Olive Press Costa Blanca South and Murcia issue 132

TIME TO LEARN

Find out what you need to know about educating your children in Spain in our special section inside

Beaten by Belarus

NATIVES of President Putin’s puppet state of Belarus speak better English than the Spanish. And Argentinians, Romanians and Hondurans also trump them when it comes to mastering the important language.

The news comes during a study of over two million global citizens by teaching firm Education First.

Within the country, Galicia and Madrid have the best English levels, while Extremadura and La Rioja have the worst.

Vigo, in Galicia was Spain’s top English-speaking city with a score of 585, while the region clocked in at 564.

Double Dutch

The results are calculated using three separate English tests from 2.1 million people worldwide.

In Spain, the top age group for English speakers were 26-30 year olds.

Meanwhile, the Spanish capital got 551 points, followed by Catalunya, the Basque Country, Navarra and Aragon.

In comparison, the lowest scoring region was Extremadura with 501 points.

In terms of nations, the Dutch come top with 636 points, followed by Norway with 610 points and Singapore with 609 points. Yemen comes bottom.

INTO THE DEPTHS

Discover the secrets of Spain’s first underwater winery

GET out your sparkly outfits, slap on the makeup and get ready to party!

The 2025 Torrevieja Carnival festivities start on February 7 running through to early March. The main events will be scheduled at the weekend to attract more people as the carnival bolsters its reputation as one of Spain's best.

AN alleged ‘cowboy mechanic’ has been accused of swindling dozens of expats out of thousands of euros in Spain.

Brit Mikey Brierley allegedly faked having to order in parts for repairs while leaving vehicles parked up and untouched for months.

The grease-monkey also allegedly used customers’ cars as ‘replacement vehicles’ when other clients became stranded on the roadside.

Brierly, based on the Costa Blanca, is now being taken to court after 40 alleged victims found each other online.

Gary Crumb told the Olive Press he was conned out of €3,000 for work which was not completed.

“We thought we were the only ones until a woman posted her experience on social media and since then around 40 people have come forward with similar stories,” claimed Gary.

“We have all the proof this man has been getting away with ruining people’s lives for years.”

Darrell Mills meanwhile added on Facebook: “Brierley has milked our family out of around €2,500 for parts and services that were never needed, ordered nor fitted.

CARNIVAL TIME!

The Grand Parade Contest will be Sunday, February 23 and the finale of the Grand Night Parade will take place six days later, before the celebra-

Biff, Bash, Pow!

Brit pens graphic novel inspired by grandparents’ involvement in the Spanish Civil War

GIVE MY CAR BACK!

EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Trelinski

months we have had to spend the same amount of money on car hire.

“He kept promising the work is almost done or made excuses like ‘just one more day’, ‘a wrong part has come in’, or ‘another garage has caused a problem’.”

When he told Brierley in December he could no longer afford rental cars after maxing out his ‘emergency’ credit card, he claims the mechanic sorted out replacements.

Unsafe

However, as he told Named and Shamed, Costa Blanca, he ended up receiving other people’s cars that he had been working on - some of which were ‘unsafe’ to drive.

“We’re now down €5,000 and our car is still sitting in bits while we have to look after four kids, with two being autistic,” said Darrell, who confirmed

“Over the past three rium on February 15.

tions end on March 2. Dozens of troupes numbering over 2,000 participants get involved in the parades.

Cash prizes and trophies cover many categories including best group, individual, creativity, and makeup as well as awards to children.

Another highlight will be the 16th Drag Queen Gala with entrants from across the country battling it out at the International Audito-

Thousands of euros go missing as 40-plus expat victims’ cars are left broken down for months

SCREWED: Brierly (above) reportedly left a family walking 50 minutes to school

to the Olive Press he is now taking Brierly to court.

“He knew the pressure of our lives with hospital and social worker meetings as well as taking the children to school, which is a 50 minute walk without a car.”

Darell concluded: “He has really screwed our lives and I don’t want him doing this to anyone else.”

However, the tables are turning against the mechanic after Anita Gaston reported she took Brierley to court last March and was awarded €3,710 in compensation.

So far though, none of it has been paid.

Excuses

Meanwhile, Tatch Dickson said that a car taken in for a pre-ITV check was never returned, with a myriad of excuses given.

It was found a few days ago at an Almoradi garage with Brierley ordered to take it to a police station within two days, which he did.

The vehicle had not been serviced and it has been alleged that he tried to alter its mileage.

Dickson has now hired a solicitor to take Brierley to court.

The Olive Press has been unable to

contact Brierley to get his side of the story including a response to allegations made against him.

Summer day

ORIHUELA recorded a high of 28.8C on Monday as the Alicante and Murcia areas basked in summer-like temperatures ahead of the Storm Herminia winds the next day.

Easy catch

A GERMAN fugitive who stole luxury cars was arrested in Torrevieja after going to the police to fill out some forms. Officers discovered he had a European Arrest Warrant in his name.

Yachts ahoy

CARTAGENA will be the only stopover in Spain for the prestigious Ocean Race Europe four-day yacht race this August starting in Kiel, Germany and ending at Montenegro’s Boka Bay.

Sick move

FISH hooks hidden in meat aimed at killing dogs were found next to a Pilar de la Horadada town centre pathway with police recovering 13 of them.

A TORREVIEJA pub manager was caught with 15 pouches of cocaine in her underwear as well as €500 in cash.

The 31-year-old woman has an existing criminal record and was arrested

Discreet dealer

for drug trafficking.

The Guardia Civil carried out simultaneous raids on three late-night city

bars and clubs in a push against narcotic sales.

Cocaine was seized from a pub terrace customer and nine others have been charged with drug possession at the venues.

TEEN TERRORS

POLICE have revealed teenage terrorists were planning to detonate a ‘mother of Satan’ bomb inside an Elche church.

The pair planned to attack the Santa Maria basilica on New Year’s Eve. They were arrested on December 19 along with two others by Policia Nacional officers specialised in terrorism.

According to police statements, the two most ‘radi-

Bin killer

Radicalised

terrorists’ ‘mother of Satan’ bomb plot foiled

By Yzabelle Bostyn

calised’ teens caught the attention of agents for having multiple knives and several thousand euros in cash. They then discovered the pair had expressed a desire to carry out a terrorist attack and had been in contact with

other jihadists about obtaining or making explosives.

The boys planned to use acetone peroxide, a powerful explosive also known as ‘mother of satan’ and ‘APEX’.

It has already been used in multiple bombings in Spain, including the Madrid 11M attacks, which killed 200 people.

A TORREVIEJA court has convicted a Finnish man, 73, of killing his 68-year-old partner in October 2021.

After stabbing her multiple times, Kari Petter Jokela then chopped her body up.

Body parts were put into plastic bags and dumped in rubbish containers in the Aguas Nuevas area of the city.

The head and left arm of the victim - also Finnish - were never recovered.

The killer was in a relationship with her for 18 months but decided to end things dramatically so he could get all of her money.

He meticulously planned the crime, even making notes on his mobile phone calendar.

Following the murder, a note by Jokela stated: “First day without the anxiety caused by Maija.”

He faces 22 years in jail.

Police state the minors were planning ‘something big’, though the other two youngsters were not privy to these plans.

They were not as radicalised nor violent as the other pair, who are now being held in a Madrid youth detention centre.

The lawyer of one of the radicalised boys, Maria Francisca Fernandez Lois, said the only thing against them was the fact they ‘browsed islamic pages.’

She also claimed one of them said ‘there were nothing more than demons’ in the basilica but she dismissed this comment as ‘childish’.

Murder warrant issued

AN INTERNATIONAL arrest warrant has been issued by a Torrevieja judge for the suspected killer of Belfast man John George. The Valencian High Court said three orders have been activated- namely the international warrant, a European arrest warrant and a national search and arrest warrant. The suspect’s name has not been released by authorities. George’s body was discovered in a Rojales lemon grove on January 7.

A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic was bailed three days later after being told he was being investigated as an alleged accomplice over the killing.

George's family have claimed that the murderer was a drug trafficker- also from Northern Ireland - and that he fled to Thailand.

The autopsy report released last week revealed that George was stabbed first before being gunned down.

ICON’S RETURN

Never ill, never seeing a doctor, Spain’s oldest woman has lemon and sugar for breakfast and a Magnum ice cream for tea

SPAIN'S oldest person has revealed there’s no big secret about her living a long life. She admitted though to enjoying a simple breakfast of a glass of water mixed with lemon juice and sugar.

Angelina Torres Vallbona, 111, lives in a flat in Barcelona and claims she has never fallen ill.

Born on March 18, 1913, in Bellvís, a small village in Catalunya’s Pla d'Urgell region, Angelina has witnessed over a century of Spanish history. She became Spain's oldest resident following the death of Piedad Loriente from Ara-

By Alex Trelinski

A VERSACE exhibition in Spain will display clothes from icons of popular culture from Princess Di to Elton John. ‘Gianni Versace. Retrospective’ will open to the public on February 7 at the Centro Cultural Fun-

dacion Unicaja in Malaga. It will be a ‘journey through the fashion designer's life’, showing over 500 original pieces including dresses, accessories, designs and unedited photos.

The exhibition will explore all aspects of the Milan designers’ evolution from baroque influences to the wardrobes designed for icons like Madonna, Liz Hurley, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Lady Diana and Elton John.

Nothing to hide

gon, who passed away at 113 late last year.

Despite facing significant challenges throughout her life - such as losing her father at the tender age of three and becoming a widow at 61 - she has maintained an optimistic outlook. She attributes her remarkable longevity not to any grand secret but to her daily habits and warm personality. “I never go to the doctor. Thank God, for me, doctors have always been on vacation,” she quips, proudly stat-

Now that’s cool

ing that she has never been seriously ill. Her good health is complemented by her belief in the importance of social connections and physical activity. Angelina enjoys taking long

walks and cherishes her friendships, claiming that being ‘friends with everyone’ might have contributed to her long life.

GRAMMY winner Olivia Rodrigo (left) and rock veterans Kings of Leon (right) will top the bill at Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival 2025. They will line up alongside '90s icon Alanis Morissette, folk sensation Noah Kahan, and alternative rockers Weezer during the three-day musical extravaganza, set for July 10-12 at the Iberdrola Music Venue in Villaverde.

Angelina has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, whom she describes as ‘handsome’. The bonds she shares with them are evident; she fondly recalls the laughter and good times they had together during Christmas celebrations.

Last year, up to 58,000 people turned up at the festival daily and organisers will hope to top that figure this year.

Punk legend Iggy Pop (inset right) and electronic duo Justice will join rising star GraAbrams and indie stalwarts Bloc Party, showcasing Mad Cool's blend of established acts and emerging talent across rock, indie, pop, and electronic genres.

Runway to success

SOME of the most exciting talents in Spanish fashion are getting ready for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Madrid.

The bi-annual event will be celebrating its 81st edition from February 19 to 23 transforming Madrid into the ‘capital of international design’. Established fashion stars showcasing their new collections include Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Jorge Vázquez and Pablo Erroz. The fashion week will also provide a platform for emerging talent looking to launch into the big time through the Allianz EGO catwalk.

Highlights include the L’Oreal Paris Awards recognising the best collection and model, and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Talent Award supporting new Spanish design talent. With over 41 designers expected to participate, MBFW Madrid promises to be a comprehensive celebration of Spanish fashion creativity and innovation.

BIT OF A CARD

SEVILLA

Despite being affectionately referred to as an ‘angel’ by others, Angelina disagrees. “I am no angel; I like to get on with everyone,” she asserts, highlighting her approachable nature.

As she approaches her 112th birthday on March 18, Angelina continues to find happiness in life's simple pleasures. She enjoys watching television, listening to the radio, and indulging in a daily dark chocolate Magnum ice cream.

7-10 hours per week - based between La Zenia and Santa Pola

On weekends, she delights in outings for a glass of vermouth with her great-grandson, whom she affectionately calls ‘more handsome than the sun’.

SEVILLA defender Kike Salas has been arrested over an alleged betting scam.

The 22-year old was investigated after a series of yellow cards during his matches during the last La Liga season.

Two of his ‘close circle’ are also being investigated.

He is suspected of deliberately picking up the bookings so that his friends could place bets on him getting yellow-carded.

The issue surrounds the final quarter of last season when he got seven yellow cards in just nine games. He became the most booked player in La Liga during that period.

SOCIABLE: Angelina takes long walks and enjoys a glas of vermouth

Market move

TORREVIEJA'S popular

Paseo de la Libertad market is moving to a temporary home as a major redevelopment of the city's port area continues.

The hippie market - which first appeared in the mid1970’s - will move in March to the Antonio Soria park until Easter 2025.

The existing site has to be cleared by March 1, and traders have been given until Monday to declare whether they are moving.

Around 160 of the 190 stalls are occupied but so far only 80 sellers have committed to the temporary site.

The Antonio Soria park is over two kilometres away from the city centre and has none of the footfall of the current busy location.

Torrevieja council will pay for the stall removal and businesses will share the site with the regular Friday market and summer’s Brilla Torrevieja music festival.

The current site will be remodelled with several areas of stalls to be created.

DWINDLING tree numbers in urban areas of the Murcia region are boosting the so-called ‘urban heat islands’ (UHIs).

A University of Murcia study looked at how a lack of vegetation combined with climate change is causing temperature rises in the regional capital and other towns.

Professor Carmelo Conesa said UHIs happen when urban areas trap heat during the daytime, leading to higher temperatures at night.

The effect is made worse by asphalt, building materials, and vehicle emissions in builtup areas like Murcia city centre.

Conesa stated that temperatures in Murcia’s towns and cities are up to 1.5C higher than in rural areas.

Murcia City Council has launched a plan to double its forest mass with 100 tree-planting initiatives while Cartagena hopes to replace at least 300 trees every year.

Covid care home cleared

A JUDGE has thrown out a €2.2 million compensation bid from families of 15 people who died from Covid-19 in 2020 at an Alicante province residential home.

Relatives had claimed the company Quavitae Servicios Asistenciales that manages the Domus VI nursing home in Alcoy had been negligent. Some 74 of the 138 residents died from the coronavirus over a two-month period in 2020.

An Alcoy judge has now published a 257-page ruling following last autumn’s trial, but the verdict can be appealed at the Alicante Provincial Court.

The judge concluded that the plaintiffs could not prove that the company was negligent over the coronavirus being contracted inside the home or the level of care provided to residents.

The ruling states that a nursing home is not a hospital and that a charge of

medical negligence could not be attributed to Quavitae Servicios as the staff were not health professionals.

HOLIDAY NIGHTMARE

Brave teen placed on ventilator as holiday takes frightening turn

A BRITISH family are raising funds to get their teenage daughter home after she fell seriously ill in Alicante.

Charlotte Meek, 13, from Larkhall, Glasgow, has spent weeks on a hospital ventilator after her lungs filled with blood during a holiday with her parents.

The teen faces several more weeks in hospital, where she remains seriously ill but stable.

Charlotte had enjoyed Alicante’s Three Kings Parade on January 5, when she became unwell early the next day.

She started to expel blood from her mouth through coughing and vomiting caused by a genetic condition called SWAN (Syndrome without name).

It is so rare that doctors are unable to provide a diagnosis and it causes underlying health issues.

Her parents Wendy and Stephen called an ambulance which took her to Alicante General Hospital where she remains in intensive care.

Tragically, they lost their son Justin in similar circumstanc-

A ROW has broken out between expats after hundreds of migrants were moved into a quiet Costa del Sol town ‘overnight’.

It came after residents told of their shock that neither the Junta, nor Benahavis town hall, were warned of the arrival of 360 Africans migrants. The group, who have been put up in the four star Hotel Oh Nice Caledonia, in Bel Air, are staying ‘temporarily’ while they get assigned other places to live.

While stressing there have been no incidents - nor a rise in crime, as some local media have suggestedresidents are angry nobody was consulted.

By Alex Trelinski

es while on a Florida holiday in 2014.

Charlotte’s father said it was like a ‘mirror image’ of their current plight. Stephen recalled what happened to Charlotte on January 6. He said: “We had three days enjoying a nice wee break, then in the early hours of Monday morning, Charlotte began to have coughing fits quite consistently then began coughing up blood which is never good.

Fighter

“By 5.30am she was violently sick with a lot of blood. Even though Charlotte has underlying health conditions, she had been well recently so we were worried.

“By the time I got to the hospital she was already getting put on a ventilator and her oxygen levels were worryingly low”.

Wendy and Stephen have been told that it could be weeks be-

Dutch immigrant Jeroen Reiddel, 52, told the Olive Press he was concerned for his elderly stepmother and wife, saying: “This is a residential neighbourhood, it’s no place to drop almost 400 people.

“There are always a few bad apples so I don’t want my loved ones walking alone at night. In the same way, I wouldn’t advise my wife to walk through Puerto Banus at 4am,” he added.

“It’s nothing to do with race, it’s pack mentality. People act differently in

We’ve been well treated

fore they can all return home to Scotland.

They said that Charlotte is awake and able to communicate, stating that she is 'a real fighter and superstar'.

To help pay for expenses and her eventual repatriation, the Meeks family have launched an online fundraiser which has reached over €4,000.

“Our insurance will cover Charlotte's medical costs and repatriation but not any ex-

By Yzabelle Bostyn & Tom Ewart

because they are racist, but because no one told them anything’. She added: “When you suddenly see strangers walking through your quiet urbanisation it raises fears and doubts.

“There isn’t much light here and the roads are bad…we’re just not ready to absorb that many people.”

penses we are incurring such as accommodation, food, washing, toiletries, and daily roaming charges,” said Stephen.

He said that medics have told him to prepare to stay for several more weeks and have been talking to their insurance company about flying her home- when she is declared fit to do so.

Opinion Page 6

MURCIA’S High Court has ruled that single women are entitled to the same 32-week parental leave as couples, rather than just 16 weeks.

The court backed the mother, identified as SPM, saying that she is entitled to the parental leave that would have been due if she had a partner.

In Spain, new mothers are entitled to 16 weeks, and fathers get 16 weeks paternity. The ruling allows single mums to add the two together for a total of 32 weeks.

The sky is the limit...

TORREVIEJA council has scrapped plans to allow two 80-metre-high skyscrapers to be built next to Acequion beach.

That’s after the Supreme Court ruled last year that the Baraka towers project - the first high-rises in the city - would break coastal laws.

An environment impact study said the skyscrapers would ‘limit vision and act as an unwanted vertical effect breaking the landscape’. It was reported three years ago that the council would have to pay millions of euros of compensation to the Baraka group if construction did not go ahead. That does not appear to be the case - at least for the time being - and only major changes to the coastal law would allow the project to be resuscitated.

O P LIVE RESS

Migrant Amadou Alssane Dia, 30, confirmed the locals in Malaga are treating them ‘well’.

“The conditions are great, I eat well, sleep well, it’s all good,” he said.

“I left my wife and two young children behind in Senegal to come here. I had family problems and someone was out to kill me and take my farm.” Dia said he spent weeks travelling to Spain, having studied the language for two years at university before making the journey.

groups no matter what.”

His views were backed up by community president Macarena Perez, who explained that residents are ‘not worried

However, former Bel Air resident Mary Page, 81, who now lives in nearby Estepona, disagreed, labelling complaints as ‘ignorant’.

“If the migrants were white there would be no issues whatsoever,” she said. “They didn’t come here on flimsy boats to attack rich white women. In fact, when I lived there the white holidaymakers were a huge nuisance, getting drunk and causing chaos.”

is concerned for his elderly stepmother and wife

The migrants, from Mali, Senegal and Gambia among other countries, arrived during the night on January 12. They had been transported from the Canary Islands after making the perilous journey to Spain.

A Junta spokesperson told the Olive Press: “We need transparency and coordination from the government. We want to help but it’s impossible without communication.”

“We don’t even know which NGO is responsible for them. If we did we would be delighted to help,” Perez added.

The hotel is a temporary stop and locals have been told they will be moved to other areas of Spain by April. Benahavis Town Hall declined to comment.

Jeroen Reiddel (left)

STUCK: Charlotte is waiting to be flown home

Smith

SPANISH construction

POWER HUNGRY

Spanish help Third time unlucky

heavyweight Ferrovial has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to build Britain's groundbreaking €20 billion nuclear fusion plant in Nottingham.

The infrastructure giant's UK subsidiary has secured a place among three final consortiums bidding for what is being hailed as one of Europe's most ambitious energy projects of the decade.

The revolutionary fusion facility, scheduled to have a prototype completed by 2030, aims to address Britain's growing energy demands amid increasing pressure from decarbonisation targets and surging data centre power requirements.

Spain’s push for AI data centres could overwhelm the power grid

By Walter Finch

THE explosive growth of Artificial Intelligence could devour electricity equivalent to an entire country's annual consumption, according to a new US Department of Energy report. It outlines how AI-powered data centres in the US alone will require at least 325 terawatt hours of electricity by 2028. The figure is significantly more than consumed an-

nually by Spain 246 (TWh), the United Kingdom (287 TWh), or Italy (298 TWh).

Spain has been jockeying for position in the global race to host AI data centres for the tech giants’ quest to achieve Artificial General In-

telligence – the holy grail of AI research.

Green pioneer

SPAIN has registered the biggest growth in solar energy in Europe for the second year running according to the European Electricity Review 2025. Solar now accounts for 21% of electricity production, producing 60TWh in total, 11 TWh (terawatt-hours) more compared to 2023. Despite Spain’s increase, it still takes second place for European solar energy production, as Germany takes the top spot with 71 TWh.

US giants Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta are rapidly developing infrastructure across Spain thanks in part to its relatively low energy prices compared to its European competitors.

But the huge demands these projects will place on Spain’s power grid already has local energy experts warning of a potential crisis.

Consultancy DNV predicts data centres in Spain will increase their electrical load capacity by 50% within six years, jumping from 900 megawatts in 2024 to 1,350 megawatts by 2030.

The most alarming projec-

tion suggests that by 2050, data centres and AI could represent a staggering 44% of commercial electrical equipment demand - a potential breaking point for Spain's electricity grid.

Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are exploring small nuclear reactors and fusion technologies to ensure uninterrupted power supply, potentially transforming the energy landscape.

Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial is already bidding to build Britain’s first nuclear fusion plant (see Spanish help, left), technological knowhow that could be translated back to Spain.

LAST year was the hottest ever recorded globally, with Spain registering an ‘extremely hot’ year for the third time running. In 2024, the country’s average temperature was 15C, some 1.1C over normal levels. Record highs were registered in January, August and November last year, leading to Spain’s warmest ever winter. But it still wasn’t the country’s hottest year, which was the average 15.4C registered in 2022, and behind 2023’s 15.2C.

While hot, 2024 was also an uncharacteristically wet year, something which has not been seen since 2018. This ended the severe drought in many areas, though it still persists in Almeria, Alicante, Murcia and the Canary Islands.

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

OPINION

Lessons to learn

The story of car mechanic Mikey Brierley allegedly taking his customers for a ride and causing a lot of personal grief brings up some important lessons. Firstly when getting anything looked at from domestic appliance to your pride and joy four-wheeler getting a service and picking the right person for the job is vital.

It doesn't help being in a different country, but the old adage of a personal recommendation from more than one source certainly rings true.

There's no doubt as well that there are 'chancers' of various nationalities who think they'll get away with it because they will be treated leniently by Spanish courts - assuming they get there in the first place. They exploit people because they don't think expats will be brave or patient enough to go through the whole painful process.

But the more that do, the better - for everybody's sake, in spite of victims having to splash out more cash to get justice.

Good fortune deserved

Your heart has to go out to the parents of teenager Charlotte Meek who has been in an Alicante hospital ICU since January 7.

Wendy and Stephen from the Glasgow area took Charlotte, 13, on holiday to enjoy the Three King celebrations but things went wrong.

Their daughter has a very rare genetic condition, which took her brother's life in 2014, and she was rushed to hospital with severe bleeding on her lungs. The Meeks, despite everything that has happened, seem to have a positive attitude to life.

They even set up a charity in their hometown to help parents of children with difficult conditions. They also did everything right by getting full insurance cover even though Charlotte had never been that ill before.

It could be weeks before they can return home but let's hope it's sooner rather than later for a family that deserves some good fortune.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Humenyuk Makarova (+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Tom Ewart Smith tom@theolivepress.es

Estefania Marquez (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

theolivepress.es

MY PLEA TO HUNTERS:

ON a cold January morning a galgo named Luna limped into a village, her ribs protruding from weeks without food.

Once prized for her speed during the hunting season, the good tempered greyhound had been discarded like an old tool.

Luna’s story is not unique – it’s the fate of thousands of galgos and podencos who are abandoned or killed every year.

While these elegant creatures once represented loyalty and speed, many now face starvation, abuse - or worse - when the hunting season ends.

How can a nation as rich in culture as Spain al-

SO widespread and culturally accepted became their abandonment that as you drive up the main A4 motorway from Andalucia into Castile la Mancha towards Madrid you drive through the Despenaperros gorge. This literally means ‘the gorge in which you throw the dogs’.

How greyhounds and warren hounds

are the silent victims of Spanish hunting culture, writes professor Sigrun Hvalvik in a heart-wrenching open letter to Spain

low one of its most iconic dog breeds to suffer in silence? What does it say about a society when its most loyal companions are discarded the moment they are no longer useful?

does say

Quite clearly, the plight of galgos and podencos raises uncomfortable questions about tradition, ethics and progress in Spain.

TRADITION AND CULTURE

AS a real estate expert in Marbella with over five decades of experience, I feel compelled to respond to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’ plans for tackling the housing crisis.

Among the 12 measures outlined this month, the proposal to increase the fiscal cost of property purchases by non-EU residents to ‘up to 100% of the value of the property’ is particularly concerning.

Hunting with these two breeds has been part of rural Spanish life for centuries. The dogs are prized for their speed, stamina and skill, making them essential tools for

hunters. However, in many rural areas animals are still seen primarily as utilitarian rather than companions, which shapes how these dogs are treated. After the hunting season, they are largely deemed as useless or too costly to keep. Rather than rehoming them, they are often simply abandoned, neglected or killed, often in very brutal ways. Many hunters breed their own dogs in large numbers to produce the complete hunting companion. This leads to an oversupply of dogs, and those that don’t meet the desired hunting standards, due to age, injury or temperament are discarded. Because breeding is so widespread and inexpensive, it is often easier for hunters to simply breed new dogs each year than to care for older ones.

It is now part of the same name natural park and many believe the name comes from where the Moors (or Arabs) were once thrown to their deaths after the famous nearby battle of Navas de Tolosa in which the Christians defeated the Muslim Almohads in 1212

AMBIGUOUS AND ALARMING

Marbella’s best known property expert Chris Clover, below left, insists the government’s proposed housing measures could create disruption and won’t solve the crisis

For starters, the wording is both alarming and ambiguous. And, specifically, the reference to ‘100% of the value’ leaves significant room for interpretation.

If this refers to property transfer taxes, as I believe, it conflicts with existing regulations, with these taxes falling under the jurisdiction of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions, not Madrid.

DEMAND:

Increasing numbers of Spanish want hunting dogs

The lack of clarity in this statement therefore risks creating unnecessary confusion in the market.

The Prime Minister’s assertion that non-EU residents are buying properties in Spain ‘not to live in, but to speculate and make money’ is an oversimplification that fails to reflect the realities of the market. While speculative activity may occur in a few city centres causing over-tourism issues, the vast majority of non-EU buyers are purchasing homes for personal use, often as second or third residences.

cle of overbreeding, neglect and abandonment.

The cultural mindset here is tied to tradition. Dogs are seen as expendable tools, not lifelong companions.

Some traditions include horrific practices of abandoning them in remote areas; often by hanging them by their necks with their feet barely able to touch the ground. They hang for days before finally dying of starvation and thirst.

Other methods include throwing dogs into holes in the ground with no food or water, being beaten or stoned to death, or tying them in plastic garbage bags and burying them alive. Some are abandoned with a stick stuck between their jaws so they can’t eat or drink, and slowly starve.

These cruel acts can be associated with a superstition that the next hunting season will be more fruitful and is rooted in tradition. Many hunters argue their use and later discardment is a proud tradition, and any criticism of their treatment is met with defensiveness. In some rural areas there is resistance to external criticism, as it can be seen as an attack on Spanish culture. This cultural mindset can make it difficult to enforce or strengthen animal welfare laws, especially when they challenge longstanding practices.

So it was little surprise when the government exempted hunting dogs when it brought in new important animal welfare laws, including the minimal living conditions for pets, in 2023. Indeed, it reflected the influence of hunting traditions in politics and local governance, where hunting is seen as an important cultural and economic activity.

If the new regulations that now apply to all dog owners applied to galgo and podenco owners as well, any abuse or mistreatment would be punishable by fines and perhaps prison. It’s important to recognize that their suffering is not representative of all hunters or Spaniards. Many individuals and organizations are working to address this issue, advocating for changes in how traditions are practiced and promoting ethical treatment of these animals. However, to fully address the problem, it re-

more, most of these buyers contribute significantly to the Spanish economy through tourism, construction, and property maintenance. In places like Marbella, this ‘residential tourism’ sustains numerous sectors, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. To label these buyers as ‘evil speculators’ is not only misleading but risks alienating a segment of the market that brings substantial financial benefits to Spain.

Limited impact on the crisis

The justification for the proposed measurethat it will alleviate the housing shortage for lower and middle-income Spaniards - is simply not supported by evidence.

Even the government’s estimate of 27,000 affected buyers represents less than 4% of the market.

Such restrictions are therefore unlikely to meaningfully address the housing crisis, which requires systemic solutions such as increased housing supply, affordable rental programs, and targeted subsidies. While the proposal may only be a ‘floating an idea’, and considered highly unlikely to succeed, its announcement alone with a mere ‘threat’ of restrictions could disrupt the market. FurtherSuch restrictions are therefore unlikely to month,

FATE: Galgos are often hung from trees

THE GORGE WHERE THE DOGS GET DISCARDED

By Tom Ewart Smith

INTERNATIONAL tourists show no signs of slowing down in Spain, according to the latest data.

In fact, not only are there many more of them, but they are travelling farer and wider in their quest to discover the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain welcomed a record-breaking 94 million visitors last year, surpassing 2023’s total by 10%, and smashing 2019’s paltry pre-pandemic figure of 83.7 million, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). This impressive growth raises concerns for those who have advocated for reducing the influx of tourists, and could likely fuel more protests in 2025 following a year of growing anti-tourism sentiment across the country. Both government and tourism experts forecast that the surge in foreign visitors is likely to continue.

Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu has predicted a 9% increase in arrivals during the first four months of this year, compared to the same pe- riod in 2024. And this forecast appears plausible, given the trends observed last year.

Making inroads

Drilling into last year’s record tourist numbersthe Olive Press discovers rural tourism is up by over 20% and Americans spent double their British counterparts

Tourism is moving to rural areas and cultural hotspots like Santiago de Compostela-

seeing the smallest amounts of growth. Indeed, in July and August, growth was a mere 7.3%.

March, meanwhile, saw the largest annual increase, with a 21% rise compared to 2023.

ACCOMMODATION TRENDS

BOOOOOOOM!

Olive Press website numbers surged by almost 1,000% in 2024 as site goes truly global

THE Olive Press website had seven million readers around the world last year.

Figures from Google Analytics show the number of visitors in 2024 grew by a staggering 924% compared to 2023.

Experts such as Miguel Cardoso, the Chief Economist at BBVA bank, predicted around 95 million foreign tourists for last year - and was almost proven right. He expects more this year.

February and January followed closely behind, with increases of 15.9% and 15.3%, respectively. There has also been a shift in the nationalities of tourists visiting Spain. While the top three countries are still the UK, France, and Germany, the biggest growth came from Italy, America and Ireland, with increases of 12.6%, 11.9%, and 11.8%.

Hotel and airbnb’s are the preferred choice, with over 73 million tourists opting for rentals, compared to 15 million who stay with friends and family or holiday homes.

While the UK and Spain, naturally, account for the largest number of readers, many other countries are joining the club.

Drilling down into the official stats we can see that Spain is becoming increasingly diverse, with more visitors opting to travel during off-peak seasons and visiting more regions.

For the first time it is the summer months that have been

quires challenging cultural norms and offering practical solutions that respect tradition while improving animal welfare.

This interplay between tradition and suffering makes the issue particularly complex but also an opportunity to modernize and evolve longstanding practices.

PLIGHT

As a Norwegian woman with a deep interest in Spain I have been deeply moved by – and engaged in - the plight of galgos and podencos for some years.

I am also overwhelmingly impressed by the extensive work that is being done to improve their situation; particularly by the work that is done in Spanish shelters to save and rehabilitate these noble and gentle dogs physically and emotionally.

My care for Spanish hunting dogs thus, stem from a combination of empathy, shared values, and a sense of global responsibility for animal welfare.

It could actually lead to:

Good news for tourism as Americans are among the highest spending tourists with average expenditure per day at €272/day, compared to €134/day for Brits.

The cheapskate French and Germans spend just €131 and €124 respectively.

ders and the suffering of galgos and podencos isn’t just a Spanish issue. It’s a reflection of how we, as humans, treat vulnerable beings that belong to us in our own countries.

In short, compassion for animals transcends bor-

● Increased Demand: Non-EU buyers may rush to purchase properties before any restrictive measures are enacted, leading to a temporary surge in demand and inflated prices

● Market Uncertainty: On the flip side, the proposal’s ambiguity and potential restrictions could deter individual and institutional investors, creating hesitation in the market

Short-Term Rental Measures

The proposed VAT on short-term rental contracts adds to an already complex web of restrictions targeting this sector.

While the intent to address the shortage of long-term rental properties is valid, the cumulative impact of national, regional, and local regulations is discouraging investment in rental properties altogether.

Buyers considering properties for short-term rental purposes should proceed with caution, as the regulatory environment continues to tighten.

In Norway, there is a strong cultural emphasis on animal rights and welfare and the suffering is simply unacceptable by Norwegian standards. If these values matter at home, why wouldn’t they matter abroad?

The challenges faced are also not unique to Spain: They are part of a global problem in how animals are often treated as disposable commodities. By advocating for them we are part of a broader movement for ethical treatment of animals worldwide.

Imagine a Spain where galgos and podencos are celebrated not just for their speed but for their lives. A Spain where every hunting dog finds a home after the season ends. This vision is possible – but only if we confront the current reality.

Sigrun Hvalvik is a Professor at he University of Southeast-Norway

In conclusion, the proposed measures, particularly the one targeting non-EU property buyers, is a classic populist response to the housing shortage and an appeal to the extreme left-wing of the coalition government rather than a well-reasoned policy.

While addressing the housing crisis is an urgent priority, these proposals risk doing more harm than good. The negative implications for the real estate market, economic growth, and Spain’s reputation as an attractive destination for foreign investment cannot be ignored.

To genuinely address the crisis, the government should focus on increasing the housing supply, incentivizing long-term rentals, and ensuring affordability for local residents.

Alienating non-EU buyers, who contribute significantly to Spain’s economy, is not the solution.

Christopher Clover is the Managing Director of Panorama Properties, Marbella’s Longest Established Real Estate Agency, in the city since 1970

In February of last year, Airbnb offered 203,457 tourist properties,representing an increase of 15% compared to 2023.

Another notable trend is the diversification of regions visited by tourists.

While traditionally popular coastal areas like Catalunya, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands (47.6 million between them) remained top destinations, they had the smallest growth compared to inland and greener regions.

The Valencian Community, Madrid, and Andalucía saw the largest annual increases in tourist arrivals, with Valencia experiencing a 15.5% rise, Madrid 13.5%, Andalucia 11.7%, and the remaining autonomous communities (ACs) 12.9%.

Among the big winners were Galicia which saw a record 306,000 million visitors in August.

This is positive news for the rugged region, which hit an all-time low of 12,900 in February 2021.

There is no doubt that a major reason for this is the Camino de Santiago, which sees 58% of its pilgrims come from abroad, of which US tourists are the largest nationality.

Meanwhile, in great news for the inland, depopulated regions, international travelers staying in rural inland accommodation increased by 21.4%.

Rural regions’ growth is a positive sign for tourist bosses who have been working hard to diversify Spain’s tourism sector and promote more inland sustainable tourism.

Other interesting facts show that visitors from America and Asia were drawn to the major cities, including Barcelona and Madrid. Americans also love the cultural delights of Granada and Sevilla and the food in San Sebastian.

It has really helped that there are new direct flights now arriving from Los Angeles, Dubai, and Shanghai.

However, the surge in international visitors is unlikely to please everyone.

The growing number of tourists has already sparked protests, and those who advocate for reduced tourism - often seen with the slogan ‘Tourists Go Home’ - are likely to continue.

● British tourists spend more than the French and German, while the Yanks weigh in with more than double with an impressive € 272/ per day budget

● Mexicans are the second largest group of long-distance tourists, with around 100,000 visiting per month

● International travelers staying in rural inland accommodation increased by 21.4%.

● In Málaga, holiday flat numbers fell by 7.5% from August to November

● Holiday homes as a percentage of the residential market are highest in Las Palmas (4.94%), followed by Santa Cruz de Tenerife (4.48%), and Málaga (4.12%)

● Palma is the world’s most Instagrammed city

● Four to seven nights was the most common duration of stay for visitors

● Package tours are becoming less popular. In November, those travelling without a package tour increased by 13.4% from the same month in 2023

● In August, there were 41% more seats on flights from Poland, and 30% more on flights from the Czech Republic compared to 2023

The number of readers from the US, for example, shot up by a giant 639% year-on-year, making Americans our third biggest consumers. This was followed by visitors from Ireland (a massive 2665% jump), Canadians (+893%), Germans (+579%), and the Dutch (+536%) and French (+612%).

The impressive results have been buoyed by our growing authority on Spain-related news.

Our exclusive coverage is constantly followed up by the biggest news websites, including MailOnline, the Sun Online, the Telegraph and more.

Our reporters have also appeared on multiple UK news broadcasts over the past 12 months, including on Sky News , ITV news and BBC News Our success is thanks to our crack team of NCTJ-trained journalists, who work tirelessly to fi nd exclusive stories among the expat communities in Spain.

On that note, we have recently launched our new ‘Barcelona’ and ‘Madrid’ categories on our website, after being inundated with emails asking us to cover these areas more.

If you have any stories relating to these areasor anywhere in Spain for that matter - that you think are of interest, do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing us at newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

And don’t forget you have just two days to make the most of our January sale, offering you a year’s worth of full, advert-free access for just €30.

To take advantage of this limited offer, simply scan the barcode below.

DRIFT:

seasons

AN AMAZON DEAL

TECH giant Amazon is teaming up with the Spanish education system to train up the next generation of tech wizards.

The Spanish Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports has signed an agreement with Amazon and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide digital and technological skills training to 500,000 young people aged 11 to 25 by 2027.

The plan is to address the growing digital skills gap in Spain and boost the country’s technological workforce.

The programme will encompass a comprehensive range of training initiatives, including the Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program, which will focus on fostering technological vocations among primary, secondary, and high school students.

Computers

The initiative will offer computer science education, specialised courses, and scholarships, collaborating with organizations like Code.org and YMCA.

Students will also benefit from virtual tours of Amazon’s logistics centres, providing insights into real-life technological applications in the workplace.

Additionally, the programme includes dedicated teacher training, covering the fundamentals of computer science and programming to ensure educators are equipped to support students' digital learning journeys.

Recent studies suggest that digital transformation could contribute an additional €282 billion to Spain’s economy by 2030.

There is no shortage of schooling options in Spain

FOR expat parents newly arrived on the Costa del Sol, choosing the right school can be a bit of a puzzle.

There are plenty of options available, from state schools to international institutions, so making an informed decision requires careful consideration of various factors.

education.

The main advantages are cost-effectiveness (free from age three) and rapid Spanish language acquisition, particularly beneficial for younger children who often become fluent within a year.

Multiple choice

The first crucial choice is between public and private education.

About 80% of expats opt for local state schools, known as ‘ legios ’ for primary and ‘ institutos ’ for secondary

However, state schools may present challenges for older children or those less extroverted, especially when tackling complex subjects in Spanish. To ease this transition, many parents invest in extra language tuition, costing around €20 per hour.

English

For those preferring education in English or seeking potentially higher academic standards, private international schools are an alternative. These institutions often follow the British curriculum, offer-

‘WHITE WEEK’ IS COMING!

If you have children who are attending a school in the province of Málaga (or if you’re a school student yourself), Semana Blanca is almost upon us.

Málaga’s schools close in the last week of February - it sometimes runs into March.

If you’re at university you don’t get the week off.

So what is it, and why does it apply to Málaga only? It stems from the dates of religious festivals.

Many towns have, since time immemorial, arranged for their local feria to coincide with a religious day (Granada has its celebration during Corpus Christi, for example).

Málaga bases its feria around the Feast of the Assumption - 15 August. What this means, in effect, is that children in Málaga ‘lose’ a week of their summer holiday.

The kids in Córdoba and Granada are off school in late May for their local celebra-

tions, while Málaga’s feria falls squarely in the middle of the summer break.

‘White Week’ (Semana blanca) compensates for this.

It was established in late February so that it would coincide with Andalucía Day (28). Every summer, the county council (‘Junta de Andalucía’) publishes its calendario escolar - calendar for the school year.

The next school break comes in April.

Monday 14 to Friday 18 (Easter Week) are days off for the children, but only Thursday 17 and Friday 18 are bank holidays for the grown-ups.

After that, Thursday 1 May is a no-school day, and the summer holidays begin in the last week of June.

Primary schools close on Monday 23 and secondary schools on the following day. School re-starts on Wednesday, 10 September.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Spain’s private sector leads the way in latest trends

Spain’s private education sector is at the forefront of several key trends shaping the future of high school education.

These trends reflect broader shifts in educational philosophy, technology integration, and workforce preparation.

One of the most prominent trends in private high schools is the increased focus on digital skills and technology integration. With the rapid advancement of technology, schools are recognising the need to prepare students for a digital future.

Many private institutions are incorporating advanced digital tools and curricula to enhance learning experiences and develop students’ technological competencies.

The Spanish government has also recognised this need, implementing initiatives like the School Digital Plan, which aims to develop schools' digital strategies.

Private schools are often quick to adopt and expand upon these initiatives, integrating cutting-edge technologies into their classrooms. Linked to this, there is a growing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Spanish private high schools. This trend aligns with the global push for more students to pursue careers in these fields. Private institutions are investing in state-of-the-art laboratories, robotics programs, and coding courses to give their students a competitive edge. Some schools are taking this a step further by partnering with tech giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide students with cloud computing

skills and certifications. These partnerships are creating unique opportunities for students to

ing GCSEs and A-levels as well as the International Baccalaureate, with some students progressing to top UK universities, including Oxbridge.

proaches.

community.

The Costa del Sol boasts over two dozen international schools, with Marbella hosting the largest concentration outside Madrid and Barcelona. Options range from British to Swedish, German, Norwegian, and American schools, reflecting the area’s diverse expat International schools typically offer smaller

class sizes, a multicultural environment, and often a bilingual study programme. Many are now incorporating the International Baccalaureate (IB) alongside the Spanish Bachillerato, providing a globally recognized qualification. The primary drawback of international schools is cost, with annual fees ranging from €3,000 for primary to €6,000-€17,000 for secondary education, excluding additional expenses like books and uniforms.

ence while

This trend involves tailoring education to individual student needs, interests, and learning styles. Advanced data analytics and AI-driven educational tools are being employed to track student progress and provide customized learning

gain industry-relevant experistill in high school. Private increasingly adopting personalised customized paths.

schools are learning ap-

The demand for bilingual and international education continues to grow in Spain's private sector. Many schools are offering curricula that combine the Spanish educational system with international programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British A-levels. This trend reflects the increasing globalisation of education and the desire for students to be prepared for international higher education opportunities. While academic excellence remains a priority, there's a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence. Many private schools are in-

corporating programmes that develop skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. This trend aligns with the changing demands of the modern workplace, where these skills are increasingly valued. Environmental awareness and sustainability are becoming integral parts of the curriculum in many private high schools. Schools are not only teaching about environmental issues but also implementing sustainable practices on their campuses, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among students. Spain's private high schools are at the cutting edge of educational innovation, embracing trends that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. By focusing on digital skills, STEM education, personalised learning, and global perspectives, these institutions are setting new standards for high school education. As these trends continue to evolve, they are likely to influence the broader educational landscape in Spain and beyond.

CHOICE: Selecting the right school is not always easy

Another potential issue is the risk of creating a ‘Spanish vacuum’, potentially hindering integration with the local community.

Journey

Ultimately, the choice between state and international schools depends on individual circumstances, including budget, desired level of integration, and educational priorities. Whichever system parents choose, learning Spanish themselves is crucial for effective communication with teachers and supporting their children’s academic journey.

University bound

DESPITE Brexit, students from the UK and Spain can still access universities in each other’s countries.

Uncertainty after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU led to a formal agreement being struck to bring extra clarity to the situation.

The accord enables students with UK qualifications (including A-levels and equivalent) to access universities in Spain without the requirement of additional entrance exams.

Entry exams will only be required for certain competitive courses, as was the case prior to Brexit.

Students from Spain can also continue to study at UK universities and other higher education institutions with the baccalaureate recognised for entry. The deal also established a framework to increase long-standing cooperation between the two countries over education.

Prior to the agreement, students with qualifications obtained in the UK didn’t have their achievements recognised in Spain as a result of Brexit.

Get to know the Spanish

state school system

There are four phases to the school system in Spain, below is an explanation of how it is structured:

● Educacion Infantil (Pre-school) - 3 to 5 years of age (inclusive, i.e. three years). This is optional.

● Educacion Primaria (Primary Education)6 to 11 years of age (six years). Compulsory.

● Educacion Secundaria Obligitoria or ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) - 12 to 15 years of age (four years).

● Bachillerato (Post-Compulsory Schooling) - 16 and 17 years of age (two years).

The Pre-school stage (infantil or popularly known as pre-escolar ) is free for all children but not compulsory.

However, it is regarded as an integral part of the education system with infants’ classes at almost every primary school.

There are some separate nursery schools, colegios infantile s, also.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A NEW SCHOOL

● Ignore the glossy brochures - go to the school and see for yourself

● Meet the head, meet the teachers, and meet the students

● Look at the exam results

● Find out about opening or taster days

● If the students seem happy, chances are your child will be happy too

● Be clear about what you want from a school - do lots of research

The next two phases, primary ( colegio ) and secondary school ( instituto ) education are compulsory and free of charge.

At the end of the ESO successful pupils are awarded a Secondary Education Certificate, which is necessary to enter the post-compulsory stage of schooling for their university or vocational studies. Alternatively they may leave school and get a job. Once pupils have their Bachillerato they can take their university entrance exam.

TEEN MOTIVATION

KEEPING your teen motivated through the school year can be a bit of a challenge - to put it mildly!

But it is a challenge that the Spanish system seems to be tackling.

In 1990 a startling 40% of kids dropped out before completing their secondary school education in Spain, according to Eurostat. But that figure has since plunged to 14%.

But before the Spanish authorities get too complacent, it is worth pointing out that in the EU only Romania fares worse, with the EU average being around 10%.

Here the Olive Press, speaks to two public school teachers about how to motivate teens and be involved in their education.

ANNA MORENO RODRÍGUEZ

Teaches in Almanjáyar, Granada

Anna is a mathematics teacher at the La Paz institute in Almanjáyar, Granada - a school classified as having ‘special difficulty’ because of social issues in its municipality. She has taught since 2006.

Teachers give advice on how to keep your kids engaged and studying at school

She advises: “Motivation for teenagers is always difficult, especially after the holidays, as it’s difficult for them to return to work after lacking routine in the summer.

“If there’s a good relationship with the students, more goals are achieved. When school returns, teachers try to present the content in an entertaining and fun way, by working on projects and using new methodologies and resources – both manual and digital.”

Considering the age-old problem of kids bunking off school, she says: “We have some protocols where the families are notified first, but if this doesn’t work, they’re referred to social services.”

Nobody wants the social services at their door – so how can parents avoid this?

“Teachers can advise families on habits, study techniques, conflict res-

olution and emotional intelligence, but the key thing is the involvement of the families in education and values at home. This is a problem today.”

She thinks that some parents have lost sight of what’s happening with their kids’ schooling and should be more involved.

She says: “Parents can constantly access the teaching and learning process, with face-to-face and telephone appointments and online messaging systems.”

Anna added: “If a student needs to repeat a year, a personalised follow-up is carried out at our school so that they improve and meet the objectives. If they need to do better at something, the families are called.

“To motivate a repeating student, you should make them see that doing a year again isn’t punishment, but that they must be more mature in their work.”

KIDS’ ADVICE FOR PARENTS  AVOID EMBARRASSMENT!

TEEN opinion on what not to do, if you want to be cool at school.

Don’t let your primary school kid take odd and unnecessary items to school – such as gadgets that can be stolen or confiscated. Don’t do the school run in pyjamas.

Always dress correctly and don’t turn up to collect your kids underdressed, like you’re going to the

beach. This is really embarrassing, especially if it’s not the summer.

Avoid dressing your kids in anything that isn’t clean and tidy.

Never let your child attend school in flip flops. Don’t park your vehicle directly outside the school gate, and then shout and gesticulate loudly at your kids when they are with their friends.

Secondary teacher in Alcala la Real

Eleuterio works in secondary schools, and baccalaureate, and currently teaches at the IES Alfonso XI in Alcala la Real, Jaen. She has been an English teacher since 2006.

“It’s always difficult to motivate students, but after the holidays, it’s more difficult! Try to make them see the importance of doing well academically for their future work and motivate them daily.

“With the parents, we try to make them see the importance of a good education for their children’s future and insist that they be constant.

“The parents can access specific information about their children during the course, as well as exam grades, using tutoring systems (such as the iPasen mobile app).”

“Try to convince the student that they must make an effort and work more to complete the course.”

ELEUTERIO LEAL FIGUEROA

MONEY MOVES

SABADELL Bank will move its headquarters back to Barcelona, seven years after setting up shop in Alicante due to Catalunya’s illegal independence referendum.

The bank will ‘return home’ in the mid of a battle to avoid a hostile takeover by BBVA, with some analysts suggesting it will give it more political clout to fend off its rival.

Sabadell was one of thousands of companies that moved their HQ from Catalunya in 2017 when the referendum organised by Carles Puigdemont's government was ruled illegal by the Constitutional Court. At the time, it was argued that the decision was taken to stop the flight of deposits from people who feared that the independence process could lead to the loss of their savings.

Real moneybags

Madrid football giants rake in €1 billion in just a year

REAL Madrid has become the world's first football club to earn over €1 billion of revenue in a single year.

After winning La Liga and the Champions League last season, Deloitte said it had taken top position in its Football Money League.

The La Liga club also saw match day revenues increase in 2023/24, doubling to €248 million after renovations to the Bernabeu Stadium.

The club also reported a 19% increase in commercial revenue from a new sleeve sponsorship from HP and

By Alex Trelinski

increased merchandise sales - bringing in another €482 million.

“A billion euros in revenues is a landmark in club football,” said Theo Ajadi, from Deloitte's Sports Business Group.

“The redevelopment of Madrid’s stadium has been the catalyst for the club’s growth.

“They've licenced some seating, which has provided a significant uplift in revenue, and also increased merchandising

DUTCH beer giant Heineken claims to have pumped nearly €5 billion into the Spanish economy last year – equivalent to 0.3% of Spain’s entire GDP.

The numbers behind the booze behemoth, which includes brands such as Cruzcampo, Amstel and El Aguila, are staggering – although admittedly they come from a report commissioned by the company itself.

The company’s Spanish operations now account for 85,000 jobs – or 0.4% of all employment in Spain – with seven out of 10 jobs linked to the food and

and brought in new sleeve sponsorship. That, along with strong on-pitch performance,

Beer economy

Spain is Heineken’s second-largest market in Europe, where the company has maintained a presence for more than 120 years straight, and sixth big-

The economic contribution means that for every euro generated by Heineken's business, it contributes €11 to the wider Spanish economy, according to the PwC report.

has led to Madrid's strong financial performance,” Ajadi added.

The top three earning clubs remain the same as last year, with Manchester City in second ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.

The top 20 recorded a cumulative revenue of €11.2 billion - up 6% per cent on last year. Manchester United take over fourth place from FC Barcelona, with Bayern Munich fifth.

Barcelona had a turnover of €760 million compared to the €800 million reached in the 2022/2023 season, which meant a 5% reduction in revenue - mainly down to match day income falling.

REBOOTING FOR 2025

The countdown to 2025 is well over, and while everyone else has resolved to eat healthier or fi nally join that yoga class, IT professionals have made a very different list: upgrade plans, patch schedules, and ways to survive the inevitable fl ood of “forgot my password” emails. Welcome to the IT version of New Year’s resolutions. January 1st always starts with the same question: “Why isn’t the system working?” It’s amazing how many people think their computers also took the day off. Thankfully, AnyTech365 is here to handle the chaos, from rebooting your frozen devices to ensuring your system didn’t mys-

IT’s guide to starting the New Year right

teriously forget how to connect to Wi-Fi during the fi reworks. Cybercriminals don’t rest during New Year’s celebrations. While you were sipping champagne, they were crafting phishing scams that prey on your leftover holiday cheer. That email offering “free gift cards for 2025” isn’t from your favourite retailer—it’s a one-way ticket to a malware nightmare. Luckily, AnyTech365 has your back with real-time threat protection and expert advice to keep your systems safe. Nothing says “Happy New Year” like new devices. Smartwatches, laptops, and that mysterious gadget your nephew insisted you needed are flooding homes. But setting them up? That’s a different story. Cue the frantic calls for help.

“Why doesn’t it connect?” or “What do you mean I need an app for that?” Don’t panic— AnyTech365 specializes in setting up tech quickly and stress-free, so you can enjoy your shiny new toys without the headaches. Let’s not forget the

Work less Growth boost

A STUDY has revealed most Spaniards want to see the work day shortened, according to Instituto DyM. Some two out of three people want to see the government, trade unions and business people work together to reduce the number of working hours.

Just 23% of people agreed with the Ministry of Work’s decision to only negotiate with trade unions. Over 67% of those asked thought they could achieve the same results despite working 2.5 hours fewer each week. THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its prediction over how far Spain's economy will grow in 2025 by 0.2% to 2.3%. The eurozone in contrast has a growth projection of just 1%.

The IMF says Spain is the only country among the advanced European economies where the growth forecast has improved. Spain's economy will slow down this year compared to 2024, which pending a final set of figures, finished last year at least 3.1%.

As for 2026, the IMF keeps the country’s growth forecast at 1.8%.

office chaos. By January 2nd, employees returning to work were rediscovering issues they ignored all December. Printers that were suddenly allergic to paper, software updates demand immediate attention, and someone’s “New Year, New Me” initiative is already derailed by forgotten passwords. With AnyTech365 on standby,

these hiccups turn into smooth sailing, leaving you more time to focus on 2025 goals. Finally, there’s the dreaded task of cleaning up digital clutter. Is your desktop still hosting files from 2017? Are your emails overflowing with unread messages? Make this the year you let AnyTech365 help streamline your digital life. Their experts optimize your

devices and clear out the cobwebs, so you can start the year fresh and productive. As 2025 progresses, remember that technology is your ally - when it’s working. For everything else, AnyTech365 is your trusted partner, ready to handle the unexpected and keep your digital world running smoothly. And the best part? Take advantage of the exclusive offer just for Olive Press readers, so you can enjoy a worry-free online experience today!

November

Roman return

A THIRD century Roman mosaic has returned home to Nigran in Galicia, seven years after being rediscovered in New York.

The Panxon mosaic was rediscovered in 2018 by Gonzalo Fernandez-Turegano in a New York antiques collection after being ‘missing’ for decades.

Aided by the Association for the Repatriation of the Mosaic, €58,000 was raised through crowdfunding and council support to return the mosaic to Galicia.

LA CULTURA

The Prado museum lines up 2025 exhibitions featuring El Greco, Paolo Veronese and Rafael Mengs

MADRID'S Prado Museum has announced its 2025 programme featuring three major exhibitions dedicated to El Greco, Paolo Veronese, and Rafael Mengs. The highlight will be an unprecedented gathering of El Greco’s works from Toledo’s Santo Domingo el Antiguo monastery, bringing together most of the pieces created between 1577 and 1579 for the first time since their dispersal in 1830. Running from February 18 to June 15, the exhibition will feature the artist’s As-

By Walter Finch

sumption of the Virgin, returning to the Prado after more than a century through an agreement with Chicago’s Art Institute.

Only one El Greco piece will be missing from the reunion - a painting owned by Russia’s Hermitage Museum, which cannot be loaned due to ongoing EU cultural sanctions following the Ukraine invasion. The second major exhibition will celebrate Paolo Veronese (1528-1588),

BBC soap Eldorado set is returning to the screens 31 years after it was taken off air.

The soap was released in 1992 as the network sought to recreate the success of EastEnders, which came out seven years before.

The show took place in the fictional town of Los Barcos on Spain’s ‘Costa Eldorado’ and followed the British expats living there.

The purpose-built set was located in the hills of Coin (Malaga) and cost around £2 million.

Eldorado had 156 episodes released over a year but was eventually cancelled after

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

showcasing 120 works by the Italian master from May 27 to June 21. Sponsored by the AXA Foundation, the exhibition will explore three main themes: Veronese's creative process, includ-

Costa del Soap

failing to live up to hype and ratings expectations.

Dubbed ‘an unprecedented flop’, viewers criticised the ‘poor acting’ and ‘lack of story’.

Unexpectedly, after it was cancelled viewer figures started rocketing, but it was not enough to save Eldorado Now, it will be rerun on UK TV channel U&Drama starting at 2pm on January 27.

Fans were delighted at the news, saying it brought back ‘fantastic memories’.

7 Treats with contempt (4-9)

9 Seeped out slowly (5)

10 Henry VIII’s third wife’s family name (7)

11 “--- Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (3)

12 Automobile pioneer --Benz (4)

14 On the nose (7)

17 Icy cold (7)

19 Supporting ropes (4)

22 Missile killer (1-1,1)

24 Andie to change, cutting down (2,1,4)

25 Short literary composition (5)

26 Italian fashion designer (7,6) Down

1 Count Basie’s “One --Jump” (6)

2 Jacket originally named for its bright red colour (6)

3 The Big Dipper, for example (13)

4 January to January (3-4)

5 Vamoose! (3,3)

6 Fish hawk (6)

8 Lather (4)

13 Be unwell (3)

15 Ballad (3)

16 Kiln sessions (7)

17 Unsteady (6)

18 Key of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony (1,5)

20 Beat the incumbent in an election (6)

21 Block (6)

23 Israel’s prime minister between 1969 and 1974 (4)

MASTERS UNITE

Rising star

KARLA Sofia Gascon has become only the second Spanish actress to get a Best Actress nomination for the Oscars as well as the first transgender actress to be nominated.

ing sketches and production methods; his workshop management; and his unique ability to capture the aspirations of Venetian elite society.

The third headlining show, ‘ Anton Rafael Mengs: The Greatest Painter of the 18th Century,’ will run from November 25, 2025, to March 1, 2026.

Oils

The exhibitions will display 150 works including oils, watercolours, frescoes, sculptures, medals, and manuscripts, offering visitors a complete vision of the German artist’s work and his relationships with masters like Raffaello Sanzio, Correggio, and Pompeo Batoni.

The 2025 shortlist was declared last week and the 52-year-old Madrid-born star of the Spanish language musical-drama Emilia Perez was on it.

The only other Spanish actress to have been nominated was Penelope Cruz - four times. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2019 for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Karla Sofia Gascon’s rivals this year will be Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance) and Fernanda Torres (I'm Still Here). Moore - based on her Golden Globes victory this month - is favourite to win on March 2. Gascon will be the only Spanish presence at the 97th Oscars. Pedro Almodovar's The Room Next Door starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore failed to get any nominations. Emilia Perez picked up 13 nominations followed by The Brutalist and Wicked with 10 each.

ON SHOW: Works by El Greco, Veronese and Mengs

ON SCREEN: Kai Maurer with fellow members of the Eldorado cast

LA CULTURA 12

T�O��L�� TA��

THROUGHOUT the 1930s, facism appeared to be taking over Europe and the Second World War loomed on the horizon.

So when a far right coup threatened Spain’s democracy, many Brits went to fight.

“They fought in Spain so facism didn’t reach England,” artist and author Crispin Green explained to the Olive Press

“If they did nothing, they thought Hitler would be marching his paratroopers over Hampstead Heath in no time.”

The Londoner has recently published a graphic novel, Meeting Trouble Half Way, inspired by his grandparents' experience in the Spanish Civil War.

“Growing up, I didn’t know much about the war, but when I retired I started reflecting on my life and my father’s. Before he died, we spoke a lot about Spain and I realised how much the war impacted him, he effectively became an orphan,” Crispin said.

George Green, Crispin’s grandfather, decided to join the International Brigade, travelling to Spain in 1936 while walking

British artist pens graphic novel inspired by grandparents’ role in the Spanish Civil War

By Yzabelle Bostyn

down London’s Fetter Lane.

Soon, 32-year-old George left behind his wife and children to join the Republicans.

He set off from Oxford Street with an ambulance full of medical supplies, accompanied by poet Steven Spender and the House of Lord’s only communist peer, Wogan Phillips. Spender later described George, a cellist by trade, as an ‘idealist’ whose ‘eyes shone with passion.’

Eventually, Phillips was wounded and returned to England, where he asked Crispin’s grandmother and George’s wife to help at a field hospital in TarNan, also 32, travelled to Santa Llucia Cave Hospital, near La Bisbal de Falset, under the motto:

story

who a

“It’s time for us to knock history about, rather than being knocked about by hisShe left behind Crispin’s father, Martin and his sister, Frances, who attended a boarding school paid for by Philips. “Nan didn’t see it as neglectragona. tory.”

ful, she wanted to leave a better world behind for her children,” Crispin said.

“She did administrative tasks, monitoring the wounded to see what provisions they needed, she also helped to run the 80 bed hospital and gave blood.”

It was at the hospital that Nan ran into George by chance in 1938 when he had been wounded in the Battle of the Ebro.

However, when George heard the International Brigades were being withdrawn the next day, he sprung into action.

“He thought it was their last chance and maybe they could turn things around in the final push. But he was killed

in the final assault,” said Crispin.

Despite her husband’s death, Nan kept on fighting, helping Span-

came back to England that Crispin really got to know his grandmother.

“It’s

ish refugees find new homes before becoming a translator in China. It was only when she retired and It also references key figures of the Spanish Civil War such as journalist Arturo Barea and Ernest Hemingway. The story reflects the diversity of those who fought against Franco through its three main characters: an unemployed Welsh miner, a Jewish trade merchant and a young university graduate. They drive ambulances, end up in hospital and fi ght battles, just like Crispin’s grandparents.

a beautiful landscape, like heaven,

but 80 years ago it was hell,”

“She was wonderful, I always felt uplifted when I left her house thanks to her positive outlook,” he shared. In 2004, Nan wrote her memoirs entitled A Chronicle of Small Beer and just a year later, Crispin and his father travelled to Spain to see a memorial to the Battle of the Ebro. There, they met an English historian who identified the trench where George was likely shot, finding shells and bullets still littered on the ground decades later.

“It’s a beautiful landscape, like heaven on earth, but 80 years ago it was hell,” Crispin explained.

Part of the International Brigade Memorial Trust, Crispin hopes the novel will raise awareness of those who fought in Spain.

Though his graphic novel does not follow his grandparents, it was heavily inspired by their story, as well as a play Crispin’s father wrote entitled The Tolerance of the Crows

“Right now, I think people feel powerless to what’s going on, but I want them to know you can have resilience, courage and hope. You can stand up and make your voice heard,” he said.

Meeting Trouble Halfway is available online from Amazon, Waterstones and Foyles

GRANDPARENTS: Nan (left) and George (right) Green

PROUD: Crispin is happy to share his grandparents’

COMRADES: Unknownmedical officer (left) and George

INSPIRED: Crispin’s grandfather George on the cello (right) and grandmother Nan on the accordian in Spain during the civil war

LETTERS

Beware of scammers

‘Taxi’ cost us €177 when all we wanted to do was go to the market

MY wife and I waited at a bus stop at Benalmadena Beach for a 120 bus to take us to the market in Fuengirola.

After a wait of about 20 minutes our ancient legs and hips (I am 90; my wife is 87) were beginning to protest.

At this point a black car pulled up beside us and a respectable looking driver advised us that there was a bus strike at the bus terminus and that there would be no further bus service to Fuengirola that day.

He said if we were going to Fuengirola he would be glad to take us there as he was going there himself.

In our hometown this kind of courtesy among neighbours and towards tourists or strangers in trouble would have been recognisable, perfectly understandable and safely accepted.

But then he stopped at the Recinto Ferial and asked me for €177.

We were shocked and dismayed. At no stage did he ever say that he was a taxi or did he mention money.

He threatened us with the police and since I am ignorant of Spanish law I paid him the full amount.

It was only later that evening I learned I had been scammed.

I hope this will serve as a warning to anyone as gullible or naive as me.

Maurice O, UK via email

CRETINOUS AND IDIOTIC

Readers blast PM Pedro Sanchez for plan to ban non-EU citizens from buying property

WITH regards to your story Pedro Sanchez now wants a total ban on non-EU home purchases in Spain with two exceptions - he must be a magician! How is a shortfall of 200,000 homes per year going to be balanced by banning non EU citizens from purchasing properties in Spain?

Killing the goose

SANCHEZ is a blithering idiot.

This measure might make sense if it were accompanied by other measures to increase the stock of homes - like building more!

The country is apparently short of social housing. How many foreigners want to buy that sort of property?

Foreigners bring wealth into the country, and they are taxed whilst they’re here spending their money. They’re taxed when they sell their properties, too. Talk about killing the goose that lays the golden egg! His rather pathetic attempt to curry favour with voters is typical, policy-free rhetoric.

Alex Garganta,

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Room for the night

TOURIST apartments in Malaga have exploded to nearly triple the number of hotel beds, as Spain grapples with record-breaking tourism numbers and growing social unrest over mass tourism.

The city now boasts 35,832 tourist apartment beds compared to 13,612 hotel beds, following a dramatic 19.3% surge in holiday rentals during the first nine months of 2023, according to a new report by tourism industry group Exceltur.

The trend is mirrored across Spain, with 10 major cities including Malaga, Valencia, and Sevilla now having more tourist apartments than hotel rooms.

Valencia saw the highest growth, with holiday rentals soaring by 30.2% to reach 32,961 beds - significantly overshadowing its 20,216 hotel beds.

PRESIDENT Trump has dismissed Spanish chef Jose Andres from the White House.

He is just one of over 1,000 fired as Trump ‘removes those not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again’ from his administration.

Just weeks ago, President Biden honoured the Spaniard with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2015, President Obama gave him the

It will be AI on the night

I RECENTLY came across your insightful article How AI is transforming Spain’s healthcare - from ‘digital hearts’ to ‘predicting strokes’ by Tatum Askey. I was thrilled to see BIORCE mentioned among the transformative advancements in AI and healthcare. As a new start-up based in Barcelona, this highlight means a lot to us.

Your work brilliantly captured the potential of these innovations to reshape the industry, and we are honoured to be part of such a meaningful narrative.

Thank you again for spotlighting our efforts and for your dedication to bringing such impactful stories to light.

Katerina

Dimitriadou, Barcelona

ABSOLUTE NONSENSE

THE idiot Sanchez is doing exactly what the populists are always accused of, just feeding morons what they want to hear.

As for the anti-tourist nonsense, half of those places in Mallorca didn’t even exist before tourism, and the income kept the island ‘afloat’ so to speak, during the ‘crash’.

In other ‘news’, Spain advises Italy to ditch fashion and brands, France to bin wine and food, and Germany to cease car production!

It’s just more from the ‘cretinous nonsense’ department.

DT via Olive Press online

National Humanities Medal for his work as founder of the NGO, World Central Kitchen.

This is not the first time Andres and Trump have appeared in headlines together.

In 2015, Trump contracted Andres to run a restaurant in his luxury Washing-

BUDGET airline Ryanair has urged airports to introduce alcohol limits to prevent drunk passengers boarding flights. They claim inebriated passengers cause chaos for the company, cabin crew and passengers. The call for action has been echoed by a growing number of airlines, all of whom train their

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Cold-shoulders, 9 Oozed, 10 Seymour, 11 Sgt, 12 Karl, 14 Exactly, 17 Glacial, 19 Guys, 22 A-B M, 24 On a diet, 25 Essay, 26 Giorgio Armani.

Down: 1 O’clock, 2 Blazer, 3 Constellation, 4 Allyear, 5 Get out, 6 Osprey, 8 Suds, 13 Ail, 15 Lay, 16 Firings, 17 Groggy, 18 A major, 20 Unseat, 21 Stymie, 23 Meir.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

crew to deal with disturbances during flights.

"It is time for EU authorities to take action to limit the sale

Madrid

ton D.C. hotel. Not long after, Andres withdrew the contract, citing Trump’s disparaging remarks about Mexican illegal immigrants. A lawsuit followed and reached a settlement two years later.

Booze limit call

Ryanair urges airports to enforce alcohol limits before flights

of alcohol at airports. Airlines, such as Ryanair, already restrict and limit the sale of alcohol on board our aircraft, especially in cases of disruptive passengers. However, during flight delays, passengers consume excessive alcohol at airports without any purchase or consumption limits," the airline said. "We do not understand why passengers are not limited to two alcoholic beverages at airports (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way that duty free sales are limited), as this would lead to safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews across Europe."

It comes as the number of aircraft diverted due to disruptive

passengers has doubled in the last five years.

In Spain, the problem is even worse, with incidents sky rocketing from 338 in 2020 to 1,500 in 2024.

Everyday, three flight itineraries are changed due to drunken passengers according to the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).

“Airlines already have the right to refuse boarding to any inebriated passenger. Do not pass on your responsibility to us,” the Airports Council International Europe (ACI) responded.

A RECORD 94 million foreign tourists visited Spain last year - 10% more than in 2023. Tourism accounts for 13% of the country’s GDP with Spain boosting its ranking as the world's second-most visited national destination.

Employment in the tourist sector was up by 3.6% compared to a year earlier.

Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said: “The figures are really spectacular and very positive but they force us to take care of and maintain the tourism model, with a model of empathy with society and humility because the model has to improve".

The spend by foreign tourists last year is estimated at around €126 billion - a 16% rise on 2023, according to Hereu.

The Ministry's analysis is that 97% of tourists are satisfied with their holiday in Spain and that 65% of them plan to return over the next 12 months.

Jeff Jones, Torrevieja

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

AGE OF AQUARIUS

The Olive Press visits Spain’s extraordinary first underwater winery and shellfish farm

It is the first bodega is the first in Spain to legally sell wine aged underwater by teaming up with a local shellfish farm.

Escaramujo Wines have become the first underwater winery licensed by the Spanish Food Health Agency (Aesan).

The winery in Estepona was born in 2021 when Dutch aquacul-

By Yzabelle Bostyn

ture engineer Khwame Paloeloe Helder, also known as Palu, met Spanish wine expert Victor Gomez.

Gomez had discovered underwater wineries in Galicia but it wasn’t until a chance meeting with Helder that his idea to create Spain’s first licensed underwater bodega began.

The Dutchman was already experimenting with submerging wine bottles in his 25 hectare farm in the Med to deter barnacles from attaching to his scallops and oysters.

He discovered the pesky crustaceans loved the smooth surface of wine bottles and left his shellfish alone.

Later, meeting Gomez was the perfect opportunity to combine business interests and create an innovative new venture.

Underwater wine ageing first gained traction in 2010, when a 19th century French shipwreck was discovered in the Baltic Sea. Among the wreckage were an extraordinary 186 intact bottles of champagne, believed to be a gift from King Louis XVI to Tsar Peter the Great.

ing. Off the coast of Estepona, the Mar Alboran provides optimum conditions thanks to its low temperatures and luminosity.

Not only had the bottles survived OVER 170 YEARS underwater, but the wine’s quality had not been affected.

According to the scientific journal, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) the sea’s darkness and constant temperature helped to preserve it, sparking a new barometre wine age-

Escaramujo gained its health license in 2022 after jumping over much red tape and selecting wines from top Spanish vineyards to submerge for further aging.

The current rocks the bottles and promotes fermentation, leading to a creamy feel in the mouth with a slightly higher alcohol content and less sugar.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Gomez claims the wine gives you less of a hangover with no headaches.

“People think this is just a trend but it’s a very different way of creat-

ing wine,” Gomez said.

“It’s a very natural technique which rewards you with a more refined outcome.”

While a bottle of wine costs a little more than some might want to spend at €100, just 1,000 bottles are fermented per year.

After the 11 month aging process is finished, Helder and Gomez personally dive some 20 metres below the surface to collect the bottles by hand. After being extracted, the wine is beautifully adorned with corals, barnacles and shells, a process which is not just aesthetically pleasing, but excellent for marine life.

“It’s not just wine and seafood, it’s an experience and we’re creating memories”

Gomez explains that the barnacles are natural water filters, making it much cleaner where the wine is fermented. This attracts a myriad of species, including the endangered pinna nobilis mussel, which is collected and sent to conservation organisa-

SUNKEN TREASURES: The bottles are retrieved by hand

November 29th - LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES?

Scan to visit our website

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

tions. To humanely dispose of the barnacle meat, the bottles are submerged in fresh water until the barnacles die, at which point they are put back into the sea and eaten by snails, crabs and octopuses. The excellent

EXPERT: Victor Gomez has a passion for wine

HEALTH

water quality is also the perfect environment to breed Helder’s specialities: flat oysters, zamburiñas and vieiras (two types of scallops).

Though as a vegan I could not sample the delicacies myself, my brother, who declared he didn’t like shellfish before the trip, was happily gobbling down the ‘delicious’ morsels.

Such was his delight that it even tempted a fellow veggie to

try a zamburiña scallop, albeit garnished with garlic and grapes.

“It’s not just wine and seafood, it’s an experience and we’re creating memories,” said Gomez.

Spain by train

A BRITISH train expert has revealed his top interrailing picks around Europe, with Spain earning a coveted top three spot. According to Andrew Eames the continent's three best journeys are a trip to the Alps from the Med, a journey around central Europe taking in Prague. His third favourite is a leisurely two-

Despite my absolute lack of knowledge about shellfish, I came out of facts to share.

the two hour boat cruise feeling like an expert. Helder, a marine biologist, is deeply passionate about his work and has hundreds of interesting

week route to and around Spain costing just €380.

He recommends getting to Spain by taking a Eurostar to Paris followed by a TGV fast train to Avignon, then the picturesque local line to Carcassonne.

From there you can connect to Spain’s high-speed AVE network, travelling to Madrid in just under seven hours. Next on the itinerary is a three hour jaunt to Malaga, ending with a six hour train to Barcelona.

Eames then recommends travelling back to Paris before the Eurostar to London.

Gomez meanwhile is clearly enamoured by wine and explains the aging process in a clear and engaging way.

For more information visit: www. escaramujowines.com and www.frutosdelmar.es

LOOKING FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES?

DITCH THE BOOZE

HEALTH experts have revealed the advantages of giving up booze for a month as Dry January enters its final phases.

Richard

de Visser, Professor of Health Psychology at the Uni-

These are the health benefits of leaving alcohol behind for a month

Burn

that fat

versity of Sussex published an article in The Conversation where he detailed the psychological and physiological benefits of abstinence. His comments were based on a British study using over 4,000 participants.

A TEAM of Spanish researchers has discovered a new way to ‘burn fat’ and fight global obesity levels.

Led by Guadalupe Sabio, the researchers have found a new way of burning ‘brown’ fat, the body’s way of regulating temperature in cold conditions. They discovered eliminating a protein known as MCJ could be an effective treatment for obesity, an illness which affects up to 650 million people.

While white fat stores calories, brown fat burns them. Abundant in babies, it was previously thought this fat was almost nonexistent in adults.

Now, the Spanish research team’s discovery there is more than expected in adults could unlock a new treatment for disease.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

“At a biological level, giving up alcohol is associated with a reduction in liver fat, blood glucose and cholesterol,” he said.

In the short term, one of the main benefits of temporary abstinence is better sleep.

“A lot of people think alcohol helps them sleep but it’s been proven that it lowers the quality and quantity of

sleep. This can affect memory and concentration. It can also make sleep apnea worse,” he

Health shopping list

DEMAND for protein supplements rose by a staggering 175% in Spain last year according to pharmacy wholesale distribution figures.

The Cofares trends study also revealed an increase in sales of sports nutrition items of up to 14% and digestive products of 8% - reflecting the growing interest in physical activity and digestive health.

Pre-sports and physical activity products accounted for 61% of sales in the protein supplement category, followed by recovery products on 17%.

Next were items related to digestive health, which rose by 8% and the

sale of probiotics went up by 9%.

Categories such as laxatives and anti-diarrhoea products experienced a slight decrease, which points to a more preventive and balanced approach to digestive health care. Personal care products sales in pharmacies increased by 5% with soaps accounting for 27% of the total followed by colognes (8%) and deodorants (7%).

Products to help quit smoking continued to rise, with a sustained growth of 1%- a trend that Cofares attributes in large part to their financing by the public health system.

warned.

As well as better sleep, 52% of people had more energy and 50% felt they had better ‘general’ health.

On an economic level, 63% said leaving behind the pints saved them money.

According to the expert, a successful Dry January means minimising the opportunities to drink by avoiding bars and not having alcohol in the house. He also recommended deciding what you’d like to drink before going out for a meal or social event.

When it comes to social pressure, he advises socialising in places and events which do not require drinking alcohol.

For instance, he recommends meeting in a cafe instead of a bar or meeting on a Saturday morning instead of the evening.

Scan to visit our website

Bone cancer treatment hope

SPANISH researchers have identified a key cause of osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer primarily affecting children and young people.

Scientists Isidro Cortes Ciriano and Jose Espejo Valle-Inclan discovered that a process called chromothripsis by loss-translocation-amplification is present in about 50% of high-grade osteosarcoma cases.

This process involves the TP53 gene, known as the ‘guardian of the genome’. When one copy of this gene is mutated, it can trigger chromosome rearrangements, creating complex ‘Frankenstein cells’. The research builds on a 2011 British study that first identified chromothripsis in cancer formation.

Chromothripsis also causes oncogenes to multiply, potentially leading to cancer. The findings, published in the journal Cell, could help improve prognosis and develop new treatments beyond chemotherapy and amputations. Cortes, who leads the Cancer Genome Group at the European Bioinformatics Institute, is also involved in the British ‘100,000 Genomes Project,’ which aims to better understand cancer evolution.

SEA LION: Palu dives for his oysters

O P LIVE RESS

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

Malaga machos

SPANISH actor Antonio

Banderas has featured in a Bosch superbowl advert, opening a jar of pickles for US wrestling legend ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage

Local wanted

ALCALA de Henares’ Semana Santa poster has caused outrage after using a picture of a Malaga nazarene, forcing the council to retract the work.

Snakes alive

PEOPLE across Spain will be celebrating Chinese New Year this week, which falls today (Wednesday). 2025 is the year of the snake.

SCAN

ALL’S WELL

A SPANISH bungee jump instructor has been criticised after a video showed him pushing a frightened woman off a bridge.

Cristina Amaro Priego became fearful in the final moments leading up to her plunge in Aznalcollar, near Sevilla. The unnamed instructor is seen holding onto Cristina as she screws up her face in terror, then re-

A SECURITY guard fired for watching pornography on a company mobile phone has got off scott free after a court ruled he was unfairly sacked. The man from A Coruña has now been reinstated and awarded €7,500 in compensation.

A Basque Country court said the security firm Trisquel Proteccion violated his privacy by tracking his work phone history without permission. The ruling added there was no policy

Terrified

bungee jumper pushed off bridge but terror turns to joy

By Alex Trelinski

peatedly she tells him 'no' and makes it clear that she has changed her mind and does not want to go ahead with the jump.

The man continually tries to reassure her, placing a selfie stick in her hand so

PORN FREE

over warning workers about the risk of dismissal if they are found watching porn while at work.

The court heard that bosses checked the security guard’s phone after other employees who used it complained that it was running more slowly than usual. They found the pornographic pages, linked them to the employee and fired him.

that she can catch the moment on video.

He then pushes her forward and lets her go over the railing to start her jump.

Many social media users criticised the instructor’s decision to push Cristina. One person fumed: “She said no, why did he push her?”

“If she regrets it and doesn’t want to… why force her,” another contributor asked.

But after all her fears and screaming in panic, Cristina was clearly caught on camera with a big smile on her face.

When posting the video, she showed a sense of humour with the caption: “I was told I won the year’s screaming award”.

A SECURITY check at Alicante-Elche airport turned up 20,000 Viagra pills crammed into a suitcase.

A 63-year old woman has been arrested by the Guardia Civil and charged with smuggling and public health offences. The smuggler flew in from Madrid after arriving in Spain from the Dominican Republic. As is routine, transit arrival baggage from other countries is scanned in an X-ray machine. In this instance, a suitcase was found to contain ‘above normal’ dense material, and was totally filled with the blue viagra pills.

Honest shopper

A HONEST person gave police €1,850 in banknotes that had been dropped at an Alboraya supermarket. Days later a social media appeal by the Alboraya Policia Local led to a woman coming forward to claim her misplaced money.

The plea made it clear that the shop location and the amount of money lost had to be supplied.