Spanish news - Spain news from 1Casa 13 October 2007

"Make friends with your neighbours in Spain"	26,241 people are already members Members area: Log in \| Create an account
Forums General Spain forum Off plan forums Register Log in FREE Guide EOS TV Property Property for sale direct List property for sale Long term rentals direct Holiday rentals direct Podcasts Estate agent reviews Developer reviews Services Discount furniture packs Foreign exchange Home insurance Spanish lawyers Articles Spain articles Sign up for newsletter Newsletter testimonials Submit articles Travel Cheap car hire Cheap hotels James Villas Weather in Spain Eye on Spain webcam Budget airlines Blogs Justin's blog Susan's blog Diego's blog Lisa's blog News from Spain Pete's tale E-Books Completing your off-plan Snagging your property Spanish mortgages Tools Search Eye on Spain Currency converter Moneycorp Privilege Card Property purchase calculator Add to Google toolbar Eye on Spain videos
Home \| Search \| Currency Converter \| Cheap Car Hire \| Contact & FAQ

Spanish News

Latest News from Spain

This news is brought to you in association with 1Casa. Cristina Sanchez is head of their Customer Liaison Department, they specialiize in Affordable Property in the inland regions of Andalucia starting at under 30,000 Euros.

1Casa utilise their years of experience to offer a wide range of affordable properties and aim to provide a smooth, hassle free purchase and relocation.

For more information please contact 1 Casa on FREEPHONE 0800 081 1939 (24/7) or visit www.1casa.com/1.

13 October 2007

Spain's National Day (Dia de la Hispanidad)

Yesterday, (Friday 12th October) Spain celebrated its national day. It is a national holiday and commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World. It is also armed forces day and in Madrid King Juan Carlos presided over a military parade to mark the occasion. The date holds great significance for all Spaniards since it underlines the unity and bonds between Spain and the Hispanic world. In addition, it is also a religious festival (Nuestra Senora del Pilar).

Life in Spain One of the Best in Europe

A new study by the Academy of Healthy Ageing has concluded that the health of the Spanish people is among the best in Europe. The Spanish quality of life and the Mediterranean diet have led to an average life expectancy of 70 years for men and 75.3 for women. The numbers are only exceeded by the Italians at 71 and 76 years. The survey also found that in Mediterranean Countries people not only live longer, they enjoy a better quality of life than others in the EU. There is, however, a down side; the low birth rate coupled with the long life expectancy will make Spain one of the countries with the oldest populations in the world.

Cancer Survivor Swims Strait of Gibraltar

Selina Moreno Pasagali, a 35 year old Valencian woman, has swum across the Strait of Gibraltar after beating breast cancer. She says the swim will help her recovery after a programme of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, helping with arm movement and previous chest pains. After the 17.5 kilometre swim, which took four hours and 40 minutes, to complete, Selina said that it had been the best experience of her life, the swim was sponsored by the Valencia Oncology Foundation IVO.

Trainer Injured by Killer Whale in Canary Island Zoo

A killer whale at a marine park in Tenerife hit its trainer and dragged her underwater repeatedly until it finally freed her with a badly bruised chest and a broken arm. The incident took place last weekend when the trainer, 29-year-old German Claudia Vollhardt, was working with a 1.5-ton male orca named Tekoa. Pulling Vollhardt with him, the whale submerged and resurfaced several times before it finally released her. A Loro Parque spokeswoman insisted it was an accident, not an attack.

Exhibition to Celebrate Che Guevara's Life

An exhibition opened in Madrid this week showing 80 photographs of the more human side of Che Guevara. The photos, which include several never seen before in public, show the political activist's life from a baby until his death 40 years ago. They are accompanied by a series of videos in a festival called ‘Che Guevara, 40 years isn’t just nothing’. The exhibition is being held in the Circulo de Bellas Artes until 4th November.

Poetry Prize for Anti-Franco Poet

Spanish poet Francisco Brines has won this year's City of Granada International Poetry Prize, worth 50,000 euros. Brines was one of a generation of Spanish authors that was actively opposed to General Franco's fascist dictatorship. Born in Oliva in 1932, Brines now lives in Valencia and Madrid.

Court Halts Extension to Vistahermosa Golf Course

A planned extension to the Vistahermosa golf course in El Puerto de Santa Maria will not now go ahead following a ruling by a court in Cadiz. The court annulled the local council's approval for the project, granted in 2004 by the previous local government to enlarge the course and build more than 300 luxury homes.

The main reason given in the ruling issued at the end of September was the lack of necessary resources, in particular, water, which the Guadalquivir Water Authority has said it will not supply. Another reason came from the environmental organisation, Ecologistas en Accion, who said it would seriously jeopardise a habitat important to the chameleon.

The Home of Antonio Banderas May be Demolished

The Spanish justice system has finally ruled against the Marbella home of the actor Antonio Banderas. His house, La Gaviota, on the outskirts of Marbella has always been controversial as it was built on the beach on land designated for public use. The five bedroom villa is set in two acres in the area of Los Monteros.

Now, in confirmation of the sentence, the land has been reclassified for the construction of showers and a changing room. The house had its licence cancelled by the High Court in 2003 only to be granted a reprieve after an appeal from Marbella town hall. It had originally received its licence in 1993 when the town plans had been illegally re-drawn by former mayor, Jesus Gil. The house, which was originally built for journalist Encarna Sanchez, was sold to Banderas in 1997. Despite appeals against the 2003 ruling, it appears that Marbella town hall is prepared to demolish the house for the sake of public interest. Banderas has until 15th October to appeal the decision.

Environment Ministry Announces Offer for Algarrobico Hotel

The Environment Ministry has announced its offer for the controversial El Algarrobico Hotel in Carboneras in the Cabo de Gata national park. Work was halted by a judicial order in February 2006. The general secretary for territory and biodiversity announced that the ministry will pay the constructor, Azata del Sol, between 30 and 40 million euros to expropriate the building and will start proceedings for compulsory purchase if the company does not negotiate.

New Prehistoric Discovery Near Antequera

The remains of a prehistoric settlement have been uncovered during work on the A-45 motorway between Cordoba and Antequera. The settlement covers an area of 180,000 square metres, 4,000 of which have already been excavated. The discovery includes 52 underground structures which were part of the circular dwellings built by inhabitants of the area, farming tools and copper tools. Fossilised ram horns and deer antlers were also found.

The site is in the area known as Los Silillos, which is 9 kilometres from Antequera. It is the second find to be unearthed during construction work on the A-45, after the discovery in August last year of a second century Roman cemetery 2 kilometres away between Benameji and Antequera.

RENFE Chooses AVE Engine for Malaga

RENFE, the Spanish railway company, has chosen the Talgo S-102 engine to pull the new AVE high speed trains which will be running between Malaga and Madrid from 23rd December 2007. The trains are known in Spain as ‘el Pato – the Duck’ because of their shape and are made by the Spanish company Talgo with the Canadian group Bombardier. The ‘Pato’ can reach 330 kms/hour and has 316 seats.

Reservoir Levels Up

Water levels in the reservoirs in the province of Malaga have risen slightly for the first time since last May. The rise is due to the rainfall over the last two weeks that brought an average of 31 litres per square metre in seven days. The reservoirs are still below 25% of their total capacity, however, with 150.2 cubic hectometres.

Femma 2007

The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos, Malaga’s exhibition centre, is hosting Femma 2007 from 18th to 21st October. The exhibition is to showcase the products and services on offer from businesswomen and female co-operatives throughout the province. A wide range of businesses will be represented, including dog groomers, wedding planners, those in the health and beauty business and more.

Gordillo Art Exhibition

An exhibition of the work of Luis Gordillo, one of Spain's most important artists, has been open in the GACMA Gallery in Malaga since 14th September and is due to run until 14th November. Internationally renowned as an abstract artist, this exhibition is entitled ‘XXI’ and work displayed at the GACMA are those Gordillo created between 2000 and 2007.

Pizarra

The planned conversion of Pizarra's Travesia road (the road through the town) into a “grand avenue” is due to begin. The first phase, which includes the creation of a new roundabout at the town's entrance and the remodelling of a short stretch of the Travesia, has been put out to tender with a budget of 202,000 euros. The upgrade will eventually affect the entire stretch from the Red Cross headquarters to Camino de Villalon.

Pizarra's municipal library now has a dedicated children's room which will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm. The new room is for use by children between two and eight years old and there will be different activities including story telling, games and workshops. The Culture Department of the Ayuntamiento said that the original idea was to open the children's area until 30th November but it might be open longer depending on its success.

Malaga 2 - 0 Las Palmas

Malaga's great start to the season continues, and they extended their winning run to seven games after beating Las Palmas 2-0. Their next game is this Sunday (14th October) against Elche with kick off at 8.30 pm.

Malaga are also through to the next round of the King's Cup, Spain's equivalent of the FA Cup. They came from behind to beat Tenerife 1 - 2, with a goal from Javi Ramos.

Spain v Denmark

Spain's national team's game against Denmark is today, Saturday 13th October. Spain and Sweden are top of Group F with 19 points, with Denmark in fourth five points behind.

Football TV Rights Handed Back to Digital Plus

A judge has finally ruled on the prolonged battle for TV broadcast rights for Spanish football this season. The Madrid court has said that the agreement signed by all sides before the season should be enforced and that the illegal unscrambled broadcasting of games on La Sexta must end. Under the agreement La Sexta have the right to broadcast just one game per weekend and the judge said that has now to be enforced. All other matches will be available in Pay Per View or on Canal Plus, as part of the Digital Plus package.

Golf Volvo Masters

From 1st to 4th November, the 20th edition of the Volvo Masters Golf Tournament will take place on the Costa del Sol's flagship golf course, Valderrama. This year promises to be particularly special as it marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the tournament and the retirement of Mel Pyatt, affectionately known as the ‘father’ of the Volvo Masters. The finale of the European Tour season will see 60 of the world's top players taking part in this prestigious event.

PREVIOUS NEWS from Spain:

A selection of threads from our general forum:

Best bank for expats
The Bed Specialists
house swap
Money transfers to spain
Do you require help increasing your rental property exposure?
Perils of selling in the UK !
no Bank Guarantee=refund
EasyJet info
Hi
Pregnant when you move to spain

A selection of Spain area guides:

Laroles
Benimarfull
Rafal
Fondon
Benferri
San Bartolome
Las Marinas (Vera)
Rincon de Loix
Albondon
Torrevieja