Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin March 29
FEATURED ARTICLES: "Easter Week under water: All of Spain on high alert for storm Nelson" and "Spring forward into longer days: Clocks go forward in Spain this weekend"
Happy Easter everyone! Hopefully everybody is enjoying the festivities of Holy Week and looking forward to a weekend of parades and fun but, oh dear, the weather. We’ve been a bit spoiled with lots of sunshine and balmy temperatures for the last few months so it’s come as a shock to have to dust off the brollies.
But the Spanish (and dare I say us adopted Spaniards from abroad) are a hardy lot and since nothing beats a good parade, countless people have donned their wellies and coats and braved the rain and the wind to make the most of Holy Week.
Now since it’s Easter and, Spain being Spain, there is more to the occasion than masses and religious celebrations and we couldn’t resist rounding up everything that is weird and wonderful about this country’s unique Semana Santa traditions. Think honouring drunks, drenching passers-by with water and demonic statues and you’re on the right track.
Of course, there were plenty more goings-on this week, including airport strikes, high-profile arrests and sadly, tourist tragedies. We’ve got it all for you right here, so read on.
Easter Week Washout
Those of us originally from cooler climes are well used to the weather spoiling things but here in Spain, most people take for granted that celebrations during spring will be enjoyed, if not exactly in the scorching sun, then at least under relatively dry skies.
Sure, March is unpredictable everywhere, so we expect the occasional blip, but it’s fair to say that even the best qualified weather experts were caught off guard by the deluge dumped down on Spain by storm Nelson.
Right in the middle of Easter too, a much-revered celebration in Spain that centres on colourful processions, open-air concerts, masses and markets. All events that are usually held outdoors, in other words.
No-one does a parade quite like the Spanish. Their Holy Week processions are filled to bursting with elaborate floats and officers and religious figures in all their finery. If this all sounds expensive, that’s because it most certainly is, and these hugely anticipated parades had to be cancelled up and down the country on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday thanks to the driving rain.
But soggy shoes weren’t the only concern. Gale-force winds blew through the country, sometimes reaching a hair-raising 80 km/h in parts of Andalucía, and mountainous municipalities in the Region of Murcia were even treated to snow.
Quite aside from forcing the cancellation of parades and other outdoor festivities, the dreadful weather is threatening to sink local bars, restaurants and cafes in the Region of Murcia, most of whom were relying on packed terraces throughout Easter.
With street-side tables eerily empty except for a few brave patrons, the prospect of continued gale-force winds has proprietors bracing for a deluge of cancellations.
According to the HoyTú Bar Association, establishments with outdoor seating began fielding cancellations as early as last weekend. José María Rubiales, the group's president, estimates that local hospitality businesses have suffered a significant decline of approximately 50% compared to what they expected to take in.
The head of the Cartagena Hostecar employer's association, Fran Garnero, was a little more pragmatic, given the extreme drought that hasn’t left a corner of the Region untouched.
"Water gives more than it takes away," he said.
"As a hotelier it annoys me, but let's hope that the price of vegetables drops."
But while bars and restaurants are certainly feeling the pinch, the unrelenting rain and wind have not deterred throngs of people from venturing out to partake in the festive atmosphere. Excited revellers are undeterred, eager to make the most of Easter week despite Mother Nature's dismal disposition.It may have been a miserable start to the celebrations, but nobody was prepared for the carnage witnessed on Thursday March 28, when storm Nelson claimed the lives of four people in quick succession.
The first fatality occurred at noon on Thursday when a British tourist was swept into the sea while standing near the mouth of the Nalón River, in San Esteban de Pravia. His lifeless body was pulled from the water by the Guardia Civil of Asturias.
Just a few kilometres away in the neighbouring municipality of Cudillero, a woman was dragged into the current as she walked along the shoreline of the fishing port.
Hours later, the tragedy devastated Tarragona, where two people fell victim to the storm on Milagro beach.
According to local police sources, a German tourist who was walking along the beach with his partner selflessly jumped into the water when he noticed that a 16-year-old boy was in difficulty.
Although the 32-year-old holidaymaker was able to reach the teenager, the currents were too strong and both were pulled under. Maritime Rescue airlifted the bodies from the surf a short time later.
Spring Forward, Fall Back
Since 1918, Spain has implemented Daylight Saving Time (DST) twice a year, putting the clocks forward by one hour in March and turning them back in October.
This year, DST will begin on Sunday, March 31, ushering in longer days and brighter evenings. While the time change can be inconvenient, modern technology alleviates some of the stress, as smartphones and computers now automatically adjust the time. However, be prepared to lose an hour of sleep!
The rationale behind DST is somewhat controversial, with critics arguing that it causes unnecessary confusion, particularly for individuals who frequently cross time zones. In fact, the Spanish government has only committed to continuing DST until 2026, leaving its future uncertain.
But for now we’re stuck with it, so when you go to bed on Saturday night, 2am will become 3am in the blink of an eye. It’s a strange tradition, and one that varies across the globe. You can check out a few of the unusual ways Daylight Saving Time is handled in different countries here.
Devil's Comet & Solar Eclipse
Get ready for a cosmic spectacle! Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the 'Devil's Comet', is set to make its return to our solar system after a remarkable 70-year absence, and it will be clearly visible from Spain next month.
This giant of a comet measures a staggering 34 kilometres in diameter, making it three times the height of Mount Everest. Its impressive size and striking appearance, complete with a horn-like tail, have earned it the fitting moniker 'Devil's Comet'.
April 21 marks the prime viewing date for this intergalactic marvel, but the comet will still be visible throughout the month. In fact, most astronomy enthusiasts have April 8 circled on their calendars, as it coincides with a total solar eclipse, providing ideal viewing conditions.
Unfortunately, the total solar eclipse will only be visible from select areas in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
However, Spain will have its turn on March 29, 2025, when a partial solar eclipse will be observable. And mark your calendars for August 12, 2026, when Spain will be treated to a fantastic view of yet another total eclipse.
Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the majesty of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks and the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse. Grab your binoculars and telescopes, and get ready to gaze upon the wonders of the universe.
Weird & Wacky Easter Traditions
If you thought Easter was all about sombre processions and seriousness think again. Spain knows how to bring the party vibes even to its most sacred celebrations. Sure, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a time for reflection, prayer and family, but that doesn't mean they can't add a dash of fun and quirkiness to the mix.
Here are some of the most unique and entertaining ways Spain celebrates Easter:
1. Dance with death - Verges, Girona
Imagine dancing with the grim reaper himself during Holy Week! Well, that's exactly what happens in Verges, where ten people dress up as skeletons and shake their bones to the beat of a tambourine. It's a centuries-old tradition that's been named a Heritage Festival of National Interest, so you just know it has to be good.
2. Water fight - Valencia
Who needs holy water when you can have a good old fashioned water fight? In Valencia, locals celebrate the Trencà de Perols by chucking buckets of water and dishes from their balconies. It's a refreshing twist on traditional processions and symbolises renewal and leaving the past behind.
3. Honouring a drunken legend - León
Raise a glass to Genaro Blanco, the patron saint of wine lovers! After his passing, his buddies started a tradition of carrying a doll representing him through the streets, equipped with a bottle of wine and a trusty lamppost to lean on. It's a tipsy tribute to a man who loved his vino and his ladies. Cheers to that.
4. Killing Jews...with Wine Lemonade? - León
Now don’t worry, this tradition isn't as violent as it sounds. Locals go from bar to bar sipping on delicious wine lemonade, which allegedly originated as a way to avoid a massacre in the Jewish quarter. Today, it's just an excuse to have a few too many and hang out with pals.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wacky and wonderful Spanish traditions. You can check out the rest here.
Murcia
Looking ahead to a busy spring season at Region of Murcia International Airport, more commonly known as Corvera airport, officials have decided to prolong the bus service connecting the airport with Cartagena and Murcia cities for an additional two months.
The bus service, which began on January 12, offers passengers a convenient and cheap transport option on Mondays and Fridays. Initially scheduled to finish up on March 25, the service will now continue operating under a new timetable starting on Friday March 29 and running until the end of May.
Passengers can take advantage of affordable fares, with a one-way ticket costing just 1.85 euros. For further information and detailed timetables, visit Interbus Murcia.
Since its introduction in January, the public bus service has seen steady growth, with 451 passengers using the service to date. This number continues to increase thanks to the addition of more connecting flights from Madrid and Barcelona.
In a bid to create plenty of buzz and excitement on the streets of Murcia during the Spring Fiestas, which kick off right after Easter, the City Council has declared that public transport will be free for all residents and visitors during the main celebration days.
Beginning on Bando del la Huerta on April 2 and continuing until the Burial of the Sardine on April 6, more than 400,000 daily seats will be available on public buses and trams. This means that 120 buses will be put to the roads, and 10 trams will hit the tracks.
This is all in addition to the new on-demand night bus service, which will be launched as a pilot project on Friday March 29 and run until Sunday April 7. The on-demand bus will feature 20 stops that will connect a dozen districts with the centre of Murcia.
As an additional bonus during the holidays, taxi fares on specific routes will be capped. These rates, which represent a significant discount compared to the standard holiday fares, will be applicable from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday and during the Bando de la Huerta and Entierro de la Sardina festivities.
Some of the designated routes with fixed rates include:
- Juan XXIII to Nueva Condomina: 20 euros
- Díez de Revenga to Carrefour Zaraiche: 10 euros
- González Conde to Rontonda Cliper Palmar: 15 euros
- Red Cross to Carrefour Atalayas: 10 euros
- Red Cross to Carrefour Infante: 8 euros.
A prominent police officer has fallen from grace after being arrested for his suspected role in a drug trafficking operation that brought illicit substances into the Region of Murcia from South America. Chief Inspector Juan Carlos G, who was stationed at the Spanish embassy in Colombia, was taken into custody on March 23 in Vigo and is now facing investigation by the Court of Murcia.
Ironically, Juan Carlos G had been working as a liaison officer to strengthen international ties in the war on drugs. However, an inquiry launched last summer revealed his alleged involvement in a scheme to smuggle huge amounts of narcotics into the Region.
He is thought to have collaborated with a group led by JG, the head of the anti-drug unit of the Murcia National Police, who was apprehended in February and remains in pre-trial detention.
The arrest of Juan Carlos G has dealt a significant blow to the police force. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as several officers have been arrested and convicted of drug-related crimes in recent years.
According to legal sources, Juan Carlos G has been granted provisional release on bail by the Murcian courts, contingent upon surrendering his passport and reporting regularly to a parole officer.
Mederi Salud, the company responsible for building the new Hospital del Guadalentiín, has recently announced that the state-of-the-art medical facility is expected to open its doors before the summer season.
Strategically located in the Camposol urbanization, adjacent to the Camposol (national health) medical centre and Camposol business centre, the hospital promises to deliver top-notch medical care to the municipality of Mazarrón and beyond.
Boasting a comprehensive range of medical specialties and services, the Mederi Salud Hospital del Guadalentiín will operate around the clock, 365 days a year, ensuring that patients receive prompt and effective treatment when they need it most.
Equipped with four modern operating rooms, the surgical department is designed to handle complex procedures with precision and efficiency. Moreover, the hospital features two floors with 36 admission beds, providing ample space for patients to recover comfortably.
With an investment of 11 million euros, the Mederi Salud group is committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services to the municipality.
The Murcia Street Art Project is revolutionising the way we perceive graffiti by recognising it as a legitimate art form that deserves appreciation and acknowledgment. To achieve this goal, the group has curated an innovative exhibition titled ‘Breaking the Molds’ in San Pedro del Pinatar, featuring works by some of the world's leading street artists.
The exhibition takes place at the Barón de Benifayó Museum until May 26 and promises to be an unmissable event for urban art enthusiasts. Showcasing more than 20 remarkable pieces, the exhibition brings together renowned artists such as Blek Le Rat, Seen and the enigmatic Banksy.
That's right, Banksy himself! Known for his bold and thought-provoking creations, his contribution to the exhibition is sure to generate interest and spark conversation.
According to the organisers, this is a unique opportunity to see works by some of the biggest names in street art in one place, and to experience one of the most exciting exhibitions to hit the Region of Murcia this year.
Check out our EVENTS DIARY for events and activities coming up in the Region of Murcia:
Spain
In a worrying turn of events, three well-known sunscreen brands, Rituals, Vichy and Biotherm, have been forced to halt sales of their products in Spain due to failing to meet the promised sun protection levels on their labels.
The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) took action after conducting rigorous testing, revealing that the products fell short of their advertised SPF and UVA protection claims.
The affected items include Rituals' 'Invisible Sun Protection Face Cream SPF 50+', Vichy's 'Capital Soleil Smooth Protective Cream SPF 50+' and Biotherm's 'Waterlover Face Sunscreen SPF 50+'.
While this may sound alarming, it's worth noting that AEMPS found that these products still provided a decent level of sun protection, merely falling short of their "very high" claims. Instead, they have been reclassified as offering a "high" level of protection.
So, while consumers might feel misled, there's no need to panic. It's important to remember that even high-quality sunscreens require regular reapplication and should be used in conjunction with other protective measures, such as staying in the shade, donning protective clothing and avoiding peak sun hours.
Right in the middle of Holy Week, travellers face yet another hurdle in their holiday plans. Employees of the Platform Management Service (SDP) at Madrid's Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport have announced indefinite industrial action, beginning with two days of strikes that took place on March 27 and 29.
The strike is a call for improved working conditions and higher salaries, according to the Union of Workers of the General Confederation of Labour (UGT), which represents the employees.
This adds to the already mounting concerns for holidaymakers, following recent warnings from tour operators in the UK of widespread cancellations and delays due to ongoing strikes at Palma de Mallorca airport. Tour operator TUI has advised customers to allow extra time for security checks and warned of a "potential situation" for those flying to and from Palma Airport.
Meanwhile, Jet2 has also cautioned passengers about likely delays owing to maintenance work at the airport. Passengers have been advised to allow additional time to clear immigration in both departures and arrivals.
Alicante
Torrevieja is just one of dozens of popular coastal cities in Alicante but shocking statistics released this week revealed that in 2023 alone, more than 100 of the 1,300 road traffic accidents involved electric scooters.
Love them or hate them, scooters aren’t going away, but the authorities are well aware of the dangers associated with this mode of transport. As a result, Torrevieja City Council has launched a new campaign to improve road safety for users of electric scooters, also known as personal mobility vehicles (VMP).
To educate younger people about the regulations, the council is organising talks in high schools and creating informative brochures that highlight the consequences of violating the rules and offer practical advice for safe riding practices.
Some of the essential guidelines for electric scooter users are:
- Refrain from wearing headphones or using mobile devices while operating the scooter
- Avoid driving on footpaths, pedestrian areas or in parks
- Wearing a helmet and having insurance is highly recommended
- Being towed by another vehicle is strictly prohibited
- Only one person per scooter is permitted
Traffic controls will be conducted to enforce these regulations, and fines of up to 1,000 euros can be issued for serious offenses such as refusing to take a breathalyzer test or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Other penalties include 80 euros for driving through pedestrian zones, 200 euros for failing to respect pedestrian priority and 90 euros for driving with more than one occupant.
It must feel like a never-ending saga to the residents of Orihuela Costa, but it seems like the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the AP-7 in Lomas de Cabo Roig is one step closer after the City Council named it as one of the top priority actions in the new budget.
The budget amounts to a historic 140 million euros, significantly higher than the 80 million euros allocated in 2018. The walkway is expected to cost around 1.3 million euros.
The need for a pedestrian path is evident to everyone. The narrow two-lane road is the main artery connecting inland Lomas, a hugely popular area with expats, to the coast and the nightlife venues of Cabo Roig and Campoamor. Despite the fact that people take their lives in their hands every day to traverse the bridge, there is no footpath and the hard shoulder is only a few centimetres wide.
In the opinion of Orihuela’s Mayor Vegara, it's nothing short of miraculous that there haven't been more frequent incidents in the vicinity given the hazardous circumstances.
Earlier this year, the Orihuela authorities floated the idea of funding the bridge through a bank loan, and it seems that this is indeed the way forward for many of the projects on the table.
“Indebtedness is an option that we consider because it is clear that any economic structure needs financing to continue growing and we will make the external financing effort that we have to make within the limits set by the law and what we understand to be logical,” the mayor explained.
Check out the Costa Blanca What’s On and Where to Go Facebook group to see more things to do around Alicante province!
Andalucía
Much to the annoyance of customers, the Andalucían government has decreed that it is absolutely legal for bars and restaurants to charge customers more for tables located in sunny areas, as long as they clearly indicate the additional cost.
This decision came after a restaurant in Seville faced backlash on social media for adding a hefty fee for what it referred to as "premium tables" - seats situated in a sunny corner with a pleasant view.
According to the Consumer Affairs Department, businesses can set separate prices for specific tables or terrace seating, but they must explicitly state these prices on their menus, price lists, websites or other advertising platforms. It is important to note that restaurants can charge more for each dish served on the terrace, as long as they inform customers of this practice.
A government spokesperson emphasised that charging differently for service at indoor tables versus terrace seating is acceptable. However, he clarified that once a customer is seated on a terrace located on public land, the business cannot demand a higher price based on factors such as the quality of the view.
The government took this opportunity to remind restaurants of other unlawful practices that could result in complaints or penalties.
These practices include displaying menu prices solely through QR codes (which not all customers can access), charging extra for service, bread, tapas or similar items without prior notification, refusing cash payment, and forcing customers to purchase bottled water instead of offering free tap water.
Additionally, leaving a tip is classified as a voluntary decision and never an obligation.
The always popular Costa de Sol has seen a remarkable surge in housing prices over the past decade, with a stunning 107% property price increase in Malaga, according to a recent study by Fotocasa.
This meteoric rise in property values has made Malaga the second most expensive city in Spain for purchasing a second-hand home, just behind Palma de Mallorca, which has seen a cumulative increase of 140%.
In 2014, an 80 square metre apartment in Malaga would have set you back around 135,821 euros. Fast forward to 2024, and that same apartment now comes with a hefty price tag of 234,561 euros - a mind-boggling difference of nearly 100,000 euros.
Malaga's astronomical growth in housing prices is not an isolated phenomenon. It is one of 12 cities in Spain that has seen a steady incline in property values since 2009, when the average price of a home was 195,513 euros. Other cities that have experienced significant growth include Madrid, Valencia and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and Madrid are the three autonomous communities that have witnessed the most substantial increase in housing prices over the past decade. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Asturias, Castilla y León and Extremadura are the only regions that have seen a decline in housing prices since 2014.
The sun-drenched Costa del Sol has long been known for its beautiful beaches, sparkling Mediterranean waters and vibrant resort towns. Now, it can add another feather to its cap, as TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel platform, has named the Ikos Andalucía in Estepona, Malaga, as one of the best hotels in the world. In fact, it's not just the very best in Spain; it's ranked ninth in all of Europe.
The Traveller's Choice 'Best of the Best' award is no small achievement, placing the Ikos Andalucía in the top 1% of hotels globally. So, what sets it apart? For starters, guests rave about the exceptional cleanliness and impeccable service, giving it a perfect score of 5. It seems like every detail has been thought of to ensure a truly unforgettable stay.
But the accolades don't stop there. Rounding out the top five hotels in Spain are:
- Iberostar Grand El Mirador – Tenerife
- Royal Hideaway Corales Suites – Tenerife
- Hotel Cuevas – Santillana del Mar
- Es Príncep – Mallorca
And on a global scale, the competition is fierce. The top three hotels in the world, according to TripAdvisor, are Rambagh Palace (Jaipur, India), Ozen Reserve Bolifushi (Bolifushi Island, Maldives) and Hotel Colline de France (Gramado, Brazil).
You may have missed…
- New beacon system installed on Mar Menor beaches to protect swimmers.
To ensure the safety of beachgoers, the regional government has started installing beacons in the water which will remain in place for the next nine months. - Spanish cosmetic surgery clinic embroiled in manslaughter probe over death of British tourist.
The manager of a private aesthetics clinic in Palma de Mallorca has been arrested and charged with manslaughter following the death of a British woman who underwent a breast augmentation procedure at the clinic last September. - Caravaca spruces up its streets with a colourful new mural.
The latest endeavour to spruce up the public streets of Caravaca de la Cruz comes in the form of a vibrant new mural at the bus stop on Los Andenes-Gregorio Sánchez Romero Avenue, featuring eye-catching designs that celebrate the town's rich history and culture. - Camouflaged motorbikes set to patrol Spanish roads this summer
In a new effort to cut down on speeding and other dangerous driving, the head of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has announced that undercover motorcycle police will join the camouflaged cop cars on Spanish roads this high season. - San Javier cracks down on illegal dumping
In response to the growing problem of illegal dumping in public spaces, the San Javier Town Hall has launched an intensified surveillance campaign to crack down on law breakers. According to Councillor for Public Services, María Dolores Ruiz, the campaign has already resulted in several complaints with financial sanctions issued by the Local Police.
That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful Easter! We’ll be back with another edition of the Editor’s Roundup Weekly Bulletin for next week.
See you then!
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