Olive Press Mallorca issue 193

APOCALYPSE

Up to 200 dead including babies, children and the elderly as Spain calls three days of mourning after historic storm

IT will go down as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Spanish history.

At least 158 people have been killed with hundreds missing after devastating DANA storms, which brought almost 500 mm of rainfall on Tuesday - the average for a normal year. Tragically, among the dead are the most vulnerable members of society, including babies, children and elderly nursing home patients.

Three days of official mourning

By Laurence Dollimore

have been called as bodies continue to be recovered from the wreckage, as police sources expect the death toll to rise, with many people still missing - most around Valencia. Collapsed roads, hundreds of washed up cars and fallen trees are just some of the examples of the

devastation caused by Spain's 'worst natural disaster of the century'.

Described as a 'zombie apocalypse', in the ‘ground zero’ of Paiporta, where torrential rain destroyed a bridge, at least 36 bodies were found, including a baby, two men and a woman. Five more were found in a nursing home for the elderly in L'Horta Sud. In Torrent the dead included two children and another baby.

In Utiel, at least six people are confirmed to have died in the area of Las Fuentes - all of them elderly and alone at the time of their deaths.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez yesterday visited Valencia to pay his respects to the dead and to assess the damage, which will run into the billions.

The last big DANA storm that hit the Vega Baja in 2019 caused €2.3 billion of damage.

“We are going to help you with all the resources of the state and the European Union if necessary,” said Sanchez, during a live news flash on Wednesday.

RESCUE: Emergency services helicoptered a woman and her pets to safety

See Animal rescue drama on page 3

“Spain will give the best of itself. Let’s pitch in. Let us support, united in pain, those who have lost their loved ones… united, we will re -

build your streets. The whole of Spain is with you.”

It comes as King Felipe VI issued a statement saying he was ‘devastated’ by the events as he offered his ‘deepest condolences’ to the loved ones of the deceased.

DISASTER FOCUS

Cars bobbed around as if they were in a fish tank

As the death toll climbs towards 200 and the damage is estimated to reach into the billions, Alex Trelinski explores why Paiportawhere many of those diedbecame ‘like a mousetrap’

IT was around 7pm and the middle of the rush-hour as locals and families headed back to their homes in the Valencia commuter town of Paiporta.

The town of 27,000 people, which has three metro lines into Valencia, had already been warned of the heavy floods that were expected to hit on Tuesday evening.

But, nobody - including even members of the local Guardia Civil police force - could have predicted what was about to hit them.

Over the next couple of hours hundreds of people got trapped in their cars as flood waters from the shocking DANA storms inundated the streets.

And the death toll in the Valencian town alone - so far, at least 36 tragic souls - would end up being much higher than any other natural disaster in Spain this century.

At least half of the deaths confirmed by 8pm last night were in Paiporta, when the River Payo burst its banks after up to 300 litres of rain/ metre square fell in just a few hours.

This included at least five people at a nursing home and two Guardia Civil officers in the town’s barracks, while a third is currently still missing.

"Paiporta became a mousetrap, the cars floated as if they were in a fish tank," said one resident. "You could hear trapped people calling for help."

The Guardia Civil barracks in the town was flooded and some officers oddly decided to take shelter in the basement before being overcome by the floodwater.

The death of two officers has been confirmed with a third one missing, along with the girlfriend of one of the men.

Other bodies found, included a baby, and a family with two children.

In dramatic footage Spain became glued to TV sets through the night as images emerged of people being airlifted from homes, while one woman live streamed while standing up a tree, surrounded with flood water.

In terms of sheer rain volume, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) said this week's deluge was equivalent to levels last seen in October 1982.

ter in Valencia when in 1957 the Turia River flooded, claiming 81 lives. Many areas around Valencia province suffered from power cuts and mobile phone service disruption - hindering rescue efforts

I managed to get out of the car and the force of the water rammed me against a fence that I somehow managed to hold onto, but I simply couldn’t move, It tore off my clothes but I did not want to die. I refused to let go

The highest rainfall fell in Chiva which had 491 litres per metre square (or 491mm) in just eight hours - the equivalent to 12 months of rainfall.

The death toll has already exceeded to exceed the previous largest natural disas -

Power company Iberdrola said around 155,000 homes lost supplies. In Carlet, the bridge over the river Magro collapsed on Wednesday due to the flood water, while a tornado ripped off roofs of industrial estate buildings next to the A-7. So strong was the wind that up to a dozen lorries were blown over on the same motorway.

Another bridge gave way in Ribarroja - ironically built in the wake of the great flood of 1957.

Bringing back sad memories

MALLORCA suffered its own tragedy from flooding six years ago when 13 people, including a British couple, died.

Dozens of people had to abandon their cars and swim to safety when the October 9 floods first started.

The Sant Llorenç torrent burst open and suddenly flooded the streets, with locals faced with a wall of water bearing down on them.

Hundreds of people had to be rescued from their rooftops, balconies and trees they had climbed to escape the rising water.

The Spanish Army joined hundreds of firefighters and police officers who worked through the night to at-

tempt to locate some of the dozens that were still missing. Extra military back up from Valencia came the following morning and all schools on the island were closed that day.

The first death reported was an elderly man who was in his own basement in Sant Llorenç when a sudden gush of water flooded the room and drowned him.

FLASHBACK: Our shocking front page story in 2018

A British couple died when their taxi was suddenly hit by the rushing waters. One man drowned in S’Illot while trying to rescue his animals, while the former mayor of Arta, Rafael Gili, 71, also died. In total, 13 people were killed in the tragedy.

APOCALYPTIC: Scenes of cars left buried in debris and half submerged in city streets give just a taste of the devastation caused by the flash floods that hit the region

DISASTER FOCUS

MALLORCA TO THE RESCUE

DESPITE being battered by torrential rains and flooding, Mallorca has sent over its own rescue workers to the Valencia disaster.

The contingent from the Balearic Islands was mobilised early on Tuesday morning, just hours after record rainfall lashed the Valencia region, claiming up to 200 lives so far.

Mallorca and Palma firefighters, Red Cross personnel, nature reserve workers, paramedics and local police all made the journey as the scale of the destruction became clear. The local responders are collaborating with

The river Jucar overflowed in Cullera where 26 people were rescued, two of them minors, as well as 11 animals.

Dozens of people spent Tuesday night stranded in trucks or cars, as well as on rooftops and bridges, waiting to be rescued.

A helicopter was brought in to rescue a stranded truck driver in Alzira.

There have been many firsthand accounts of people fleeing the flood water and spending the night in community and sports centres.

Around 50 people took shelter at the Petxina sports complex, for example, where a man giving his name as ‘Paco’ said he was lucky to be alive after he was caught up

their Valencia counterparts on rescue and recovery efforts, with the Balearic Rescue Group coordinating the relief mission.

Balearic authorities say the priority is ensuring emergency cover is maintained on the islands themselves while contributing vital support to the relief efforts across the Valencian Community.

Meanwhile, Manacor suffered flooding after recording 120mm of rain, while nearby Port Cristo was also struck.

More heavy rain is forecast over the Balearics this weekend, but not the deluge that dumped 500mm on parts of Valencia.

in a torrent of water and suffered bruises and scratches trying to cling onto anything he could.

“The speed of the water was insane,” he said.

He was returning to his home in Picassent from Valencia on a journey of just a few kilometres.

"The water dragged away cars and we simply didn't have enough time to drive out of there,” he explained.

“I managed to get out of the car and the force of the water rammed me against a fence that I somehow managed to hold onto, but I simply couldn't move,” he recounted.

“It tore off my clothes but I did not want to die. I refused

to let go.”

Miraculously he withstood the onslaught of the torrent and managed to walk away, largely unscathed.

Hundreds of relatives of people who are still missing have appealed for information.

“The last time I spoke to my son was late in the evening, when the water was up to his waist and he has not replied since then,” a woman said about her son who was working in Benetusser.

At least half a dozen people became floodwater victims near the inland town of Utiel, while one woman, 86, died in Cuenca, in Castilla la Mancha.

The floods caused 49 cancellations at Valencia Airport

with 30 flights diverted to other areas including Alicante-Elche airport.

Flights resumed - albeit with delays - on Wednesday. Rail services were suspended on long-distance lines in and out of Valencia City as well as local commuter services.

Schools and colleges have been closed in Valencia since Tuesday with the ports at Valencia and Sa -

rights party is coordinating efforts to help shelters and posted multiple appeals, seeking help.

At the El Refugio de Maria, in Sueca, dozens of ani-

mals are in danger after the shelter lost all its vehicles to rescue them. Meanwhile, a video of a woman (above) bravely holding onto her dog and cats has gone viral as she was airlifted to safety in Utiel. She is seen up to her waist in fast moving murky water, before being saved by a fireman.

shut to maritime traffic.

More than 60 roads were affected by the floods, including the A-7 motorway.

King Felipe said he was 'devastated by what had happened and sent his 'deepest condolences' to the families and friends of those who had died'.

“Strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected,” he added, as well as paying tribute to all the emergency services and armed forces for their 'titanic' work.

Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, said the government will put 'all the necessary means for as long as necessary' to help flood victims.

"The whole of Spain is crying, and we are going to put all the necessary means for as long as it takes so that we can recover from this tragedy, we are not going to leave you alone," he stressed.

Care home horror

FIVE elderly people drowned after their care home was flooded as they were being served their dinner. Workers were able to rescue another 115 residents in the Paiporta home by moving them to the first floor. Horrific imagery showed dozens of wheelchair-bound residents sitting amid a tor- rent of water.

Silver lining

ONE beneficiary of the dead- ly rains have been Spain’s long-suffering reservoirs. Water levels in the Forata res- ervoir jumped nearly 600% in six hours.

The sudden inrush of water was so intense that officials were afraid it might over- whelm the dam, with a stag- gering 2,000 litres per second passing through.

Disbanding dispute

VALENCIA president Carlos Mazon has come under fire for disbanding the Valencian Emergency Unit (UVE) a year ago. It was designed to improve co- ordination between public bod- ies in the event of emergencies. But Mazon defended his ac- tions saying it was merely a ‘fictitious, phantom agency’ that had ‘zero firefighters, zero resources and zero efficiency’.

THOUSANDS of animals have been left without food, water and shelter as floods continue to batter the Valencia region. Spain’s PACMA animal

gunto

UNBELIEVABLE: Catarroja streets were left buried by piles of cars that choked its roads

Cute conservation

TWO adorable but endangered sloths named Reina and Flo have taken up residence in Bioparc Fuengirola.

The pair have moved into an expanded recreation of the South American rainforest as part of a European conservation program aimed at protecting these remarkably gentle and peaceful animals.

One of the myths sur rounding sloths is that their slow-moving lifestyle is due to laziness or inactivity, when in real ity it is an adaptation to their environment. However, these gentle creatures face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

HEAVEN OR HELLRAISER?

JONNY ‘Hellraiser’ Elraiz has quietly been making a name for himself providing food and support for hundreds of homeless people around Benidorm.

Raising hell on the stage and heaven on the streets, Jonny ‘Hellraiser’ Elraiz is behind Benidorm’s City Streets project, providing food and support to the city’s homeless.

Tattoos, piercings and a long black beard, Jonny Elraiz is not a stereotypical charity boss, but the 50-year-old metal musician is nonetheless ‘determined to change the world.’

Originally from South East London, Elraiz began helping

“It’s better to have a fence at the top of a cliff than a fleet of ambulances at the bottom,” explains one of Spain’s most unusual yet big-hearted British expats

ways done stuff for the homeless because I know what it's like, I am an ex-heroin addict and was on the streets of London. I’ve been clean for 22 years now,” he told the Olive Press

“As a musician I had a lot of free time during the pandemic so I started giving out food.

Covid marked a transfer of wealth from the bottom to the top

By Yzabelle Bostyn

and now, the population is in crisis, the idea of becoming a homeowner resigned to the history books.”

After working with existing charity Project4All for three years, Elraiz established City Streets in Benidorm, providing food and assistance to the city’s homeless.

The non-profit helps people from all over the world who have found themselves living on the streets. Their team of 12 volunteers is also international, with a mix of expats and Spaniards helping out. They work together with local restaurants and the British Consulate to help with documentation, repatriation, clothing, food and more.

“It’s better to have a fence at the top of a cliff than a fleet of

ambulances at the bottom,” Elraiz said.

“We’re not Deliveroo for the poor, the food serves as a way to start conversations and build relationships so we can help get people off the streets.”

For Elraiz, a typical day starts at 9am and between food rounds and metal gigs, doesn’t finish until 4am.

He is part of many bands, including White Coast Rebels, who are preparing to launch their second album after their European tour.

“People think we only sing about Satan and demons but music, culture and life go hand in hand. It’s heavy metal, but we sing about everything from partying to being angry with the system to falling in love,” Elraiz said.

One of their videos, Hanging with the Bad Boys, even includes a cameo from Benidorm royalty, Johnny Vegas.

A rebel at heart, Elraiz even named three of his children after rock’s finest: Elvis, Axel and Ozzy.

To catch him in Hellraizer mode, catch a show at any of their ‘sin city’ favourites: the Heartbreak Hotel Benidorm, The Million Dollar Bar, The Western Saloon or The Crown.

Learn more about City Streets Community Project by visiting their website: citystreets.es

A BIT BLUNT

IT’S a celebrity spat up there with his brother’s personal battle with Robbie Williams. It came after Noel Gallaher risked the wrath of one of the UK’s most popular singer/songwriters, James Blunt.

The Oasis star slagged off his neighbour in Ibiza, claiming he had sold his property there because he didn’t want to live next to Blunt.

He blurted out in an interview with Time Out: “I simply didn’t want him (Blunt) as a

neighbour.” He added he had sold his villa for €6.6 million because he couldn’t stand Blunt ‘writing his shit songs down the road from him’.

Blunt recently told a podcast Gallagher leaving had led to a bounce in house prices.

“He said he was leaving Ibiza and prices subsequently went up after he left,” he joked. Gallaher had originally bought the property from Tubular Bells star Mike Oldfield for €3 million in 1999.

By George and Harry

€4.3million

Harry and wife Meghan Markle bought the off-plan home in Melides, on the western coast, south of LisThe Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club development will house 300 properties spread across 722 acres.

George and Amal Clooney are also said to be interested in buying a home there, according to Hello magazine. Harry and Meghan stopped off for a ‘romantic’ break in Melides, in Alentejo, after attending the Invictus games in Germany last year. They met up with Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie at her home on the Atlantic coast.

Surrounded by rolling rice fields, azure waters, and pristine beaches, the town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

PRINCE Harry has reportedly splashed

on a luxury Portugal property, alongside one snapped up by Hollywood star George Clooney.

Photo by Fran Cea Photography

Top of the pops

The love affair with the Balearics continues as the islands welcome more visitors in September than any other part of Spain

THE Balearic Islands have once again proven to be the destination of choice in Spain for both domestic and international tourists in September.

The islands hosted over 2.1 million travellers, a 5.9% bump compared to the same month last year.

These numbers work out as 11,038,002 overnight stays, which is a 4.1% annual increase.

The numbers of both Spanish and foreign tourists rose uniformly.

Of the former, there was a 5.7% increase to 248,515 visitors, while the latter saw a 5.9% rise to 1,861,538.

Overnight stays for domestic visitors just failed to breach the one million mark (909,814) despite a 3.6% rise.

But the number of overnight stays for their international counterparts increased by 4.2%, propelling them past the 10 million mark.

Notably, rural tourism has seen a particularly strong growth, with the Balearic Islands becoming Spain's favourite destination for those seeking a jaunt to the countryside and nature-based experience.

Catalunya ran the Balearics a close second for visitors, welcoming 2.03 million, followed by Andalucia with

Scoffed at

SUPERMARKET staff in Son Oliva store were left stunned after spotting a woman eating raw minced meat straight from the packaging.

Security cameras spotted a woman acting suspiciously ‘hiding’ in a corner.

Suspecting a shoplifter, staff approached only to find her gulping the mince down.

The woman, who didn’t speak Spanish, refused to pay for the meat, and when staff confronted her, she became agitated and aggressive.

When staff threatened to call the police, the mysterious meat-eater fled the scene.

DODGY LABELS

A WINE distributor in Calvia has been caught red-handed in a major wine fraud scandal.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agri-Food Quality unit have seized nearly 1,500 bottles falsely labeled as Mallorcan wine – when, in reality, they’re filled with vino from Navarre.

The bust was set in motion after a tip-off from members of the local wine industry, whose members raised the alarm over the bogus bottles.

Investigators quickly discovered that the distributor had created labels and branding that screamed ‘Mallorca’ on bottles of cheap and poor quality plonk.

Agri-Food Quality Director Joan Llabres vowed that his team would continue to crack down on false labeling. “We take every complaint seriously,” he declared. “Genuine Mallorcan wine is protected by strict regulations, and we won’t stand by while consumers and honest local producers are deceived.”

By Walter Finch

1.4 million and the Valencia Community with 1.2 million.

Overall, Spain received 9.6 million international tourists in September, a 9.1% increase year-on-year, maintaining the breakneck growth in the country’s tourism sector.

Kicked out

A 100-year-old woman and her 83-yearold son have lost their home in Mallorca after not being able to pay their mortgage. Felipe Vidal and his mother, Juana Martina had been living in their house for 20 years on their state €480 a month pension.

He said: “There’s no way out, only god or misery.”

Previously, they had been living with a nephew who has to move to Madrid, leaving his relatives with no options.

The pair are now being helped by the Balearic Housing Institute (Ibavi) after they attended a housing protest.

The demonstration was organised by the Platform for Mortgage Victims (PAH) and took place in the Plaza de España on Monday, October 28.

YOUR EXPAT INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE

A

Voted top expat paper in Spain

OPINION

Not a joke!

IF we have learnt anything this week, it is that the weather alerts issued by Spain’s official state weather agency Aemet are not a joke and must be taken seriously.

Tragically, dozens of people have lost their lives across Andalucia, Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha this week due to a devastating DANA storm. In the days running up to the weather phenomenon, the Olive Press, as ever, reported on the many alerts announced by the boffins at Aemet. While many do take them seriously and pay attention, there are many expats and locals who respond with laughing emojis or comments accusing us of exaggerating the threat.

Toll

Well, we certainly hope no one is laughing now. At the time of publication, over 100 people have been killed by the extreme weather, including a 71-year-old British expat who suffered a stroke and later organ failure after being struck with hypothermia during the flooding in Malaga. Elsewhere, scores of elderly people, children and even babies have been confirmed among the death toll.

And that’s before we even think about the number of animals decimated by the disaster. The Olive Press will only ever report what has been forecast by expert meteorologists at Aemet or other respected services like El Tiempo. We are not trying to ‘scaremonger’ or whip our readers up into a frenzy, but convey the real threat the weather can bring.

To NOT report the emergency alerts from Aemet would be incredibly irresponsible for any news organisation.

We send our heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends of the deceased.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es

Cole Sinanian cole@theolivepress.es

ISP CATCHER

As a British pensioner loses his extradition battle to face a money-laundering trial, his claims of being a secret 007-style agent for Spain will come under the spotlight

T sounds like a long-running spy novel series, each book more implausible.

But in the tortuous saga of British accountant Paul Blanchard, everything now depends on a panel of Appeal Court judges that his life is anything but fiction.

The stakes could not be higher for the 79-year-

By Walter Finch

one of the trials of the decade in Madrid and shed a light on his incredible connections to some of the world’s scariest mafia figures. He came into contact with many - including former British Public Enemies John Palmer and Kenneth Noye - during his years spent living in Tenerife. That he is not denying.

But what he claims is that he was actually

an undercover agent for Spanish intelligence, codenamed Isabella during his years on the island.

In a fascinating interview with the Olive Press he claims to have spied on these organised gangsters, as well as numerous terrorists to boot, including members of Al Qaeda and even the IRA.

Regularly supplying Madrid with a slew of information, everything had been fine until his handlers ‘threw him under the bus’ in 2004. It came after Blanchard became the personal accountant for Mo-

COCO’S CHECKLIST

As Coco the cat inspires calls for a new carbon monoxide law, Dilip Kuner looks at vital checks you should make every year - they could save your life

ANEW law inspired by a cat named Coco would require all homes to be fitted with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

The idea, being floated by Olive Press readers, stems from a potentially life-saving event when Debbie Lush (below), an expat, noticed her cat persistently meowing at her water boiler.

As reported on our front page last issue, the simple purchase of a CO detector led to her finding a deadly gas leak, which could have been fatal without Coco’s relentless warnings. She was lucky, but the issue highlights the need for stricter home safety regulations to prevent future tragedies, which happen all too often in Spain each year.

We have reported on too many deaths over the years, with the most recent involving the suffocation of a Dutch tourist, 21, who was overcome by CO when a bird’s nest blocked a ventilation pipe in Mallorca.

While Coco’s Law - as we think it should be known - focuses on one particularly deadly danger, there are a host of checks that homeowners and landlords should make every year.

From inspecting gas boilers to testing smoke detectors, an annual home safety inspection is a proactive way to safeguard your property and loved ones.

By Dilip Kuner

Here’s a guide to help you carry out a thorough check of your home’s critical areas.

GAS BOILERS

Gas boilers are essential for heating and hot water, but they can pose risks if not properly maintained - as emphasised by a plan for a Coco’s Law.

An annual service is not only critical to prevent CO leaks and ensure efficient operation but actually required by law. These should be pre-arranged with a reputable firm, via your gas provider.

Do not fall foul of the ‘gas man scam’ where a stranger knocks on your door with no appointment and over charges you hundreds of euros for a ‘check’.

A proper technician will check for leaks, test combustion levels, and ensure proper ventila tion.

As a householder you can check for visible signs of damage and always look for potential leaks, unusual noises, or changes in performance.

A feared mafia boss, he owned and ran numerous timeshare firms and their security alongside his partner John ‘Goldfinger’ Palmer, who smelted the gold from the infamous Brink’s-Mat gold heist at Heathrow Airport in 1983 (recently turned into a BBC drama called The Gold). Blanchard met them both (and many more) and, assuming his appeal is unsuccessful, he will tell all about his life at a showpiece trial in Madrid, likely next year.

Here, the Olive Press pours over the fascinating life of the ‘undercover agent’.

Mixing it up with Mo

Blanchard met Lebanese businessman Mohamed ‘Mo’ Derbah, in Tenerife, in 1999. He wanted advice on how to invest (read launder) the proceeds of his timeshare business that, unknown to Blanchard, was a notorious scam that defrauded 17,000 holidaying Brits. He should have thought twice and turned down the offer, but once he had agreed to help he got quickly drawn into a world of intrigue and criminality.

This included Mo ordering him to make a false deposition against a rival to take over his business – all with the connivance of the island’s police.

When he finally confronted him and threatened to go to the authorities, Mo replied: ‘You don’t have the balls’.

Fearful for his life, Blanchard claims he contacted Scotland Yard in July 2001, who set him up

CO detectors have a test button. Check each unit annually and replace batteries or the entire unit as needed.

SMOKE DETECTORS

Smoke detectors are your first line of defence in case of a fire. An annual inspection ensures they will function when needed. Press the test button on each detector to verify the alarm is working. Replace any that fail the test. Even if your detectors appear to be working, it’s advisable to change batteries annually to avoid any unexpected failures. Smoke detectors have a lifespan of about 10 years. If yours is older, replace it entirely.

Electrical Appliances

Faulty electrical appliances can cause shocks, fires, or short circuits, making it important to check their condition annually.

Coco’s Law calls for compulsory CO detectors, because they are not yet mandatory in Spain, unlike in the UK and Ireland.

Check for frayed wires, exposed conductors, or any damage to plugs. Replace or repair faulty cables immediately.

Test circuit interrupters, which protect against electric shock and electrical fires,

hamed Derbah - known as the ‘Godfather of Tenerife’ - in 1999.

BFFS: Blanchard (left) and mob boss Derbah in happier times

EXTRADITED: Paul Blanchard claims to have lived the life of a real-life 007

with a meeting with an agent from Spanish intelligence at the Novotel Hotel in Madrid.

Just five months later, Mo was arrested on charges including money laundering, arms dealing and potential ties to Middle Eastern terror groups. Meanwhile, Blanchard’s Spanish handlers urge him to get out of the country.

And understandably so as Mo spent just 10 months in jail before getting bail for a trial that never happened, thanks to the slow wheels of Spanish justice. Mo has remained a free man and become something of a pillar of the Tenerife business community, even recently dabbling in local politics

Yet there is a sting in the tail for Mo as Spain’s High Court has confirmed to the Olive Press he will finally face trial in Madrid over the coming months.

tently told the Policia Nacional in Malaga he was working undercover.

This seriously angered Muñoz when the queries were run up the flagpole and he was forced to intervene.

He came across the names of the July 7 bombers in London a year before they killed 52 people

If Blanchard is successfully extradited to Spain, he will stand in a parallel trial to his one-time business associate – in spite of his claimed assistance in catching him.

My Spanish handlers

A pair of Spanish intelligence officers became Blanchard’s handlers –and his only lifeline to the law-abiding world he had left behind.

Inspector Fernando Muñoz, based in Madrid, was his primary contact, providing detailed instructions, guidance, and assurances of protection for him throughout. Meanwhile, an officer called ‘Enrique Esteban’ guided him during spying on terror groups. The relationship was healthy until Blanchard inadver-

TIMESHARE: Alleged ‘Tenerife godfather’ Derbah will stand trial thanks to Blanchard’s evidence

“Don’t speak with other people about our issues - about Mohamed or terrorism,” the officer told Blanchard in a recorded phone call, the Olive Press has had access to.

Fearing the worst and he was about to be hung out and dried, he had a meeting with the pair in Madrid in May 2004.

He asked for assurance that the pair would acknowl-

UNDERCOVER: Blanchard claims he was recruited by Spanish intelligence to

edge his role if the UK authorities got involved.

Muñoz allegedly delivered a chilling response: “No, no, no,” he allegedly told him.

“That’s impossible, the relationship.....it’s not working.

“They [Spanish intelligence] would deny any involvement.”

The disavowal marked the start of his problems, which continue today.

Moscow mafia and the hit on Palmer

He was soon helping Lebanese billionaire Edmond Hamid, who had amassed a €25 billion fortune through dodgy dealings with the Kremlin.

He hired the accountant to help him hide his wealth, create a new identity and ride off into the sunset.

Blanchard got wind that part of Hamid’s fortune had been unwisely invested in a shadowy fund known as ‘Project Moscow’ allegedly via the help of a British fixer called Scott Young.

UK-based Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky was another investor in the lucrative venture, of which

RISK: gas boilers must be checked regularly

by pressing the test and reset buttons. For safety and energy efficiency, unplug appliances that are not used regularly. And take care with mobile phone chargers. Recently four members of one family in Sevilla died in a blaze that started when a phone overheated when left on a sofa to charge overnight.

COOKERS AND OVENS

Both gas and electric cookers can pose safety hazards, so an annual check is essential for preventing fires and other accidents. Make sure all stove burners and heating elements are working properly. For gas stoves, check for any blockages that could result in gas buildup.

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and contact a professional for an inspection.

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN

Go over your home’s emergency exits with your family and make sure everyone knows the quickest way out in case of fire or another emergency.

It is also a good idea, especially if you have small children, to have a fire drill at least once a year to ensure everyone knows their role and escape route. Choose a safe place outside where your

family can meet after evacuating.

CARS AND GARAGES

Cars and garages also need attention in your home safety checklist, as they can present risks such as fires, toxic fumes, or accidents.

Regularly inspect your car’s tyres, brakes, and battery to ensure they’re in safe condition. Schedule any necessary repairs with a professional mechanic. And make sure your garage is well-ventilated to prevent a buildup of exhaust fumes, which can seep into living areas.

OUTDOOR SAFETY

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior for safety checks. Check for any loose or damaged tiles on the roof, which will allow for water seepage.

Clean the gutters of leaves and debris to prevent water damage.

Overgrown vegetation near your home can cause damage or become a fire hazard, particularly in Spain’s scorching summers. Keep trees and bushes trimmed, especially those near electrical lines. And check that outdoor electrical outlets are weatherproof and functioning properly so you don’t have a shocking experience when you mow the lawn!

little is truly known – but is thought to have enjoyed the guiding hand of President Putin.

Hamid was tipped off by Russian security services to get out just in time, but Young was accused of ‘skimming off the top’ and ‘fell to his death’ out of a window.

Berezovsky, meanwhile, was found to have ‘committed suicide’ in his Berkshire mansion in 2013.

Both were killed by a trio of Bulgarian brothers known as ‘the Sofia Three’, Blanchard told the Olive Press, a trio who specialised in deadly and untraceable poisons.

He claims the hitmen were also responsible for the unsolved death of Palmer, who was gunned down outside his British home in 2015 on the orders of the Russian mafia.

A dalliance with the Irish Republican army Blanchard claims he was recruited to delve into the overlapping worlds of organised crime and terrorist financing in Spain.

He was tasked with actively investigating a fraud suspected to involve Irish Republicans and telecommunications giant Lucent in 2003 (today Alcatel-Lucent).

Under the cover of a reputable corporate services company, Blanchard reported that two IRA operatives (one named ‘John’) had held middleman John Allin (a serial fraudster) captive and put a gun to his head as their scheme unravelled.

According to his investigations, money syphoned off from the company was used to bribe the very judges in Spain who were investigating the fraud.

My tip off about the London bombers

The most astonishing claim is that he came across the names of the July 7 bombers in London a year before they killed 52 people and injured 700.

He says he saw the names of 7/7 terrorists Mohammed Sidique Khan and Shehzad Tanweer when Malaga police asked him to inspect the phone of Allin, who had allegedly been helping funnel money to the IRA.

He was then ordered to attend a meeting at the Meridian Hotel in London in 2003 with the future suicide bombers.

At the meeting, Blanchard played the helpful white-collar enabler as they discussed transferring €10 million to be withdrawn in cash from a bank in Spain.

He got an inkling of what they were up to when he noticed that Khan was nervous about his face being captured on CCTV.

Meanwhile, Allin was happy to lend his fraud and IRA-financing talents to the jihadis.

“Mohammed Khan masterminded the theft of £375,000 from the NatWest bank in Derby in the UK, and then transferred the money to Spain,” Blanchard told the Olive Press.

“It was all withdrawn in cash to fund terrorist activities.”

Both the names of Khan and Tanweer were included in a report to Muñoz on May 17, 2004, which was later faxed to MI5 – but never acted upon.

A CLUCKIN’ RESULT!

Chicken shop sees surge in sales and recognition after taking out an advert with the Olive Press

WHEN the general manager of Estepona’s Pollo de La Mar took out advertising with the Olive Press, she had little idea of what was in store.

As well as the usual advert in the newspaper, we interviewed Lisanne, 26, for a special article that immortalised her as the ‘Chicken Girl’.

Not even a day later, she was being stopped in the street after the article received tens of thousands of hits.

As she reminisced to this newspaper: “The morning after it was published, I was walking in the port when at least two or three people from other businesses told me they had seen me on the Olive Press Facebook page.

“And I hadn’t even seen it yet, so I was like ‘you saw me’?... And then it never stopped.”

Lisanne added: “Customers were coming into the restaurant because they had seen me in the newspaper and they wanted to try the chicken, both new clients and regulars.

Impact

“People would stop me and say ‘hey Chicken Girl, how are you doing’?”

But the reach and the impact of the advert went far beyond just the confined corners of Estepona Port.

Lisanne explained: “I was getting messages on Facebook from people sending me the link or screenshots, or people who saw it on their Google feed. In fact it went far beyond the Costa del Sol.

“I saw a lady at a wedding whose mum lives in England – she told me her mum had seen the advert and that next time she comes for a visit she wants to visit my restaurant! That’s when I realised it had gone way bigger than I expected.”

Business has been booming for Lisanne, who says she’s so proud of her team, her business, and herself for what they've been able to achieve.

“It has been really positive,” she concluded.

“People came to the restaurant because they wanted to try it out after what they had seen in the newspaper, it really worked!”

VILLAINS: Kenneth Noye (left) and John ‘Goldfinger’ Palmer

spy on gangsters and terrorists

Not wanted

TOURISM beds in Mallorca may soon be slashed by 40% if a new proposal from the Mes per Mallorca political party gains traction

It has filed a motion urging the Balearic Parliament to make sweeping cuts to tourist accommodation and set an annual cap on visitors.

Party spokesperson Lluis Apesteguia emphasised the need to ‘reduce tourism and diversify the economy’, calling for a ban on private jets, limits on flights, a one-cruise-shipper-day port policy, and halting all tourism promotion.

Growing growing gone

SPAIN’S economic outlook has been upgraded more than any other large economy – including even emerging countries.

The International Monetary Fund has boosted the country’s growth forecast to 2.9% for this year - outpacing the USA and higher than the Spanish government's prediction of 2.7%. The upgrade came between the IMF's spring and autumn meetings, meaning the growth forecast has increased by one full point, outstripping every competitor.

Spain is set to continue its strong performance into 2025, with projections of 2.1% growth.

BI-LINGUO

AN American expat has created a new Spanish learning app to compete with the likes of Duolingo and Rosetta Stone.

Madrid-based entrepreneur Tyler Cole has applied the innovative science of language acquisition and immersion techniques to make learning the language more intuitive. His app, Palteca, helps users learn Spanish as if it were their native tongue, using association, context and memory to learn new words and phrases. Cole, 34, told the Olive Press : “Palteca is

US expat creates ‘innovative’ Spanish learning app to compete with giants like Duolingo

By Yzabelle Bostyn

based on the idea that we don't study language, we acquire it through con-

“We create memories and connect them to these new words.

“For example, when you’re a kid you know an apple is an apple because you’ve seen, held and tasted one and associated it with that word.

“In that sense, the app doesn’t say ‘Hola means Hello’, it says, ‘Hola is a good way to greet someone.’”

The entrepreneur came up with the idea after struggling with Spanish for years, always feeling lost when surrounded by native speakers.

“I found myself in this vicious cycle of going to a Spanish speaking country, coming back super motivated to learn, but getting frustrated and giving up after a

WHERE’S THE MONEY?

DOZENS of public care home workers claim they have not been paid overtime since May this year.

Staff at the Son Caulelles (Portol) government run care home have been forced to make their situation public after administrators failed to act. Managed by the Mallorcan Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS), nurses at the care

Planet of the humans

Dear Olive Press,

AND I thought the UK was WOKE. Nobody wants to cause animals unnecessary suffering. However, precisely because primates are the closest animals to humans they are the most suitable animals on whom to try out life saving drugs.

If an alternative can be found that’s fine but if not then we should not stop medical research – which can save or greatly ameliorate human life – on monkeys. Humans trump monkeys.

In any event the way to achieve the ends at which this putative legislation is directed is to simply to tighten medical research on apes.

My guess is that it is very regulated already but there may be grounds for further restrictions.

What is ludicrous and wholly unnecessary is to re-categorise apes as humans in the hope that this will strengthen the case for legislation.

It will do no such thing. It will be seen for what it is, part of a campaign to wage war on traditional Spanish values. This is a government which would like to ban the corrida (bullfighting), expunge all references to Spain’s fascist past, legalise the position of 500,000 illegal immigrants many of whom have no real connection to Spain and abandon a western looking Israel. It is all part of the international WOKE package, adapted to Spain. It should be rejected.

This is the planet of the humans not the planet of the apes.

El Sapo de Medina, Medina

home claim they have not been paid for night shifts in at least six months. It is also alleged some workers have not been paid overtime worked last Christmas.

One of the affected nurses told Cronica Balear: “They say they’re going to pay us but months have passed and it’s still the same, it’s very sad.”

LETTERS

few months. “I tried everything – traditional teaching methods, books, a dozen apps and I felt like nothing worked.”

Life-changing

Then, on a holiday to Peru, he read a life-changing book that allowed to eventually become fluent using these techniques.

After finally achieving his ‘life-long’ goal of speaking Spanish, he was inspired to help others and set about developing an app using the same, science-backed techniques.

THANK YOU

Two Olive Press readers have very differing views on the Spanish health care system

TOO many people complain about hospital treatment in Spain.

I had a recent life threatening situation and these wonderful people saved my life – they should be proclaimed heroes in my opinion!

From the ambulance crew to the whole hospital staff they made me so calm and reassured, treating me like the only patient in the world.

The facilities and building were immaculate and my room was as good as any five star hotel suite- completely self contained with constant superb care from doctors, nurses, cleaners and caterers with excellent food.

My original reasons for admission was that I suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and had a chest infection compounded by bronchitis and some form of bacterial attack. In other words, it was virtually im-

possible for me to breathe.

From start to recovery they all worked really hard as a fantastic team with determination to get me through this very frightening time. I just want people in the Murcia region to never be afraid if they are admitted to this hospital, you will not get better care anywhere in the world than Los Arcos (above).

My wife and I want to publicly thank this wonderful team of professional and cheerful people who do a marvellous job in saving lives.

Donald Anthony Wilson, Murcia

‘Fake news’ and Covid-19

WHY keep pushing the Covid narrative? It's a scam. Get your brains organised..and stop pedalling total b******s, but no, vaxt*rds like you are so f***ing braindead. Good luck with the jabs, see you in five years, B*LL ENDS. James Richards, via online

Tax not water cuts

BALEARIC president Marga Prohens has announced that a significant portion of Sustainable Tourism Taxes (ITS) will be invested in water management. Focussed on ‘responsible water consumption’, the amount paid will be based on the quantity of water consumed.

It is hoped the changes will increase taxes for large consumers and reduce them for domestic users.

The plan will be proposed at the next meeting of the Sustainable Tourism Tax Commission.

ALDI EXPANDS

ALDI is planning to open around 20 new stores in Spain in the next two months, boosting its presence in Andalusia and the Valencian Community. To support the expansion, the German discounter is also investing in its logistics infrastructure and hiring new employees. Aldi now has over 450 outlets in the country and aims to open up new stores in the Cadiz, Malaga, and Sevilla areas as well as Alicante and Valencia. In Madrid, the company is expanding its distribution centre and has just opened a third supermarket. Recently, Aldi reduced the prices of over 600 products.

Housing fears

IT all started with too much protection for non-paying tenants and squatters. Holiday lets are much more hassle than long term rental. Linen changes, overuse of water and electricity, less caring occupiers because there’s a relatively small deposit, more disturbance of neighbours, etc.

The net return after management costs, owners time, etc is more important.

It’s fear of long term occupiers with rent increase restrictions that resulted in the housing shortage.

These protections have been tried many times worldwide and always make matters worse. Eventually they are removed, more long term become available as they are less hassle for the owners, and the market stabilises, but at a higher rent level than before the restrictions started.

Campbell D Ferguson, Survey Spain

When we arrived in Spain from the UK four years ago, we could buy fully skimmed fresh milk (leche fresca desnatada) in almost every supermarket chain.

But bit by bit over the last 18 months, it has been only available to a few supermarkets, and then recently to only Dia, Carrefour and Consum.

Last week we tried all three of these supermarkets to no avail and when asked, we were told ‘issue at factory, but don’t know if we will stock again.’

I would be grateful if you could investigate as neither my husband or myself can take milk in any other form.

It seems a very backward step to stop producing a healthy product which a lot of people buy.

Valerie Walker, via email

LA CULTURA

December 12th

DEEP DIVE

A SPECTACULAR Roman forum has been discovered that experts believe was used to help integrate new tribes into the empire.

The discovery, in the mountain town of Ubrique, Cadiz, has revealed an impressive complex of public buildings dating from the 1st to 5th centuries AD.

Excavators uncovered a central square's wall stretching 16 metres in length, along with what has been described as a 'monumental altar' decorated with elaborate architectural features including column bases, shafts, and statue pedestals.

Scholar

The discovery vindicates 18th century scholar Juan Vegazo, who first suggested the central terrace of Ubrique's hill concealed an ancient Roman forum – a gathering place that would have been the heart of social and political life. The team believe the complex played a key role in what they term 'hybridisation' - the process by which Rome absorbed and integrated local communities that were already settled in the area.

Archeologists begin recovery of 2,600-year-old Phoenician wreck –the most complete ever discovered

WORK has begun on the amphibious excavation of an ancient Phoenician trading ship off the coast of Murcia.

The remarkably well-preserved vessel, dubbed Mazarron 2, is believed to be the most complete ancient ship ever found in the Mediterranean.

An expert team of specialists

By Walter Finch

from the Universitat de Valencia have been painstakingly working to extract the ship’s contents since last month. They even had to put up a barrier of buoys to cordon off the archeological site during the tourist season to keep curious

FRAGILE: Researchers had to cordon off the site from tourists

Stars colliding

ROCK legend Lenny Kravitz will play three gigs in Spain early in April next year. The American singer will visit A Coruña, Madrid and Pamplona as part of the Blue Electric Light Tour. It is part of the star’s huge European tour stretching from France, to Germany to Spain.

onlookers at bay from the incredibly fragile artefacts.

So far the team has recovered fragments of ropes and pieces of pottery that

ANCIENT: The wreck could valuable insights

Do as the Romans Pedro

for peace

SPANISH director Pedro Almodovar (pictured) has urged Pedro Sanchez to ‘take urgent measures to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel.’

have remained hidden beneath the seabed for centuries, providing an insight into the lives of the sailors who once sailed these waters.

The artefacts, once properly excavated and preserved, will offer tantalising clues about the ship’s construction, cargo, and the daily lives of its crew.

Experts believe that the learnings from the Mazarron 2 could revolutionise current understanding of life at sea and shipping during Phoenician times.

To help them along, Spain’s Ministry of Culture has kitted the team out with advanced technology, including air compressors and motor pumps that allow the suction of sediments under water.

The experts have even created 3D models of the wreck, which has been divided into 22 pieces.

It has allowed them to foresee and anticipate potential problems during the planning and

execution of the incredibly challenging excavation.

The team hopes to complete the excavation by early November, but the timeline could be affected by weather conditions.

Once the artefacts have been recovered, they will undergo a meticulous conservation process before being put on display in a museum.

Empire

The Phoenician Empire flourished in the eastern Mediterranean region, primarily centred around the modern-day countries of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel from around 1500 BCE. They established trading posts and colonies throughout the Mediterranean, including in North Africa, Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula and were one of the pre-eminent ancient powers in the region until - like so many empires, they were conquered and finished off by the Romans in the first century.

In a 10-page letter signed by members of Spain’s cultural industry, supporters expressed their ‘profound concern regarding the oppression and violence suffered by the Palestinian people under the Israeli genocide, aparthied and occupation.’

Although the Spanish government suspended arms sales to Israel at the start of the conflict, there were pre-authorised deals which still went ahead. “The provision of arms and munition from Spain could be perpetuating and financing the genocide against the Palestinian people, increasing the loss of life and suffering of civilians,” said the statement. “Publically, Spain has said it is in favour of peace. But that is not enough. While Spain has military relations with Israel, it will continue to be complicit.”

COMPETITION: Many of the events now inlude costume contests

TNovember 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES?

HOUGH most souls associate Halloween with glowing jack o’ lanterns and slasher films, the true origins of this haunting holiday are not rooted in America but go farther back to the Celtic tradition.

In fact, the eerie roots of Spanish Halloween can be traced back to Galicia, where ancient Celtic rituals still echo through the mists to this day. Samhain, an ancient Irish festival, was brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Celts thousands of years ago.

the 1980s

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Meaning ‘end of summer,’ Samhain marks the beginning of the Celtic New Year, plunging the world into a shadowy ‘dark period’ that only lifts with the arrival of spring. It is a time when the veil between the living and the dead grows thin, and the spirits of the departed are said to roam freely.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

shadows at bay.

Many of these spooky customs would be familiar to Brits from their childhoods, including the time-honoured practice of apple bobbing. And those Halloween costumes we know so well? They originated from the Celtic practice of wearing grotesque masks to confuse and ward off lurking evil spirits. Meanwhile, the carved pumpkinsonce far more sinister- were said to be fashioned from the skulls of fallen enemies, with a flickering candle inside to frighten away mischievous ghosts.

Celtic new year plunges the world into darkness

On November 1, these old traditions come alive in Spain’s northern regions, marked by rituals that stir the souls of those long passed. Long ago, the druid or village leader would summon the gathering, often held in the heart of dark forests where the flickering light

of a roaring fire kept the lurking

7 “The Great Gatsby” star (6,7) 9 Lower bound (7) 10 What a coincidence! (2,3)

11 Blasting charge (4)

12 CERN guy dispersed pressure (7) 15 Alleged UFO discovery site (7)

16 Take a DNA sample (4) 19 Inexpensive (5) 21 Sacrificed saints (7) 22 Weapons-testing area (7,6)

Toaster debris (6) 2 Dumps (8) 3 It doesn’t pay, they say (5) 4 Unsteerable bus? (4) 5 Heave-ho (4) 6 Total stupidity (6) 8 Injury (6) 12 Address bar reading (1,1,1) 13 Kevin Costner film disturbed Aunty Woo (2,3,3) 14 Oracle’s location (6) 15 Cookbook offering (6) 17 Other than (6) 18 Cornish cathedral city (5)

20 Conscious minds (4) 21 Three Wise Men (4)

Turnips, too, were hollowed out and lit to guide wandering spirits through the mortal realm.

One of the most ghostly Galician rituals is Santa Compaña, a nightmarish procession of the dead. Draped in white and clutching candles, these restless spirits walk solemnly through the town, led by an unfortunate living soul. Dare to peer out of your window during the procession, and legend says you may be cursed to join them in death.

But beware, for the procession’s leader may very well be the last unlucky soul who spied on them the year before.

During Samhain, if someone enters your home, fate may cast its lot - a visit from a troll spells doom, while a fairy’s presence brings blessings.

Even the tradition of ‘trick or treating’, so often cursed as an ‘American invention’, has roots in these ancient Celtic customs.

On the ghostly night of October 31, Celts would knock on doors, asking for offerings of food to honour their dead. Similarly,

TRADITION: Samhain was brought back from the dead

on November 2, in Illa de Arousa (Galicia), children go door to door begging for sweets - sound familiar?

Celtic traditions are not confined to Galicia alone. In Asturias, they hold ban quets in grave yards on Sam hain, feasting with the dead, much like the colourful celebra tions of the Mex ican Dia de los Muertos.

Pumpkins are once again a symbol of death, and in the Gali cian city of Lugo, dried pumpkins are used as macabre masks during February's carnival.

“In Galicia, we are resur recting Samhain to fend off the creeping influence of American Halloween,” said the Galician Tourism Office.

“Across the region, you’ll find rituals such as pumpkin carving, leav ing the dinner table set after All Hallows’ Eve may dine, and lighting bonfires to guide wandering spirits.”

These bonfires are said to keep visiting spirits warm and to purify the town, driving away any malicious forces. They also play a key role in magostos,or chestnut parties, where townsfolk gather around the fire, sipping wine and feasting on roasted chestnuts to celebrate the harvest.

Revival

The modern revival of Samhain in Galicia was sparked by a local teacher, Rafael Lopez Loureiro.

In 1990, when his daughter came home with a pumpkin, it stirred ancient memories of his own childhood, and he set out to revive the tradition. After 13 long years of research, he published his study, Samhain: The Pumpkin Festival.

To revive the tradition, Loureiro reintroduced a pumpkin carving contest in his hometown of Cedeira nearly 30 years ago. Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of Loureiro and the Amigos de Samain, Samhain is celebrated in many Galician towns, including Briz, Allariz, Ferrol, A Coruña, Pontevedra, and Ribadavia.

DELICIOUS: Magostos, orchestnut parties were practiced even in

(1981)

LA CULTURA

Loureiro’s work has drawn some criticism, with detractors calling it an extension of American imperialism disguised as Halloween. “The original purpose of reviving Samhain was to stand against Halloween,” he admitted, “but now it’s become a sort of ‘Hallo-haim’ - a mix of Halloween and Samhain.”

Samhain is only one of four major Celtic celebrations that haunt the calendar year. It is followed by Imbolc on February 1, marking the return of spring; Beltane on May 1, welcoming summer; and Lughnasa on August 1, celebrating the fruit harvest.

November 1, the day after Samhain, is also All Saints Day, thought to have been established by Pope Gregory IV as a way to honour the dead in response to the ancient Celtic tradition.

Halloween, as we know it today, emerged when Irish immigrants brought their ghostly customs to America during the 1840s potato famine. Its name comes from the Scottish phrase ‘All Hallows’ Eve,’ the night before All Saints Day. The first Halloween parade was held in Minnesota in 1921, and the tradition quickly spread across the country. But it wasn’t until the 1970s, with the rise of iconic films like John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978), that the spooky celebration returned to Europe, albeit in a form barely recognisable from its ancient origins.

Photo by M. Bereijo Samain

ENDURING: Young & old have embraced the

Whole hog!

A NEW study has revealed that the amount of wild boars in Spain is set to double by 2025.

Hunting Resources Research Institute (HRRI) revealed the data last week.

Currently, there are almost a million boars in the country, which are often seen in urban areas.

Experts are considering many reasons for this including a lack of food in the countryside, a tendency to avoid their natural predators and rubbish making an easy food source. It comes after a loose hog was stopped running around inner city Madrid.

But it’s not abnormal to see the animals wandering around Malaga, Galicia and even Barcelona in the summertime- better get used to it!

Protests

planned as

new law sanctions giant utility companies to effectively ‘steal’ land for solar projects

LOCALS and landowners around Spain are set to unite to protest Government plans to allow utility companies to expropriate land for green megaprojects.

They are angry that the new Ley de Utilidad Publica has already announced over 1,000 areas that could see fields seized for wind or solar projects.

The territories have been deemed as ‘available for public usage projects’, in an official BOE (Bulletin of the State) issued last week.

While many are nationwide, the bulk are in Andalucia, where over 800 megaprojects are set to be licensed over the next few years.

In Jaen, an incredible area of 714,000 square metres - or 100 football pitches - of olive groves will be lost in the Lopera, Arjona and Marmolejo areas.

Meanwhile in Coin, near Malaga, some 10 million square

FROM BAG TO BIN

SPAIN’S largest retailers are launching a project to identify the best way to recycle used clothing.

A dozen brands will take part in the initiative, which will see six municipalities try out different methods of recycling, next year.

These will include clothes recycling points in shops, commercial centres and even churches.

It comes as the government announced a decree obliging clothing shops to reuse what they produce.

Daylight robbery

By Yzabelle Bostyn

metres of ‘solar estates’ are to be installed.

Protest group Asociacion Valle Rio Grande slammed the ruling, announcing an immediate appeal against taking healthy farmland for renewable energy projects.

“The worst thing is the law means the company doesn’t even have to tell the owner’s they are going to take their land,” spokesman Marisa Casal, told the Olive Press

“It’s theft to steal someone’s private property for the benefit of foreign companies,” she continued.

“And worst of all, the electricity produced almost certainly won’t be staying in Spain.”

As of January 1 next year, local councils will also have to collect used textiles.

It is thought the move could lead to an increase in second hand shops and recycling centres.

Over 900,000 tonnes of clothing is thrown

Name:

Protect the park

ACTIVISTS have urged the government to ban hunting in s’Albufera Natural Park for two years.

She insisted the ‘solar industrial estates’ are not as eco-friendly as promoted.

“They use lots of water, increase temperatures in already hot areas and can leak toxic chemicals into local irrigation systems,” she claimed.

There are projects planned all around the region, including many near the ancient Roman city of Acinipo, near Ronda.

Hundreds of hectares are set to be plastered in solar panels between there are Setenil de las Bodegas, while dozens of schemes are also planned near historic Jimena de la Frontera.

Both areas, famous for their nature and hiking, will be crisscrossed with new electricity lines and pylons.

Other areas effectively sacrificed to giant macro projects are around Granada, Antequera and inland from Manilva.

Heritage

It is believed the process of forced expropriation will start on November 7.

A protest group against the forced expropriation in Jaen, Platforma Campiña Norte, vowed to organise a string

of protests over the coming months.

“We cannot allow our heritage and our way of life to be destroyed.

No trust

The Balearic Ornithological and Nature Defence Group (GOB) made the request to the Agriculture, Fishing and Environment department for ‘conservation’ purposes. They say hunting is ‘counter productive to regeneration efforts’ after recent ‘devastating’ wildfires (pictured above). “While the vegetation recovers, fauna is more vulnerable to hunters as they don’t have any hiding spots,” they said. In the autumn, thousands of birds come to the area from central and northern Europe to spend winter there. If the heavy rain seen this week continues, s’Albufera is thought to be a ‘very attractive’ refuge for the species. The area experienced forest fires twice in October, affecting over 171 hectares.

NEARLY three quarters of Spanish youngsters don’t trust their leaders over global warming.

Some 73% of 15 to 30-year-olds do not trust politicians to handle the climate crisis. According to the Fundacion SM report, 45% feel powerless, 42% are fearful and 36% are sad about the problem.

More optimistically, 57% think that science and technology will solve the crisis.

INCLUDE WWF SPAIN IN YOUR WILL

Surname:

out every year in Spain, 88% ending up in rubbish dumps. Only 12% of the clothing is recycled, though this varies greatly between the regions, with 24% in the Basque Country and less than 3% in Extremadura.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Ryanair’s refusal

RYANAIR says passengers who were stuck on planes from Spain due to Storm Ashley were not entitled to free water, let alone compensation.

Despite some people getting stuck on the tarmac for 15 hours, a spokesperson said they get nothing when delays are caused by something clearly beyond Ryanair’s control’. A passenger on an Ibiza to Dublin flight on October 20 said the pilot twice attempted to land in Ireland before diverting to Liverpool.

Passenger Alan Duncan told the Olive Press they could not get off the plane for four hours as it was an ‘EU to EU flight.’

“There was no food or water and some people also suffered panic attacks,” he claimed.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES?

November 1st - November 14th

National winners!

By Yzabelle Bostyn

THE Alhambra, the Canary Islands and the Picos de Europa have been singled out as Spain’s best destinations, by National Geographic.

The trio have been chosen in honour of the 25th anniversary of the celebrated magazine’s Spanish edition.

The Alhambra, which featured on the cover of its first edition, is the number one must-visit place in Spain.

“The beauty of this monument always serves everyone well,” the magazine explains.

“If you go just to see it or accompany it with a jaunt around Granada, with its barrios full of character, you’re sure to have a great

Three sites in Spain are among leading magazine’s top picks time.”

Next on the list was a reader’s ‘preferred destination’, the dramatic Picos de Eu-

ropa mountain range in the north of Spain. The area spanning Cantabria and Asturias - often

ROUTES TO HEAVEN

SPAIN is the best place in the world for a road trip.

The north of the country, in particular, is the best destination to explore by car, according to the Travelbook Awards. The German travel experts particularly praised its many varied and unspoilt landscapes. It beat competitors including Wales, Slovenia and Namibia to claim the award. The judges highlighted the region's green

hills, mountains and beaches.

“There are many steep coastlines where the Atlantic crashes into strong waves and which sometimes you can enjoy all by yourself.

“The north is also known for its picturesque towns and its modern, vibrant cities.

“From Catalunya to Galicia, travellers can find mountains, unspoilt beaches, enchanting towns and a lot of culture.”

BORDER controls between France and Spain are returning for at least six months. Fears over terrorism threats have prompted France to re-establish checks until the end of April next year. This is despite it being part of the EU's Schengen border-free zone. Controls will reappear at all land, air and sea borders with Spain, as well as with Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The Schengen Borders Code permits all EU nations to temporarily reinstate border controls 'in the event of a serious threat to public order or internal security'.

compared to the Alps for its dramatic valleys - is perfect for hiking with its two best spots, the ‘impressive’ Pico Urriellu and Naranjo de Bulnes.

The Canary Islands were chosen, meanwhile, for their distinct character across all seven islands.

“We have always tried to lovingly convey the natural and cultural value of each island,” explains the magazine.

Since launching, the magazine has written about everything from sprawling rain forests to ancient ruins and from Bali to Bristol.

MALAGA has Spain's second-worst airport for flight delays.

A total of 3.4 million passengers saw travel plans disrupted this summer, with only visitors to Mallorca suffering more. Over a third of all flights (36%) failed to stick to schedule during the peak summer season.

The worst-performing routes were flights to Abu Dhabi, Budapest, and Riyadh - while travellers to Asturias had the most punctual connection.

Discover Leonardo Boutique Hotel Mallorca Port Portals - Adults Only, a 4-star superior hotel located right next to one of the most luxurious marinas of the Mediterranean: Port Portals.

Choose from one of our 77 unique rooms, all of them with great amenities and spectacular views, and enjoy a cocktail in the hotel’s Sky Bar or cool down on a Balinese bed by the pool. Come join us!

IMPRESSIVE: The Picos de Europa span Cantabria and Asturias

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

RURAL IDYLS

Explore the architecture of some of Spain’s countryside destinations

Cosmoveros

Just outside Madrid, Cosmoveros offers a futuristic take on rural lodging with its bubble hotel design. Located in Muñoveros, guests can stargaze under the clear Segovian sky while staying in these transparent, spherical structures. The modern design blends cutting-edge architecture with the rich cultural heritage of Spain’s interior.

In the heart of Ibiza, Hotel Rural Can Lluc captures the essence of Balearic architecture, known for its pragmatic simplicity and seamless integration with the environment. The hotel is surrounded by olive, lemon, and

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pine trees, creating a serene atmosphere that reflects the island’s traditional rural style. The traditional building has modern annexes which make use of natural materials, warm tones, and abundant natural light.

Across: 7 Robert Redford, 9 Minimum, 10 Me too, 11 Shot, 12 Urgency, 15 Roswell, 16 Swab, 19 Cheap, 21 Martyrs, 22 Proving ground.

Down: 1 Crumbs, 2 Abandons, 3 Crime, 4 Tram, 5 Boot, 6 Idiocy, 8 Damage, 12 U R L, 13 No way out, 14 Delphi, 15 Recipe, 17 Beside, 18 Truro, 20 Egos, 21 Magi.

RURAL tourism in Spain is experiencing an unprecedented boom, driven not only by the desire to reconnect with nature but also by a deep appreciation for the country’s rich architectural heritage.

Recent data from 2023 highlights this surge, with 45% of Spaniards engaging in rural tourism, and 92% of them planning to return to rural destinations.

With over 18,000 rural properties listed and 15 million travellers seeking authentic experiences, the appeal of Spain’s diverse rural ar-

By Dilip Kuner

chitecture is more prominent than ever.

The architectural landscape of Spain’s rural properties offers a remarkable variety, from modern, eco-friendly designs to traditional homes that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.

Here are seven rural properties that embody the diversity of Spain's rural architectural heritage:

THE TEEPEE

Nestled in the pine forests of Mombeltran, Avila, the Teepee offers a rustic yet innovative take on traditional American teepees. These symmetrical wooden structures, set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop, provide a harmonious connection to the natural landscape while offering a unique, peaceful retreat by the Ramacastañas River.

Casa Aurora

Situated on the Verdeaurora ecological farm in the Fuerteventura Biosphere Reserve, Casa Aurora is a testament to Canarian architecture.

This rural home, surrounded by the island’s stark landscapes, is designed to adapt to the agricultural and livestock-based way of life. Its simple, functional design integrates with the protected natural space of Malpaís Grande, embodying Fuerteventura’s rural traditions.

In the heart of the Gorafe desert, La Casa del Desierto is a striking example of modern architecture harmonising with extreme natural conditions.

Built within the Granada geopark, a region of international geological significance, this glass-walled home is designed to withstand dramatic temperature shifts, with solar panels and rainwater collection systems ensuring self-sufficiency in one of Spain’s most inhospitable environments.

NATURAL ESCAPE: In wild woods near Avila

BALLOONING: GROWTH: Rural hotel Cosmoveros shows wide open Segovian skies at their best

Photos by Gonzalo Botet

La Casa del Desierto

HEARING BOOST

CHILDREN in Spain who have been deaf from birth are hearing for the first time after taking part in gene therapy trials.

Four of them suffered from a defect in the otoferlin gene but have had very positive results- just a month after starting treatment.

Spain's top ear experts are coordinating gene therapy trials in Madrid, Pamplona, and Gran Canaria.

Abnormal

A genetic mutation prevents otoferlin from being produced naturally or making abnormal versions of it.

Otoferlin is essential for the proper functioning of the inner ear cells and without it, hearing is virtually impossible.

Angel Ramos from the Las Palmas Children's Hospital said:“Through surgery, a virus with modified genetic material is introduced enabling a child to hear for the first time.”

Dangerous supply

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Eye-watering success

A US surfing champion has flown her son 'across the world' to receive life-changing eye surgery in Spain.

Alana Blanchard, 34, from Hawaii, told her 1.6million Instagram followers how her young son Koda was born with a condition called Ptosis.

Ptosis causes one or both eyelids to droop, hence the condition's more common name of 'droopy eyelid'.

The family travelled to Malaga for corrective surgery on the little boy's right eye with a specialist, Dr Medel.

"We went to a few doctors and they said there was nothing they could do but we finally found a specialist that worked with kids,” she said.

A SPANISH pharmaceutical giant has sparked outrage after signing a deal to produce Nolotil despite being linked to hundreds of northern European deaths. Moehs is now set to make Metamizole, the main ingredient in the painkiller, at two plants in northern Spain. The Catalan pharmaceuti-

Outrage as Spanish giant signs deal to produce Nolotil - despite obvious dangers

KILL THE DRUG

cal firm will earn €8 million manufacturing up to 1,500 tonnes in Cantabria and Barcelona, around a quarter of the world’s supply. It comes despite campaigner Cristina Garcia recording over 40 deaths of British and Irish peo-

Killer pollution

AIR pollution causes 60,000 admissions to Spanish hospitals every year especially with people who have serious pathologies and clinical conditions.

Julio Diaz from the Carlos III Health Institute claims environmental toxins due to the effects of climate change are largely to blame.

Diaz is warning politicians they are not doing enough to combat pollution and its threat to health.

Diaz said: “We are missing the point over the enormous damage to health caused by pollution.

"It is strange that we have very good prevention plans for heatwaves, but we do not have equivalent plans for pollution,” he added.

ple in Spain linked to Nolotil. She said: “I never expected this to happen, especially when I have bent over backwards to get it withdrawn in Spain and they decide to bring it here!

“Sheer disappointment does not even begin to describe my feelings.”

Currently produced by EUROAPI in Frankfurt, Germany, the move is hoped to keep production within Europe.

The move is expected to ‘support principal markets like Spain and Germany’ as well as ‘prepare the pharmaceutical sector when faced with a crisis like the Coronavirus pandemic.’

General Director of Moehs BCN, Javier del Rio, said: "We are excited to work with EUROAPI to produce Metamizole in Spain.”

It comes as a civil case against the Spanish Medical Agency for abusing the ‘fundamental human rights’ of Nolotil victims was thrown out on October 21.

“After the bandages came off the next day he was very swollen and it was a hard few days and sleepless nights, but seeing his eyes so open and symmetrical makes it all worth it.”

Bring them back

SCHOOL kids in Tenerife penned a heartfelt message demanding the return of their new migrant classmates after they were transferred away overnight.

Chef’s wrath

A chef in Ibiza stormed out of his kitchen and beat up an elderly German who had complained about the food. He even threw a plate at the man’s head who was prone on the floor.

Just dumb

A QUAD bike driver who went viral doing wheelies and standing on one leg on the A7 to Algeciras – one of Spain’s most dangerous motorways – was tracked down and arrested just days later.

Housing joke

Room with a view of a toilet goes on sale in Madrid at a mere €16,500 per square metre

THE latest ‘bargain’ to come on sale in Madrid’s housing market is a flat with a microwave under the sink and a toilet within arm’s reach of the bed.

Located in Gran Via, the capital city’s much-sought after thoroughfare, the tiny 10 sqm studio also boasts a single-person table.

Right up against the dining table is the bathroom, enclosed only by an opaque plastic pane and conveniently elevated for ease of view.

The kitchen is a masterclass in economy of space, with fridge, single hotplate, sink and microwave all crammed into one square metre.

It comes generously equipped with a double bed wedged into the corner, between the shower and the open clothes rack.

The lucky owner will enjoy a three centimetre shelf above the bed to store their belongings. All yours for the low low price of

By Yzabelle Bostyn

just €165,000. At €16,500 per square metre, it is considerably pricier than the average property in the city, which comes in around €5,000. Understandably, the offering has prompted outrage among Madrid residents, with one local influencer asking: “How

have we got here? Is this even legal? Is it moral?”

Madrid’s housing market has been rocketing out of control in recent times, with prices rising 18% in just the last year.

It’s a similar story in Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao – and almost all of Spain’s most desirable cities. But if you really want a bargain? Look to Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth

BARGAIN: But the owner may fear squatters

largest city. There, an apartment costs just €1,175 sqm –the best value in all the country.

AN influencer from Argentina wowed tourists by performing 300 pull ups while hanging from El Tajo bridge in Ronda. Gero Arias pulled off the arm-busting feat with a dizzying 100 metre drop to the rocky gorge below.

“Today wasn’t easy, I cried, I bled but I made it,” he said. It is the 300th straight day he has performed

Water Repellents, Paints and Coatings

A DRUNK driver got his highend car stuck in the entrance to a metro station after mistaking it for a car park ramp. He careered along the pavement for several metres before slipping down the steps to the underground in Valencia at around 7.15am on Sunday morning, according to witnesses.

Unperturbed, the boozy BMW owner managed to get out of his car unscathed without causing too much damage. Police, less impressed, found that he was nearly three times over the alcohol limit. The driver was bailed after a court appearance, while the entrance to the Colon metro remained blocked for several hours.

DAREDEVIL

the stunt, starting with just one pull up on January 1 and adding another rep every 24 hours.

The challenge has taken him all over the world, from Paris to Barcelona to Bolivia - often, surrounded by crowds of adoring fans. However, although an impressive feat of strength, it wasn’t that daring – the ‘daredevil’ was hooked up to a harness the whole time.

ProPerla is a type of exterior coating designed to protect and improve the performance of the building.

• Super hydrophobic: Water rolls off the surface, preventing water damage.

• Breathable: Allows moisture to escape, preventing dampness and mold.

• Self-cleaning: Repels dirt, making maintenance easier.

• Insulation: Extra layer of insulation, enhancing energy efficiency.

• Protection: Against salt, moss, algae and lichens.

Pro-Perla coatings are designed to last.