Olive Press Costa Blanca issue 157

To honour World Bee Day, the Olive Press takes a dive into the world of the vital insects

See page 14

THE BEES KNEES

NOT AGAIN!

AN American woman’s €2.5 million Marbella villa has been snatched from right under her nose - sold using forged papers from Mexico while she was away in Indonesia.

Elizabeth, a yoga teacher and longterm resident, was horrified when tenants called her in August 2023 reporting men had broken into her home, smashing doors and disabling alarms.

“They claimed they had a rental contract from a Mexican woman who doesn’t even exist,” Elizabeth said.

“I hadn’t sold the house, never saw a penny, and was halfway across the world.”

Her lawyer, Carmen Herrera, revealed the fraud began in 2018 with a forged power of attorney and fake passport created in Mexico.

Yet Spanish notaries and land registrars failed to spot the fake documents - allowing the villa to be sold without her consent.

Crooked

Property expert Mark Stucklin slammed the system: “This was either gross negligence or a crooked notary. Forged documents should never have been accepted.”

Costa del Sol lawyer Antonio Flores warned: “If someone walks in with a foreign POA to sell a home, notaries must be extremely suspicious.”

This is the second major case the Olive Press has uncovered recently. Last edition, the OP reported that a Swedish woman had her Mijas apartment stolen using a forged Colombian power of attorney. Men posing as victims of fraud tried to evict her and even contacted her building’s administrator to claim ownership.

Elizabeth said: “I’m trapped in a nightmare. After this, I’ll never buy property in Spain again.”

For a full investigation see the next edition of the Olive Press

NO JUSTICE

A VALENCIA court has sparked outrage after declaring that the deadly Campanar fire, which tragically claimed 10 lives, was simply an accident.

With no criminal negligence found, victims’ families have blasted the decision, demanding accountability for what was the deadliest fire in the city’s history.

The fire broke out on February 22, 2024, at around 5.30pm in a 14-storey residential complex in the Campanar district of Valencia. It began in an eighth-floor apartment and was caused by a leak of highly flammable isobutane refrigerant from a faulty fridge.

Victims

The fire spread quickly, fanned by winds of up to 100 km/h and fuelled by the building’s combustible aluminum composite cladding, which rapidly escalated the disaster.

The blaze engulfed the building in a matter of minutes, with the intense heat and thick, choking smoke trapping many residents.

A heroic concierge who raised the alarm by banging on doors and shouting ‘Fire!’ saved several lives. However, despite his efforts, 10 people perished in the blaze.

Victims included an 82-year-old woman, a young couple expecting their first child, four members of the

Fury as court clears all parties over horror blaze that killed 10 in Valencia

By Dilip Kuner & Alex Trelinski

same family with two little children and a 14 year old girl. Some 15 people were hospitalised, including six firefighters and a child. Firefighters could only reach up to the 12th floor with the equipment they had, struggling against the extreme heat and the uncontrollable flames.

Some people, including a father and daughter, were rescued from a balcony using an extendable fire ladder crane, while others on the floors above were caught in the chaos.

The court’s 23-page report ruled that the fire was a tragic accident. It concluded that the cladding material used in the building’s construction, while flammable, was legal at the time of installation.

The judge stated there was no evidence of criminal negligence from municipal officials, building inspectors, or any involved parties.

“There has not even been a flicker of the existence of a crime or any alleged perpetrator,” the judge stated, further declaring that the tragedy was an accident beyond human control.

CASH PROMISE:

€30 million has been allocated to rebuild the

HORRIFYING: 10 people died in the blaze that reached temperatures of 1,000 C

Despite the plans for a €30 million reconstruction of the building, the families of the victims are furious at the court’s ruling.

Many feel the tragedy could have been prevented if stricter safety regulations were in place, especially regarding the use of flammable materials

in buildings. A spokesman for the APROICAM pressure group, which is supporting victims, said: “We cannot accept this ruling. The victims were failed by those entrusted with their safety. We

will continue to fight for justice, for the families and for the people who died that night.”

The building was clad with Alucobond panels, a type of aluminum composite material with a polyethylene core - a material known to be

Arsonist appeal

A MAN convicted of starting several fires in Valencia’s El Saler natural park will fight a nine-month jail sentence because he ‘repented’ by calling emergency services.

Cheap labour

TWO people have been arrested for exploiting undocumented migrants with low pay and long hours in renovating tourist flats in Alicante.

Job record

EMPLOYMENT in Alicante province reached an all-time high of over 768,000 jobs in Mayboosted by seasonal vacancies in the hospitality sector.

Scooter reveal

A THIEF with 22 pending arrest warrants for stealing food from supermarkets was arrested in Valencia after police saw him riding a scooter without wearing a helmet.

A MAN accused of killing Singaporean tourist Audrey Fang, 39, will not be deported – dodging a possible death penalty in his homeland.

Mitchell Ong, 44, was in Spain illegally when Fang’s body was found in

Double trouble Dodged a bullet

April 2024, stabbed over 30 times and dumped near a Murcia lorry park. But a Cieza court ruled he can’t be ex-

pelled, as Spanish law only allows deportation for crimes carrying under six years’ jail. Ong faces a minimum 15-year sentence if convicted. The pair had a rocky 10-year relationship.

HORROR AT SEA

Woman arrested for drowning pet at Alicante dog beach

A HEARTLESS dog owner has been arrested for deliberately drowning her pet at a popular dog-friendly beach in Alicante.

The French woman was caught by horrified beachgoers at Playa de Agua Amarga, where she was seen repeatedly forcing the animal underwater in a shocking display of cruelty.

As onlookers approached her in an attempt to rescue the dog, she dragged the limp animal out of the sea by its lead.

The dog, unconscious after swallowing a large amount of seawater, was rushed to a nearby vet in San Vicente del Raspeig - but tragically died shortly

By Alex Trelinski

after despite frantic efforts to save it.

Cops later arrested the woman at the vets, and she now faces animal abuse charges.

Outraged witnesses and the animal rescue group Asoka have filed official complaints demanding swift legal action.

The national president of the animal rights association, Pacma, Javier Luna, fumed: “This highlights the need to toughen up penalties for animal abuse.

“The current law is not a strongenough deterrent nor does it

give proper protection to animals against this type of atrocity.”

It’s the second high profile incident involving dog abuse in the Alicante area within two

months.

In March a woman threw her two Yorkshire terriers out of an eighth-floor city apartment window following an argument with her husband over their upkeep.

AN ELDERLY motorist has been arrested twice in three days for driving on the wrong side of the motorway in the Murcia and Valencia regions. The 74-year-old man was pulled over by the Guardia Civil on the AP-7 in Cartagena. Spooked road users called emergency services about the car which travelled for 20 kilometres on the wrong carriageway.

Several Guardia Civil cars were mobilised to stop the man, who refused to take a breathalyser test.

Stunned officers discovered he committed the same offence on a Valencia area motorway just three days earlier.

THREE squatters set up a marijuana farm with 318 plants at a Denia finca and also set up an illegal electricity supply to power up equipment. They were caught out by the Policia Nacional after a neighbour complained about a robbery at his home.

PORT customs officers in Valencia have seized 170 kilos of cocaine hidden inside catalytic converters imported from Brazil. Authorities said the drugs had a street value of over €5 million.

The shipment was destined for Callosa de Segura in Alicante province where a gang Hidden stash

used warehouses as narcotic distribution centres.

They set up a business as a front for their criminal activities with its chief based in South America.

Two men have been arrested in Callosa and charged with smuggling and public health offences.

The Tax Agency started a probe two years ago into the activities of the ‘shell’ company.

The animals died immediately on impact with the ground.

The Spaniard, 53, told police at the time that she was ‘fed up’ about always having to take them for a walk. She was bailed on animal abuse charges, saying she could not remember what happened and blamed it on a cocktail of alcohol consumption and pill-popping.

Officers decided their suspects could be the near-by squatters and started a discreet surveillance operation. They made their move to arrest a man and two women, with a fourth suspect on the run. Stolen items from the complainant’s home were found in addition to other ‘suspicious’ items acquired through other burglaries.

Tennis great wins 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports

Excellence

SERENA Williams has been announced as the 2025 Princess of Asturias Award winner in the sports category, in recognition of her outstanding tennis career.

The 43-year-old American

SPAIN'S greatest-ever tennis player, Rafa Nadal, has been given a special farewell at the French Open - a Grand Slam event he won a record 14 times.

The Mallorcan star retired last November after a sensational career.

He took his bow on Court Philippe-Chatrier in front of a packed 15,000 crowd including Murcia's Carlos Alcaraz who wore a ‘Merci Rafa’ shirt.

A video montage was played

By Alex Trelinski

won 73 singles titles including 23 Grand Slams. She said in 2022 that she was

RAFA’S FINAL FAREWELL

across the court screens featuring all of his successes at Roland Garros. Towards the end of the emotional ceremony,

No

Serena’s latest win

stepping away from the sport to focus on her family and business interests.

Williams was chosen after two days of deliberations by a jury in Oviedo that sifted through 30 candidates from 13 countries.

They described her sporting records as ‘unquestionable’.

Last year's winner was Spain’s badminton star, Carolina Marin, who won Olympic gold in Rio back in 2016.

Prizes

The €50,000 Princess of Asturias Award is one of eight annual prizes covering different spheres, including arts, literature, film, and science.

The awards ceremony takes place in Oviedo this October at the city's Campoamor Theatre.

MULLINS IT OVER

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE IN THE UK AND LIFE IN SPAIN,

regrets, no illusions

From Spanish property madness to Brexit hangovers and bureaucratic blind spots, life abroad isn’t all sunshine and sangria

I’VE no regrets about relocating to Spain a year ago, but there are times when it really hits home that you’re squatting in someone else’s country where you don’t get to make the rules. It’s a bit like post-Brexit Britain, except - whatever the politics of it - the UK can’t just up sticks and move. We still need to trade with the EU, but now we don’t get a say on the rules. Genius!

Where I’m going with this is the bonkers idea from Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez to slap a whopping 100% tax on non-Spanish, non-EU citizens buying property.

A right royal sendoff

IT was caps off and tissues out as King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain watched youngest daughter Infanta Sofia graduate from UWC Atlantic College - aka the ‘Hogwarts for hippies’ - in Wales.

The £63k-a-year school, set in a 12th-century castle, is a royal favourite Sofia’s big sister Princess Leonor graduated in 2023.

Leonor couldn’t make the ceremony - she’s off doing military training - but sent a sweet video message from a Spanish Navy ship. Sofia’s tutor called her a ‘true friend in difficult times’.

XABI STARTS

REAL Madrid have appointed Xabi Alonso (top right) as their new manager on a three-year deal starting June 1.

Utter madness if you ask me, and I’m told it’s got a snowball’s chance in hell of becoming law.

Clearly, Señor Sanchez is trying to calm the anti-tourist, anti-second-home crowd by showing he’s on their side. The good news is that, unlike Brits in 2016, Spanish voters won’t rise up against foreigners… they know which side of their pan rebanado the olive oil is drizzled on!

Speaking of housing problems, I couldn’t believe what happened to one Scandinavian expat woman recently - some crafty scammers managed to

TURNED AWAY?: If migrants fail test

swipe her flat out from under her. The first she heard of it was when she started getting threatening letters ordering her to leave. Talk about bad news in the post. What I don’t get is how a forged Colombian legal document can allow gangsters to fl og your place from under you! If you buy a stolen car you don’t get to keep it, so why is it different when it’s a fl at?

It does sometimes feel like expats get second-rate service from the local authorities; meanwhile, back in the UK, it seems the government bends over backwards to help immigrants - the more illegal, the more help, or so it often appears.

The 43-year-old returns after making 236 appearances for the club from 2009 to 2014, winning six major trophies.

Alonso arrives from Bayer Leverkusen, where he won a historic domestic double last season. He replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who departs to coach Brazil. Real face Al-Hilal in their first match under Alonso at the revamped Club World Cup on June 18 in Miami.

Ahead of his arrival, Real have signed Dean Huijsen (middle) for €60 million and are targeting Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold (bottom) on a free transfer.

I suppose some of us might do better out here if we made more effort to learn the language, but Spanglish does the job well enough for me. Strangely, I hear that back in the UK, Labour are trying to bring in a new law making immigrants take an English test before they can get any sort of visa to stay.

Who knows how that’s going to work. Will the Royal Navy start handing out test papers to illegals on the small boats - and if they fail, it’s a one-way ticket back to France? Next thing you know, Keir Starmer’s Labour lot will be paying to send private English tutors into asylum hotels, just to make sure the illegal immigrants living on the taxpayer’s pound are up to snuff - so they can apply for more benefi ts!

WRITES CHARLIE MULLINS

Nadal was joined on court by his great rivals Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Sir Andy Murray.

Have you seen Janet?

A BRITISH expat has gone missing in the Jacarilla area of Alicante province.

Janet Fison left her home last Friday at around 7pm. Janet - originally from Redhill in Surrey - was last seen wearing a brown floral dress. Her husband said she had no mobile phone, money or identity documents. She was last sighted walking by the river towards Benejuzar at around 8.40pm.

Jacarilla Council and Janet's family have asked for anybody with news to contact the Policia Local or Guardia Civil. She was described as a ‘wonderful person’ by people posting on the council’s Facebook site.

HEALTH WORRIES

RESIDENTS from two towns joined forces to protest about substandard health services in the Torrrevieja area. Around 200 demonstrators from San Miguel de Salinas and Los Montesinos gathered outside the San Miguel.Town Hall.

Concerns included long-waiting lists for consultations and surgeries at Torrevieja Hospital in addition to delays for GP appointments.

Protest

The protest was organised by the Platform for Public and Quality Health, which wants improvements to the Torrevieja health department. The platform says the patient-GP ratio is far too high in the two towns.

There are nearly 2,000 people per doctor, while the Valencian region average ratio is 1,300 residents per medic.

Beach blitz

BENIDORM’S golden sands are now in full summer swing. From now until September 30, lifeguards, cleaners and police will flood the beaches to keep things safe, spotless and secure. Lifeguards are on duty 10am–7pm this month, stretching to longer hours from July. A 44-strong team is watching over Levante and Poniente, backed by 32 local police officers patrolling on foot, scooters and brand-new quad bikes. Meanwhile, beach cleaners will work early mornings and late nights to keep things pristine.

ELCHE JOY

ELCHE exploded into celebration on Monday as 200,000 ecstatic fans swarmed the streets to toast their heroes' return to La Liga!

The green-and-white army went wild after Sunday’s stunning 4-0 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruña sealed second place in Spain’s Segunda Division - and a golden ticket back to the top flight.

Players were paraded like rockstars on an open-top green bus, cheered every inch of the way to City Hall where mayor Pablo Ruz gave them a heroes welcome. The party ended with a massive blowout at the Martinez Valero stadium.

Police

No fault

highly flammable. Though legal at the time of installation during Spain’s 19962008 property boom, these panels were a key factor in how the fire spread so rapidly. Temperatures inside the building reached over 1,000°C, and the panels began to melt, spreading flames across the building’s exterior - a similar case to London’ Grenfell Tower disaster. Fire safety systems, such as alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors, failed to function as intended.

SUN, SEA, SHUTDOWN!

THE owners of a Mar Menor campsite are claiming that over ‘20,000 customers’ will lose out on a holiday, after police moved in to enforce closure notices on 'illegal' areas. As previously reported by the Olive Press, the Villas Caravaning site at Playa Honda was ordered by Cartagena council in April to shut down unlicensed homes and common facilities.

By Alex Trelinski

The owners launched a lastditch legal challenge and lost, paving the way for the police to move in.

Sports courts, play areas, a restaurant and a supermarket were all forcibly closed due to safety concerns, along with toilet and shower blocks.

81 unapproved prefab homes were also sealed off during the police operation.

raid ‘illegal’ campsite ahead of peak holiday season

Water flow from fire suppression systems was reportedly inadequate, and many of the building’s evacuation routes were poorly designed, further hindering escape efforts.

Marina revamp

with

is to get a €15 million

The pledge comes from a joint-venture company that won a Valencian government contract to run the site for 35 years.

Dangerous

Cartagena Urban Planning councillor, Diego Garcia, said: “These facilities are dangerous as they do not comply with fire regulations and also violate urban planning laws.”

Speedy arrivals

People living in properties that were closed were allowed to return to pick up belongings.

The authority also pointed out that not all of the site has been shut down.

The owner, Caravanings Costa Calida SL, said in a statement: “It's just catastrophic for families and for the local economy."

It added that it did not understand the council's move which it described as ‘very aggressive’ and got no response in trying to regular-

ise the 81 pre-fabs.

Villas Caravaning has over 1,100 individual owners with some grouped into two associations.

One of the presidents, Juan Garcia, branded the closures as ‘illegal and scandalous’.

“They want us to get into a fight with the Policia Local. They've even closed the church,” he fumed.

There are 423 camping pitches and 320 mobile homes with an estimated 600 people living there allyear-round.

Inspection hitch

ALICANTE'S plan to fine the owners of unlicenced tourist flats has been delayed due to a lack of inspectors.

The city's Urban Planning councillor, Rocio Gomez, admitted that an inspection department still had to be set up before a request is sent to Valencia to take over policing of holiday accommodation.

Benidorm and Valencia City Councils have already taken full inspection control which means they get all the money from penalties rather than the regional government.

Porto Senso is regarded as a ‘maritime jewel’ with 154 moorings not far from up-market urbanisations like Altea Hills. Better access is promised with a new reception and administration centre.

An overhauled car park will include electric vehicle charging spaces while existing buildings will be converted to a leisure and restaurant zone. Also planned is a new waste and recycling unit.

TRAM service between Benidorm and Villajoyosa's Marina Baixa regional hospital will return next Thursday after nearly five months of replacement bus services. Improvements have been carried out on Line 1 of the TRAM d'Alacant network- including doubling tracks and electrification.

THREE Thomson gazelle antelopes have been born at Bioparc Valencia. The species can race at speeds of up to 80 km/h for long periods, only surpassed by the cheetah - the fastest land animal. When the parents of the newborn struggled to cope, specialists moved in to help the youngsters. Two of the

babies are a month old and get bottle-fed four times a day, while the smallest Thomson - just a week old - gets five feeds. Their diet will be expanded to include solids such as grass and hay. Once they get stronger, the youngsters will join the rest of the antelope herd.

Nearly three-quarters of Alicante's tourist flats are not registered according to a city council report.

SUDDEN DEATH

THE Guardia Civil is investigating the death of an Irish woman, 24, at an apartment in Albatera.

Diane Moloney, from Listowel in County Kerry, was discovered unconscious by her partner on Saturday morning.

Foul play has been ruled out by authorities.

The couple had been living in the apartment for some time.

Her partner - also from Kerry - called emergency services after making the shock find.

All paramedics could do was to confirm that Diane had died.

The Irish Embassy has been informed and is offering assistance to her family.

Work was extended by a month due to delays in building electricity sub-stations. Some €40 million has been invested in Line 1 improvements covering over six kilometres in the Benidorm, Finestrat and Villajoyosa areas. Everything is scheduled to be completed by December. It will include revamped stations at Cala Finestrat and Terra Mitica plus a new viaduct over the Murtal ravine. Back

A BENEJUZAR local got the fright of his life when a bastard snake stared back at him from his loo.

The man just wanted a quick wee - but instead found a two-metre slithery surprise lurking in the bathroom bowl. Though venomous, these snakes pack a sting no worse than a wasp’s. Police were called in to nab the unwelcome visitor, safely releasing it back into the wild.

JOY: Elche’s football team received an ecstatic welcome home

CLOSED: The Mar Menor campsite was ordered to shut up shop by Policia Local

ALTEA'S Porto Senso marina - popular

luxury yacht owners -

revamp.

GREEN

STRAIT OVER

A SWEDISH-made electric hydrofoil boat has completed the first intercontinental journey by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar from Sotogrande to Ceuta and back in a single day.

The futuristic Candela C-8 Polestar Edition completed the 24-nautical mile voyage in just over an hour, matching diesel ferry speeds while using underwater hydrofoils that lift the hull above water, reducing energy consumption by 80%.

The crossing cost just €8 in electricity (40 kWh), compared to €90 in fuel for a gasoline-powered boat making the same journey.

The vessel's flight-like stability system handled the strait's notorious rough seas smoothly and it’s hoped it can become a sustainable ferry route across the Mediterranean.

17 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS

Scan to find out more

A NEW YouGov poll reveals that 87% of Spaniards want more fishing rights allocated to smallscale fishers, amid rising public anger over industrial trawlers destroying marine habitats and coastal jobs. Currently, large trawlers receive

Trawler travesty

the vast majority of Spain’s fishing quotas, while small-scale crews - who make up over half the fleet - are left with just 3%. Many industrial vessels use destructive methods like bottom trawling,

which tear up seabeds and kill non-target species, including juvenile fish. More than 76% of those surveyed oppose such practices. As Spain launches a public consultation on how quotas are assigned, conservation group Oceana and others are calling for a complete overhaul.

DRYING UP

Spain on course to run out of water by 2050, experts warn

SPAIN is on the brink of a catastrophic water crisiswith experts warning it could be as parched as the Middle East by 2050.

A report from the World Resources Institute has lumped Spain in with desert nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran - all facing ‘extremely high’ water stress. That

By Walter Finch

means over 80% of their water will be used up every year. Spain currently sits at 43% – already in the danger zone. And while recent rains have bumped reservoir levels to around 66%, experts say it’s

WIPES WAR

SPAIN is set to ban flushing wet wipes as part of a new crackdown on sewer-clogging ‘fatbergs’ – and manufacturers will have to pay for the clean-up.

The move, aimed at slashing single-use plastics, comes as fatbergs – giant globs of grease and wipes – cost the country €230 million a year to tackle.

The law will also outlaw releasing party balloons into the wild in a bid to tackle plastic pollution of the environment. Producers will now have to foot the bill for both sewer clean-ups and public awareness campaigns.

too little, too late.

Meteorologist Mario Picazo has issued a stark warning: “Spain is increasingly vulnerable to water scarcity.” Hot, dry summers are getting worse thanks to climate change, with Andalucia, Murcia, and the Valencia region being hit hardest.

Culprit

Spain, one of Europe’s hottest spots for global warming, is looking at less rainfall and soaring temperatures – a double whammy for an already thirsty country. The biggest culprit? Agricul-

ture, which gulps up 80% of Spain’s water. And much of it is wasted due to poor irrigation.

Meanwhile, northern regions like Galicia enjoy wet conditions, while the south is bone-dry – fuelling fierce political rows over controversial water transfers like the Tagus-Segura project.

Add booming tourism, sprawling cities, and construction madness – and Spain’s water woes are spiralling out of control.

Experts say it's time to act. Without serious reform, Spain could be running on empty within decades.

Vulture found

A RUPPELL’s Griffon Vulture that drowned attempting to cross the Strait of Gibraltar has highlighted growing environmental cooperation between Gibraltar and Morocco. The African vulture, fitted with a satellite transmitter in Morocco, was tracked losing height during its crossing before washing up dead at Camp Bay. Gibraltar's Environmental Protection and Research Unit recovered the bird and retrieved its tracking device. The transmitter had been placed by Moroccan researchers working on vulture reintroduction programmes, including at Jbel Moussa, led by conservationist Rachid El Khamlichi.

The incident has strengthened ties between conservation groups on both sides of the Strait. Ruppell's Griffon Vultures, an African species, are increasingly migrating into Europe alongside Eurasian Griffon Vultures.

Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

OPINION

Take responsibility!

THE recent court ruling that the horrific Campanar fire, which claimed 10 lives, was ‘just an accident’ is nothing short of an outrage.

To dismiss this tragedy as beyond human control is to ignore the glaring failures that made it possible in the first place.

Yes, the flammable aluminum composite cladding was legal when installed. But legality does not equal safety. Other countries had already flagged these materials as deadly risks - notably the UK after the Grenfell disaster.

The judge’s refusal to hold anyone accountable - be it municipal officials, building inspectors, or property developers - is a disgrace to the victims and their families. This was a preventable tragedy waiting to happen, exacerbated by negligent safety regulations, outdated building codes, and failed emergency systems. Fire alarms and sprinklers didn’t work properly. Evacuation routes were inadequate. The very systems designed to save lives failed catastrophically.

The families deserve justice, not platitudes. The public deserves leaders who accept responsibility rather than hide behind legal technicalities.

The Campanar fire should be a wake-up call - a demand for reform, stricter building safety standards, and real accountability. Without this, Valencia risks repeating such horror again.

It’s time to stop calling this an ‘accident’ and start calling it what it is: a failure of responsibility. Only then can we honour those lost and protect the lives of those still living.

And while we demand accountability for this tragedy, we cannot ignore Valencia President Carlos Mazon’s role in the catastrophic Valencia floods. Who is being held responsible for the devastation caused by poor planning and a failure to issue a red warning until it was way too late?

The people deserve answers, and Mazon must be held to account. Leadership means taking responsibilitynot shirking it.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

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THAT NIGHT IN BILBAO

Richarlison, friendly locals and a brilliant police operation that kept 80,000 English fans from harmbut couldn’t keep the buses and trains running

By Jon Clarke

IN stark contrast to the chaotic scenes in Paris after the 2025 Champions League final - despite the fact the match actually took place in Munich - where fan violence marred PSG’s historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan, Bilbao delivered a masterclass in calm, cooperation and celebration.

Hosting the all-English Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, the Basque city welcomed 80,000 travelling fans with open arms, excellent policing and remarkable hospitality.

Despite transport struggles, the atmosphere remained festive throughout Spurs’ 1-0 victory.

Jon Clarke was there to witness firsthand a night of football, friendship and an unforgettable outpouring of joy.

AT 5am, with the heavens opening and our clothes soaked through, I wasn’t the only fan cursing Bilbao. But while the weather and long taxi queues were predictable, what wasn’t was the result: a 1-0 win to Tottenham Hotspur –their first European trophy in 41 years. For the 40,000 Spurs fans who made the journey, it was ecstasy. For me, a lifelong Lilywhite, it was a joy I hadn’t felt since the 1991 FA Cup win while at university in Manchester. And, as with then, we celebrated in style – helped, crucially, by Bilbao’s decision to keep bars open and by the spirit of the United fans, who, despite the result, joined us on the dancefloor later that night singing The Smiths’ This Charming Man There was no violence, no tribal tension – just fans embracing the moment. The Basques played a huge part in that. We were shown around the coolest bars by locals named Inigo, Ainhoa and Unai, who didn’t just welcome us – they adopted us. Eventually, we found ourselves at the taxi rank at 4am in central Bilbao. The last bus back to Mungia – the only affordable hotel we could find – had gone at 10pm, and the next wasn’t until 7am. With the queue 150 deep and no taxis in sight, we detoured to the five-star Radisson hoping for help. Instead, we found 200 stranded fans lying in every available corner of the foyer.

Deposito Legal MA: 498-2019

“It looks like homelessness has gone up tenfold overnight,” quipped my son, though the mood was more resigned than humorous. Some fans struggled to stay warm; others squabbled. Most simply curled up and waited.

When I tried filming the scene, the hotel manager asked me to leave, eventually calling the police. They turned up five minutes later – not to make arrests, but to express sympathy. “There’s clearly been a failure here,” said one officer. “We don’t know why buses aren’t running through the night – that’s a question for the town hall.”

Despite the chaos, policing throughout had been exceptional. Officers were visible, approachable and cheerful – a stark contrast to the heavy-handedness seen in Paris just days later.

RICHIE, MCINTYRE AND DANIEL LEVY

We decided to try our luck at the Hotel Carlton, where lo and behold the entire Tottenham team and entourage were staying and celebrating the win.

There was no chance of getting in, despite a press pass, and just as we were

about

I asked him a few nonsensical questions and got a couple of grunts. Don’t ask me what he said. No idea. I think (no, I hope) he was tipsy. He posed for a selfie.

BASQUE BOOST

Bilbao and the surrounding Basque region.

Aside from the entire city being full, every town and village within an hour was recording record occupancy rates.

In the seaside surfing villages of Bermeo and Mundaka, thousands of football fans ate, drank and sang into the night, delivering a nice financial injection to the local economy.

It was a genuine victory for the from

I managed to get him a cheap direct flight at 5pm from Malaga. It meant he would arriveif all went well and he didn’t forget his passport - just before 7pm at Bilbao airport and not only was it on time, but the two women next to him were Reds fans who offered him a lift in their taxi.

To say I was overjoyed to see him at 7.45pm just before kickoff was an understatement. The fan zone was one of the best I’ve ever seen: vast, well-staffed, clean, and crucially, with ample toilets.

There were even 3,000 fans staying in the next region of Cantabria, according to the authorities in Santander, while at least the same number stayed in San Sebastian.

A total of 282 flights took off or landed at Bilbao airport in 24 hours and it was incalculable exactly how many fans were really there, with so many driving all the way from Calais, or arriving via airports in other parts of Spain, as well as Portugal and France.

VANDALISM AND VIOLENCE - FAKE NEWS!

As one fan, Nigel, a property developer, from Elstree in North London told me, he had flown with six of his family to Madrid and hired a van.

“I’ve got my wife and three daughters, two of whom brought their boyfriends, so it’s been anything but cheap,” he explained.

“Some people go on exotic holidays to the Maldives, my family do trips like this.”

18 HOUR DRIVES, 100KM CYCLE RIDES

His journey was one of the smoother ones, thanks to his job, with two fans I met at my hotel having driven 18 hours ‘straight’ to arrive at 5am the day of the match, while one another cycled from Valencia, 100 kms per day.

The most nerve-wracking part was ensuring that my son, Alfie, could make the game, while still managing to sit a history A-level at midday on Wednesday in Marbella.

The mayor of the city, Juan Mari Aburto, made light of the fact that two traffic lights got broken in the ‘euphoria of celebration and alcohol’ when the impact to the economy was enormous.

There was no intentional damage and the three vans of riot police parked up nearby handled the situation brilliantly, by simply taking up a watching brief, mostly smiling.

“We are left with the joy of the fans, a true fiesta of football and a great atmosphere,” insisted mayor Aburto. “I also want to praise the excellent behaviour of our own locals, who have left a great image for Bilbao.”

GREAT NIGHT: Jon with son Alfie in the stadium, while (below) Richarlison seemed a bit ‘tipsy’ and (right) the atmosphere was friendly

to walk back to the taxi rank around the corner, out popped Brazilian striker Richarlison.

CELEBRATION: Fans of Spurs were ecstatic

GREAT JOB: Even the riot police were cheerful

It wasn’t me guv

THE Continental Wealth Management (CWM) scandal has been one of the most sordid to dog Spain’s expat community in recent years.

It had it all: greedy con men and women, extravagant spending on villas and bling, and hundreds of victims who lost their retirement savings.

The cast of mendacious villains posing as reputable ‘financial advisors’ attracted notoriety precisely because they seemed to get away with it.

Much of the focus has been on CWM director Jody Smart, who visibly profited while ruining the retirements of fellow Brits.

But Jody’s jet-set life as a wedding planner and restaurateur is now on hold as she appeals a three-and-a-half-year jail sentence for fraud handed down in April.

Far less is known about her ex-partner, often described as the principal culprit: Darren Kirby.

Thought to have vanished after the firm’s collapse in 2017, the Olive Press tracked the 60-year-old down for an on-the-record interview about CWM’s rise and fall.

“I need this for my soul, because there have been so many wrongs printed about me,” Kirby said.

But instead of a confession, he launched a robust defence:

“I would give my life today for everyone to get their money back [...] but there was no fraud from my end, from CWM – and that includes Jody.”

He admitted poor judgment in choosing partners, but blamed losses – estimated at €35 million affecting a third of 1,000 clients – on lack of due diligence.

“I will go and take a lie detector test anywhere in the world you choose – there was no fraud committed by CWM,” he insisted.

CWM founder breaks his silence to deny fraud that devastated hundreds of expat retirees in Spain – and points the finger at bigger players

EXCLUSIVE by

Walter Finch

sion, and funds under management.”

He rejected claims that clients were misled into low-risk investments.

“It is horrendous for anyone to think there were forged signatures, or clients thinking they were going into vanilla funds when they weren't. But buyers are liars. Perhaps the previous year they made money – then of course they didn’t complain.”

Kirby’s own fortunes have plummeted. Once operating out of the Costa Blanca Marriott Hotel, he’s now reportedly working pub kitchen jobs near Maidenhead and living in a Ford Focus.

“He’s finished, the guy is history,” said a former acquaintance.

I will go and take a lie detector test anywhere in the world you choose – there was no fraud committed by CWM

“We were the intermediary, we never received the clients’ money ever, because that’s illegal.”

He pointed the finger at Momentum Pensions Malta: “They offered us the investment instruments.”

Kirby said CWM relied on lists from large financial firms who failed oversight.

“None of the pension providers do – this is a ticking time bomb that’s going to blow up the world, and now they're going to work out who's who in the zoo.

“We were a financial advisory group, we never gave advice to any client but were guided by a series of companies that collectively

Kirby recalled: “I left Spain with just €50 in my pocket –and that was given to me by a client.”

“I had the most stunning, beautiful offices for a fixed rent of about €2,000 a month with a five-year contract.”

He cited a glowing reference from ex-Inter Alliance CEO Stephen O’Leary: “Undoubted –Darren Kirby is undoubted.”

Kirby met Smart in 2012 when she worked as a pool cleaner for his brother. She soon joined the company.

He hired Alan Goringe, a ‘retired chartered accountan’ who Kirby later described as an ‘outand-out alcoholic’.

“I didn't know at that time that he was an alcoholic who ended up drinking boxes of cooking wine from the supermarket in the latter days of his life.”

Goringe, a co-defendant in the fraud trial, died in 2019. The case was dismissed in 2023 for lack of evidence.

By 2015, Kirby said he was burned out. On legal advice, he restructured the company into Continental Wealth Trust, naming Smart as director and Goringe as financial lead.

But they never did their due diligence.

“Why? It’s not criminal fraud exactly, it’s about commis-

He also transferred all assets to Smart’s name – his house, car, everything – allegedly under legal advice. These were later stripped. Smart accused him of setting her up to take the fall. Kirby replied: “So now I have a crystal ball and thought if things go t**s up I'll hand it over to her? Get real.”

He defended her role: “Jody never saw a client – I will protect her there. She may have recommended them, but she never spoke to a client or took advice or gave advice, which

is why I stress again, not guilty in the court of law. Her jail sentence gives me no pleasure.”

“Did we give bad advice when I was in charge? No, we didn't when I handed it over. I mean, we obviously did [give bad advice], but there was no fraud.”

“We didn’t take the client's pension when I was in charge of the company and think we’d have a little gamble.”

Kirby admitted his biggest failure was to ‘take my eye off the ball’ and trust ‘an alcoholic accountant and a dullard who I never loved to look after the company’.

“That's my failure, that's my fault. I will stand there in the court of law, in the Royal Courts of Justice in London or Madrid, and take that responsibility. And if God says, ‘you take two years, mate,’ it's a release for me.”

The wider CWM saga includes Patrick and Dawn Kirby, portfolio manager Anthony Downs, and Stephen Ward of Premier Pension Solutions.

Other alleged unqualified advisers included Dean Stogsdill, Neil Hathaway and others at CWM’s offshore arm.

CWM claimed to operate under Inter Alliance’s license, but Momentum couldn’t prove this to Maltese regulators.

Smart accused Kirby of setting her up to take the fall are worth a couple of trillion.

Most damning: clients’ pensions were funneled into high-risk ‘structured notes’ – unsuitable for retail investors and akin to gambling.

These paid hidden commissions – sometimes up to 15% – from client funds.

“We do not set the commission rates. Fact,” Kirby said.

“In every world, in every facet of financial services, there's going to be people out there that will sell for commission. There will be some people that sell to protect their client and everything in between.”

The Maltese Arbiter found CWM wasn’t licensed to give advice, and Momentum failed to supervise investments.

Momentum was ordered to pay £7 million in compensation. Kirby said CWM paid around €1.5 million to clients.

TRAINEE TRIBUTE

THE Olive Press is bidding farewell to two of our most recent interns, who have each played a key role in our newsroom during their time with us.

Tom Ewart-Smith, a British student spending part of his university year abroad, has been with the paper for four-and-a-half months.

During this time, he has become a valued member of the team, contributing articles, carrying out independent research, and showing initiative in chasing stories.

He will now go back to the UK to resume his studies and start his last year of university.

Dylan Wagemans, from Belgium, joined us for two months as part of his International Journalism studies. In his time here, he too has made a strong impact, bringing enthusiasm, curiosity and dedication to every assignment he undertook. He returns to Belgium to graduate and receive his International Journalism-degree and make his entry into the professional world. Both interns demonstrated their commitment and adaptability, including during the recent nationwide blackout when, unable to reach the rest of the team, they took to the streets to find out what was happening.

They are both very grateful for the chances and coaching that the Olive Press team has given them.

The Olive Press has already welcomed many interns and young journalists during its nearly 20 years of existence.

Earlier this year, Olive Press journalist Yzabelle Bostyn was named NCTJ Trainee Journalist of the Year in a fiercely competitive British media award, beating candidates from The Times and Express & Star She joined us two years ago and, through mentoring from News Editor Dilip Kuner (ex-Sunday Mirror), Digital Editor Walter Finch (ex-Daily Mail) and Editor Jon Clarke (ex-Mail on Sunday), blossomed into a sharp, passionate investigative journalist.

Over the years, dozens of young journalists have worked at the Olive Press, going on to work at major news outlets across the UK, Europe, and the US. Some have stayed in Spain to report on issues close to their hearts, while others have taken their Olive Press experience to roles at major broadcasters, international magazines, and respected national newspapers.

The newsroom continues to be a launching pad for bright, ambitious reporters willing to learn more about what it takes to become a professional

nalist.

In the following weeks, we will be welcoming more interns, as part of our constant search for young

ent, and to bring you the best content possible.

LUXURIOUS: CWM’s first offices in the Marriott Hotel in Denia, and (above left)

Jody Smart

FRIENDS: Tom (left) and Dylan

BUSINESS

Moneybags Yamal

His base salary alone is estimated at €30 million- 10 times his previous pay.

BANK customers in Spain are paying more in account maintenance fees, with a 6% average increase over the past two years.

According to consumer group

Asufin, main banks now charge an average of €160 annually€12 more than in 2023.

Free

Banco Santander, CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, Deutsche Bank, and Cajamar charge up to €240. Notably, Cajamar doubled its fee from €120 to €240. Meanwhile, Bankinter continues to offer a fee-free current account.

Asufin reports that debit card maintenance fees dropped from €25.91 to €21.91, while inter-bank transfers and online payments fell from €2.13 to €1.16.

The group notes digitalisation has lowered transfer costs, but banks compensate by increasing account maintenance charges.

BARCELONA has secured 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal with a groundbreaking seven-year contract, one of the richest ever for a teenager in football. Though the deal begins when he turns 18, it reportedly includes net annual earnings up to €40 million if all bonuses are triggered.

This rapid rise follows a spectacular season that’s positioned Yamal as a future Ballon d’Or contender.

Once among Barça’s lowest earners, he now ranks among their top-paid players, signaling the club’s intent to build their future around the prodigious winger.

Supermarket wars

BRITISH TikTok influencer

Jamie Dear thought he was simply indulging his sweet tooth on a sunny Valencia trip - but his snack haul revealed much more: the fierce competition behind Spain’s grocery market.

At Mercadona, Spain’s retail giant with a 26.6% market share, Jamie gleefully showcased a €23 sugary spree, including cheesecake, white chocolate donuts, and carrot cake, sparking over 130,000 views and hundreds of comments. “The prices are incredible!” he exclaimed. Yet behind the treats lies a tough battle

Sweet tooth trip in Valencia exposes the fierce fight behind Spain’s cheap eats

By Dilip Kuner

among Spain’s supermarkets. Though Mercadona leads in profits and market share, it doesn’t hold the most stores - that distinction belongs to Dia, with 2,288 locations. Lidl is steadily climbing, leveraging discounts and loyalty

THE MS Arvia, one of the largest British-owned cruise ships, arrived in Cadiz last week. Operated by P&O Cruises, the 344m-long vessel accommodates nearly 5,500 passengers. Its visit is part of an Atlantic-Mediterranean itinerary, boosting local commerce, hospitality, and services. Passengers explored Cadiz’s his-

schemes. Unlike the UK’s grocery landscape dominated by Tesco

and Sainsbury’s, Spain’s market is fragmented. The top five chains collectively hold just 50%, with regional and

toric centre, sampled local cuisine, and visited key landmarks.

Docked at the centrally located Alfonso XIII Pier, the ship benefited from easy access to the city. The Arvia’s stopover is one of many expected this season, with forecasts predicting record cruise visits, positioning Cadiz as a key destination in Atlantic and western Mediterranean routes.

independent shops still vital for fresh, traditional goods.

Mercadona’s secret weapon? Private-label products, accounting for 44% of Spanish gro-

cery sales, which Jamie unknowingly embraced in his haul. Despite inflation and energy challenges, the company posted record profits under billionaire Juan Roig.

Jamie’s sugary shopping spree is more than a viral moment - it highlights the dynamic, evolving food retail scene in Spain, where every supermarket battle is a fight for shelf space and consumer loyalty.

Back in Britain, Jamie is likely dreaming of those sweet Spanish treats and wondering when Lidl UK will catch up.

AS SIMPLE AS A CUP OF COFFEE

YOU may have run across an unfamiliar term in Spanish taxes called usufructo Although usufructo is not as complicated as splitting the atom, it may seem that way to us expats in Spain. And it does involve splitting: in this case an asset. The word comes from Latin - usus fructus - and means ‘the use and/or enjoyment of a fruit’.

In Spain, usufructo is important in the following taxes:

● Income Tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas)

● Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre Patrimonio)

● Inheritance Tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones)

In the United States, we only encounter usufructo in taxes collected in Louisiana. That’s because Louisiana’s tax laws are based on Spanish and French heritage.

In the UK, unless we create a trust (eg, life interest trust or interest in possession trust) to mimic the characteristics of usufructo, there is no direct equivalent.

So, for us expats to understand the concept, let’s relate it to a visit to a coffeehouse. When you walk into your local Starbucks or

Costa Coffee, there’s a sign that indicates the price of each type of coffee.

Think of these prices like the value of a house - determined either by its appraised value, the purchase price, or its value declared on Spanish taxes - that’s equivalent to full ownership.

But you could also have partial ownership of the house. It’s as if we could split our Starbucks or Costa Coffee serving into components: the cup and the coffee, the cup itself, and the coffee.

Here is the term for each component in Spanish:

● Pleno dominio = the cup and the coffee

● Usufructo = only the coffee

● Nuda propiedad = only the cup

And imagine that the price of the coffee was based on whether it was just a seasonal offering or whether the coffeehouse always serves that type of coffee. If it were a seasonal offering (usufructo, temporary), the formula for valuing the coffee is 2% multiplied by how many years it’s offered in Starbucks or Costa Coffee - with a minimum of 2% and a maximum of 70%.

IN THE MONEY Boss quits

A SCANDAL has erupted at the Bank of Spain after Angel Gavilan, Director of Economy, resigned just 24 hours after presenting its annual macroeconomic report. Gavilan reportedly quit in protest over alleged political interference by new governor Jose Luis Escriva, a former Socialist minister appointed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Sources claim Escriva and his aide Eva Valle edited the report to downplay Spain’s fiscal vulnerabilities, particularly regarding pensions and debt.

In a tense meeting, Gavilan accused Escriva of ‘cooking the books’ and removing standard critical assessments. The report lacked original analysis, policy recommendations, and detailed chapters on housing and finance. The controversy raises concerns about the Bank’s independence under Escriva’s leadership.

THE EU has warned Spain against blocking BBVA’s €11 billion hostile takeover of Banco Sabadell. Spain’s economy minister Carlos Cuerpo said the cabinet will fully review the deal, citing concerns over job protection, financial inclusion, and Sabadell’s regional importance. Though approved by the ECB and Spanish competition authority, the merger faces opposition from the government, Sabadell’s board, and Catalan

If it were offered permanently (usufructo, lifetime), the coffee would be more highly valued by younger coffee drinkers because they would have more years to enjoy drinking the coffee.

In this case, the formula for valuing the coffee is 1% multiplied by the difference between 89 and the age of the coffeehouse customer - with a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 70%.

If someone wanted to know the value of just the cup itself - that is, the bare ownership of the asset - simply subtract the value of the coffee (the usufructo) from the price listed on the sign: the coffee and the cup (full ownership). Now, let’s apply what we know to a will in Spain. The widow might inherit lifetime use of

the house (the usufructo), whereas the children may be bequeathed the house itself.

The widow’s taxes would be based on the value of a lifetime usufructo, and the children would be taxed on the value of the nuda propiedad. Years later, once the widow passes away, the children’s ownership interest would become pleno dominio.

That’s a good place to end our analogy. There’s no need to add cream or sugar to the explanation.

SWEET DREAMS: Jamie’s haul highlights supermarket war

Gpt

November 29th - LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES?

Scan

DIGGERS have unearthed the most complete stegosaur skull ever discovered in Europe.

The 150-million-year-old skull, dug up in Riodeva, belongs to Dacentrurus armatus, a lesser-known species of stegosaur.

And according to scientists from Fundación Dinópolis, this prehistoric find is making major waves in the world of palaeontology.

“The preservation is insane – skulls like this just don’t survive,” said lead re-

Cold case

By Dilip Kuner

IT’S the ultimate cold case: forensic tech has just uncovered a 43,000-year-old Neanderthal fingerprint in a Spanish cave.

In a find that’s blowing the dusty socks off archaeologists, a single fingerprint pressed into red ochre on a pebble in the San Lázaro rock shelter near Segovia

Neanderthal left 43,000-year-old fingerprint in Spanish cave

has been revealed using cutting-edge police tech. That’s right - the extinct early humans are now part of their very own true-crime-style investigation.

Using multispectral imaging usually reserved for modern crime scenes, Spanish forensic experts spotted the fingerprint lurking inside a tiny red dot on an 8-inch granite pebble. The print was invisible to the naked eye but has now exposed 13 iden-

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

searcher Sergio Sanchez Fenollosa. “It’s letting us peek into the dino’s face like never before.”

But that’s not all – the team has used the find to launch a bold new theory on stegosaur evolution, even creating a whole new dino clan called Neostegosauria. These medium-to-mega herbivores once stomped across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas during the Jurassic party era.

tifying features, including ridge endings and bifurcations - textbook forensic gold.

Analysis of the ridges - 0.48 millimetres apart - suggests it belonged to an adult male Neanderthal.

Effort

This wasn't any old rock. It was carefully hauled in from the nearby Eresma River, meaning our Neanderthal went to some effort to collect the stone. The pebble has three natural dents that form what scientists say looks like a face. The ochre fingerprint?

Across

7 Indisputably (2,2,4)

8 Man in 9 Across (4)

9 Pastime in which queens are most powerful but kings most important (5)

10 T S Eliot marshalled heads offshore (7)

12 Extent (5)

13 Kind of city ordinance (6)

15 Place where business is conducted (6)

16 Heart tube (5)

17 Wagner’s birthplace (7)

19 Reprimand (5)

21 Journey (4)

22 Went up in smoke (8)

Down

1 From here, Plato is at sea, inside an oyster (6-2-5)

2 Accord signed by Ford and Brezhnev (8)

3 Fine hair (3)

4 Tangy grated peel (5,4)

5 Unwritten exam (4)

6 Crystal-ball gazer (7-6)

11 Patron saint of Paris (9)

14 Lacking a good reason for failure (2,6)

18 Bishop of Rome (4)

20 Conclusion (3)

All solutions are on page 15

Smack bang in the middlelike a nose.

Some researchers now believe this could be early pareidolia - the brain’s tendency to see faces in things like clouds, tree bark… or in this case, rocks. If true, this pebble might just be the world’s first emoji. Unlike other pebbles found at the site - which were all clearly used as tools - this one had no wear and tear. And there were no other ochre traces anywhere nearby. So it wasn’t just part of the day’s chores. This was a one-off act of expression - deliberate, symbolic, and deeply human.

LA CULTURA 9

Runway to success

AS the music began to play, the runway was set ablaze in a riot of colour and rhythm. The energy then shifted to a Latin-inspired celebration,

has steadily

zling, colourful outfits. Accompanied by lively batucada drumming, the models paraded in groups of three, creating a festive, immersive excitement, as an atmosphere. All of them are either employees or closely connected to the Javea Company team, reflecting the company's deep commitment to the local community. After a short intermission, the second half of the show delivered a more sensual and elegant mood. Tango dancers captivated the audience with both passion and precision, while the models showcased sophisticated eveningwear. The venue buzzed with energy and enthusiastic audience enjoyed every moment, ending the event with a resounding ovation. Stay tuned for the next fashion show this October.

PRINT: Found of Neanderthal

LA CULTURA 10

City of dreams

British-born writer Michael Coy has made this Andalucian mountaintop city his home for decades. In this special dispatch, he shares a local’s perspective on a place where Celtic roots, Roman ambition, and Moorish elegance meet in timeless conversation

By Michael Coy

HE city of dreams, as the poet Rilke once called Ronda, has been around for at least two thousand

The Celtic tribe known as the Bastuli called it Arunda. We know with some certainty that there were Atlantic trade routes linking Ireland with the south of Spain, suggesting that even in ancient times, this area was far from isolated.

Under the Romans, the city’s importance grew. They established a twin-settlement: Arunda, protected by its rugged, naturally defensive position, and Acinipo - ‘Old Ronda’—a separate Roman town just a few miles away.

Roman

Today, the tranquil ruins of Acinipo offer a glimpse into Roman urban life, with its remarkably well-preserved theatre overlook-

ing sweeping countryside. From archaeological finds and Roman writings, it’s clear that this was one of the key settlements in Baetica, Roman Southern Spain.

The Visigoths came

next - often referred to as the Western Goths. They did little beyond tending the land. Their wooden structures rotted away long ago, and history tells us very little about their presence here.

In 711 AD, when Muslim forces crossed from North Africa into the Iberian Peninsula, Ronda became an Arab city and regained its strategic and cultural importance.

During the emirates of Al-Mundhir and Abdallah ben Mohammed (886–912), the rebellion of the Muladies - former Christians who had converted to Islam - gained prominence. The leader of the revolt, Omar Ben Hafsun, came from a wealthy Visigothic family and became a pivotal figure in the history of the Serrania de Ronda.

A guide to the romantic city of Ronda, that has been on the map for 2,000 years

Even today, locals still remark on how difficult Ronda is to reach, perched high on its rocky outcrop. One can only imagine what a fortress it must have been in the age of the horse.

The surrounding villages still carry Arabic names - Benaojan, Benadalid, Farajan - echoes of their African origins. The language, too, carries traces of that history. Listen closely, and you’ll hear Arabic embedded in the local Spanish: phras- es like

¡Ojalá!” (‘Let’s hope!’) come directly from Inshallah, while “¡Olé!”, heard in bullrings and flamenco halls, is also thought to have Islamic roots.

The Moorish presence remains visible in Ronda’s architecture, particularly in the Old Town - La Ciudad - perhaps the best-preserved in all of Andalucia. The layout of the streets, narrow and winding, hasn’t changed in a thousand years. Minarets still rise above courtyards, and several Moorish houses remain intact. After a long and bitter

COLOUR AND SPECTACLE: Ronda is home to bullfighting

NATURE: The rugged terrain around Ronda has its own special beauty, while (left) the Arab Baths (above left) the main gateway to the ancient city and (above right) Roman ruins

LA CULTURA

November 29th - LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES?

olic Monarchs conquered Ronda in 1485. The city, having resisted fiercely, was divided among Castilian noble families. Still, many of the skilled Arab craftsmen - carpenters, stonemasons, and builders - were retained by the new rulers. This uneasy coexistence didn’t last. Over time, tensions grew, particularly after the 1499 decree enforcing the conversion of all Muslims to Christianity. The Moriscos (converted Muslims) resisted fiercely, and a series of uprisings followed throughout the Serrania. Ronda became a key base for suppressing

made Ronda a stronghold.

“

The 18th century brought renewed prosperity. In the 1700s, the now-iconic Puente Nuevo - or New Bridge - was constructed, spanning the deep gorge that divides the city and joining the old Moorish quarter with the newer Christian town. It’s a dramatic feat of engineering that still inspires awe today.

In 1571, the remaining Moors were formally expelled. Yet, for years after, some held out in the high moun-

After a long and bitter struggle, the Catholic Monarchs conquered Ronda in 1485

Ronda’s next great test came during the French invasion of the

Scan to visit our website early 1800s. An active guerrilla resistance emerged in the hills, and as the French retreated, they destroyed part of the city’s castle and other defensive structures.

tains, protected by the terrain that had always

“

Even now, Ronda and its surrounding villages, especially Algodonales and Montejaque, proudly commemorate the defeat of Napoleon’s troops. Each summer, locals dress in period costume to re-enact the French retreat. These festivities, of course, turn into days-long celebrations, complete with wine, music and Andalucian dancing!

CLIFF’S EDGE: The city sits next to the Tajo gorge, which is spanned by the Puente Nuevo (above)

STUB IT OUT

A SURVEY says there's overwhelming support for extending bans on smoking in public places coupled with a hike in tobacco taxes.

The study was conducted for the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) which has family doctors as members.

Every year some 50,000 people die in Spain due to tobacco, according to the latest data available from the Ministry of Health.

Some 74% of those questioned in the semFYC survey said they want hospitality terraces and public transport stops/ shelters to ban smoking and vaping.

That figure rises to 85% in relation to school entrances and surrounding areas.

The semFYC study spoke to 9,500 people for its annual smoking survey.

There was a strong majority favouring higher taxes on tobacco and e-cigarettes to cut consumption.

MEASLES ALERT

HEALTH authorities in Spain are grappling with a number of measles outbreaks.

As of late May, the total number of confirmed cases has reached 251 so far this year.

Several more have been imported from outside the country.

Notably, only 2% of the confirmed cases had documented vaccination histories.

The health ministry has activated surveillance and alert protocols, including contact tracing and offering vaccinations to susceptible individuals.

Authorities emphasise the importance of vaccination, especially for travelers and residents in affected areas, to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.

Visitors to Spain are advised to ensure their vaccinations are up to date and to be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, cough, and rash.

Early detection and isolation are key to controlling the outbreaks and safeguarding public health in these popular tourist destinations.

At your service

SPAIN'S government has approved a Royal Decree that allows owners of service dogs to take them into all public spaces.

Minister of Social Rights, Pablo Bustinduy, said the measure will have a ‘fundamental impact on the rights’ of assistance dog users.

“These animals constitute a key element in promoting an independent life,” he added.

The decree covers dogs that help people with disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, conditions that bring about seizures as well as female victims of gender and sexual violence. The law replaces legislation dating back to 1963, which had a very limited scope of permitting guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Depressing results

MENTAL health issues have sky-rocketed in Spain since the Covid-19 pandemic with big rises noted among younger males.

The number of people admitting to suffering from depression has tripled according to the Spanish Health Survey, which is conducted every four years by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

The INE data covers the period between 2019 and 2023 and shows nearly 15% of people had a serious mental health issue in the fortnight

Survey reveals mental health issues on the rise

By Alex Trelinski

prior to submitting answers to the INE questionnaire.

Over half that number described themselves as having a ‘severe depressive condition’.

Compared to 2019, overall figures have tripled and by almost 50% since 2014.

The most concerning num-

Unequal health

A MAJOR Spanish health survey has revealed stark inequalities in wellbeing based on social class and gender.

The 2023 National Health Survey found 83% of upper-class respondents reported good health, compared to 70% of lower-class individuals.

bers come among the elderly and the young.

The biggest category for depression sufferers is among those aged 65 reaching 19.5% and going up to 37% to people aged 85 and over.

Intermediate ages of 25 to

Poorer Spaniards also face more chronic illness, mobility issues, and mental health problems.

Gender differences were striking: 78% of men reported good health versus 70% of women. Despite disparities, public health is improving: smoking has halved since 1993, physical activity has increased, and diets have improved.

The survey, involving nearly 25,000 people, will shape future health policy.

64 years come in at 14%, but then there's an increase compared to 2019's report over boys and young men aged between 15 and 24 years. ‘Moderate’ instances of depression have tripled in that age band from 1.3% to 4.5% while severe cases rose sixfold from 1% to 5.9% in just four years. There is also a gender gap with over 10% more females (35.1%) reporting depression compared to men (24.1%).

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

BAGPIPE ACTION: in the middle of Andalucia

November 29th - LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES?

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THE sleepy Andalucian town of Teba will turn Scottish from August 22 to 25 – and it’s all to honour a wild slice of history dating back to 1330.

This year’s ‘Douglas Days’ festival will once again see kilts, bagpipes, and whisky flooding the streets, as locals and Scots unite to celebrate a legendary clash on Spanish soil.

Tartan takeover

Back in the day, Sir James ‘Black’ Douglas - a fierce Scottish warrior carrying the heart of Robert the Bruce in a silver casket on a mission to bury it in the Holy Land –stopped off in Teba during the Reconquest. Legend says Douglas hurled the casket

June 5th - June 18th

into battle to rally Christian troops against the Moors, but he didn’t make it out alive. The heart was returned to Scotland. Fast forward nearly 700 years and the spirit of Black Douglas lives on every August with medieval markets, kids’ events, and dramatic reenactments – making Teba the quirkiest Scottish hotspot south of the border.

HOTEL bosses are warning of holiday chaos as new EU rules kick in this October.

The Costa del Sol’s hotel bosses fear fresh digital checks will cause major delays for millions of tourists, especially Brits who make up 27% of visitors.

Malaga airport alone sees up to 6,000 Brits an hour in peak season. Over on the Costa Blanca, 2.8 million British tourists arrived in 2024, making up 24% of visitors.

Scans

The EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES) demands biometric scans, while the ETIAS travel authorisation will cost around €7 and must be obtained before travel.

Hotel chiefs say poor planning risks huge queues and ruined holidays.

Aehcos president Jose Luque warned: “Without action, these new rules could cause chaos and damage Spain’s reputation.”

Move over Sevilla

Spain's new fourth-largest city is an unsung gem

AN Aragon city built on the foundations of Romans, with more than 2,000 years of history, is now Spain’s fourth-largest city.

Home to nearly 700,000 people, Zaragoza has quietly muscled past Sevilla in the population rankings, according to the latest stats from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics.

With 2,000 years of history under its belt, Zaragoza is a heavyweight in heritage.

CHAOS LOOMS ‘NO FREE BAR

GETTING BIGGER: Zaragoza has overtaken

back to the 11th century.

By Samantha Mythen

From Roman ruins to Islamic opulence, and Renaissance flair to Francisco de Goya masterpieces, the city is a cultural colossus. Towering over the skyline is the breathtaking Basilica del Pilar, while nearby, El Salvador Cathedral dazzles with its UNESCO-listed Mudejar artistry and a treasure trove of Flemish tapestries dating

SMART FUNERAL CHOICES

WE understand that there may be cheaper funeral plans available elsewhere. However, we encourage you to ask potential providers the following important questions to ensure you are making a well-informed decision:

1. Does the plan include IVA (Value Added Tax)?

Unlike some countries where funeral services are tax-exempt, in Spain, IVA (Im-

THE Canary Islands’ top man, Fernando Clavijo, has said that tourists should not be allowed to flood in unrestrictedly - insisting: “We are not a free bar.”

it’s glowing. Madrid (3.4 million), Barcelona (1.6m), and Valencia (820k) still lead the pack.

Grow

The regional president reacted after news of an 8% drop in British holiday bookings this year, despite Brits making up over 40% of visitors and tourist cash in 2024.

Wild

And if that’s not regal enough for you, step inside the Aljaferia Palace - an 11th-century fortress built for Muslim kings that oozes intrigue. Perfectly placed between Madrid and Barcelona, this once-overlooked marvel is just a high-speed train ride away - or fly straight in via its international airport. With its surging population and centuries of splendour, Zaragoza isn’t just growing -

Not far behind are cities like Malaga and Murcia - both continuing to grow - while Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Alicante, and Bilbao round out the top 10. Malaga, in particular, is closing in with 592,346 residents.

Clavijo vowed to protect locals and the environment, saying the islands won’t let tourism run wild. His tough stance comes after 100,000 locals hit the streets earlier this month, protesting mass tourism’s impact on

puesto sobre el Valor Añadido)—equivalent to VAT—is often applied to various components of a funeral service. This can significantly affect the final cost. Ensure you clarify whether the quoted price includes IVA or if it will be added separately, as this could mean an unexpected 21% increase in certain cases.

2. Is the price fixed permanently, or is it subject to inflation-based increases?

Some funeral plans lock in the price at today’s rates, protecting you from future inflation. Others may have clauses allowing periodic adjustments based on rising costs. Ask whether the plan is guaranteed to remain fixed or if there’s a possibility of future price increases, which can undermine the financial predictability you’re seeking.

3. If you pre-pay, are your funds protected in a trust?

Our mission is to make the process of planning a funeral, in Spain, as easy and stress-free as possible. We are committed to providing affordable funeral plans with the highest quality of care and support.

out of business. Make sure to ask who manages the trust, and whether there is regulatory oversight.

4. What is the total interest if you choose

to spread the cost over time?

Our team of experienced professionals will be there to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the entire process.

Many providers allow you to pay in installments, but this often comes with interest or administrative fees. Request a clear breakdown of the total amount payable, including how much of that is interest. A low monthly rate can sometimes mask a much higher overall cost.

important to ask whether the plan covers repatriation or transportation within Spain—or even back to your home country. Limited geographic coverage could result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for your family.

6. Do they provide Englishspeaking assistance at the point of contact?

A key element of financial security in prepaid funeral plans is whether your money is placed in a legally protected trust or insurance-backed fund. This ensures that your funds are safeguarded and only used for your funeral, even if the provider goes

5. Will the plan cover you if you pass away in another part of Spain or even another country?

Some funeral plans are regional, while others offer national or international coverage. If you travel frequently or might relocate, it’s

In difficult times, communication is crucial. While many funeral providers in Spain advertise English-speaking staff, that may only apply during office hours. Confirm whether emergency or after-hours assistance is also available in English, particularly if your next of kin do not speak Spanish. Lack of immediate translation support can make a stressful time even harder.

Sevilla

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

SPRING brings with it a sen-

sory overload: blooming jacaranda, clinking glasses of cava, and - if you listen closely - a soft buzz in the air. The buzz belongs to one of nature’s most essential (and underrated) workers: bees. With World Bee Dayl ast week, it’s the perfect excuse to shine a spotlight on these tiny powerhouses and the role they play in Spanish culture, cuisine, and countryside.

Let’s start with the sweet stuff.

Spain isn’t just a fan of honey - it’s one of the largest honey producers in Europe. With more than 2.4 million hives and some 30,000 beekeepers, this country takes its golden nec- tar seriously.

THE BEES

Each region has its own flavour. In the south, you’ll find fragrant orange blossom honey, while in the north, deep and smoky chestnut honey predominates. Over in Catalunya, light and floral acacia honey has its own unique flavour.

Locals don’t just

KEEPING BUSY:

By Dilip Kuner

As World Bee Day passes, Dilip Kuner takes a look at these tiny - but essentialinsect superheroes

drizzle it on toast - they pair it with cheeses, mix it into stews, or spoon it into yogurt for breakfast. Traditional desserts like torrijas and rosquillas often feature honey as a key ingredient.

But this sweet tradition is facing a bitter challenge.

Flavour

Bees never stop in their quest for pollen, flying 500 km in their lifetime to make just 1/12 teaspoon of honey each

A third of the food we eat depends on pollinators like bees. No bees? No almonds, tomatoes, olives, or wine grapes - not to mention honey itself. In 2015, the International Union for Conservation of Nature warned that around 1 in 10 wild bee species in Europe are at risk of extinction, and over a third are in decline. In southern Europe, including Spain, the situation is especially serious. There’s no single villain here. Climate change. Habitat loss. Monoculture farming. Pesticides. Parasites like the varroa mite - all are playing their part in the crisis. And then there’s Colony Collapse Disorder - where bees just disappear

without warning. It’s been happening for centuries, but in recent years, it appears to have become dramatically worse.

Surprisingly, even though Spain makes fantastic honey, about 80% of the honey consumed here is imported, mostly from China.

BEES KNEES

And much of that is fake - cheap syrup made from rice or corn masquerading as the real thing.

Taste

Local beekeepers are struggling to compete. So if you’re traveling through Spain and spot jars of raw, unfiltered honey at a market - grab one. Better yet, ask where it’s from and what flowers the bees visited. Not only will it taste better, you’ll be

WAYS TO HELP

● You don’t have to be a beekeeper to make a difference. Here’s how you can help while enjoying your Spanish adventure:

● Buy local honey. Look for small producers at markets or co-ops. The more specific the label, the

supporting a centuries-old craft. You can even take it a step further and visit a bee farm. Across Spain, there are hands-on experiences that let you don a beekeeper’s suit, sample fresh honey straight from the hive, and learn how these incredible insects keep our ecosystems in balance. So the next time you’re enjoying a cheese plate driz-

About 80% of the honey consumed here is imported from China

more likely it’s authentic.

● Avoid pesticides. If you’re renting a place with a garden or balcony, skip the chemicals and opt for natural pest control.

● Plant native flowers. Bees love lavender, rosemary, and thyme - perfect for any Spanish balcony.

● Give them a drink. Leave out a shallow dish of water with pebbles so bees can land and hydrate, especially in summer.

zled with the good stuff in Madrid or hiking through wildflower-covered hills in La Rioja to the accompaniment of a gentle buzz, remember: behind every spoonful of honey is a hardworking hive.

Food

Supporting bees means supporting biodiversity, agriculture, and a whole lot of good food.

Sweet facts

● The oldest known image of humans collecting honey is the Man of Bicorp in the Cuevas de la Araña (Valencia) and was painted 8,000 years ago

● A single bee will fly about 500 km in its lifetime to make just 1/12 teaspoon of honey.

● Honey lasts forever. It’s naturally antibacterial, low in moisture, and full of acids. Legend has it archaeologists tasted 3,000-year-old honey from King Tut’s tomb - and it was still good.

● In the bee world, only females have stingers. The stinger is a modified ovipositor, an organ used for laying eggs, which males do not possess.

● Research has shown that honeybees can recognise and remember human faces for up to two days. They achieve this by processing facial features in a similar way to humans.

● Honeybees navigate using the position of the sun as a compass. Even on cloudy days, they can detect polarised light patterns in the sky to determine the sun’s location.

OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword

Across: 7 To be sure, 8 Rook, 9 Chess, 10 Toilets, 12 Range, 13 Zoning, 15 Office, 16 Stent, 17 Leipzig, 19 Scold, 21 Trip, 22 Vanished.

Down: 1 Mother-of-pearl, 2 Helsinki, 3 Fur, 4 Lemon zest, 5 Oral, 6 Fortune-teller, 11 Genevieve, 14 No excuse, 18 Pope, 20 End.

By P OO LVILLAS

20-25 WEEKS RENTED IS NOT A DREAM, WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE Online booking • Websites in 8 languages

More than 100 million visitors per month • Maintenance and quality control

Professional photos • Well-maintained accomodations 24/7 customer service for your guests

THE GOOD STUFF: Not only are bees vital for pollinating crops, but they produce delicious honey and useful beeswax

TASTY TREAT:

The Spanish love honey on torrijas

REuse

REduce

Cannabis arrest

A BRITISH couple travelling from Thailand to Spain, were arrested at Valencia Airport after X-ray scans revealed their suitcases were stuffed with 30 kilograms of cannabis.

Bad driver

A SCHOOL bus driver in the Serrania de Ronda has been reported after testing positive for cocaine during a routine traffic check. The driver was transporting 12 children.

How vulva

SPAIN celebrated its first ever festival of the vulva, vagina and clitoris at Barcelona’s Museum of Eroticism last month, featuring The Great Wall of Vulva.

Let there be water

Spanish astronomers discover water ice in distant star system, offering clues to origins of life on Earth

SPANISH scientists have discovered water ice circling a distant star 155 light-years away, offering a tantalising glimpse into how life might have first arrived on Earth.

Using NASA’s powerful James Webb Space Telescope, the

By Michael Coy

team spotted the icy debris ring around young star HD 181327 – and it's eerily similar to what our own solar system looked like over four billion years ago.

SAVED THEN CUFFED

A DRUNK tourist in Magaluf was hauled from the sea by a heroic Guardia Civil officer - then promptly arrested after kicking off on the beach.

The man had swum to Sa Porrassa island while off his face on booze and drugs, then panicked and needed rescuing. Moments after being saved, he went into a full meltdownscreaming at cops and tourists.

Officers say he was hypothermic, erratic and clearly drunk and under the influence of drugs.

A DOG’S WORST FRIEND

Back then, gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn stirred up cosmic chaos, flinging icy comets and asteroids at Earth. That icy bombardment may have delivered the water that now fills our oceans.

Now, Noemi Pinilla-Alonso, a top astrophysicist from Asturias, leading the research at the University of Oviedo, says history could be repeating itself in this newborn system.

“In this star, we are seeing our own past,” she said.

The 23-million-year-old star is surrounded by a giant ring of ice and dust, three times the size of our Kuiper Belt. It contains crystalline water ice - a structured form found in Earth’s glaciers.

ICE WEBB: Ice circles a distant star, as spotted by the James Webb telescope (below)

Until now, such ice was only confirmed in parts of our outer solar system. Its presence here suggests planet-buildingand maybe even life - could be brewing.

Experts say icy collisions may be creating planet-sized objects already.

“It’s a big deal,” said Dr Guillem Anglada from the IAA.

“This could be how life-friendly worlds begin.”

The hunt for cosmic water - and answers - continues.

A CALLOUS dog owner has been hit with woof justice after he abandoned his pet.

The irresponsible dog-owner has been slammed with a howl-inducing €10,001 fine for breaking Spain’s animal protection and welfare laws. Clearly, the additional one euro makes it extra serious.

According to San Antoni (Ibiza) councillor Pepita Torres, the canine victim trotted into the loving paws of animal rescue group Gossos Foundation on July 15, 2024. Sadly, despite officials tracking down the owner, they never bothered to reclaim their furry friend - a move deemed both heartless and illegal.

Unity

“The poor dog was left high and dry,” Torres told the press, “but the law is here to protect our four-legged citizens too.”

In a rare moment of political unity, the town council voted unanimously to approve the eye-watering fine - sending a clear message: dump your dog, and it’s your bank account that’ll be going walkies. No bones about it - this is one shaggy dog story with a hefty price tag.