Whenever there is a spat between the UK and Spanish governments, the people who end up suffering are the residents of Gibraltar, Spanish workers who travel to the Rock for their livelihood, businesses on both sides of the border and tourists from all over the world visiting the territory. There have been various niggles during the past few months, including …
Chris Stewart at the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary
It was fun and games at the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary on Sunday afternoon with pony rides for the kids, a bucking bronco, food and drink, music from Jonny Unplugged and friends and a special appearance of Chris ‘Driving over Lemons’ Stewart who sheared the resident sheep, ‘Chuleta’, and signed copies of his books. Chuleta was certainly in need of a …
Another great San Isidro celebration
It was a bit cloudy at times and the wind was frequently blustery but it didn’t adversely affect the San Isidro celebrations which went ahead as scheduled…not that scheduled times are ever really relevant when it comes to processions in Spain. Hours before the procession was due to start, the floats were lined up nose to tail down avenida Castilla …
Important changes to passport application process for British nationals
As from Monday May 13th 2013, there is an important change for British nationals wanting to apply for a new passport. From this date, all applications will need to be sent directly to the Identity Passport Service (IPS) in Belfast in the United Kingdom, instead of to the regional passport processing centre in Madrid as is currently the case. Current …
May Crosses 2013
May 3rd is the Day of the Cross, Dia de la Cruz, a time for highly decorative crosses to adorn streets and buildings with the aroma of locally produced ‘arropia’ – Cake made of flour, honey, and spice – drifting through the evening air. A lot of work goes into not only making the crosses but also creating the general …
Full of beans
Not everything is doom and gloom, there are some success stories to be found, even during this seemingly never-ending financial crisis. The coffee company Cafés Tamazor, founded in 1986 and now based in Vélez-Málaga, is planning a one million euro investment which will see its current facilities on the La Pañoleta industrial estate triple in size as it prepares for future …
From every angle
The San Joaquin Sugar Mill, located between Nerja and Maro on the old N-340 coast road, is now derelict but remains a fascinating sight. There was a long tradition of sugar cane plantations and sugar cane mills in the area dating from the XVI century. The mill was built in 1884 by Francisco Cantarero and owned by the Marquis de …
Easter in Spain
Spain is slowly drifting towards a secular society, with many young people largely ignoring their Roman Catholic heritage, but Semana Santa, Holy Week, is still very much celebrated throughout the country. The ancient rituals, celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, are a sight not to be missed. Often to the solemn, persistent beat of a single drum, men …