Olive Press Mallorca issue 201 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

TRAGIC FALLAS

GRAVEROBBERS!

BRITISH expats are demanding answers following the ‘disgraceful’ disappearing act of a major funeral planning company in Spain.

Iberian Funeral Plans vanished overnight on March 3 allegedly following the death of its own founder Stephen Nelson. The dramatic collapse has likely left hundreds, if not thousands, of clients with their funeral plans null and void. Expats are now vowing to uncover the truth behind the emerging scandal, amid fears the large sums they coughed up for end-of-life arrangements were instead spent on Nelson’s ‘lavish’ lifestyle.

EXCLUSIVE: Hundreds of expats left reeling after funeral planning

company vanishes without trace

By Yzabelle Bostyn

For over a week now, the firm has not been responding to any emails, while its telephone lines appear to be dead, causing anger, shock and frustration.

The Olive Press has been inundated with calls and emails, pleading for information.

Citizens Advice Bureau Spain (CAB)

branded the development ‘despicable’ and ‘heartless’, with many expats already feeling the impact.

One grieving woman, who asked to remain anonymous, is unable to mourn her husband of 60 years, because the Collyfer Crematorium in Almeria is refusing to hand over his ashes, until paid.

The 77-year-

old, based in Albox, said her husband died unexpectedly of blood cancer on February 24.

But while she had paid €3,600 to Iberian, it seems she was never covered.

“When you’ve lost your partner of 56 years you’re in a very vulnerable state,” the Essex native told the Olive Press.

“That’s bad enough, but then on top of that they’ve taken our money, yet we can’t get the ashes.

“Iberian don’t care about the grief caused.”

Though she understands the crematorium needs to be paid for their services, she alleges the situation was handled ‘very insensitively’ causing ‘multiple meltdowns’ for the family.

“When my son asked when their father was going to be cremated, the woman just looked at her watch and said, ‘oh, in about 10 minutes’,” claims the former dental assistant.

“We’re devastated and full of grief. It is only the anger keeping me going.”

When contacted by the Olive Press, Collyfer’s owner Antonio Collado claimed the situation was ‘not their fault’ and they ‘won’t give up the ashes until they are paid’ despite wanting to ‘help’.

The Olive Press has discovered that Nelson, who lived for many years in Alhaurin, moved just over the Portugal border to Castro Marin five years ago. The company had a nearby registered

address in Portimao.

Under his full name Stephen Nelson George he held companies under the same name in Britain and Portugal. Companies who offer funeral services in the UK must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, but Spain has no such safeguarding.

Iberian therefore did not hold money in a trustee backed bank account, in spite of contracts which misleadingly stated funds were held in corporate bank accounts with BBVA, Santander and HSBC.

It comes amid rumours that Nelson used funeral plan payments to fund a lavish lifestyle on the Algarve

“I got the shock of my life when I found out, it’s disgusting and absolutely unacceptable,” Scottish expat Helen Hammond told the Olive Press.

Like many customers, the 76-yearold found out she had lost her almost €4,000 funeral plan through our social media.

“I had to read it twice because I thought I was seeing things. They definitely took advantage of the expat community. When you come out here you trust everyone, so when I was recommended Iberian I went for it.”

Many expats took out plans to make the funeral preparations as easy as possible for their family back home.

Livid

“I took out a plan to save my children from all the heartache, but now it’s gone. I’m livid and furious, I thought I was doing the best thing for my chil-

MARCHING FOR EQUALITY

THOUSANDS of people took to the streets at the weekend to celebrate International Women’s Day and call for change.

In Madrid, organizers claim over 80,000 marched from Atocha station to the Plaza de España, while in Barcelona some 25,000 people gathered. They drew attention to growing misogynistic atti-

tudes among young men, influenced by social media.

Heavy rain saw protests cancelled in many areas of Spain, including Malaga, Cadiz and Huelva.

In Palma two seperate marches organised by the Transfeminist Coordinator and the Feminist Movement of Mallorca, which began with different demands and different times, started from the Plaza de España.

dren,” Torrevieja resident Sue Truman told the Olive Press.

“There are hundreds in the same boat as me. I’m not going to let them get away with it.”

As everyone wonders what will happen with their money, fellow funeral providers told the Olive Press they were offering advice and support.

“We recognise the financial and emotional distress customers are facing,” Jason Gardener of Avalon Funeral Plans said.

“To support those impacted, we have established a financial assistance initiative for customers holding Iberian plans so they (can) acquire a fully regulated and FCA-authorised funeral plan.

“This situation reinforces the need for stronger consumer protection in the funeral planning industry, particularly for British expatriates living in Europe.”

He is one of many providers offering free or discounted services for those affected, including Grupo Rocamer, Compare Funerals and Funeral Care Spain.

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau is currently preparing a class action lawsuit against Iberian.

Have you been affected? Contact us at newsdesk@theolivepress.es

636 308 789

FUMING: Helen Hammond (left) and Sue Truman have been left without cover after Iberian disappeared

First time ever ever

BRITISH DJ Calvin Harris has done the unthinkable and managed to pull off a historic double residency at Ushuaia Ibiza. “I’m buzzing to be the first artist to do it,” Harris said.

Beach bliss

A STUDY which scanned thousands of Instagram photos looking for happy faces determined that Menorca and Mallorca are home to some of the happiest beaches on the planet.

Nothing to see

LOCALS in Ibiza have taken to blocking off an especially beautiful beach in Cala d’Hort de Sant Josep with boulders and ‘no entry’ signs to ward off the tourist masses.

Mystery victim

POLICE are trying to identify a man in his thirties who was seriously injured after being hit by a car while walking along the Ma-30 motorway in Palma at 3am.

Doggy cover

THE Swedish owner of dog rescue charity HundGarin, has been arrested in Lanzarote by the National Police on drugs charges.

Glamorous Instagram influencer

Tania Gomez, 33, is accused of operating a criminal organisation, based in Stockholm, dedicated to acting as a

‘money exchange office’ and ‘bank’ to launder cash for Swedish gangs. Gomez is also accused of drug trafficking, and was known as the ‘cocaine Queen of Europe’. Despite her image as a caring animal lover who rehomed stray dogs from Spain, Gomez was one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, listed among Europol’s top 50 since March 2023. She is thought to have lain low in Lanzarote for several years.

Gomez has also been linked to illegal animal ownership and transport. Her imprisonment has been ordered pending extradition procedures. Swedish authorities are seeking a 14year prison sentence for her alleged drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. The arrest marks the end of a long search that intensified earlier this month with new information from the Fugitive Group.

Is this justice?

A NAVARRA court has reduced the sentence of two of the infamous ‘Wolf Pack’ rapists from 15 to 14 years after a ‘toughening of the law’ backfired. It is thanks to a sexual consent law introduced in 2022 (Ley Organica 10/2022), which while intending to tighten rules on non-consensual sex inadvertently allowed many convicted rapists to appeal their sentences.

The High Court of Justice

Members of Spain’s infamous ‘Wolf Pack’ have their sentences reduced

By Yzabelle Bostyn

of Navarra (TSJN) reportedly considers itself ‘legally obliged’ to lower the sentences of Jose Angel Prenda and Jesus Escudero. It follows the reduction of

Narcos notched

PALMA is one drug shop fewer after police raided a property in Son Gotleu neighbourhood in the capital’s outskirts.

Officers arrested one man and seized

Angel Boza’s sentence in 2024, another member of the ‘Wolf Pack’ using the ‘Only Yes Means Yes’ law introduced after the horrific attack.

The Supreme Court recognises that the 2022 law lowered the minimum sentence for gang rape ‘significantly’.

quantities of cocaine and marijuana from a property on Calle Santa Florentina, just 50 metres from the Joan Capo school.

A police spokesperson thanked local residents for their ‘citizen cooperation’ in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.

Many opposed the reduction, including the victim, the Government of Navarra and Pamplona Council.

The law was pushed

forward by then Minister of Equality, Irene Montero. Though it intended to make any non-consensual sex rape, it also dropped the lesser charge of sexual abuse, changing all violations to sexual assualt, which had tougher penalties. That meant minimum and maximum jail sentences were cut, leading some offenders to have their terms reduced on appeal.

The incident has provoked outrage in Spain, with many taking to social media to express their concern.

“Making a law against the ‘Wolf Pack’ that then benefits them. You could be more useless than Irene Montero, but it would be very difficult,” said @Tarahal1979.

“Thanks Irene, the Wolf Pack thanks you and sexists too,” another tweeted.

A BRITISH tourist wanted for slashing a bouncer’s face with a bottle in Mallorca six years ago has been caught.

Interpol agents arrested the young Brit in the UK.

An international arrest warrant had been out on the 19-year-old for two years since the horrific attack, which reportedly left the security guard ‘disfigured’ and needing 50 facial stitches. The incident occurred in summer 2019, when the teen was ordered to leave The Plaza Bar, a popular spot on the Magaluf strip. He reportedly attempted to get back in but when refused, hit the Lithuanian bouncer in the face twice with a broken bottle.

At the time, the man claimed he was acting in self-defence. After his initial arrest in Spain, he paid €15,000 in bail, promptly returned to the UK and disappeared. Now, prosecutors are pushing for a five year prison sentence as well as €27,476 in compensation for the victim.

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PET SHOP DATE

LEGENDARY British pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys, are coming to Spain this summer to wow fans with their decades

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe have some of pop music’s most iconic hits in their reperWest End Suburbia Always on Mind. Fans will be able to catch them first in Sevilla’s Iconica festival on June 17 (tickets went on sale this week), followed by Marbella at the

Starlite festival on July 16. They will then head east to perform at Benidorm's Low Festival between July 25 and 27. The duo have been regulars to Catalunya in the past, appearing in Barcelona’s Sonar festival in 2002 and returning for Primavera Sound in 2010.

The venerable hit monsters most recently appeared in Spain last year at the Cruilla Festival –

NOT OUR PRESIDENT!

‘Ashamed’ US expats to hold anti-Trump rallies across Spain, including Malaga and Sevilla

US citizens living in Spain are planning to hold nationwide protests against Donald Trump. Organised by Democrats Abroad, the rallies will take place in major cities across

the mainland on March 29, including Malaga, Barcelona, Sevilla, Madrid and Valencia.

The organisation told the Olive Press 'anyone is invited' to join the marches, which aim to make it clear that 'a large percentage' of US expats are 'completely opposed' to the president's policies.

Carey Ramos, head of Democrats Abroad in Malaga, told the Olive Press : "The horrific actions of the past six weeks since Trump's inauguration, both within the US and internationally, have motivated US citizens residing in Spain to speak up and get involved in

Picture perfect

whatever way possible.

"We hope that these protests will help demonstrate to Spaniards and citizens of all nationalities that a large percentage of US citizens (approximately half) are completely opposed to what is occurring."

Ramos added: "How to summarize our feelings? Horror, disgust, anger, exasperation, deep sadness, and shame/ embarrassment on behalf of our country.

"We hope that hundreds of concerned citizens of all nationalities will attend the protest."

The organisation said in a statement: “Our objective is to protest the actions and policies of the Trump administration. We wel come all nationalities to attend.”

It comes as Spain's ag ricultural exporters are bracing for a potential €3.5 billion blow when new US tariffs come into effect.

Trump announced that he will soon be imposing tariffs on agricultural products imported into the US starting from April 2.

RENOWNED photographer

Annie Leibovitz unveiled her portrait photos of the King and Queen of Spain at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Leibovitz, regarded as the most prestigious – and highest-paid – photographer in the world, displayed the photos in the Gasparini room as part of an exhibition called 'The Tyranny of Cronos' King Felipe and Queen Letizia had a long chat with Leibovitz, 75, after seeing the photos for the first time.

Their first reaction was to laugh and then discuss the portraits among themselves – apparently dwelling a little longer on the

Queen's image.

The King and Queen along with Leibovitz posed next to the portraits for photographers.

"Did you like them?" they asked, with a smiling Felipe nodding in reply.

The works were commissioned in 2024 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Felipe VI's reign, which coincided with the couple's 20th wedding anniversary.

On February 7, the Royal couple posed for almost five hours, trying out different poses, clothes, and gestures.

The final versions saw Felipe in a high-collared army uniform and Letizia in a black and fuchsia Balenciaga dress.

ROSA-LOSER

SPANISH singer Rosalia tasted defeat in her legal battle to stop a Bulgarian jewellery brand from using the name ‘Rozaliya’.

The popstar had tried to argue that the brand name was too similar to her own and might cause

However the European Union disagreed, ruling last week that Raphael Europe Ltd were using the trademark ‘genuinely’.

The Bulgarian company registered the trademark on September 6, 2016 for the sale of jewellery and leather goods. The court ordered it could be used

for the former but not the latter. The singer appealed the decision to the General Court, where it was upheld.

By Laurence Dollimore

BUSY AIRPORT

PALMA de Mallorca airport welcomed just over a million passengers last month – a 2.1% increase on February 2024. Of the one million travellers, airport operator Aena said over half (56%) went on domestic flights, with the remaining 464,000 being international travellers.

Impressive

The first two months of 2025 saw nearly 1.97 million people use Palma, 2.2% more than last year.

An impressive 9,212 flights operated in and out of the airport in February – another annual rise, this time of 1.7%.

Serious hit

A MAN was seriously injured on Thursday after being hit by a car while he was walking on the Ma-30 in Palma.

The incident happened at around 3am with the vehicle unable to avoid him.

Paramedics stabilised the victim- said to be in his thirties- who suffered multiple traumas.

He was taken to the Son Espases Hospital.

The man had no identification documents on him and the Guardia Civil is investigating the accident.

HUNTING MOVE

TRADITIONAL hunting on Mallorca could be declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).

The Partido Popular (PP) on Mallorca council wants to get thrush, partridge, and goat hunting recognised as a cultural asset along with hunting involving Ibizan hounds.

They say the practices are an important part of the island’s identity and have proposed they are protected by a BIC.

The PP's Bernat Vallori said: “Hunting has carried on from generation to generation and is an example of a balanced and respectful relationship with the environment'.

“We cannot allow a fundamental part of our cultural heritage to disappear,” he added.

Carrot and stick

The

Balearics propose tax

breaks for locals who holiday at home and tax hikes for tourists

THE Balearic Islands are set to offer tax breaks to residents who choose to holiday in the islands while bringing in a raft of new penalties targeting tourists.

Locals who stay put for their vacations could be entitled to an income tax reduction of up to €250 per year under new proposals put to the regional parliament.

As well as incentivising residents, another key plank of the plans will be to raise the tourist tax in the peak season but abolish it altogether in January and February.

It means during the summer the tax would go up from €1 to €2.50 per night in the lower range and from €4 to €6 in the highest accommodation bracket.

By Alex Trelinski

Cruise ships deciding to stay in the Balearics would also see charges rise from €2 to €6 per passenger per night. Meanwhile, a brand new tax would be levied on cars to be spent on public transport investments and to reduce emissions.

This would in effect apply to cars that are used on a temporary basis for less than six months a year as de-facto rental vehicles which do not appear in non-tourist vehicle registries.

The tax charged would depend on emissions and the amount of time spent on the roads, but the proposed rate would be be-

tween €30 and €80.

Another proposal is the banning of new tourist accommodation within multi-family homes as well as raising the quality thresholds for existing tourist rooms.

The proposals, which still have to be approved, come as protest group Banc del Temps de

STAY AT HOME: Island residents are encouraged to holiday close to home

Sencelles released a new video claiming ‘nothing has changed’ since historic anti-tourism protests last year. They claim rents are higher than ever and are calling for Mallorcans to take to the streets for fresh action against the housing crisis, planned for the beginning of April.

AROUND 250 squatters who turned an abandoned prison into their home 10 years ago have been ordered to leave. Palma City Council has given the occupants a 10-day notice period after a dozen Policia Local officers told residents on Wednesday to leave voluntarily. The prison, constructed in 1968, was used as a detention centre for 31 years and there are several pending ideas for the 8,000 m2 site.

Palma Mayor Jaime Martinez said: “This facility has been occupied for 10 years and we will not be blind to an intolerable situation over the safety of those who live there and problems caused to the neighbours. “Solutions will be sought for those who need social services," he added.

The building is in a dangerous state and piles of rubbish have built up outside over the years. A large proportion of the squatters are non-Spanish, previously including some British nationals.

SQUATTER DEADLINE EXPLOSIVE

SURPRISE

A GERMAN bomb believed to have been dropped during the Spanish Civil War was found in an Esporles garage on Tuesday. Bomb disposal agents were quickly deployed to the scene, where they identified its origins and safely moved it to an area where it was destroyed.

Balearic Baby

CELEBRITY couple Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have recently announced that they have called their new baby girl ‘Palma’ due to their love of Mallorca.

Her name was inspired by the couple’s ‘special relationship’ with the island, where they own a

holiday home in Magaluf and regularly spend time.

A close friend of theirs said: “Palma holds a special place in Michelle and Mark’s hearts. They spent time there when no one knew she was expecting.”

The actress, 37, and DJ, 38, even revealed their pregnancy with a photo shoot taken on Portal Vells beach last December.

New universe

UNIVERSAL Hotel Romantica is set to reopen in time for summer with a new four star rating after a €12-million makeover.

With a peach position next to Playa de Es Trenc, the venue is part of the Universal Beach Hotels brand.

It will reopen on May 9, including a rooftop bar with views over the sea and the

HORROR DEATH

POLICE have closed a missing woman probe after a painstaking search at a waste disposal plant revealed her remains.

DNA showed that two bones found at a Mallorca waste treatment plant belonged to 24-year-old Argentinian Agostina Rubini (right).

Rubini vanished in the Santa Catalina area of Palma on October 2 during a night out with some friends.

CALA Millor was invaded by the astonishing sight of thousands of Velella jellyfish plastered across the beach last Friday.

The sea creatures washed up on the shore in a seasonal phenomenon where they are brought to land by turbulent seas amidst the peak breeding period.

Also known as ‘Little Sails’, the species is identified by the sail-like flap that catches the wind, allowing the jellyfish to travel.

Though they look similar to a Portuguese Man o’War, they are relatively harmless.

Last April, Manacor’s Cala Mandia was covered by jellyfish, much like the Camp de Mar, Cala Molins and Cala Sant Vicenc in previous years.

By Alex Trelinski

Tragically, she is presumed to have lost consciousness and ended up in a waste container, which was then taken by a lorry to the Son Reus treatment plant. It has been speculated that the combination of alcohol and medication she was taking could have caused her to feel sick –especially given her thin and smallish build.

A witness saw her bag and blouse in perfect order out-

Fish frenzy

Skeletal remains found of missing

woman who met a grisly fate after falling asleep in a waste container

side the container but heard no noise or cry for help. Her disappearance led to the Policia Nacional tracking her mobile phone with the signal detected first in the container, then in the garbage truck, and then finally at the Son Reus incinerator.

A court allowed work to be stopped at the Son Reus plant so that the police could carry out a thorough search of the facility.

Bones

Cabrera National Park.

The kids club and pools have also been renovated, with new slides, a gym and an outdoor tennis court.

Meanwhile, the restaurant will focus on local products to support the local economy and promote Mediterranean specialities. With a focus on sustainability, the hotel also has solar panels, water fountains and has reduced water usage by 25%.

COVERED: Thousands of jellyfish appeared on a Mallorca beach

8.30pm 22nd March

Officers sifted through more than 60,000 tonnes of waste and the search lasted for more than a month, in 24-hour shifts. Experts at the Institute for Legal Medicine in Palma analysed more than a thousand skeletal remains found at San Reus with two of them turning out to be human. They were sent to a laboratory for DNA extraction with samples obtained from Agostina’s family which confirmed the bones were hers.

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

Going quietly

THE closure of Iberian Funeral Plans without any communication to customers is both a shocking and distressing abuse of the expat community.

When people make the decision to move abroad, they often put their trust in their fellow countrymen once touching down in a foreign land. That’s exactly what the customers of Iberian did when they signed up to funeral plans with Stephen George Nelson’s company.

Eager to make things as easy as possible for family at home should the worst happen, they took out plans to ensure that if they passed away, everything would be sorted for their loved ones.

Little did they know, Nelson reportedly cared more about living a jet set lifestyle than the grief - and hard earned cash - of hundreds of expats.

The Olive Press has spoken to dozens of people who have lost thousands to Iberian Funeral Plans, but that isn’t the worst part.

As if grieving for a lost family member was not hard enough, now people are having to figure out how to come up with cash for new funeral services and try to get their original investments back.

Unfortunately, Spain has failed to regulate such businesses and therefore only those using trustee backed bank accounts, which are also regulated by the UK’s FCA, should be trusted. In the worst case scenario, some expats have even been left unable to carry out services for their deceased loved ones.

Fighting this disaster in the courts will likely cost a pretty penny, not one many of those affected by this incident have to spare.

Although it is not yet known for certain the context in which Iberian Funeral Plans ended, it is clear no contingency plans were put in place to protect their loyal customers in their hour of need.

PUBLISHER /

EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Tom Ewart Smith tom@theolivepress.es

NOT JUST WOMEN’S DAY

By Michael Coy

MARCH 8 has become an international rallying point for women’s rights, equality, and social justice all around the world.

In Spain, millions of women (and men) take to the streets every year, demanding action on issues such as gender-based violence, wage equality, and reproductive rights.

While the country has seen significant progress, challenges remain, especially in the areas of domestic violence and workplace discrimination.

As Spain celebrated International Women’s Day at the weekend, the Olive Press takes a look at March 8 and the many other significant things that happened on that day throughout the country’s history

Millions of women participated in protests and work stoppages

The most notable demonstration occurred in 2018, when a feminist strike brought Spain to a total standstill that March.

Millions of women participated in protests and work stoppages to demand an end to gender-violence, equal pay and greater representation in politics and business.

The event was a powerful reminder of the strength of Spain’s feminist movement and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

As the country celebrated International Women’s Day on Saturday, it was not only a day to remember the progress made but

The bots are taking over

WE live in Bot City. Bots are driving me dotty. Whatever happened to personalised customer service? We are constantly subjected to endless algorithm-driven adverts, but where is the human element in the sales pitch?

The other day I wanted to book a night out with the girls at a pizza restaurant, Grosso Napoletano, not far from Madrid’s famous Retiro Park.

I tried booking via their website, and while it was meant to be open on a Monday night, it wouldn’t let me book a table for seven.

I even tried booking for one person. But again, no tables were available. Simply not believing that the restaurant was booked out by Madrileños on a wintry Monday night I sought out a phone num ber which turned out to be a WhatsApp-only number… and then commenced the bot chat.

I don’t know if the programmer of this bot was one pepperoni short of a pizza, but it was inca pable of understanding that I just wanted to book a table.

In the end, defeated and deflated, I gave up and called a nearby competitor with a human answering the phone who seductively purred ‘Ciao Bella’ as I spelt out my name.

When the night came for our soiree, I decided to pop across the road to have a word with the staff at the deserted Grosso Napoletano.

The manager stopped folding napkins briefly to hear me out. She agreed that there were teething problems with the bots, and after much persuasion, she handed me the restaurant’s direct telephone number, usually reserved for delivery drivers.

This time of course it was already too late. Despite the frustration they can cause, around 1.5 billion people are using chatbots around the globe.

The countries with the largest share are the US, India, Germany, Brazil and the UK.

Chatbots are predicted to become the primary customer service channel for a quarter of businesses by 2027.

As with all technology, AI-powered assistants and chatbots are becoming increasingly sophisticated. To the extent that, according to Price Waterhouse Cooper, almost 30% of customers don’t know if their last customer service chat was with a human or a chatbot.

Chatbots are meant to have two main benefits; firstly, they offer instant support and, secondly, they offer it 24/7. But clearly they don’t always work. Indeed, as I have been writing this I have been conversing on WhatsApp with a Hewlett Packard bot ‘who’ is supposedly fixing my printer.

also a day to renew the nation’s commitment to the continued fight for women’s rights.

The fight for gender equality here has been a long and arduous journey. While today women in Spain outnumber men in university enrollment, it wasn’t always so.

It was the opening of a teacher-training college in Madrid on March 8, 1839 that was to eventually change that. Now, it sounds pretty routine, but at the time it caused a sensation.

Up till then the Catholic Church had complete control of Spanish education, and schools were mostly staffed by priests and nuns.

By the 1830s however, it became clear that

As AI starts flooding into Spain, Madrid-based journalist Susanna Grant insists that it’s still good old fashioned humans that end up fixing most problems

But finally after an hour and 45 minutes of repeating my personal details and my printer’s woes, I asked if he could just phone me. Clearly not appreciating my slight on his digital aptitude for fixing the issue he hung up. Furious, I decided to change tack and tried what was described as the ‘callback service’, and less than five minutes later, a lovely South American lady asked if she could access my laptop to fix the problem, which she did in less than five minutes. She even took the trouble to talk through the process afterwards while I took notes so that I can do it myself on any other similar devices.

Amazing what humans can do these days. It appears that nurses are not even required to look after patients in hospitals these days. Following a recent operation, I was hooked up to a sleeve in intensive care. It seemed to wait until I was just nodding off before suddenly tightening

STRIKE: Feminists brought Spain to a standstill in 2018

NO BOT: Chat bots cannot yet replicate the competence of a human

By Susannah Grant

DAY:

clergy perhaps, were not the best people to teach the country’s children.

The Church, of course, hated the idea and fought against the idea of civilian teachers coming in, seeing this (correctly) as the beginning of the end of the cleric’s power in Spain.

The opening of the college was to eventually become the gateway for women to enter the profession, while King Alfonso XIII even allowed women to attend university, a full 10 years before Oxford did!

But in Spain, the significance of

the date March 8 goes way beyond that of women’s rights. Historically it is a date that has come up over and over again for notable milestones and events.

MARCH 8 MILESTONES

San Juan de Dios

Take San Juan de Dios (left) for example. He obligingly made it easy for the Vatican to pick March 8 as his Saint’s Day, because it is the date on which he both entered the world (1495) and left it (1550).

cued by other Spaniards and in the 1540s he was made governor of ‘New Andalucia’ (today known as Paraguay), but his rule was a disaster.

Christened Juan Duarte Cidade, he was ‘one of the leading religious figures in the history of the Iberian Peninsula’. Made a saint in 1690, Juan led an eventful life. After a childhood of poverty, he spent decades in the army before wandering like a beggar in Andalucia and Africa.

But then he had a dream and saw a vision of Jesus with the holy man telling him to go to Granada and help people who were poor and ill.

After a major mental breakdown when he was just 42, he was placed in an asylum, which was not a promising way to start on the route to sainthood.

its iron grip, squeezing the life out of my upper arm and taking my blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the night, whilst the rest of the staff cheered Viva España at a football match on their mobile phones.

They may as well have sent me home with a camera to monitor me remotely. They certainly didn’t notice I was happily munching on dark chocolate almonds I’d squirreled into my toiletry bag.

Even my surgeon was trying to persuade me to be operated on by a robot - presumably so he didn’t have to miss any of the footie either.

Maybe in years to come, patients will be put to sleep with 3D glasses on so that they can play interactive football with Ronaldo while a robot takes out their appendix.

THE Olive Press website has gone stratospheric over the last 12 months, latest figures show.

More than 70,000 people have now registered an account at theolivepress.es, more than double that of a year ago.

But on his release he founded his own religious order, the Brothers Hospitallers, which devoted itself to the care of the sick and poor. He died on his 55th birthday, as a result of pneumonia contracted after diving into a river to save a drowning man.

His legacy continues today, and his feast day, March 8, has been commemorated by the Catholic Church since he was canonized in 1690.

Cabeza de Vaca

Another man associated with March 8 was Cabeza de Vaca, a ‘conquistador’ and Spanish soldier who travelled to the Americas to tame the wild con tinent and make it a colony of the Spanish king.

Participating in an expedition to explore Cuba in 1527, he was shipwrecked, and only he and three others survived.

Washed ashore in a wilderness now called Florida, the four men survived for eight years by acting as faith healers, curing native American tribes of various illnesses.

He was arrested and charged with incompetence, and in 1545 (on March 8) he was shipped back to Spain to face trial.

His ‘crimes’ were inevitably forgiven, and he lived out his final years in Spain, famous for being the Spanish Robinson Crusoe.

Eduardo Dato

Spanish Prime Minister Eduardo Dato (left) was assassinated in Madrid on March 8 1921.

The culprits were three Catalans, who wanted to bring about the independence of Catalunya.

This act of violence has to be seen in its international context. An American president and a Portuguese king had recently been murdered for political reasons, and (of course) the UK was having major problems in Ireland at the time of Dado’s death.

Federico Garcia Lorca

The poet and playwright Federico García Lorca was born in Granada in 1898, and by the early 1930s he had established an international reputation for his depiction of Andaluz culture.

It was on March 8, 1933 that he enjoyed his greatest-ever triumph, when his drama

Eventually he and his companions were res-

Bodas de Sangre (‘Blood Wedding’) first took to the stage in Madrid. In beautiful poetic language, the play tells a story of jealousy and violence in the Andalucian countryside. Lorca went on to write Yerma, a play about a woman who wants a baby but can’t get pregnant (her husband is impotent, but everyone blames her), and The House of Bernarda Alba.

Tragically, Lorca (left) was shot dead by a group of Fascists at the start of the Spanish civil war, while he was still in

It is no surprise then that March 8 is a significant day in the Spanish calendar. A day of significant political upheavals and acts of charity. All in all then a day marked by struggle, progress, and triumph. It is a day to reflect on the past, honour the achievements of women, and continue to push for a more just and equal future for all.

Here is a list of events which, over the centuries, have made March 8 a date that resonates here in Spain. The year is given on the left, and the more significant incidents are explained below.

1495 - Saint Juan de Dios (‘John of God’) is born.

1545 - Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca is sent from Paraguay back to Spain to stand trial

1550 - Saint Juan de Dios dies

1820 - King Ferdinand VII grants a constitution

1839 - Training college for teachers opens in Madrid

1910 - King Alfonso the XIII allows women to attend university

1921 - Prime Minister Eduardo Dato is assassinated

1933 - The play, “Blood Wedding”, hits the Madrid stage

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Registered users enjoy a range of benefits, including the chance to comment on stories and receive weekly newsletters on travel, health and property. They also get exclusive competitions, special discounts for restaurants and hotels and a comprehensive daily news update keeping them informed of all key news in Spain. Over the past 30 days alone, we have seen over 1,500 people register an account, while thousands are subscribers paying to allow them unlimited and advert-free access to all our articles. The continued success is thanks to our crack team of NCTJ-trained journalists, who are dotted around Spain and report on the latest news from the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Madrid, Balearic Islands and elsewhere.

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Viewership also soared from Germany, the Netherlands, France and Sweden.

Visit our website www.theolivepress.es and join our ever-growing army of well informed readers today.

SPECIAL

Thousands of women turned out in Madrid, but March 8 is a date that has extra significance in Spain

Looking ahead

Earth Hour 2025 is a global call for action to tackle the climate crisis

WWF is turning its attention to the critical year ahead.

With the upcoming 2025 of Earth Hour, the global initiative will continue to be a beacon of hope, urging people and governments to act decisively in the fight against climate change.

As the world faces increasingly severe environmental challenges, Earth Hour’s

message of urgency and collective action remains more relevant than ever.

The 2025 edition of Earth Hour will take place on Saturday, March 22 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm local time.

The focus will be on further amplifying global participation and pushing for stronger climate action, as international cooperation

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

becomes essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C and protect biodiversity by 2030.

Earth Hour will continue to inspire communities, businesses, and governments to dedicate time and resources to protecting our planet.

As a new feature, WWF is inviting people to share a special place where they feel connected to nature and don’t want to see it disappear due to the adverse effects of the climate crisis. They can choose their favorite natural spot and share pictures and video through their social media and on the Earth Hour website.

The initiative in Spain is being supported by Inditex as a partner once again, as well as from collaborating companies including El Corte Inglés, Mapfre, and Ecovidrio. So far, over 85 companies have decided to participate in this edition.

Media groups including Movistar+, RTVE, the EFE Agency, Los 40 (Prisa Group), Onda Cero Radio (Atresmedia), RBA, Canal Odisea (AMC Networks International), Condé Nast, Happy Learning, Corresponsables, and Mujeres a Seguir will be Earth Hour

allies.

Last year’s 18th edition of Earth Hour united more than 180 countries and territories around the world, marking a powerful collective movement to raise awareness about the climate crisis.

Millions of people across the globe participated in the symbolic gesture of turning off their lights, with iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Tokyo Tower, the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and the Christ the Redeemer statue joining in the global blackout.

WWF Spain also introduced the innovative ‘hour bank’, which encouraged individuals and organisations to dedicate 60 minutes to actions that benefit the environment.

In Spain, more than 500 local governments, over 120 companies, 120 organisations, and high-profile social media influencers including Climabar, Gipsy Chef, Jesús Calleja, and María Herrejón participated, contributing to the campaign’s success and engaging their audiences in the urgent fight against climate change.

Spain ranked ninth globally in participation, with over 2,800 hours committed to environmental conservation.

The overwhelming public support highlighted the nation’s deep concern about climate-related issues, particularly the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.

These events, alongside biodiversity loss, have placed Spain at the forefront of the climate crisis.

Juan Carlos del Olmo, Secretary General of WWF Spain, expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support from the public:

“With Earth Hour, we want to alert people that we no longer have a minute to lose, that we must act quickly and decisively to change our relationship with the planet”.

“We are still on time to halt the effects of this environmental crisis that threatens our favorite natural spots. Therefore, this year, to involve citizens in our campaign, in addition to our traditional blackout, we want to collect photos and videos of these spaces

that could disappear due to the effects of the climate crisis.”

In addition to the symbolic blackout, notable landmarks in Spain, including the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid, and the Cathedral of Burgos, will participate once again, amplifying the campaign’s reach.

The involvement of major companies like Inditex, Coca-Cola, Mahou San Miguel, and Mapfre, as well as media outlets such as RTVE and Movistar+, further emphasizes the collective responsibility needed to address the climate crisis.

WWF’s global message for Earth Hour 2025 emphasises the urgent need for international cooperation to tackle climate change.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated: “In Earth Hour, millions of people around the world turn off their lights to shine a light on the dire situation of our planet. The need is urgent. Our climate is collapsing.”

Kirsten Schuijt, Direc-

tor-General of WWF International, reflected on the power of collective action:

“As Earth Hour comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible impact that millions of people united for the health of our planet can have. Together, we have lit a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a sustainable future.”

In Spain, WWF also organises volunteer activities in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga, including nature walks, workshops, and waste collection efforts. These activities serve as a reminder that every individual action, no matter how small, contributes to the global fight for the planet’s future. The fight against climate change remains urgent, and Earth Hour will continue to be a powerful platform to bring together individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

LANDMARKS: World famous buildings around the globe will take part in Earth Hour

JOIN IN: WWF says everyone is welcome to turn off

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

TAX HOLIDAY

BARCELONA is set to double its tourist tax amidst increasing tensions between locals and visitors.

The Catalan government has announced new legislation for the region in a bid to tackle mass tourism.

According to some reports it could rise to as much as €15 per night - although so far it has been announced as between €2 and €7 - in Barcelona’s five-star hotels.

At least 25% of the proceeds will go towards new housing policies, to alleviate the region’s housing crisis.

Pushed by the Catalan government and local Sumar branch, Comuns, the measure starts from €1.20 in basic accommodation and campsites outside Barcelona city and can rise to €6 per night on more opulent living spaces.

Last year, Catalunya earnt €90 million from the measure, rising from €85 million in 2023. Following this trajectory, they are expected to bring in €200 million each year.

Costa del

Spain’s cheapest and most expensive hotel destinations for 2025

By Yzabelle Bostyn

IF you're dreaming of a luxury getaway in Spain this year, Marbella’s got you covered… if you’re willing to fork out a small fortune!

According to the latest figures from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), Marbella is officially the pric-

iest place to book a hotel in Spain for 2025, with a shocking average price of €303 per night. And hold on tight, because that’s an 8.2% price hike compared to last year –so it’s only getting more expensive to live the high life on the Costa del Sol.

Not far behind Marbella, the Balearic Islands and Barcelona are also breaking the bank

COSTLY

SPAIN and Portugal will be connected by a high-speed train by 2032, according to Portugal’s infrastructure minister.

The high-speed line will link the popular Portuguese destination of Porto and the Galician port city, Vigo. Miguel Pinto Luz, Portuguese Minis-

THE Valencia region, in recent years, has become a magnet for expats, tourists, digital nomads, and retirees, offering a harmonious blend of cultural charm, modern amenities and breathtaking coastlines.

Many are drawn to the Costa Blanca for its coastal allure, or Valencia city and its history and energy.

However, for those willing to venture inland and who have a deep appreciation for nature and tranquility, the Requena-Utiel region presents a captivating alternative.

Less than an hour inland from Valencia city, this magical little-visited region is renowned for its high mountain peaks and rolling wine country, and it even has its own Natural park.

Full of vineyards (among Valencia’s best) and wonderful places to eat, it also counts on excellent outdoor activities and festivals that showcase its deep cultural richness.

Here, American expat Layi Ali, who settled here with his wife two years ago, picks out his top five reasons to visit:

1. Wine Tourism and the Excellence of Las Ocho

The Requena-Utiel region is steeped in viticulture, with a winemaking heritage spanning nearly 3,000 years. The area is particularly celebrated for the Bobal grape, native to the region and responsible for producing distinctive, high-quality wines. Visitors

Rapid transit

ter for Infrastructure confirmed the plans last week at an event in Vigo. He says both Portuguese and Spanish authorities are aiming to finish the project within seven years.

respectively. But let’s be honest – Marbella is the undisputed king of the Spanish holiday scene.

In comparison, Madrid is slightly more affordable at €170 a night, but still sees the biggest price jump across Spanish cities, with an eye-watering 14% increase.

But if you’re not flush with cash and need a cheaper escape, there are still some bargains to be had.

Zaragoza is one of the best places to stay in Spain, with a budget-friendly €74 per night for a hotel room. And if you're really looking to save, threestar hotels can be as low as €50 a night – that's half the national average.

Booked up

Granada’s another great choice, with three-star stays averaging €61 per night, while the historic city of Salamanca offers rooms from €58. But back to the expensive side – it seems the rich and famous aren’t the only ones booking up Marbella. The rise in international tourists is pushing prices up across the country, with hotel prices jumping by 2.5% in January compared to the year before. Foreign visitors surged by 4.2%, while locals weren't booking quite as many rooms, with a slight dip of 0.5%.

GO WEST!

can explore dozens of vineyards each with their unique history and wine-making traditions.

Many offer guided wine-tasting ses sions led by owners who have cen turies of deep knowledge of winemaking that has been passed down over the gen erations.

One of the standout wines from the region is Las Ocho from Bodega Chozas Carrascal in Requena.

This exquisite blend, featuring eight different grape varieties, represents the pinnacle of winemaking in the area.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Aged to perfection, Las Ocho offers a complex and elegant profile, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast. The winery itself provides a top-tier tasting experience, where visitors can learn about the meticulous production process that makes this wine so special. Notable wineries such as MurviedroBodega Histórica and Pago de Tharsys also offer immersive experiences, including tours of historic underground cellars and tastings of their finest selections.

The region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Hoces de Cabriel Natural Park (right), for instance, offers breathtaking landscapes ideal for hiking, cycling, and bird-watching.

The park's diverse terrain includes deep gorges carved by the Cabriel River, dense forests, and expansive meadows, providing a serene backdrop for nature walks and picnics.

The park is also renowned for its place in Spanish history because it’s also home to numerous bunkers that were built during the Spanish civil war.

For those seeking more adrenaline-fueled activities, the area's rivers and reservoirs are perfect for kayaking, rafting, and fishing.

Local adventure tourism companies cater to both novices and seasoned adventurers, ensuring safe and memorable experiences.

One of the unique highlights of exploring the region is the chance to encounter cabras montesas, the mountain goats that are the true kings of these peaks.

IN THE TOP 100

PALMA has been named one of the top 100 cities in the world for travel, according to a new ranking. It has claimed 52nd place on the list, between the French city of Nice and the tropical destination of Honolulu, Hawaii. Madrid clinched second place while Barcelona came in a respectable tenth. Respected data analytics

company Euromonitor creates the list every year based on infrastructure, culture, safety and sustainability.

Paris was the top tourist destination in the world, followed by Tokyo in third place, Rome in fourth and Milan in the fifth spot. They were followed by New York, Amsterdam, Sydney and Singapore.

Digital delay

BUDGET airline Ryanair has delayed its plans to scrap paper boarding passes from May.

The carrier says the measure will now coincide with the start of the winter schedule on November 3.

From that date, travellers can only use digital boarding passes via the Ryanair app for smartphones.

The company claims that 80% of its passengers already use the digital format.

It suggests a big environmental dividend in saving paper and that it will ‘almost completely eliminate' check-in fees at airports.

Ryanair has not indicated how much money it will save by reducing check-in desk numbers.

"This shift towards 100% paperless boarding passes will allow us to offer a better travel experience.

The Olive Press offers five good reasons to visit this hidden region of Valencia, under an hour inland

3. Cultural Experiences

The towns of Requena and Utiel are rich in history and culture.

Strolling through their medieval quarters, visitors can admire well-preserved architecture, ancient churches, and charming plazas.

The Cuevas de la Villa, in Requena, is a network of underground caves, offering a glimpse into the town's storied past, having served various purposes from wine storage to refuge during conflicts. In particular the town’s Grape

Harvest Festival in late August sees locals and visitors come together to celebrate the bounty of the grape harvests with music, dance, and, of course, wine.

4. Culinary Experience

No visit to the Requena-Utiel region would be complete without indulging in its culinary offerings.

The local cuisine features traditional dishes like ajoarriero (a flavorful blend of cod and garlic), casseroled rice, and hearty stews.

Many wineries complement their tastings with local cheeses and cured meats, providing a holistic gastronomic experience.

5. Rest and Relaxation

Whether exploring the nearby natural parks, visiting the region’s wineries, or simply enjoying the slow pace of village life, guests will find that every moment at the wonderful expat-run Hotel Raimblanc, which is infused with warmth and authenticity.

The attentive team ensure a personalized experience, offering packages for local excursions and hidden gems. As the sun sets over the rolling vineyards, you will love relaxing by the fireplace in the lounge or in its restaurant savouring a glass of local wine and enjoying a delicious dinner, while recounting the day’s adventures.

STAY: Marbella is home to Spain’s most expensive hotel rooms

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Most Brits flock south in search of Spain’s famous sun, sea and sand.

But few know the coastal gems hidden in the country’s northern regions, such as Cantabria.

Although it has a rainy climate and temperatures which barely sneak over 20C, the area is well worth a visit for its stunning scenery, thriving gastronomy scene and quirky towns.

In summer, Spaniards migrate up north to escape the extreme heat of the south, enjoying the clean, cooler beaches Cantabria has to offer.

The capital city, Santander, is a must-visit for seafood lovers, where you can enjoy world class

dishes while looking out onto pristine beaches and rolling green hills.

Santander, the region’s capital, is a modern city celebrated for its Botin Arts Centre designed by Renzo Piano.

Nearby, in the town of Comillas, design enthusiasts can check out 11 modernist buildings without having to fight the crowds seen in Spain’s design capital, Barcelona.

A must visit is El Capricho, a bold summerhouse dreamt up by the famous Catalan Antoni Gaudi.

If nature is more your thing, head to the medieval town of Potes, a great base to explore the Picos de Europa mountain range.

THE UNKNOWN HIKING

REGION

A popular day trip from Malaga, many Brits have visited Ronda, but few have ventured out into the nearby Sierra de las Nieves hiking area. Known for its abundance of wildlife including wild boars and eagles, there are plenty of exciting trails to explore. That being said, the area is also very family friendly, with hiking trails dotted with rivers and waterfalls.

SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES

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Hidden gems

Nine must-visit destinations that you may never have heard of

DESPITE the common perception that Spain is overwhelmed by tourists, there are many lesser-known destinations that warmly welcome visitors.

Tourism is a significant part of Spain's economy, accounting for over 12% of its GDP, but it is heavily concentrated in major cities like Madrid, as well as along the costas of Alicante, Malaga and Barcelona, as well as the Balearic islands of Majorca and Ibiza.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Distributing this economic boost to quieter areas could benefit both locals and tourists by reducing strain on popular spots and sharing the wealth. And it brings an added bonus for tourists themselves - the chance to discover new sights and experience the slower pace of old Spain.

MURCIA, THE LEAST VISITED BIG CITY

Hidden between the popular areas of Andalucia and Alicante is Murcia, one of Spain’s most populous and yet most overlooked cities.

One for history buffs, Murcia has an impressive arsenal of 18th century buildings, mostly concentrated around the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.

There, the baroque Catedral de Santa Maria and the Palacio Episcopal de la Diocesis de Cartagena contrast against the glaringly modern city hall.

Just steps away is the 19th century Real Casino, where Moorish and rococo influences merge, providing an extravagant interior.

For dinner and drinks, check out the Plaza de las Flores, where tapas bars filled with affordable seafood spill out into the neighbouring streets.

THE MOST OVERLOOKED PILGRIMAGE

If you don’t fancy the busy routes of the beloved Camino de Santiago, this Murcian pilgrimage is a great alternative. The 120km route starts in Orihuela, Valencia and crosses into Murcia, where it finishes at Caravaca de la Cruz. Despite having just 26,000 inhabitants, the town has many churches and convents. It is also the world’s fifth Catholic

CAMINO DE LEVANTE

Holy City, as it is home to alleged fragments of the True Cross.

Running alongside the River Segura, the route follows disused railway lines, making it easy to navigate through vineyards, or-

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

HOME TO THE LEAST VISITED WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Just above Andalucia, Extremadura is often overlooked in favour of Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada. But the region has plenty of cultural heritage waiting to be explored in Caceres, Merida and Guadalupe. The old town of Caceres is an architectural marvel, followed by the extensive Roman remains in Merida and the stunning monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe. Extremadura is also home to Trujillo, often dubbed one of Spain’s ‘hidden gems’. Peppered with ‘excellent’ local wine and the ‘finest ham in the land’, the picturesque city is the perfect medieval escape.

chards and fields.

It can be undertaken in five days and is also possible by bike.

THE MOST OVERLOOKED ISLAND

The Canary Islands are a popular destination for British tourists, but most congregate in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Few venture out to the smaller, less popular islands such as El Hierro. The small volcanic island is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve rich

MORE THAN JUST WINE

Although many will recognise the name La Rioja, they most likely associate it with the popular red wine, never thinking to step foot in the region.

Despite its fame, fewer than 10,000 Brits visit the area each year, but those that do will get a treat.

Of course viticulture is the main draw, but hiding behind the grapevines there’s gorgeous towns, medieval monasteries and jaw dropping architecture waiting to be explored.

Laguardia, the regional capital, is home to the Marques de Riscal Hotel, designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry. With cascading metal sheets reminiscent of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, the hotel is the perfect place to stay in La Rioja, with double rooms starting at €531, including breakfast.

Just as impressive is the imposing Ysios winery, whose undulating metal waves stand in sharp contrast to the Alavesa hills.

LA RIOJA

with natural swimming pools, dense forests and stunning sea life. Popular with divers, you can spot Mediterranean parrotfish, manta rays, tuna, turtles and even whale sharks if you are lucky. For those worried about the environmental impact of your travels, El Hierro has got you covered, with 100% of its energy generated from wind and water.

March 14th - March 27th

SPAIN’S LEAST VISITED PALACE

Only five miles from Segovia, it's a wonder that many tourists still manage to miss this vast construction.

Found in an expansive deer park, the palace mostly functioned as a hunting lodge and was used to keep Philip V’s widow away from court matters. Its Italian style echoes the Royal Palace in Madrid and gives a sense of ‘what life must really have been like’ in the 18th and 19th century. However, veggies be warned, the complex has now been repurposed as a hunting museum and requires a ‘healthy appetite’ for taxidermy.

THE LEAST VISITED STRETCH OF SCENIC COASTLINE

Cantabria is often overlooked and this little known part of Galicia is Spain’s least visited coast.

Lined by the Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantabrico, the coast is dotted with quiet beaches and traditional fishing villages. While the area doesn’t get much international fanfare, those that do come prioritise the Praia As Catedrais (Cathedral Beach), named after its imposing rock formations. A must for nature lovers, the area is a ‘birding paradise’ as well as being home to the Eo wetlands.

LA CULTURA

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ISSUE BURNING

LAS FALLAS is one of Spain's most iconic fes tivals. It is a spectacle of fire, creativity, and joy that transforms the city (and many towns in the region) into a vibrant celebration each March.

This year’s fes tival is on now and finishes in spectacu

By Dilip Kuner

huge effigies are burnt in giant

But what is behind the famous festival, which was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016?

The Olive Press delved into the past to find that Las Fallas has a rich history that spans centuries, evolving from humble beginnings to

go up in flames

The origins and history of the spectacular Las Fallas festival in Valencia

a global phenomenon.

You have to go deep into the past top find the origins of Las Fallas. They date back to the Middle Ages, when Valencian carpenters would use wooden planks called parots to hold candles for lighting during the winter months.

As spring approached and daylight increased, these wooden stands became unnecessary.

On March 19, the feast day of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, the parots were burned in bonfires to mark the arrival of spring and the end of winter's darkness.

Bonfires

Over time, these bonfires evolved as people began to adorn the wood with old clothing and rags, creating effigies known as ninots

These early figures may have been crude, but they were often humorous and satirical, reflecting the Valencian sense of humor and irreverence to their so-called ‘superiors’.

By the 18th century, Las Fallas had become a recognised

Up in flames

VALENCIANS have used the traditional tival to voice their outrage after hundreds were killed in tragic flooding last October.

The region’s iconic festival celebrates the arrival of spring by burning satirical models in the streets. This year’s Ninot Exhibition, which showcases the smaller figures that compose larger fallas revealed a swathe of designs criticising the han dling of disastrous DANA storms last year. Held at the Museo de las Ciencias, the scenes often referenced the late warning message sent out to cit izens while many were already fighting against the devastating floods.

One sculpture shows an disembodied arm sticking out from the mud, clutching their mobile phone while regional leader Carlos Mazon grinning holding a bottle of wine, making reference to the dinner he enjoyed before attending crisis Another shows Pedro Sanchez’s suggesting the Valencian Community should ‘ask for help’, showing the Prime Minister standing over a muddy Mazon. Meanwhile others applauded volunteers who flocked to help, many bearing the phrase ‘only the people save the people’.

HUGE: The fallas can sometimes be up to 30 metres tall, while (top) a young Valenciana dresses in traditional garb for the festivities, and (left) the effigies

LA CULTURA

event in Valencia, with locals competing to create the most artistic and satirical displays.

The 19th century saw significant growth in the festival’s popularity, with the introduction of prizes for the best ninots, which spurred greater creativity and competition among participants. But it was in the early 20th century that Las Fallas really became a platform for artistic expression and social commentary.

The ninots evolved into grander, more elaborate sculptures that satirised political figures, celebrities, and social issues. In fact the creators of the effigies (also known as fallas) sometimes went ‘too far’ for the taste of the disapproving authorities.

In fact, during the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, the festival’s satirical nature was suppressed, but it continued as one of the few public expressions allowed in Valencia.

Today, Las Fallas is back to its satirical best with no target out of bounds for the effigies’ builders.

There are plenty of events lined up daily, and it culminates with the crema (burning) of the figures in a spectacular show in Valencia’s Plaza de la Ayuntamiento on Wednesday March 19 from 8pm.

The festival features

over 700 fallas, including both adult and children’s versions. Each neighborhood has its own falla commission, which works throughout the year to design and build these intricate sculptures, often reaching heights of over 30 metres.

Las Fallas has become a symbol of Valencian identity and creativity, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its unique blend of tradition, art, and joy.

Las Fallas is celebrated not only in Valencia but also in over 160 municipalities across the Valencian Community.

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Blimey, I’ve been scammed by…

The terrifying rise of the AI voice cloning fraud

AH, scams. A time-honoured British tradition, right up there with queuing, moaning about the weather, and insisting that ‘this tea just isn’t the same as back home’.

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But forget the classic ‘Your internet is about to be cut off’ call from a bloke who definitely isn’t from Movistar - today’s fraudsters have gone high-tech. They no longer need to impersonate a dodgy bank manager; they can now impersonate you.

“Darling, you just rang me saying you’d been arrested in Marbella!

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First, stop oversharing online. Maybe don’t post 37 WhatsApp voice notes a day narrating your adventures in Spanish paperwork.

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The fewer voice samples floating around, the better.

Second, use a secret code word with friends and family. Make it something a scammer wouldn’t guess - ‘siesta emergency’ or ‘lost in Mercadona’ should do the trick.

So next time your ‘mum’ calls saying she needs urgent cash, take a deep breath and think: Is this actually her, or have I just been outwitted by a robot? And if that doesn’t keep you up at night, well, nothing will. And the best part? Take advantage of the exclusive offer just for Olive Press readers, so you can enjoy a worry-free online experience today!

PEAK PARTY: Fireworks frame the famous 14th century Serranos towers

LA CULTURA

Shamrocking

MAINLAND Europe’s biggest St Patrick’s Day parade is set to once again take place in Spain this year.

Having topped 25,000 attendees at last year’s festivities, organisers are hoping to attract even more this year with a special guest star parade Grand Marshall.

All-Ireland Gaelic footballer Charlie Redmond will lead the festivities, along with an ex-Irish army veterans pipe band plus floats, dance groups, motorcycles, vintage cars and a variety of musicians.

Since this year’s St Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday, the event has been brought forward to Sunday March 16. But where is it? In the Cabo Roig strip on the Orihuela Costa in Alicante province.

Other large celebrations can be found in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol and Tortosa in Tarragona.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023 LOOKING FOR

Oooh mummy!

Spanish museum under fire after removing mummy from display over fears it will ‘offend’ visitors

A SPANISH museum has removed a mummy from display because it ‘didn’t comply with new rules on treating human remains with respect and dignity.’

Madrid’s National Archaeology Museum (MAN) took the action to comply with new state museum rules which require ‘conforming with the beliefs and interests of the communities and ethnic groups [the remains] come from.’

While the move received a backlash online from those who called it an ‘extreme case of ofendiditis’, others pointed out that the removal of

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On track BUSINESS

SPAIN and Portugal will be connected by a high-speed train by 2032, according to Portugal’s infrastructure minister. The high-speed line will link the popular Portuguese destination of Porto and the Galician port city, Vigo.

Miguel Pinto Luz, Portuguese Minister for Infrastructure confirmed the plans last week at an event in Vigo. He says both Portuguese and Spanish authorities are aiming to finish the project within seven years.

HIGH JANUARY

SPAIN set a new international tourist record for January with 5.1 million foreign visitors – up 6.1% over 12 months.

The UK was the leading market, while the Canary Islands was the busiest destination for non-Spanish based tourists.

A total of 863,286 travellers came from Britain, up 3.6% on January 2024.

France was next with 641,201 tourists (up 12.2%) and Germany, with 537,842 visitors (down 2.4%).

UK tourists spent the most with 15.4% of the total, followed by Germans (11.1%) and those from the Nordic countries (8.7%).

The Canary Islands, as is normal in January, was the most popular region, accounting for 26.9% of arrivals.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

the mummy could be a ‘good time’ to return it to its native island of Tenerife.

Known as the ‘Guanche Mummy’, the relic is an example of a person indigenous to the Canary Islands). It was discovered in 1764 in the Barranco de Herques cave alongside 1,000 other mummies and is believed to be from the seventh or eighth century.

According to a study carried out by the museum in 2018 the mummy is a male of high social status between 35 and

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40 years old.”

Guanches occupied the island before Spaniards arrived in the 13th century, developing a distinct culture, language and way of life.

Spain colonised the Canary

GOING HOME?: The Tenerife mummy has been taken from display

New home

MALAGA has been chosen to host the first ever Comic-Con, the global pop culture convention, to be held outside of the USA. The event, which is usually held in San Diego, will be held from September 25-28 this year.

Islands throughout the 15th century, leading the Guanche culture to disappear.

Some 16 Spanish museums must comply with the new rules, which apply to all state run museums.

NICE VIEWING

PRESTIGIOUS travel magazine Time Out has named three Madrid cinemas amongst the 50 most beautiful in the world. Claiming fourth spot is Madrid’s The Cineteca, the only venue in Spain dedicated almost exclusively to non-fiction films.

Found in the old Matadero slaughterhouse and livestock market, the ‘beautiful and unusual’ cinema opened in 2011. Next on the list was the century old Cine Dore Filmoteca Española, dating back to 1923.

A ‘beloved’ art deco building, the cinema has weathered many storms, including being hit by a shell during the Civil War and a twenty year closure.

Dubbed a ‘cinephile’s paradise’ the venue was revived in 1989 and is now home to the Spanish Film Library.

Taking the magazine’s final spot for Spain is Sala Equis in 21st place.

Housed in a grand mansion turned porno cinema, it is now Madrid’s ‘coolest cine-spot’.

Trumping ball

How might Trump's tariffs wreck Andalucia’s economy?

THE five Spanish provinces most in the firing line to feel the pain of Donald Trump’s new agricultural tariffs are all in Andalucia.

Spain’s southern region accounted for nearly 40% (€1.35 billion) of all of Spain’s exports to the USA in the sector – more than any other – while American exports account for 8.63% of its total foreign sales.

The bad news comes after Donald Trump announced he will be imposing tariffs on agricultural products imported into the USA starting from April 2.

“To the Great Farmers of the United States: Get ready to start making a lot of agricul-

By Walter Finch

tural products to be sold INSIDE of the United States,” he wrote on Truth Social, before signing off with ‘have fun!’

While it is unclear the extent of the tariffs, Spanish producers – who sold €3.5 billion to the USA last year –are already worrying.

Exposure

Sevilla leads the pack with €653 million in exposure to Trump’s tariffs, representing 15.12% of all the province's global exports, according to a new report from Gestha,

Jobs boost

SPAIN'S February jobless total stood at just under 2.6 million – the lowest figure for the month since the pre-cash boom times of 2008. Unemployment fell month-to-month by 5,994 people while 100,340 new jobs were created, mostly in the education sector.

Total unemployment is down 6% compared to February last year.

The leading areas for new jobs were Catalunya (23,373), the Balearic Islands (14,670) and Andalucia (13,784).

the Spanish Treasury technicians' union.

The Costa del Sol follows, with Malaga's 80 export companies facing potential losses of €247.66 million, accounting for 14.83% of its foreign sales.

Cordoba (€226.75 million), Cadiz (€108.95 million), and Jaen (€52.24 million) complete the list of the five most vulnerable provinces in Spain, with export dependency on the US market ranging from 10% to over 15% of their total exports.

Olive oil producers face the steepest challenge, as oils and edible fats make up the largest category of agricultural exports to the US at €1.15 billion nationwide. It represents 33.5% of Spain's agricultural exports to America and affects 13.4% of all Spanish olive oil exports globally.

The region's export portfolio to the US market is dominated by edible fats and oils at 18.14%. Meat products follow at 13.73%, while prepared food products represent 12.91% of exports.

The tariff threat comes at a particularly difficult time for the sector, which has already weathered drought condi-

tions and price fluctuations in recent years.

Treasury experts are urging both national and regional governments to help the 3,547 affected Spanish companies—including 114 in Sevilla and 120 in Cadiz—find alternative markets for their products.

Although the US market represents just 4.8% of Spain's total agricultural exports— far behind the European market (76.7%) and Asia (9.6%)—the concentrated impact on specific Andalucian regions and products has raised serious concerns about local economic stability.

President Trump announced the tariff plans on Monday as part of his administration's broader trade strategy, which has already seen Canada, Mexico, and China announce retaliatory measures against US imports.

Last year’s edition went viral for the announcement that Robert Downey Jr, who appeared live at the event, would return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play arch villain Doctor Doom. Though the epicentre of the action this year will be the Palacio de Congresos, events will be scattered throughout the city.

It is the first time in the conference’s 54 year history that it has been held outside the states.

“The most im portant pop culture event in the world will cross the Atlantic,” organisers announced. It comes after arduous negotiations between Malaga town hall, the Andalucian tourism board and event organisers.

Digital delay

BUDGET airline Ryanair has delayed its plans to scrap paper boarding passes from May.

The carrier says the measure will now coincide with the start of the winter schedule on November 3.

From that date, travellers can only use digital boarding passes via the Ryanair app for smartphones.

The company claims that 80% of its passengers already use the digital format.

It suggests a big environmental dividend in saving paper and that it will ‘almost completely eliminate’ check-in fees at airports.

Ryanair has not indicated how much money it will save by reducing check-in desk numbers at airports.

“This shift towards 100% paperless boarding passes will allow us to offer a better travel experience for customers,” said Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dara Brady (pictured below).

PUBLIC STATEMENT

Honourable welcome

A CORUÑA has honoured two illegal migrants who risked deportation to stop a vicious homophobic assault.

Flight risk

BRITS were left stranded in Bilbao after air traffic controllers ‘went home’ instead of dealing with a late-night diversion during a Malaga-Manchester flight.

Couch suffering

AN Estepona landlord has sparked outrage after listing a sofa bed for €450 a month on popular rental platform, Idealista.

LEGAL HIGH

‘More-ish’ sweets recovered in Fuengirola raid land policemen in hospital

THREE Malaga police officers ended up getting high after munching on jelly beans seized in a drugs raid. The cops came across the innocent-looking sweets lying around in the police station and, feeling a bit peckish, they scoffed the lot. The sweet-toothed officers apparently had no idea that the ‘more-ish’ sweets were

By Michael Coy

linked to a recent bust.

When they tucked into the tempting beans it all went a bit pear-shaped and they were rushed to hospital, feeling a tad ‘woozy’.

The offending jelly beans had been confiscated from a cannabis club in Fuengirola, but due

A MALAGA town has sparked outrage after dressing a pig up as a woman in ‘honour’ of International Women’s Day. Campillos traditionally burns a pig effigy to mark the end of carnival season, which this year coincided with March 8. As a result, the town hall added makeup, breasts and lingerie to the ‘ guarra ’ which, while meaning pig, can also refer to a sexually promis-

to a ‘a bit of a mixup’, they hadn’t been properly bagged and labelled as evidence. It wasn’t until one offi cer began to feel a bit too relaxed that things started to get serious. “I felt like I was floating,” said one of the officers, who did not wish to be named. The force then

Farm faux pas

cuous woman. The effigy also included ‘8M’ designs, commemorating International Women’s Day. It has been heavily criticised by locals, with left-wing political movement Izquierda Unida branding the stunt a ‘flagrant mockery of women.’

took no chances and immediately whisked them off to hospital for a check-up, as the law treats drugs like ‘poisons’.

Spanish law recognises the right of a private club to sell cannabis to its members and for those members to consume it on the premises, but the club must be a ‘smoking association’, and the range of products it can sell is tightly controlled. This is why, say police, the jelly beans were confiscated The three officers soon got over their high and were back on duty.

A RARE grey seal has been spotted far from its comfort zone lounging around in Gibraltar harbour. Usually found in colder climes, the species is not usually known to venture further south than Brittany in France.

But this seal has also been spotted in La Doñana and Conil de la Frontera. Experts fear the seal is likely lost and disorientated so far south. The public is urged not to approach the creature if spotted, while environmental protected professionals are monitoring its wellbeing.

Bucket list

A WOMAN in Cadiz has become a social media sensation after she was captured on camera throwing buckets of water on revellers she spotted peeing in the street. Neighbours have taken note of her unerring accuracy as the city’s famous Carnival week was blighted by people relieving themselves between parked cars and against doors.

“What I find most amazing is her aim, which always hits the target from up on high,” said an X user.