Max Abroad : The Best of Spain

Every year, as summer draws to a close, the quaint Spanish village of Ochagavía in Spain's northern region of Navarre undergoes a stunning transformation. The village sheds the 21st century—hiding traffic signs, ATMs, and modern storefronts—to faithfully recreate life as it was in 1925. This immersive experience, known as Orhipean (meaning "beneath Ori" in Basque), draws nearly 3,000 visitors annually, all eager to witness a bygone era brought vividly to life by the local residents.

For a full weekend, Ochagavía’s approximately 500 residents—some of whom return specifically for the event—don the outfits of the 1920s to perform the forgotten trades and customs of their ancestors.

The atmosphere is thick with authenticity, largely due to the dedication of the town's older generation, who instruct the young on the proper techniques. Visitors can watch:

• Washerwomen kneeling by the river, scrubbing sheets in the traditional way.
• Spinners using simple tools to process thread, a skill still held by the village's elders.
• Farmers shearing sheep with scissors and guiding livestock, including donkeys, through the cobblestone streets.
• A special, dramatic event: the "mata-txerri" or pig slaughter, where residents process the animal in the street, grinding meat and stuffing casings to make chorizo.

One of the most colourful attractions is the makeshift barber-dentist, a character who stands before a vintage price list. While a moustache trim costs 10 cents, a tooth extraction is priced based on bravery: free for those who endure the process without complaint, but one peseta for the "fussy" who require anaesthesia.

The commitment to detail extends beyond the public square. Homes and historical buildings are used to recreate private village life. The vestibule of a private house becomes the doctor’s office, while a Pyrenees mansion, Casa Koleto, houses a meticulously recreated old school. Here, separate schedules for boys and girls are observed, and a job advertisement for a female teacher lists strict, era-appropriate rules: "Do not marry," "do not dye your hair," and "wear at least two petticoats."

Religious customs are also revived, including the angélicas, a now-lost tradition where First Communion girls offered flowers to the Virgin Mary in May.

The Orhipean festival, which began over two decades ago, arose from a desire to turn the local celebration toward historical preservation. Organisers acknowledged that the event would not be possible without the complete involvement of the elderly, who share their living memories and family heirlooms, such as antique shoes and household items. The event’s newspaper, updated each year, offers historical context by featuring local happenings from the year 1925, detailing births, deaths, and even early morning weddings, serving as a powerful reminder of the deep roots and enduring spirit of this Navarrese community.
 

According to data from the first half of 2025, Spain maintains a relatively low position on international crime indices. Official figures released by the Ministry of the Interior show a slight year-on-year decrease in total recorded offences. However, a familiar pattern persists: the highest crime rates are concentrated in the country's largest and most visited metropolitan areas.

The data reveals that non-violent offences, such as pickpocketing and mobile phone snatches, form the majority of incidents, particularly in tourist hot spots.

City Crime Rates: Barcelona Leads the List

When crime is measured by the rate of offences per 100,000 residents, which allows for fair comparison between cities of different sizes, Barcelona ranks as the city with the highest rate in Spain for the first half of 2025.

Here are the cities with the highest recorded crime rates (offences per 100,000 residents) from January to June 2025:

Regional Trends

When looking at the sheer volume of conventional offences (not rates), Catalonia leads the autonomous communities with 207,567 incidents recorded. This is followed by Andalusia (160,038) and the Community of Madrid (159,705). These volume figures typically reflect population density, high tourist flows, and the presence of major transport hubs. The highest volumes of offences occur in the provinces of Barcelona and Madrid.

Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors 

For both travellers and residents, safety concerns primarily revolve around opportunistic theft in crowded areas. Common locations for non-violent crimes include:

• Barcelona: The tourist corridors of Ciutat Vella and around the Sagrada Família.

• Madrid: The Sol–Gran Vía area.

• Valencia: The historic city centre.

• Málaga: The old town.

To minimise risk, authorities advise:

• Keeping phones and wallets secured in zipped pockets or bags, especially on public transport and busy pavements.

• Using a cross-body bag rather than a backpack.

• Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended at beaches, nightlife spots, or festival sites.

The national emergency number in Spain is 112. Incidents should be reported by filing a denuncia with the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil.