found that civilizations on Menorca were using hallucinogenic drugs as far back as 3,000 years ago.

The findings are based on analysis of hair from a burial site on the Balearic island.

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports, and concluded that this could be the earliest direct evidence in Europe of people using such substances, which were derived from plants and bushes. Scientists believe that the drugs were used for ritualistic ceremonies.

The substances detected in three hair samples included ephedrine, atropine and scopolamine.

Ephedrine is a stimulant that can be extracted from shrubs and pines, and increases alertness, excitement and physical activity.

Atropine and scopolamine are found in the nightshade plant family and can cause hallucinations and altered perceptions, and even delirium.

The hair was found at the ritual and funerary cave of Es Carritx on Menorca, a site that was discovered in 1995. It is considered to be one of the most important Late Bronze Age sites on the island.

The cave is home to more than 200 graves and is thought to have served as a site for funerals and rituals for some 600 years, until 800 BC.

Cuban government turns down loan plan for Sorolla masterpieces to mark artist’s centenary

SEVEN years of talks with the Cuban government to bring 30 paintings by Valencian artist Joaquin Sorolla back to Spain for an exhibition to mark this year's centenary of his death have come to nothing.

By Alex Trelinski

Works by Sorolla are in Havana's Museum of Fine Art with Valencian politicians travelling to Cuba in 2016 and 2019 to secure a loan deal, which also involved other regional

Flamenco fervour

FLAMENCO dancing and music are being protected by a new law.

Andalucia’s regional parliament has passed legislation seven months in the pipeline to protect and conserve the artform, as well as its promotion as a regional cultural asset.

The law also legally defines concepts such as flamenco or peña, which are the places where the music and dance are usually performed, as well as incorporating the study of flamenco into school curriculums.

Flamenco peñas themselves have welcomed the law.