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28 June 2008

24 Hour Opening Approved in Madrid Province

Madrid province authorities have approved a by-law allowing shops to open 24 hours per day from Mondays to Saturdays. The measure was opposed by small shopkeepers and unions but supported by the association of shopping centre owners.

Spanish Gold Chalice Found off Florida

Divers searching around the wreck of the Santa Margarita which sank in 1622 have discovered a solid gold chalice. The chalice was part of a cargo of gold, silver and other precious items worth 300 million euros being carried to Spain in a fleet of 28 ships and is said to be priceless.

Gay Pride Week in Spain

Gay Pride week will be celebrated in many Spanish cities this week from June 28th until July 6th with parades, street parties, musical events etc.

New Airbus Presented

King Juan Carlos officiated at the presentation of the largest military air transport plane, the A400M at the EADS manufacturing plant in Sevilla this week. The plane, which is faster and larger than the ubiquitous Hercules C130, can take off and land from any rough airstrip in any weather. The factory is set to build 3 planes a month from 2010 to fulfil the orders for 192 from 9 countries.

Brit Photographer Takes Top Prize

The British photographer Martin Parr took top prize at the PhotoEspana exhibition this week. The organisers will also buy 12,000 euros worth of his works, which take a satirical view of modern life.

Sierra Nevada in Summer

The Sierra Nevada expects to receive more than 200,000 visitors during the summer months. Cyclists, nature lovers and walkers are now visiting in droves to enjoy the spectacular views, walking and cycling routes of the area. The Hotel Melia, situated close to the cable cars, has also announced its amplification and work will be starting shortly to provide a further 276 beds at a cost of approx 60 million euros.

Imperial Eagle Numbers Double

The number of Iberian Imperial Eagles living in Andalucia has more than doubled from 26 pairs in 2001 to 55 pairs now. It is believed that the increase is due largely to the measures put in place by the environment department of the Junta de Andalucia.

Fund to Combat Climate Change

It has been announced that the Junta of Andalucia will invest 30 billion euros into a fund to combat climate change. A top official has stated that Andalucia is one of the better prepared regions and expects to be able to start making changes in the current methods of obtaining energy, making them cleaner, more effective and nature friendly. The government has also promised to increase by five times the methods of obtaining electricity using renewable sources; currently 18% of electricity is obtained from such sources.

Jaen Jazz Festival

The fifteenth edition of the International Jaen Jazz festival takes place from July 2nd until July 12th with appearances by Bob Dylan, the Blues Brothers Band and many others.

Yellow Alert for High Temperatures

A yellow alert is posted for high temperatures in Jaen, Sevilla and Cordoba this weekend. The thermometer reached 43 degrees in Antequera yesterday June 27th, so it looks like a hot weekend in inland Andalucia also.

Drought Decree to Continue

With the spring rains failing to increase the reservoir capacity to more than 28%, below last year’s 35%, the drought decree already in force is set to continue this year. The reservoir’s hold 43% of the province’s annual needs so it is unlikely that there will be any cuts in supply this summer.

Special Buses this Summer

The Malaga transport authority is to provide 17 special bus services from various towns including Alhaurin de la Torre, Pizarra and Cartama to the beaches at El Palo, Playamar and Torremolinos throughout the summer and to the feria in August.

Classical Music Festival in Malaga

A classical music festival takes place in various locations in Malaga from June 30th until July 11th. Several artistes and ensembles including the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra will be taking part.

Monument to Seat 600

A life size model of the famous Seat 600 car was unveiled this week in Fuengirola as part of a series of events commemorating this much loved Spanish car. It will eventually be installed on a roundabout in Los Boliches.

Free Summer Film Festival

There is a free summer film festival in Mijas municipal auditorium and on Torreon beach, La Cala de Mijas starting on July 3rd and continuing until August 28th.

Feria de Arroyo de la Miel

Arroyo de la Miel continues its annual feria this weekend through to Sunday June 29th with a range of activities including music, dancing and tastings of tapas.

Social Services Centre Opened

The social services centre for the Guadalhorce valley and the Sierra de las Nieves districts was formally inaugurated Wednesday June 25th. The centre in Alora , which will serve the disabled, needy older people, immigrants and others, required an investment of 300,000 euros jointly by la Junta de Andalucia, la Diputacion Provincial and el Ayuntamiento de Alora. It will house a team of social workers, administrators, a psychologist etc.

Football

Most of Spain will be watching TV tomorrow night (Sunday June 29th ) when the Spanish national football team takes on Germany in the final of the Euro 2008 competition.

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