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07 June 2008

New Drink-Drive Campaign in Spain

A new campaign against drinking and driving was launched this week. 200,000 random alcohol tests are to be carried out over two weeks throughout Spain until June 15th. Alcohol levels of 1.2 gms per litre of blood constitute an offence under the Penal Code. Latest statistics show that alcohol is involved in more than a third of all road accident deaths in the country.

Singer Strips off Against Bullfighting

The pop singer Alaska unveiled a poster of herself naked with three banderillas stuck in her back as part of a campaign against bullfighting organised by anti-cruelty groups this week. The poster also features the slogan “The naked truth – bullfighting is cruel”.

Madrid Bids for 2016 Olympics

After the failed attempt to stage the 2012 Olympics in Madrid the city is now an official candidate for the 2016 games. The other candidates are Tokyo, Chicago, Doha, Baku, Rio de Janeiro and Prague.

i-Phone to Arrive in Spain at Last

An agreement between Telefonica and Apple means that the i-Phone will be available in Spain later this month. The i-Phone de Movistar will be the latest version 2.0 featuring camera, 3G connection and increased memory. It will also be 22% slimmer than previous models and weigh only 135 gms.

Water Transfer Cancelled

The controversial transfer of water from the Ebro to Barcelona has now been cancelled after the heavy rain in the north of Spain.

Vintage Car Rally in Jaen

This weekend sees the culmination of the 27th Ruta del Olivo, a rally for vintage cars. Some 50 cars of 1925-1959 vintage from all over Spain have been taking part since Thursday and will finish on Sunday June 8th with a trip to Baeza and return to Jaen.

Malaga to New York Flights Begin

Delta Airlines launched their new direct service between Malaga and New York this week and is the first direct link between New York and Malaga since the closure of the Iberia and Air Plus Comet routes four years ago. There will be four flights a week to start with but this could increase to a daily service if demand is high enough.

New Ryanair Routes

Ryanair have expanded again and now offer flights from Glasgow to Malaga starting October 27th plus a new route to and from East Midlands available right now. From September 16th Edinburgh joins the flights to Malaga too.

Excavations to Resume in Malaga

Following agreement by the relevant authorities, work on the excavations at Cerro del Villar is to resume after a five year halt. The historical site situated at the mouth of the Rio Guadalhorce was discovered in 1965 and is believed to be the origin of the city of Malaga dating back to the Phoenicians of the eighth century B.C. Work on the site was stopped for various reasons including the health of the then director, but a new director has been appointed and excavations are to resume after the summer.

Circus in Malaga

The Canadian circus company Cirque du Soleil brings its spectacular “Quidam” to Malaga this week. The show, featuring 50 artistes from ten countries, contains acrobatic technique, technical expertise, extravagant design and musical inspiration. The event is on in the Recent Ferial until July 13th, tickets are available from El Corte Ingles and www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Swimming Pool Filling Restrictions in Malaga Province

The Junta de Andalucia has announced that, as drought restrictions continue in parts of Malaga province, they will only allow swimming pools in certain areas to be filled once this summer. The measure affects Alora, Cartama, Pizarra, Coin, Alhaurin de la Torre, Alhaurin el Grande and Malaga city. There are at least 12,000 registered swimming pools in the area on its census and those who fail to comply with the restriction could face 6,000 euro fines, according to the Director General of the Cuenca Mediterranea Andaluz.

Best Climate in Europe is in Torrox

A recent study on 21places in the Mediterranean including Malta, Murcia and Marbella has concluded that Torrox, with its average year round temperature of 18 degrees, its mainly winter rainfall and its lack of extreme temperatures at either end of the scale, has the best climate in Europe.

Dia Internacional de Pueblos

The 20th edition of the Internacional Day of the People takes place in Mijas Pueblo this weekend, June 7th-8th. The celebration of 20 years of the multicultural festival will feature street parades, folklore events, workshops, stalls etc.

Feria de la Tapa De Rincon

The tenth annual edition of the tapas fair in Rincon de la Victoria takes place this weekend June 7th and 8th. Around 90 different tapas will be available and musical and other events are planned. It is expected that about 30,000 people are likely to attend over the two days of the fair.

Feria de Marbella

Sunday June 8th sees the start of the 2008 Feria de San Bernabe in Marbella with the popular Romeria in honour of the patron saint. Various musical, dancing, parades and other events are planned throughout the days of festivity which finish on Sunday June 15th.

Marbella Cemetery Owned by Footballers’ Society

A court in Madrid this week ordered that the ownership of a cemetery in Marbella should be transferred to the Spanish Professional Footballers’ Society SEFP as payment for a debt incurred during the Gil era in the town. The Ayuntamiento is to appeal against the order arguing that the plot and the cemetery are part of the public service.

Geography and History of Alora

A new book featuring the geography and history of Alora by the author Jose Morales has been published. The 556 page book, “Diccionario Historico-Geografico de Alora y su Termino Municipal” of which 3000 copies have been produced, features more than 2300 facts, places and personalities of the town’ history ordered alphabetically. The book also features photos, illustrations and articles by other authors.

Football

After yet another goalless draw last week, which dropped them to third place in La Liga 2 but still in the promotion places, Malaga travel to Motril to face Granada 74 on Sunday June 8th at 6.00 pm.

Spain Sets off for Euro 2008

The Spanish football team set off for Austria for the Euro 2008 championships following two unconvincing wins in friendlies against Peru and the U.S. Their first match is against Russia on Tuesday June 10th in Innsbruck.

Formula 1

The Canadian Grand Prix takes place this Sunday June 8th in Montreal. Lewis Hamilton heads the drivers’ championship after his victory in Monaco.

The new street circuit in Valencia is to run a series of F3 and GT races in July to test the preparations for the Grand Prix of Europe to be held in August.

Tennis - French Open

Spain's Rafael Nadal faces his fourth straight French Open final after defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in yesterday's (6th June) semi-final. and will play Roger Federer in Sunday's (8th June) final.

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