Olive Press Costa Blanca South and Murcia Issue 117

These are the beach clubs that offer luxury facilities and top class cuisine - at a serious price

See pages 6 and 7

FUN AND GAMES

Expats and tourists demand better emergency services following deadly start to summer season

EMERGENCY services have been slammed over their handling of one of the deadliest ever starts to the summer along the Costa Blanca.

Over a 72-hour period starting on June 1, a total of five people lost their lives after getting into trouble at sea. That death toll has since risen to 12.

This week, eyewitnesses told the Olive Press that authorities failed to act quickly enough, while one Brit blasted how a body was left lying on the shore ‘for ages’ in front of dozens of sunbathers.

Belgian computer information specialist Rob de Langhe, 60, was at Cala de la Fustera on June 1 when a 48-year-old Moldovan man got into difficulty in the water.

By Alex Trelinski

The lifeguard service for Benissa had not yet started for the summer and emergency services had to be called.

Rob, a qualified rescue swimmer, joined two other men in going into the sea.

“We battled for 20 minutes in heavy waves against the current to try to save the man, while policemen and emergency staff waited on the beach and were totally idle,” he told the Olive Press this week.

“I could not believe that they just stood around and so what do you do? As none of them took any initiative, I decided to go in, after two

other people on the beach went in.”

Sadly all Rob and the other rescuers could do was recover the bather’s body. Rob said that paramedics did nothing until he went to see them himself to be treated for shock and exhaustion.

He added: “I hope what happened provokes a discussion

about what should be done to improve the situation in such tragic circumstances.

“Nobody with any lifeguard qualifications was present yet in nearby Moraira a lifeguard service started on June 1.”

A total of 12 people have died in drownings in Alicante province since the start of the month, including fatalities in Benidorm and Calpe.”

It comes after one British expat said he was shocked after seeing a dead body lying on a busy beach in Alicante.

Paul H was enjoying an afternoon walk near Playa Cala Capitan at the start of June when he saw the corpse covered by a sheet.

Paul told the Olive Press: “People just looked and kept on sunbathing or walked past on the path above, all you could see was the person’s feet sticking out.”

Body

He said a black van eventually came to collect the body.

Paul added: “There were around four middle-aged men in the group, they looked like Brits.

“There were three local police cars and one from the Guardia Civil.”

Authorities had earlier received a report that an Irish man, 76, had

Not good enough!

TRAGEDY: Body left lying on a beach show lifeguards are needed earlier, while (left) an empty watchtower

sea. Tragically, nothing could be done to save his life.

The start of June saw a total of five drownings along the Costa Blanca.

The first death was at Benissa’s Cala de la Fustera when two swimmers got into difficulty.

Two people were spotted struggling in the water, including a 48-year-old Moldovan tourist who was unable to be revived.

On the same day, a 50-year-old man of Czech nationality drowned at La Marina beach in Elche.

Two additional deaths were recorded in Calpe and on the Orihuela Costa.

Elsewhere, another woman, 72, died after being pulled out of the water at Torrevieja’s La Mata beach at around 12pm.

the waters off Roqueta de Guardamar del Segura, in what would be the first of four deaths in the same area.

The next day, two men in their 40s drowned there, followed by a 77-year-old man on the Saturday.

On the Sunday of the same weekend, an 18-year-old boy drowned in front of his friends in the waters off Benidorm.

And on Monday this week, a German couple, aged in their 60s, died off Playa de Arenales del Sol in Elche. lost consciousness after coming out of the

Last Thursday, a 68-year-old man died after coming into difficulty in

IT’S not often you hear of people celebrating 100 years of wedded bliss, but that is what is about to happen in Quesada - although it does need two happy couples to team up for the celebration. British expats Derek and Michelle Williams found out last year that friends Steve and Gill Rollings, based in Los Montesinos, would be having their Golden Wedding anniversaries around the same time in 2024.

So Gill suggested a party together to add up to the magical 100-year milestone and planning started in earnest.

Both couples will be heading for a celebratory dinner bash in Quesada this weekend.

Citrus scam

TWO fraudsters have been arrested in Beniel after getting 19,000 kilos of oranges from an Orihuela area farmer but never paying him the €5,000 fee.

Pot luck

POLICE stopped a driver in San Miguel de Salinas after a suspicious manoeuvre and discovered several green refuse bags crammed with marijuana in the back of the van.

Late dip

FIVE children are in trouble after Almoradi police caught them bathing in the municipal swimming pool after they leapt over the fence after hours.

Crypto sales

TORREVIEJA’S aim to become Europe’s first ‘crypto-friendly’ city has seen 30 shops already allowing customers to pay for items by Bitcoin.

EMAILS LINK TO MADDIE

EXCLUSIVE: Brueckner had four emails in 2007, one linking him to the ‘murder’

THE Olive Press can reveal Christian Brueckner was using at least four email accounts at the time Madeleine McCann was abducted in Portugal. And one of these, seized by cops, has been dubbed as the ‘murder’ account by a detective in a German court. While its inbox had been deleted from the start of 2007, Titus Stampa confirmed that police had retrieved its outbox with ‘disgusting’ incriminating material.

We can reveal the expat sex offender also used one in his name and another email moneytime7@hotmail.de to send and receive child pornography. Others included ‘magicame@

By Jon Clarke

mail.de’ and ‘5grosser@hotmail.com’, police sources in Germany told the Olive Press Detectives, who secured data from Microsoft and Meta in 2019, believe many emails were deleted soon after an investigation into Brueckner was launched in 2013.

Snatch

German prosecutors believe he snatched and killed British toddler Maddie, then three, from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, in May 2007. Stampa refused to divulge any

A BRITISH fugitive accused of sexual assault on children has been arrested by the Policia Nacional in Cartagena.

The man, 68, faces several charges of sexual abuse on minors committed in the UK back in 2021.

An International Arrest and Extradition Warrant had been issued against him by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

Complaints by the victims were made

specific information from the

‘murder’ emails at Braunschweig Court.

He was only able to give out information linked to the current case involving three rapes and two child abuse offences taking place in Portugal, between 2000 and 2017. Brueckner, who lived for long periods in Portugal and Spain, used various online nicknames on Facebook and Skype at the time, signing up via Hotmail. In particular, he was working closely with a German undertaker, called Frank S, who was helping him buy and sell child porn.

In one conversation from 2013

Fugitive arrest

three years ago of a ‘serious nature’ leading to inquiries which led the ‘suspect to leave his country’, according to the Policia Nacional.

The NCA contacted authorities with information that the fugitive could be hiding out in Spain and he was located at a Cartagena address.

EXPOSED: Monster’s emails

Brueckner - who used the nickname ‘Holger Wahnsinn’ meaning ‘Madness of Holger’ - told the man he planned to snatch a child and abuse her for days.

He added he would make ‘lots of short films’ and ‘document exactly how she is tormented’. He also told of his rape fantasy involving a mother and a daughter who he kept imprisoned.

Later, expanding it into a 24page document, the ‘mother-daughter story’ involved him kidnapping a child and abusing her in front of her mother.

Brutal

“It was remarkably brutal,” Stampa explained, adding that Brueckner had told pals ‘this is just the beginning’.

The Olive Press can reveal Stampa was one of two detectives who went to America to interview rape victim Diana Menkes, 72, before her trial for which Brueckner is currently in prison serving seven years.

Brueckner denies the charges. The trial continues.

Murder motive

A MAN arrested in April for the murder of Singapore national Audrey Fang has been confirmed as a beneficiary of her savings which totalled €340,000.

Singaporean Mitchell Ong, 43, was detained at an Alicante hotel nearly a week after Ms Fang, 39, was found dead 150 kms away in Abanilla, Murcia on April 10. Architect Audrey was last seen on CCTV leaving a luxury hotel and spa in Javea the previous day. An investigating court in Cieza said that Singapore’s Central Provident Fund(CPF) had confirmed that Ms Fang had named Ong as a beneficiary of her savings, supporting suspicions that money may have been the motivation for her killing.

The Guardia Civil found a note on Ms Fang’s iPad that declared a decision to name a ‘long-time friend and trusted confidant’ as the recipient of her CPF savings in the event of her death.

The note also granted the beneficiary a ‘friendly loan of $50,000 US dollars based on our friendship in the past’, separate from the CPF nomination.

In a TikTok video posted to his 2.9million followers, Barrymore, 72, said he would be moving to Catalunya this summer.

The comedian told his fol-

June 13th - June 26th 2024

MICHAEL Barrymore, the controversial former TV host turned TikTok star, has revealed he is moving to Spain in search of a ‘better quality of life’.

She

is the

THERE is no mistaking Taylor Swift is a master at working a crowd.

STRIKING IT LUCKY

lowers he was searching for a property near Girona or Lloret del Mar.

A TV comeback on ITV’s Dancing on Ice was scuppered when he broke a wrist in rehearsals. is and

However, Barrymore’s career came to a sudden end following the death of Stuart Lubbock, 31, under suspicious circumstances in a swimming pool at the entertainer’s home in Essex.

Sensational Sarandon

GRANDE Dame

The Bermondsey-born entertainer reached his peak of popularity in the mid-1990s as he hosted shows including Strike It Lucky Kids Say the Funniest Things.

master of working a crowd, writes Yzabelle Bostyn

As 67,000 people buzzed in anticipation, a huge clock ticked down with the screams of fans getting louder as each second passed. A chill passed through me as echoes of each of her 11 albums rippled through the Bernabeu stadium. The feverishness of the crowd contrasted with the calm music, pastels and swaying petals on stage. Suddenly, Swift was revealed centre stage, launching straight into song.

SPECTACLE: A packed stadium included Yzabelle (inset above)

THE inaugural world championship series of all-electric power boat races brought a sprinkling of stardust to Spain.

The E-1 teams are backed by star names like actor Will Smith and former American football star, Tom Brady. But it was American Latino singer, Marc Anthony and his Team Miami that came out on top in the battle between eight contenders in a series of knock-out heats held over two days in Marbella’s Puerto Banus. Choppy conditions made things tricky, but Erik Stark and Anna Glennon led Team Miami to overall victory ahead of Will Smith's Westbrook Racing.

I was dizzy trying to keep up with my nerve clenching excitement, belting out the lyrics and taking in the spectacle all at once.

Many dismiss Swift as simply a pop star but for many young women, her songs have

accompanied them as they grew up. Her career now spans 20 years and The Eras Tour covers them all.

Some three hours and 15 minutes long, the show is an astonishing feat with at least 46 songs, 16 costume changes and dozens of dances, props and sets.

Sure, the fireworks, smoke and lights helped, but it’s Swift’s cheeky and confident stage presence that makes the show. She is constantly smiling and laughing, twirling her hair and dancing around the stage to engage every Swiftie in the crowd.

From the upbeat 1989 to the

Electric stars

Taylor made

filmstar and producer Susan Sarandon, 77, proved she has still ‘got it’ when she turned up on the red carpet in Madrid.

She was one of the most eye-catching celebrities at the ELLE Style Awards. Sarandon, who won an oscar for Dead Man Walking in 1995, arrived for the gala at the Palacio de Cibeles in impeccable style wearing a black Armani-designed sequined gown with a keyhole cut-out.

Her footwear was a pair of strappy high-heeled sandals.

calm Folklore, she transitioned seamlessly through each ‘era’ or album.

Videos appearing on the giant stage screens set the tone for the next part of the show, all while building the crowd’s overflowing excitement.

In the Reputation era, a snake slid down the stage, transitioning to a pair of knee high boots and then, Taylor herself appeared, perfectly syncing with the video.

The production was flawless, exhilarating and unlike anything I had ever seen.

But it didn’t all happen onstage.

Glitter

Each attendee was given a light up bracelet which changed colour according to the song. When they formed the LGBT flag for You Need to Calm Down or shined purple for Enchanted, it was heartwarming to feel connected with thousands of other fans.

Through fireworks, sequined outfits and flames, Swift never faltered and by the final song, I couldn’t believe it was over.

As I left the stadium, sweaty, exhausted and coated in glitter, I felt incredibly grateful and sure I wouldn’t forget this night for a long time.

She styled her auburn hair into coiffed curls and added a slick of red lipstick to complete her look.

Her next project to hit the big screen is July’s release of the comedy The Fantastic Four in which her co-stars include Bette Midler.

Paris in Barcelona

PARIS Jackson, Michael Jackson’s daughter has been spotted in Barcelona. She was attending a fashion show put on by Spanish brand, Desigual.

It came just hours after the singer, actress and model made a return to the runway in New York.

She modelled for Alexander Wang before hopping on an overnight flight to Catalunya. Paris was in the front row of the Desigual Spring/Summer show, next to Spanish actress Ester Esposito.

Under fire

CAMPAIGNERS want improvements to Torrevieja Hospital and its health department have secured a meeting with the facility’s boss after 150 people protested outside the hospital.

Six supporters of ‘Plataforma por la Sanidad 100×100 Publica’ had threatened to stay permanently in the hospital lobby until they got a guarantee of a hearing.

Torrevieja Health Depart-

ment’s Jose Cano subsequently held talks with the group’s Manuel Gomez which both men described as ‘positive’.

The ‘Platforma’ lobby group was formed to demand better health services after the private management company Ribera Salud stopped running the department in October 2021.

The Olive Press has repeatedly reported of a series of health scandals at the hospital.

In our last edition we reported on how Maria Coomber, 72, was for five years denied treatment for an agonising condition and accused of being a hypochondriac by hospital staff.

Previous cases have involved the death of several expats.

ONE of Spain’s best known expat business dynamos has passed away suddenly.

Insurance specialist Jennifer Cunningham, who had eight offices around Spain, died last week.

The Costa Blanca-based businesswoman moved to Spain from London in 1992, going on to set up her insurance brokerage as well as a hospice charity named after her son.

Initially providing health insurance she expanded into general insurance after requests from clients and friends.

Her work ethic guided by honesty and integrity brought respect from Spanish nationals and expats alike as her business built up a gilt-edged reputation for trust with clients.

Retirement was never on Jennifer's agenda in recent years, despite ill health, she was always a hands-on

Rest in peace

managing director.

One of the most successful expat businesses in Spain, she opened her first office in Javea, as well as setting up the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity in 2008.

It was named after her son who died from spinal cancer, aged just 33.

Shocked to discover there was no hospice care available in Spain, she vowed to set something up in his memory while spending time with her son at a Sue Ryder Hospice in the UK.

The charity provides quality care in homes for patients with a terminal prognosis.

Her main business meanwhile expanded from its first office in Javea to a total of six outlets across the Costa Blanca, plus Los Alcazares in Murcia and Lanzarote in the

Canary Islands.

RULES will be tightened on holiday accommodation rentals in the Valencian Community to cut the number of unlicensed properties.

Changes could come into force by the end of June - ahead of this summer's peak tourist season. Extra inspections will be introduced to detect rule breakers and there'll be a ban on properties keeping

By Alex Trelinski

licences after they are sold. The Valencian government says the region has around 120,000 approved tourist rentals.

Tourism Minister, Nuria Montes, said: “Holiday

Her decision to move from London to Javea followed a holiday with friends.

FAREWELL: Jennifer was much-loved

Her other son, Mark, will take over her role in running the company which will continue to provide the same customer service it has done since the early 1990’s.

“She had a busy life and her achievements in business and charity will long be remembered in Spain,” said Olive Press editor Jon Clarke.

“She was always fun to be with and was never short of a clever quip,” he continued.

Jennifer’s final column page 12

HOLIDAY LETS TARGETED

Dance delight

A HIP-HOP girl dance crew based in Los Montesinos is looking for international success by going to the GDO World Championships in the Netherlands in early July. Gold medal success in the Spanish championships has catapulted the Essence Dance Crew to success in solo and couples categories, but they urgently need money to pay for next month's trip. With that in mind, they are holding a fund-raising concert at the Los Montesinos music school theatre on June 26, starting at 7.00pm. The team have also launched a GoFundMe page to help cover travel expenses.

housing continues to be a fundamental element in our tourism ecosystem, but we are worried that double what is being permitted is being advertised online.”

“Every day tourist rooms are illegally offered for rent which is totally prohibited and will never be allowed in Valencian law, with all offenders facing prosecution,” Montes warned.

“The new measure will control the 'black' economy, and not licensed housing which is not a problem,” the minister added.

Montes promised that 'significant' powers will be de-

volved to local councils to deal with the issue as they

“There will be municipalities that wish not to prohibit, but to limit, freeze or not give more licences, because they consider that they have already reached a sufficient capacity,” she explained.

Montes promised simplified administrative procedures to stop town halls from ‘collapsing’ over dealing with holiday homes.

Carlos success

MURCIA’S Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open in Paris on Sunday following a five-set thriller against his German rival Alexander Zverev.

The 21-year-old from El Palmar now has an impressive three Grand Slam victories under his belt, having previously won both the US Open and Wimbledon.

Rodent surprise

A LARGE rodent native to South America has been spotted in a Segura river irrigation canal in the Orihuela area. The coypu, also known as an otter rat, started appearing in northern Spain in the 1970s after escaping from French fur farms.

But the ones now being found further south are thought to be descendents of escaped pets. The creatures can weigh up to 10 kgs, with a body length of up to 60 cms plus a tail of between 30 and 45 cms.

Since they feed on aquatic plants, the area used by wetland birds for nesting is reduced.

They also can eat the equivalent of 25% of their weight in vegetation and produces litters of up to 10 babies.

He is also the youngest-ever player to have three Slams on different surfaces - clay, grass, and hard court.

His tennis hero Rafael Nadal took to X to congratulate the rising star, telling him: "Congratulations for this immense victory.very happy for your successes!"

WHEELY

DANGEROUS

AN ELDERLY wheelchair user caused a commotion on a motorway after trundling onto the busy highway. Concerned motorists called emergency services when he was spotted on the A-7 in the Elche area.

Elche Policia Local patrols were mobilised to rescue the man and prevent a serious accident from happening.

Officers got him to safety on the hard shoulder of the busy motorway without incident. It's not been revealed where he started his journey and the distance he went in the wheelchair. The police contacted his family and took him back to his home.

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in

with an

OPINION

More lifeguards please!

RECORD tourist numbers bring all kinds of issues and not just the well-worn matter of ‘saturation’ in urban areas that has hit the headlines in recent months.

A spring rise in visitors to Alicante province means that town halls have to start beach lifeguard services a lot earlier.

An unprecedented total of 12 drownings so far this month is worrying news, and all this before the peak tourist season.

The fact that more and more people are coming to enjoy the seaside outside the traditional July and August period is prompted by cheaper off-peak flights and a desire to enjoy Spain’s warm spring climate.

To start lifeguard patrols in mid-June or even later is simply an out of date policy and is clearly costing lives.

There’s also a lottery where one municipality has a full lifeguard service in operation from June 1, while there is nothing in an adjoining area for weeks.

Yes, there has been a potent cocktail of sunny weather accompanied by strong winds whipping up waves and currents, but this month’s tragedies ought to be a reminder that welcoming as many tourists as possible brings responsibilities.

It’s hard to believe that so many lives would have been lost had there been staff patrolling beaches telling people not to go into the water because of the dangerous conditions.

We’ll hear stories from town halls saying they don’t have budgets to run lifeguard services for extra weeks, but that has to change.

Having safety campaigns is all well and good at the height of summer, but there’s clearly a problem that’s been sadly demonstrated this month, and lessons have to be taken on board to avoid a repeat next year or perhaps even this early autumn.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Humenyuk

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

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

Splashing the cash

Looking for a sunbed in Spain this summer? The prices go from €5 up to €3,000 depending on requirements, party size and snob value/bragging rights

IT’S become a hot topic among expats and tourists alike as Spring turns to Summer on the costas of Spain. And, no wonder, as the mercury starts to soar into the mid-30s with the main gripe being an apparent sharp rise in prices that can hardly be blamed on inflation.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

And then you’ve got the usual sunbed ‘wars’ as the masses descend on the big resorts like Benidorm, Benalmadena and Magaluf.

theolivepress.es

An elegant enclave in British favourite Torrevieja, Makala Beach Club offers luxurious hammocks and VIP areas. Perfect for those who like the finer things, the ‘Zona VIP’ is available for €500 but the good news is, that includes a €500 tab and a Balinese bed. Hammocks are available for €250, again with the total price available to spend on food and drinks.

LuLu Beachclub, Xabia

In stylish Xabia, or Javea, LuLu Beachclub is a boho, botanical paradise with mountain views.

During the high season, sunbeds are available for €75 per person, including a bottle of water. Sunbed hire also includes a €50 minimum spend per person.

Towels at the ready, Ibiza, Marbella and the more exclusive parts of Mallorca.

But the main complaints seem to be coming in from angry readers, writing that prices nowadays are soaring to the skyhigh rates seen in

Well, if you were wondering how much you could be spending at your favourite chiringuito or hip beach club this sumthe hordes are already sneaking out at dawn, piling up sunbeds and queuing up from 7am.

On the higher end of the scale is the Veuve Clicquot Lounge, at €325 during the high season. It includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a fruit bowl and a bottle of water. Again, there is a minimum spend, this time of €165.

This luxury enclave hosts the rich and famous and guarantees ‘the good life’. Belgian-owned, it covers ‘9,000 square metres of style, luxury and glamorous indulgence’, and it understandably has prices to match.

At the lowest end of the scale a day in paradise on a three-person sunbed goes for €195.

If you prefer the high life, the club’s most expensive option is the

‘Super VIP Square’ package costing €1,150 for 12 people. It includes three 75cl bottles of vodka but beware, if you book on a Saturday, there is a further €1,200 minimum spend.

“It’s a really intense but fun place to work,” explained one former waiter, who did seven seasons at the club. “The buzz gets more and more frenetic as the afternoon goes on and the tips are often off the scale. You can make a great living off them alone.”

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

Some three million UK citizens previously disenfranchised can vote again on July 4

WBy Ben Pawlowski

ITH the UK general election due on July 4, there is still time to register for the vote - but you will have to hurry as the deadline is 11.59pm on June 18. Legislation that came into force in January has restored the voting rights of over three million Brits who have lived outside the UK for more than 15 years. The move represents the biggest increase in the British electoral franchise since the introduction of full female suffrage in 1928. British citizens, eligible Irish citizens and citizens of Crown

Dependencies can now register to vote as long as they were either previously registered to vote in the UK or were previously resident in the UK. Before beginning the process of registration, prospective voters will require proof of ID and a former UK address.

Acceptable documentation for this includes: a UK driving licence (current or expired); council tax statement; credit card statement; utility or mobile phone bill; letter from an insurance company; correspondence from HMRC or

the Department for Work and Pensions; P45, P60 form or a payslip; bank / building society passbook or a local authority rent book.

If you are unable to provide satisfactory evidence of your ID and former UK address, there will be the option of providing an attestation - you will need to ask someone (not a relative), who is over 18 and registered to vote in the UK, to attest to the details you provide. British citizens living overseas can register to vote on the gov.

uk website. When applying to the electoral register, expats should use the last address where they were registered as a UK resident. Any eligible voters previously resident in the UK, even as children, but who have never been registered to vote, can apply by using their last UK address.

Once registered to vote, British expats will need to renew their registration every three years, before November 1.

Ocean Club, Puerto Banus

RIVALS: Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak

€1,150

Makala Beach Club, Torrevieja

BUSINESS

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has boosted Spain's economic growth forecast by half a point to 2.4% this year, due to an increase in domestic demand.

The new IMF figure comes after increased household spending thanks to wage increases and inflation going down, as well as the reactivation of business investment.

"Private investment will benefit from more manageable financial conditions and

PRODUCTS from the Chi-

nese-founded fast-fashion company Shein have been found to contain as many as 428 times the legal limit of cancer-causing chemicals.

They include children’s clothes, such as shoes, as well as bags, belts and other items.

South Korea has been testing products not just from Shein, but also e-commerce sites such as AliExpress and Temu, as their popularity rises in the Asian country.

Their tests have revealed high levels of phthalates, which are chemicals used to soften plastics and that can sometimes cause hormone disruption.

One pair of shoes that was tested, for example, had 428 times the permitted levels of these forever chemicals, while three bags had 153 times the limit.

South Korean authorities have requested that these products be removed from sale.

Improved forecast

the continued disbursement of European Next Generation funds," the IMF said.

The IMF praised the resilience of Spain's economy amidst a background of high uncertainty and tighter financial conditions. It points out that exports of services and government spending have been the main pillars of recent growth.

SPAIN welcomed nearly 24 million foreign tourists this year up to the end of April- 14.5% up on the same period in 2023.

The National Institute of Statistics (INE) figures show that the United Kingdom continues to be the main source of arrivals with over 4.4 million people recorded.

The UK was followed by Germany with 3.18 million and France just be-

FLOODING IN

hind on 3.14 million.

The Belgian market has seen growth of 25% and the United States at nearly 15% so far this year.

The amount of money spent by foreign tourists up to the end of April was over €31.5 billion, according to the INE.

NO LOYALTY

Cancer scare MORE JOBS

FRENCH forward Kylian Mbappe has lost out on €80 million in ‘loyalty bonuses’ because of his move to Real Madrid from Paris Saint Germain.

But the pain of this loss will probably be eased by the eye-watering €150 million signing on fee he is getting from the Spanish club.

Mbappe hailed his move to Real Madrid as a ‘dream come true’ but bosses at PSG did not agree.

Angered when he refused to sign a new contract they have hit him in the wallet by not paying his wages for April and May, as well as his

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Football star loses out on

€80m from PSG but no need to feel sorry for him

A PRO-RUSSIA hacker group has claimed that Spain’s Santa Barbara Systems, which is refurbishing Leopard tanks for delivery to Ukraine, suffered a cyberattack on its website.

bonus for February, allowing them to recover the €80 million promised as a loyalty bonus when he signed his 2022 extension. His last due payment is for June - and if no agreement can be reached between Mbappe and PSG legal action is likely.

By Ben Pawlowski his action

A spokesperson for parent company General Dynamics said its Spanish unit had been targeted but ‘it was detected immediately’ and had not compromised systems. The firm decided to temporarily disconnect its website until an ongoing investigation was concluded.

“The company’s sensitive data remains well-protected,” the spokesperson added.

remarkable 256 goals for PSG in seven seasons, will move to Real on a free transfer after his contract expires on June 30.

Rate cut Tank hack

The 25-year old, who scored a

6 In --- fertilization (5)

7 Roof edging (6)

9 Advertise (4) 10 Utterly downcast (8) 11 Multicoloured cat (6) 13 Scrub around controls (5) 15 100 mph (3)

17 Sounds made by almost everything electronic these days (5) 18 Readied for print (6) 20 Like many babies (8) 22 Stick in the microwave (4) 23 Conforms (4,2)

Go into (5)

1 Assess (8) 2 Male deer (4) 3 Number one position (3,4) 4 Attach (5)

5 Actress Lollobrigida (4) 8 Response provokers (7) 12 Driving force tips emu out (7) 14 CB radio users (8)

16 Provokes (7)

19 Lightning byproduct (5) 21 Related by blood (4) 22 Bananas (4)

As part of a five-year deal, Mbappe will earn €15 million a year on top of his whopping signing-on bonus, as well as retaining a portion of his valuable image rights.

The former World Cup winner will join a star-filled squad hailed as a new era of Galacticos, including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Brazilian

prodigy Endrick and English superstar Jude Bellingham. Mbappe will also hope to win the Champions League - the only major trophy to have eluded him so far in his career - with a side who won a record-breaking 15th title at Wembley earlier this month.

Posting on Instagram, Mbappe said: “Nobody can understand how excited I am right now! A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dreams”.

Vulture backlash

NEARLY a thousand tenants are going on a ‘rent strike’ in response to what they say are abusive clauses imposed by their landlord, which they describe as a ‘vulture fund’.

According to the union Inquilinas e Inquilinos de Madrid (Tenants of Madrid), the owner of their apartments, Nestar-Azora, has made use of a clause that has seen €900 a month rentals suddenly rise to €1,600.

This is way in excess of the 3% yearly rise that is allowed under Spanish law.

These practices, the union claims, have already been declared illegal by the courts in Catalunya but are still being employed throughout the Madrid region.

To make matters worse, two of the apartment blocks that have been affected by the rent rises are in fact publicly owned, but their management has been subcontracted to Nestor-Azora.

Families in the areas of Parla, Mostoles, Pinto, Villaverde, Carabanchel and Vallecas have declared they will only pay the price that was agreed on their initial contract, and will not tolerate what the union describes as ‘abusive’ price rises.

The tenants want to see these ‘illegal clauses’ eliminated from their contracts.

“They are not ruling out legal action against Nestar-Azora if it does not comply with their demands and does not sit down to negotiate with the thousands of people affected,” a union spokesperson said.

THE European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates last Thursday by a quarter of a point to 4.25%.

The June reduction had been widely expected but is still a long way off from almost 0%, which was the situation in July 2022. The rate hikes were about 'cooling down' the economy and reducing inflation which had reached double digits in EU member countries.

Analysts expect perhaps two more interest rate reductions this year, assuming there is no rebound in inflation, and those will be needed to make any significant dents for monthly home mortgage repayments.

SPAIN has recorded its lowest registered unemployed total for May since 2008, with 2.6 million people out of work.

This is a 59,000 reduction on April’s figure, as seasonal jobs become available related to the tourist sector. Over a third of new jobs are in hospitality ahead of what is expected to be a record summer tourist season.

The monthly fall is bigger than a year ago when it dropped by over 49,000. This is still much smaller than in the middle of the previous decade when May reductions topped 100,000. One of the main reasons for that is Spain was recovering from historically-high unemployment figures caused by the recession.

Despite the positive trends, Spain’s jobless rate of 11.7% is still double the European Union average.

LA CULTURA

BALLET NIGHT

THE annual treat for ballet lovers - the Stars Gala, returns to Alicante’s Teatro Principal on July 27. A dazzling cast of international ballet names has once again been put together by the National Association of Professional Ballet. Performers will include Francesca Velicu from the English National Ballet. Audiences will be able to enjoy a mixture of traditional favourites like Paquita and La Sylphide, alongside contemporary works like the Pas de Deux from Christopher Wheeldon’s After the Rain. Proceeds from the night will go to support a scholarship programme- providing help to talented dance students facing financial and social challenges.

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Warrior woman

Mystery of female skeleton found amongst remains of religious knights who died in battle

ARCHAEOLOGISTS

are trying to unravel the mystery of a woman found buried among the remains of 23 warrior monks. They are excavating a cemetery belonging to the ancient Order of Calatrava in Guadalajara. This was one of the four Spanish mili-

A SPANISH guitar that was built in Cadiz back in 1791 is due to go under the hammer and could sell for as much as €23,000.

tary orders and the first one in Castile. It was founded as a branch of the Cistercian family at Calatrava la Vieja during the 12th century by St Raymond of Fitero to

Plucky sale

guard the then border with the neighbouring Arabic kingdom. The burials were exhumed in a cemetery associated with the Castle of Zorita de los Canes-Alcazaba de Zorita - a large fortress in Guadalajara province in the Castilla–La Mancha region.

very similar to that of the male knights, and it is likely that she was wearing some kind of armour or chain mail.

“Who was that woman? Was she part of the order and did she have the same status as the other knights?”

A SET of completion dates have been announced for Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudi - 140 years after the first stone was laid. “The Chapel of the Assumption is expected to be finished in 2025 and the tower of Jesus Christ, in 2026,” a cathedral spokesman said. But the full construction is still not set to be completed until 2032, as a controversial stairway framing the cathedral will not be finished until then.

Plans for the stairway involve disrupting 1,000 businesses and families as they extend across two blocks of the city.

“We are following Gaudí’s plan to the letter,” said project chairman Esteve Camps.

The Spanish guitar has six double strings, and contains a sticker inside that reads: “Juan Pages

Skeleton

The piece will be auctioned at Gardiner Houlgate, which is considered to be one of the premier firms in its field in the UK. The guitar was constructed by Juan Pages Garcia, a figure who revolutionised the instrument in his time thanks to innovations that were later adopted the world over.

Made Me in Cadiz, Year 1791”. The body is made of cypress and has a number of large cracks that have been repaired. The neck is made of cedar. While the guitar has suffered some damage – in this era they were very fragile and suffered from the stress of the strings – it is still considered to be in good condition considering its age.

The 23 warrior monks were knights of the order that, due to unhealed injuries to their bones, appeared to have died in battle between the 12th and 15th century.

“We are his heirs and we can’t renounce his design.”

While

The remains of the woman show signs of a violent endincluding a massive blow to the head - leading to speculation that she too could have been a warrior.

A researcher from Catalunya's Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Carme Rissech, said: “She may have died in a manner

She explained that the skeleton showed attributes similar to those of the warrior monks, whose job required them to train in the use of the sword. This leaves verifiable marks, which were also observed on the woman’s bones.

“I believe that these remains belong to a female warrior, but further analysis is needed to determine to what extent this woman is contemporary with the other knights,” she added.

HORROR: Skull showed a massive head injury

Essence of Spain

A look back at the magic of Granada’s annual feria. Words and pics by Michael Molyneux

ON a sun-baked Friday evening outside the bullring in Granada, the murmur of local Granadinos grows louder as the sun sets.

Friends and families greet one another with familiar warmth, drinking tall glasses of Tinto de Verano and ice-cold Alhambra beer, waiting for the doors to open and the show to begin.

Amidst the city’s bustling streets and Moorish architecture, lies the epicentre of Andalucian tradition and controversy: a circular 20,000-seater red-brick amphitheatre where the Feria de Corpus Christi bullfights take place each year in June.

For generations, the Feria de Corpus Christi has been a cornerstone of Granada’s cultural calendar, a celebration that transcends mere entertainment, embodying the very essence of Spanish heritage. Here, beneath the tall cypress trees and gaudy festival banners, locals and tourists gather together to witness a tradition steeped in history, honour and, with temperatures approaching 40°, some-

Traditional dishes are shared among friends and family

exploitation. And there was indeed a small demonstration against the bullfights but this year’s festival still offered a vibrant blend of religious tradition and the high-octane world of Spanish bullfighting. But while a major part of the festivities, the bullfighting is not the only tradition.

Corpus Christi is a Christian festival celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, 60 days after Easter Sunday.

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what heated debate. La corrida de toros

(bullfighting) has long been both revered and reviled, its roots reflecting broader historical and social dynamics of the region, and the fabric of Spanish society in general. To some, it’s a noble art-form, a graceful dance of life and death between man and beast that epitomises courage and skill, passion and pageantry, el-

Many communities showcase artisanal crafts and handmade goods during Corpus Christi cele-

To others, it’s a cruel and outdated spectacle, a symbol of animal

Local artisans sell their wares at markets or set up stalls along the procession route, offering traditional items such as pottery, textiles,

egance and zeal. brations.

sions,

Christi festivities include street performances by musicians, dancers, and theatrical groups. These performances range from classical music concerts to folk dance displays to re-enactments of biblical stories and local legends. Food plays a central role in Corpus Christi celebrations, with traditional dishes shared among friends and family, not to mention the plenitude of local wines, spirits, and beers. The day usually begins with a special Mass dedicated to the Eucharist, emphasising the importance of the body and blood of Christ. Following the Mass, there are processions through the streets, where the consecrated host is carried in a monstrance, accompanied by clergy, religious groups, and local dignitaries and community members. Parishioners dressed in their finest attire follow alongside priests, choirs singing hymns, and children carrying Shopkeepers along the route often adorn their storefronts with tapestries and flower arrangements as a sign of respect as the monThe air is filled with

such organic foods, jewellery, and religious artifacts. Alongside the religious procesCorpus flowers.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Corpus Christi is a time to celbrate with all your loved ones

strance passes. the scent of incense and the

FUN: In Granada the festival is more than simply solemn religious processions but involves joyous celebrations too

gentle murmur of prayers, creating a truly unique and spiritual atmosphere. A delightful counterpoint to the solemnity of the procession is the appearance of the ‘Tarasca’, a mythical beast depicted as a large dragon puppet.

Accompanied by lively music and energetic dancers, the Tarasca weaves through the crowds, snapping its jaws and swishing its tail. This playful tradition adds a touch of whimsy to the festivities, particularly for children who are enthralled by the sight of the fantastical creature.

POPULAR: Bullfighting attracts the crowds and brings feelings of brotherhood (top right), but not everyone is enjoying Granada’s Corpus Christi festivities at the bullring (right)

The Tarasca’s origins are believed to be rooted in pre-Christian mythology, representing the triumph of good over evil, which has been cleverly incorporated into the Corpus Christi celebrations. Whether you’re a fan of bullfighting or simply seeking a taste of Spanish

Corpus

Molyneux is a freelance photojournalist from the UK, based in Granada. You can follow his work, on Instagram @Molyneux_Photography

Dear Jennifer:

Take care of the family

In her last column before her sad passing, Jennifer asked: Are you prepared to protect your loved ones?

WE can assist you with our Bespoke Life and Mortgage Protection policies to protect those that are most important to you, should the worse happen.

The first question would be – have you taken out Life Insurance? You may have a Mortgage Protection policy, which means on your death the mortgage will be paid. But of course, this does not provide your family with some financial security when they really need it.

Mortgage Protection is a good policy to have as it will pay off any mortgage you have on your house, keeping your family secure in their home. This is death only cover, however there are some additional options you can add on if you require them.

For example, Mortgage Payment protection for €100,000 of cover for a 50-year-old can be as little as €305 per year. On the other hand, life insurance provides a payment to your family. You can tailor the life policy to your own requirements and create a Bespoke Life insurance – whether to cover the initial costs incurred on your death or give your family a lump sum to provide for their future. For example Life cover of €50,000 for a 50 year old, can be as little as €155 a year.

Our Bespoke Life policies can give you the cover most suited to your needs with standard death only cover and additional covers to include:

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health/medical questionnaire that you will need to complete online. These policies are available with monthly direct debit payments, and our policies will be in English.

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For more information or a quotation, please call one of my offices, email info@jennifercunningham.net or visit www.jennifercunningham.net

Summer health centre crisis

DOCTOR shortages will force health centre closures in Spain this summer, according to regional health ministers.

They've accused the country's health minister, Monica Garcia, of not doing enough to solve the problem.

Garcia countered by stating the 17 regions should have contingency plans to deal with the issue.

The minister said that most of them ‘had done their homework’ and will be able to handle the situation.

The Basque Country and Catalunya are already having to close health centres, with Andalucian minister, Catalina Garcia, saying

Warning shortage of qualified doctors will hit health care during the holiday season

By Alex Trelinski

that ‘we want to keep them open, but we are facing a very difficult situation’.

Her Valencian counterpart, Marciano Gomez, warned that the doctor shortage puts at risk the opening of 54 auxiliary centres and fully covering staff in 70 health centres in the coming months.

The Valencian region has more than 600 vacant doctors’ positions,

HEAT TRAGEDIES

A BARCELONA study suggests that high spikes in temperature cause mental health problems, and have increased suicide cases by 5% over the last 250 years.

A major crunch of data by the Hospital Clinic Barcelona and the city's IDIBAPS biomedical research centre has reached the conclusion-published in the World Psychiatry magazine. Over 280 studies in which pollution and climate change were associated with mental disorders were analysed. The researchers argue that global warming may have caused a 5% increase in suicides and that will rise to 7% by 2050.

Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365

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Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365 AI-Powered IT Security

THE Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company in southern Spain.

This collaboration offers readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions at special discounted rates.

excited to announce a partnership with the leading IT security and support company del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions. will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use Internet-connected device, personal, or within the their small business.

Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, both personal and within the household or their small business.

Over the next year the team at the Málaga-based firm will be producing a monthly advice column on the healthiest ways to protect your technology - and how to avoid online fraud, viruses and scams.

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tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region.

and Gomez said he told Monica Garcia ‘months ago’ that the structural problem of a lack of professionals would worsen this summer if she did not allow fourth-year trainee resident doctors to do some tasks.

Hire

Normally, the regions could hire the residents in the summer to work as specialists but delays in their training caused by the Covid-19 pandemic means they have not yet qualified.

The Ministry of Health says the trainees cannot work unsupervised in facilities, with Garcia saying she cannot bend the rules.

Baby detour

A VALENCIA bus had to make a detour to hospital after a woman gave birth to a baby boy- helped by her husband, passengers, and the bus driver. The couple boarded the EMT Valencia Line 93 service near to the Paseo Maritimo.

A few minutes later as the bus approached the end of Avenida de Tarongers, the woman went into labour.

Everything happened so fast, that within five minutes the baby was safely delivered. The driver, Antonio Rodriguez, then abandoned his scheduled route and drove to Valencia’s Clinical Hospital. The parents and passengers praised Antonio for helping out with the birth.

On the rise

Why Choose AnyTech365?

Comprehensive Cybersecurity

Their services include cybersecurity, device maintenance and performance optimization, and malware removal, enhanced by AI for faster and accurate solutions.

Juan Carlos Blazquez, President of the Basque Country College of Physicians, said: “Patients are already complaining and I don’t even want to think about what it will be like in the summer when many doctors go on vacation.”

Personalized User Experience

AnyTech365 adapt its product and technical support solutions to individual needs, offering a safe online experience to any user.

THE number of Covid cases have grown for six weeks in a row, despite the recent warm weather. According to the latest figures from Spanish health authorities, the incidence grew from 57.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 74.8 cases over a seven-day period. Just three weeks ago, that figure was as low as 33.5. In hospitals, meanwhile, figures are also on the rise. The estimated rate of hospitalisation due to Covid-19 has gone up from 2.2 to 3.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company on the Costa del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions.

Meanwhile, it has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on both Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your secure and hassle-free.

FINANCIAL TIMES ACCOLADE

Founded in 2014 by Dane, Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity.

and their solutions have been widely recognized multiple awards on local, national, and international “The Fastest growing technology company in 27th fastest growing company in Europe across (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Award in New Technologies, and others. meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the sporting event in the region. It has excellent online scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

The company - one of the largest expat-run companies in Spain - aims to make your digital life secure and hassle-free.

The company and its solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level.

The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

So, Why Choose AnyTech365?

AnyTech365 AI powered unique software can pinpoint the root cause of a problem providing real-time protection and immediate response to suspicious activity. This proactive

Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, personal, or within the household or their small business.

Founded in 2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your digital life secure and hassle-free.

COMPREHENSIVE CYBERSECURITY

The services include cybersecurity, device maintenance and performance optimization, as well as malware removal, enhanced by AI for faster and accurate solutions.

to suspicious activity. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks.

World class, cross-platform security platform with advanced scanning techniques to identify potential threats from files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, and phishing attempts.

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

AnyTech365 adapts its product and technical support solutions to individual needs, offering a safe online experience to any user.

AnyTech365 SECURITY

AnyTech365 TotalCare

World class security platform with advanced scanning techniques to identify potential threats from files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, and phishing attempts.

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A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution by certified technicians without onsite visits anytime, day or night, with AnyTech365’s around-the-clock support services, all offered in more than 15 native languages.

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AnyTech365 INTELLIGUARD

The Financial Times dubbed it the ‘Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors”. It also scooped the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 was the proud sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis

New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution by certified technicians without onsite visits.

Round the clock, 365 support

The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

AnyTech365 AI powered unique software can pinpoint the root cause of a problem providing real-time protection and immediate response

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

Best of all, AnyTech365’s round-the-clock support is available every day of the year, night or day, with services offered in more than 15 languages.

is currently in the process of becoming publicly New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Brimming with Pride

TORREMOLINOS Pride has seen record attendance this year as over 75,000 enjoyed the celebrations.

The Costa del Sol’s main pride event kicked off Pride Month, taking place from May 29 to June 2.

Torremolinos is bidding to host EuroPride 2027, to be held in Thessaloniki, Greece this year.

But don’t worry if you missed it, Pride Month has only just begun.

Madrid will host its celebrations on June 28 to July 7 while Barcelona’s will take place between June 28 and July 21.

Meanwhile down south, Andalucia will hold pride celebrations in Sevilla on June 29, alongside many smaller events.

Mallorca (June 28) and Ibiza (June 7-15) will also hold pride events, with the latter turning 10 years-old this year.

One of the country’s biggest pride events takes place in Benidorm during the first week of September.

BUDGETS HIT

Massive fine for Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet and Volotea over ‘abusive’ charges

FOUR budget airlines have been fined a total of €150 million by Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs for charging extra for hand luggage and seating.

The Facua consumer group applauded the decision after years of litigation, which sees sanctions handed out to Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet and Volotea.

It is the largest-ever penalty for practices against customers to be imposed by the

By Alex Trelinski

Ministry.

Although a breakdown of the penalties has not been disclosed, Ryanair is said to have received the largest fine, according to Facua.

The government department started a probe in June 2023 to investigate whether airline practices were abusive or unfair and whether they contravened regulations.

BEER WARS

A ROW is brewing between Spanish beer giant Estrella and rival brand Madri which it accuses of dishonesty.

Estrella is seething that the Madri label claims to be authentically Spanish despite it being brewed in the UK.

Madri soared to success in the UK and Ireland after being introduced to pubs in 2020, and soon became one of the top 10 selling lagers in the country after an intensive marketing campaign which emphasised its exotic Spanish roots.

But the beer, which prides itself as ‘El Alma de Madrid’ (The Soul of Madrid), is brewed in Tadcaster, Yorkshire, by Molson Coors.

Aitor de Artaza, the boss of Estrella Galicia,

confirmed that the investigation came as a result of complaints from consumer groups.

A CATALUNYA village bar has won the first-ever Spanish Sandwich Championships.

has criticised Madri for a ‘lack of transparency’ which he claims ‘is confusing for the customer’.

He said: “They did a very nice job in terms of marketing, that’s for sure. But it’s a little tricky because people think they are drinking a Spanish beer but it’s not. They are not very clear and not, to my point of view, very honest”.

In response, Madri representatives pointed out that the beer is joint project with Madrid’s La Sagra brewery.

Four practices came under the spotlight - charging a supplement for reserving adjoining seats to accompany children and dependents, a lack of transparency in pre-contractual information on the final price to be paid, charging a surcharge for carry-on luggage - described by regulators as ‘abusive’ - and not allowing cash payments at the airport to cover extra services.

The Association of Airlines (ALA), with members that account for 85% of air traffic in Spain, says the ‘fines are disproportionate and will harm consumers by eliminating the option for passengers to pay for exactly what they need’.

Online voters numbering over 100,000 nominated their favourite sandwiches before a final list of 16 was chosen and the offerings sampled by a jury of food critics and chefs in Oviedo. The ‘Best Sandwich in Spain’ is called Especial Miguelin and it's been on the menu for 17 years in the bar located in Vilafranca del Penees, in Barcelona province.

The whopping winner measures the length of two hand palms and costs €6.40.

Bar owner, Abel Moreno said: “The idea came from a joke with a regular customer who one day told us that it was her birthday and that she wanted something special that would surprise her.” Moreno explained that it consists of chicken, bacon, green pepper and a secret sauce.

The carriers have leave to appeal the fines. A ministry spokesperson

SPECIAL: Sandwich inspired

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

AT THE TOP TABLE

DISFRUTAR, located in the heart of Barcelona’s thriving Eixample district, has been crowned the World’s Best Restaurant. And with a trio of restaurants in the World’s Top Five, it’s fair to say that Spain is still leading the way in the kitchen following last year’s triple whammy of top 5 entries.

In fact, in this year’s ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ ceremony held in Las Vegas, Spain did even better than in 2023 - with Disfrutar scooping top spot following last year’s runner up position.

1 Disfrutar

Spain has proven it’s the global dining capital as Disfrutar named World’s Best Restaurant

By Ben Pawlowski & Dilip Kuner

Asador Etxebarri, based in the Basque village of Atxondo, meanwhile jumped two places to second while Diverxo, the Madrid-based restaurant owned by reigning Best Chef in the World Dabiz Muñoz, slipped one spot to fourth.

praised Disfrutar for ‘imaginative dishes that are executed with exceptional technical skills and served in the most playful way possible’ which ensure that customers ‘have the dining experience of a lifetime’. They added: “Two parallel menus of 30 courses are on offer: The Classic and The Festival. The former features dishes such as Thai-style cuttlefish with coconut

Modern techniques and personal talents come together in Disfrutar’s gastronomic experience. Set up by the trio of chefs, Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro and Eduard Xatruch, it sits behind a typical tapas joint, unfolding into a cavernous space behind. This is the first of ‘many surprises’ in what the judges describe as some of the ‘world’s most modish dishes’. Punters experience the classic tasting menu, which takes four hours, with its wine pairing options. Playing with shapes, textures, and flavours, Disfrutar’s exper-

59 Enigma Barcelona

Under the helm of chef Chef Albert Adria - brother of legendary El Bulli chef Ferran Adria - Enigma uses seasonal ingredients in its monthly menus and offers different wine experiences. The finishing touches on the meals are added right imental style has earned it thee Michelin stars and its place as the World’s Best Restaurant.

Judges

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

‘multi-spherical,’ and squab with kombu spaghetti, almond and grape, while the famously indulgent caviar-filled Panchino doughnut and brilliant frozen gazpacho sandwich can be found in the Classic option”.

Disfrutar’s three founding chefs, Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas - who met when they worked at legendary El Bulliwere visibly emotional as they collected their award.

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restaurant celebrating the region’s famous gastronomy, came in at 28th position.

Disfrutar, which received its third Michelin star last year, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in December.

However, if you want to sample some of the world’s best food, there is a hitch - the restaurant is booked up years in advance with, at the time of writing, no availability.

Xatruch dedicated the award to everyone who ‘has worked and continues to work everyday to make this profession wonderful’, whilst Castro said he was ‘surprised and honoured’ to win the ‘magical’ award, adding that he wanted ‘to thank and congratulate our colleagues who are on the list and who have each contributed to building a great gastronomy’.

Elsewhere, Quique Dacosta on the Costa Blanca came 14th, up from 20th, whilst Elkano, another Basque

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a reservation, the Classic or Festival tasting menu will set you back €290, with the specially crafted wine pairing costing an extra €160 per person. Alternatively, the trio of acclaimed chefs do own two sister restaurants - both are called Compartir, with one opened in Barcelona in 2022, and one based in the popular Costa Brava seaside town of Cadaques, open since 2012.

In the small village of Axpe in the Basque region, the asador is a total contrast to its rivals on the list, favouring simplicity over experimentation. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t magic and it has become a true destination restaurant noteworthy for its grill techniques. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz’s more than 30 years of experience with ‘fire cooking’ contributes to his traditional approach and meticulous style – every dish that exits the kitchen is given his signature touch. The restaurant thrives off local produce and elevating ingredients by highlighting their natural

At this incredibly picturesque spot, Aitor Arregi uses his method of whole-grilling fish over a wood fire as the foundation of his flavour. Playing off Getaria’s gastronomic heritage, this method of cooking has become an integral part of the town’s cuisine and a tradition for Arregi, whose father, Pedro, opened the first Elkano back in 1964. There is a distinct emphasis on sustainability and the local connection is reflected within the dishes and maritime decor.

The bold, rule-breaking flavours by chef Dabiz Muñoz (below) are part of a greater, more marvellous story. Immersed in a fantasy-world of outlandish decor, staff dressed in punky uniforms serve a range of stunning, creative dishes. For foodies, the DiverXO experience makes dreams feel tame. Passing through the hands of five or six chefs before plating, the gastronomy follows Muñoz’s love for avant-garde art from conception to completion – he describes the experience as ‘something like the Cirque du Soleil’.

Dacosta

Just two years after he began his career as a chef in 1986, at just 16 years of age, Quique Dacosta began working at a restaurant that would later share his name. His food takes an artistic approach to the geographies and cuisines of the Mediterranean and nearby Montgo Natural Park. Putting Valencian cuisine very much on the map, his respect for nature — the roots of the restaurant — comes forth in every bite.

Chef Angel Leon is recognised as ‘The Chef of the Sea’ for utilising ingredients from the Mediterranean and Atlantic sea in his evolving menus. The current rendition, based on the infinite sea, commits to sustainability and new techniques. Even in the dessert section, the restaurant blends together traditional sweets with seafood.

81 Mugaritz San Sebastian 2D

At Mugaritz, presentation is anthropomorphic in the most intimate and wondrous ways. Take the dish ‘heart that does not feel’ which is a flat, almost 2D slice of meat with ribbons of fat representing the aorta. Mugaritz has long taken a philosophical approach to food thanks to its intellectual chef Andoni Luis Aduriz. He had been in the 50 Best list for well over a decade before slipping out this year.

Bird abuse

TWO men have been arrested in Fuente Alamo, Murcia, for setting up an illegal cockfighting ring shaped like a roulette wheel with birds held in small cages behind the arena.

Milkshake

A SECURITY guard, 67, was arrested at the Spanish Olympic Committee for ejaculating nightly in the water bottles of two female coworkers he claimed were bullying his wife.

Note worthy

A WOMAN has been freed in Tenerife after being held captive for a month. She escaped by sending a neighbour notes pleading for help.

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

SCAN

DRUNKEN stag and hen do parties carrying inflatable penises, vaginas and massive sex dolls have been banned from a popular tourist hotspot.

Punters in Platja d’Aro on the Costa Brava, a prime destination for pre-wedding shenanigans, could be handed fines of up to €1,500 if they fall foul of the new legislation which outlaws ‘clothing rep-

A horny issue

Behave yourself

Popular tourist town bans stag and hen dos from carrying inflatable ‘genitalia’ and sex dolls

By Ben Pawlowski

resenting human genitals’.

The bustling seaside town can attract up to 300,000 visitors per weekend, with many heading to the former fishing village to partake in

In the frame

THE mayor of Barcelona was forced to pay a €100 fine on World Bicycle Day after he rode his bike in a no-cycling zone during a promotional video for the celebration.

Jaume Collboni, a member of the Catalan branch of Pedro Sanchez’s ruling PSOE socialists, fell foul of his own rules after eagle-eyed onlookers spotted the city mayor cycling past a sign which asked cyclists to dismount and walk. The fine was reduced to €50 by the Guardia Urbana as Collboni himself reported the infringement to police. He was also given an additional discount after agreeing to stump up the cash the following day.

A CLEANER at a Madrid veterinary hospital faces up to three years in prison after he was accused of performing sex acts on a goat. The 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged with animal abuse.

The alleged incident happened at the capital’s Complutense University Veterinary Hospital.

boisterous bachelor and bachelorette parties. But future partygoers may have to diverge from the traditional stag or hen do attire as the new law explicitly bans visitors from being ‘on the public thoroughfare without clothing or only in their underwear or with clothing or accessories representing human genitals or with dolls or other accessories of a sexual nature’.

Platja d’Aro’s mayor Maurici Jimenez, who has previously stated he would ban the celebrations al-

together if he had the power, said: “These attitudes have an impact on the community’s coexistence and we need to fight against them”.

The female goat had been admitted to the facility due to a joint ailment.

One example of loutish behaviour given by David Puertas, the local police chief, was of a groom who was strapped to a lamppost with tape whilst his friends played loud music and sang into the early hours of the morning, disturbing residents and visitors alike.

A student surprised a man in a cleaning worker’s uniform who was in ‘a strange position with the animal’. DNA tests confirmed that sperm found in the goat matched the worker.

Plenty to like

CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s social media comments about Kylian Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid has taken the internet by storm.

Ronaldo’s post attracted over 5.1 million likes - apparently the highest number of likes for a response to a post.

He beat the previous record held by TikTok content creator and influencer, Dylan Page.