2 minute read
Surge in ‘massage parlours’
RESIDENTS in Son Armadams and El Terreno in Palma are complaining about a surge of new massage parlours opening in the area.
was on the rise.
The director explained that the price hike could be due to two main reasons, namely a rise in demand and fears that mortgage rates, which are already through the roof, could “tighten further,” prompting buyers to buy quickly and thus pushing up prices.
Recent figures shows that the Balearic Islands are among the top five most expensive places to live in Spain, beaten only by San Sebastián, Madrid and Barcelona.
More specifically, neighbours are suggesting that these businesses are not all they seem, as they keep abnormal hours for beauty centres 9am to 11.30pm, 365 days a year and the customers seen entering and leaving are always all men.
In addition, the bulk of their business reportedly comes from tourists during the high season, and online reviews by customers highlight the ‘happy endings’ they received at these centres.
Catalina Llompart, president
LOCAL sportswoman Micaela Company is on her way to becoming one of the best martial artists in the world.
Last month Micaela won the Spanish grappling tournament, a form of wrestling similar to judo where no blows are landed. This was the second time she has won the national tournament and has also claimed the gold medal in the European championships twice.
She now owns dozens of gold, silver and bronze medals from national and international competitions. The 29yearold Primary and Special Education teacher began in the world of martial arts with kickboxing, switching to Jiu Jit of Son Armadams Neighbourhood Association, was quoted by a local press outlet as saying, “We believe they are undercover brothels,” adding “no one wants this kind of business in their neighbourhood.”
Local shop owners add that the women who work in these establishments often also live on the premises and that as high season approaches the number of employees more than doubles.
A local association said they could not confirm or deny the allegations.
Hitting the mat
su under the guidance of mentor and trainer
Jaime Fiol, and from there to grappling.
Her sights are now trained on the European championships in Bucharest next week, where she hopes to claim the number one spot once again with the Spanish Federation. Grappling is said to be a minority sport, especially among women, although numbers of enthusiasts are reportedly growing. However, Micaela reports that the lack of women often forces her to train with men who often weigh up to 100 kilos.
THE Teatre Principal in Palma is searching for professional opera singers for the 2023/24 season.
Already confirmed are performances of Il trittico by Puccini (in Italian), La forza del destino by Verdi (Italian) and Ròmeu et Juliette by Gounod (in French).
The theatre management is holding online auditions for singers who live on the island or have a professional link to the Balearic Islands to perform the pieces. Applicants must fill in a form and attach their artistic CV, as well as submitting a video performance of the roles they wish to play.
The Teatre will then carry out a preselection of all entries and contact possible candidates personally for an in-person interview.
The deadline for applications is March 31.
