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.

23 August 2008

EU Health Insurance Card

Many people are unaware of the existence of the EU Health Insurance Card, only 36% of EU citizens own one. The card guarantees emergency medical help in 31 European countries: the EU countries plus Norway, Switzerland, Lithuania and Iceland. The card is free, of uniform design and printed in the language of the issuing state, and allows access to the same medical treatment as local citizens. Costs are borne by the holder’s home country but the card does not allow treatments at private facilities.

DNA to Help Identify Civil War Victims

As part of the Recovery of Historical Memories project, 110 people in Burgos province have given saliva samples to help with the identification by DNA of many bodies buried in mass graves during and after the Spanish Civil War. It is believed that half a million people were killed in the war, and a further 50,000 executed by Franco’s forces after the event.

Helpline for Ryanair Customers

Further to the decision by Ryanair to cancel bookings made through other websites, the Junta de Andalucia has set up a helpline for affected customers to obtain information and advice on the matter. Tel.900849090

Andalucia One of Top Q Regions

Andalucia is one of the Spanish regions with the most “Q” for quality awards from the national tourist quality organisation. The awards are given for quality of restaurants, travel agencies, beaches, etc. Andalucia has 249 awards, close behind Madrid and Cataluna.

Granada Promotes Itself as a Gay Destination

During 2007 the tourism department of Granada spent 35 million euros on promotion, and for the first time emphasised the city as a “gay friendly” destination. Adverts in American and British gay magazines lauded such items connected with the city as the Alhambra, the poet Lorca, and the Sierra Nevada.

Motoring Event in Guadix

After last year’s successful event, the organisation “Trackdays Spain” has arranged for another motoring event at the Guadix circuit. This takes place on September 12th and enthusiasts will be able to take a turn around the racetrack in their own or hired cars, as well as get together with other motoring fans and admire their vehicles.

Increases in IBI Payments

A revision of the “valor catastral” on which the IBI tax, among others, is based on is currently being carried out by many local authorities in Malaga province. This will lead to a rise in the IBI tax for many homeowners but the extra payment is required by law to be phased in over a ten year period to mitigate the effect on families.

Lewis Hamilton in Malaga

Lewis Hamilton was in Malaga last weekend to attend a concert in which his girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger (a member of the group the Pussycat Dolls) was performing. Unfortunately, as the couple were leaving the five-star Malaga Palacio hotel at the end of their stay, two men snatched a rucksack and a leather holdall from the boot of the couple's car. Their bodyguards chased the thieves and managed to retrieve the rucksack.

Men to Cover Up in Malaga Bars

Over 200 posters have been put up in Malaga city asking men to keep their shirts on in bars and restaurants during the 10 day Feria. The slogan ‘Mas guapo con camiseta – More handsome with a shirt’ is being used to let men know they will not be served if they are not wearing a shirt as it doesn't look good and gives a poor image of the city.

Cartama Exhibition Sees 2000 Visitors

An exhibition organised by the development group (GDR) of the Guadalhorce Valley and Cartama Ayuntamiento has received more than 2000 visitors since its opening in July. The exhibition, called El Patrimonio de tu Territorio (the heritage of your territory), consisted of three large tents containing photos, drawings and other audio-visual material, and also included various musical and cultural events and workshops.

Beer Festival in Fuengirola

Beer lovers will be able to enjoy the best national and international brews at the first Gran Fiesta de la Cerveza which takes place in Fuengirola at the Castillo Sohail. Events start at 7.00pm most days and 12.00 midday at weekends.

Deep Purple to Play in Estepona

Following the re-scheduling of their tour, the band Deep Purple is to play at the bull ring in Estepona on Friday September 12th. This is the group’s only gig in Andalucia, it is a charity event and a donation will go to children’s charities.

Cante Grande Festival in Alora

The thirty fifth Cante Grande singing festival takes place in Alora at the municipal pool on Saturday August 30th at 11pm, featuring several well known local singers and guitarists.

Virgen de Flores 2008

This year’s poster and leaflet for the Virgen de Flores celebrations in Alora was presented this week. The events start with the descent of the Virgen from its sanctuary on Sunday August 24th at 7.30 am, to be taken to the Parroquia de la Encarnacion. The festival continues with the procession on September 8th and concludes with the Romeria on September 14th.

Football

Malaga CF have almost finalised the team for the start of the new season at Vicente Calderon stadium against Atletico Madrid on Sunday August 31st at 7.00 pm.

Formula 1

This Sunday August 24th sees the Valencia Grand Prix take place on the new road circuit at 2.00 pm.

Spanish driver, Fernando Alonso, yesterday (August 22nd) insisted that a minute’s silence be observed at the Valencia track for the victims of the Madrid Barajas air crash.

Beijing Olympics 2008

To date, Spain has won a total of 15 medals, including 5 gold, 8 silver and 2 bronze, among them Rafa Nadal’s tennis success. They are also up for medals in hockey and basketball.

After a series of unconvincing results, Malaga’s new season team played their first game at the home ground, La Rosaleda, where they beat Real Betis of Sevilla to win the Costa del Sol Trophy.

PREVIOUS NEWS from Spain: