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Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin August 9
TOP STORIES: "Cool response: Murcia restaurant refuses to serve customers on terrace during heatwave" & "The comet of the century will soon be visible from Spain"
August in Spain is the typical ‘holiday’ month when lots of businesses and offices shut up shop to take a breather, and given the explosive heat of the past few days, they might just be onto something. Well, the politicians may have put their feet up but there’s still plenty happening up and down the country, and we’ve got it all for you right here.
We’ve got jellyfish invasions on the beaches, shooting stars and comets and even the odd gallivanting goat.
But first, a Murcia restaurant almost broke the internet this week for its unconventional approach to customer service during the sweltering heat - a cool response that's sure to leave you refreshed.
Cool customers
It’s no secret that one of Spain’s main draws is the weather, but when the temperatures reach boiling point even the hardiest of us need to take cover. Al fresco dining is all well and good, but it quickly loses its appeal under the baking sun.
For most people, that is. Restaurante Las Cumbres in the heart of Murcia had the opposite problem recently and management’s decision that the customer actually isn’t always right is a story that’s got the whole Region talking.
It was just another day in the Cabezo de la Cruz district of Murcia, with temperatures climbing above 40°C. While most people sought shade and a cool drink, a group of customers at Restaurante Las Cumbres had a different idea. They insisted on dining on the restaurant's sunny terrace, unfazed by the sweltering heat.
Little did they know, their request would spark a nationwide conversation about employee welfare and labour rights.
Concerned about his staff running around waiting tables under the scorching midday sun, the owner of Restaurante Las Cumbres politely but firmly refused the customers' request to dine on the terrace.
“At midday, we have the terrace closed because it is very hot," he explained, standing his ground. Even as the customers pressed on, insisting they wanted to brave the heat, the owner remained resolute in his decision.
The incident quickly became a viral victory for the sensible restaurant owner on social media, with people across Spain applauding his decision. And while some cynical critics accused the restaurant of seeking publicity, the majority praised him for putting people over profit.
It has since sparked important discussions about labour rights and the need to adapt to rising temperatures in the workplace. After all, no one should have to endure uncomfortable or unsafe working conditions just to cater to customer preferences.
So, let's raise a glass of something refreshing to the cool-headed owner who stood his ground.
Cheers to employee welfare and sensible summer dining!
Something fishy
The beaches of Spain are buzzing, and unfortunately not just with sun bathers. In what seems like a well-choreographed dance, the waters off the coast are playing host to a variety of fascinating creatures, from the harmless to the potentially deadly.
Let's start with the recent invasion of fried egg jellyfish along the Cartagena shorelines. While these gelatinous visitors might be perfectly harmless, their slimy appearance by the thousands was enough to give swimmers pause last weekend.
The fried egg jellyfish, true to its name, created quite the stir as a strong easterly breeze washed droves of the dead critters inland on the beaches of Los Urrutias and Punta Brava, where they clogged up the shoreline in a smelly mess.
The Mar Menor Scientific Committee predicted this sudden influx a few weeks back, and their words rang true as the authorities sprang into action, erecting nets to protect popular swimming spots. It's a delicate balance, as these jellyfish play an important role in the marine ecosystem, providing food for turtles, tuna and even penguins.
They are ancient creatures, with records dating back millions of years, and the authorities are keen to minimise any harm while also ensuring swimmer comfort.
However, the story takes a more dangerous turn with the arrival of the Portuguese man o' war jellyfish along the Costa Blanca. This creature, with its mesmerising sail-like bladder and long venomous tentacles, is not your average jellyfish (it’s not actually a jellyfish at all). It's a colony of multiple organisms working together, and its sting can be deadly.
Biologist Juan Antonio Pujol confirmed their presence in the waters of Torrevieja a couple of days ago and has advised beachgoers to be cautious. The man o' war's sting can cause severe symptoms, and even lead to death in rare cases.
It's important to stay alert, maintain a safe distance and notify lifeguard services if you spot one.
Let's hope the winds blow these jellyfish away, and we can all enjoy a swim without worry.
Comet of the century
Attention all star gazers. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event because the comet of the century is coming our way. Grab your binoculars and telescopes, or just look up at the night sky, because you won't want to miss this dazzling display.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is set to put on a show that has the scientific community at the edge of its seat. Discovered in January 2023 by astronomers at the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, this comet has been captivating scientists ever since. And the best part? We get to witness this extraordinary celestial event from Spain.
So, what's so special about this comet? Well, for starters, it's a one-time visitor to the inner solar system. Unlike its periodic cousin Halley's Comet, which returns like clockwork, Comet C/2023 A3 is embarking on a unique journey from the distant Oort cloud, way out there in the solar system. This means it likely won't be returning to our neighbourhood anytime soon.
As it hurtles towards the Sun, the comet will reach its closest point to Earth on September 27, at a distance of 58 million kilometres. But the real showstopper is on October 12, when it gets even closer. Talk about a front-row seat to cosmic history.
This comet is a speed demon, currently cruising between Jupiter and Mars at a staggering 290,664 kilometres per hour. As it draws nearer, it's expected to be incredibly bright. We won't know the full extent of its brilliance until it passes through the Sun, but we're talking about a potential light show that you won't want to miss.
This is our only chance to catch a glimpse because it likely won't be returning for another 26,000 years, so mark your calendars for October 12, and get ready to be amazed.
And don’t forget, time is running out if you’re to catch a glimpse of the Perseids meteor shower. While the shooting star show takes place between July 14 and September 1, the peak is normally when the Earth passes through the densest and dustiest area on August 11 and 12.
For this reason, the Perseids are also sometimes known in Spain as ‘The Tears of Saint Lawrence’, because the Catholic feast of St Lawrence is on August 10.
Although the peak of the Perseids 2024 will be between 3pm and 6pm on August 12, according to the Spanish National Astronomical Observatory, it will be better to try and see a shooting star in the evening or at night after the sun has gone down.
For the best view, go out somewhere in the countryside, away from large towns and cities, to a place with as little light pollution as possible.
Murcia
As the weather continues to heat up, the Guardia Civil's Nature Protection Service (Seprona) is teaming up with the Region of Murcia's Environmental Crime Investigation Brigade (Brida) to tackle a troubling issue: wildfires.
There's a concern that some of the recent fires might not have been accidents, and they're investigating whether an arsonist is to blame. So far, no arrests have been made, and the authorities are remaining tight-lipped on the details while the investigation unfolds.
One of the fires that sparked concern was the blaze in El Valle last week, which kept residents on edge as it burned through 13 hectares of land. More than 140 firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the flames and prevent further damage.
Initially, the authorities felt that while the fire could have been caused by a person, it was more than likely accidental as there only seemed to be one combustion source. But now, as evidence of more and more infernos builds, the experts aren’t so sure.
Brida has their work cut out for them, especially with the scorching temperatures, dry conditions and winds creating the perfect storm for wildfires.
Last year, Brida carried out 38 forest fire investigations. One of these was again in El Valle, where the equivalent of two football fields was devoured by the flames. The Environmental Crimes Investigation Brigade found evidence that this fire was set deliberately.
Just a day before the El Valle fire, another blaze started in the Majallana area of Lorca, in the foothills of the Sierra de la Almenara.
The summer of 2024 is shaping up to be a challenging one, and the investigation into these fires continues.
Let's hope they catch any culprits and that the weather gives everyone a break.
There was great excitement as the Hospital del Guadalentín, the new private hospital located in Camposol in Mazarrón, opened its doors this week.
Although an official opening ceremony is not for some weeks, the hospital started its activity on August 5 with the opening of the 24-hour Emergencies Department, the only one in an area which in the summer months sees the population increase to 300,000 inhabitants due to tourism in the catchment area.
This state-of-the-art facility will offer a wide range of services, including CT scans, ultrasound, X-ray, mammography and even MRI scans. Plus, they've got a fully equipped lab, clinical analysis services, a blood bank and a pharmacy.
The Hospital del Guadalentín will also be the first private medical centre in the entire Region of Murcia to introduce the Da Vinci robotic surgery system. This cutting-edge technology allows for minimally invasive, super-precise surgeries, which means faster recovery times for patients.
With more than 40 specialists in general surgery, urology and gynaecology, and offering more than 20 medical and surgical specialties, this hospital has got everyone covered.
Plus, they provide multilingual services for international patients, so language won't be a barrier to getting the care you need.
In a scene straight out of a comedy, a mountain goat led police and rescue workers on a wild goose chase through the city of Murcia last Sunday. What started as a hilarious spectacle for onlookers took a turn when the goat dashed into traffic and collided with a car.
Simplemente Murcia. pic.twitter.com/iDxiFmYgEf
— Murcia Notificaciones (@murcianotific) August 4, 2024
The goat's city adventure began in the afternoon when it casually strolled into the urban centre, seemingly just out for a Sunday walk. The authorities spent hours trying to capture the animal as it meandered through the streets, but the goat proved too crafty.
Then, just before 9pm, the goat made a dash for it and ended up on the A-30 motorway, where it was hit by a car. Thankfully, the driver was unharmed, but the goat's joyride had come to an end.
However, far from slowing him down, the animal appeared safe and well also and the goat was last seen bolting towards the Ronda Norte tunnel. Authorities believe it might be hiding out in the La Arboleja or La Albatalía areas.
So, the search continues for this adventurous goat, and we can only hope its owner comes forward soon to claim their mischievous pet.
In a story with more tragic ending, at least five white storks met their end last Friday, when they accidentally landed on a power line near Calasparra in northern Murcia. The storks were part of a flock migrating to Africa when their journey was cut short.
The ANSE wildlife naturalist association, who recovered the birds' bodies, has lodged a complaint against the power supply company. They assert that the power line is "highly dangerous" due to a lack of insulation, making electrocution a likely outcome for any bird that comes into contact with it.
Sadly, this isn't an isolated incident. In the last decade alone, nearly 50 storks have fallen victim to electrocution in the Region of Murcia. ANSE also reported the recent death of a Bonelli's eagle, another victim of electrocution, just a few kilometres away.
The association is now urging electricity companies to take proactive measures to correct these dangerous power lines and prevent more unnecessary deaths. They are also calling on the regional government to step up and find a long-term solution to this ongoing issue, which claims the lives of so many vulnerable animals.
But to end on a high note, young tennis star Carlos Alcaraz certainly did his Region of Murcia, and all of Spain, proud at the Paris Olympics, where he picked up a silver medal in the men’s singles in an epic battle against seasoned pro Novak Djokovic.Having won his first ever Olympic gold medal, 37-year-old Serbian Djokovic has become the oldest man to take the singles title in his sport since 1908, and his performance sadly prevented the 21-year-old Murciano from becoming the youngest.
Even so, he’s the youngest player to reach an Olympics singles final since 1904 and he has brought home only the fourth ever silver in the history of the Region of Murcia.
Alcaraz took to social media after Sunday’s match to celebrate his silver media, writing: “I leave with an incredible silver medal and with my head held high after a tremendous battle today! Congratulations @DjokerNole for that gold that you have sought so much.”
"Silver today. Gold tomorrow," one fan wrote in a fitting response.
See our EVENTS DIARY for events and activities coming up soon in the Region of Murcia:
Spain
The British Embassy in Spain has released an important update this week regarding the upcoming implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES) for short-stay travellers to the European Union.
It is highly recommended that British residents exchange their green residency certificates for TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) cards as soon as possible.
Although it’s been delayed time and time again, it now looks very likely that the EES will come into effect on November 10 this year. Essentially, it’s a new automated system for registering non-EU travellers at the border, replacing the traditional passport stamping method. This registration will store your travel details for three years.
While the EES aims to streamline border control procedures, it’s important to be prepared to avoid potential delays and complications.
This system applies to non-EU nationals travelling to any European country using the EES for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Please note that the 90-day limit applies collectively to all European countries utilising the EES.
Now, you may be wondering about the significance of obtaining a TIE card. Well, the EES exempts individuals holding a valid, uniform-format biometric card from the registration process. In Spain, the TIE card serves as the recognised biometric residency card.
On the other hand, the Green Certificate, a non-biometric residency document, may not offer the same exemption. As a result, Green Certificate holders could encounter challenges and delays when entering other EU countries where their residency status may not be recognised.
By acquiring your TIE card ahead of the EES rollout, you can ensure smoother travel within the Schengen zone and bypass the need for EES registration each time you travel.
The British Embassy is actively working with the Spanish Government and the EU to facilitate the EES launch and has requested additional TIE appointment slots.
For comprehensive information about the EES, including its implementation details, please refer to the official guidance: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en.
Summer in Spain is not just about sangria and siestas; unfortunately, it's also the season for scams, most of which are targeted at tourists. From fake holiday giveaways to bogus rental listings, cybercriminals are on the prowl for unsuspecting holidaymakers.
Travel fraud is a booming business for these scammers, with a 35% increase in Spain in recent years.
ESET, a cybersecurity software company, has identified the top eight scams to watch out for in Spain this summer:
- Free holiday hoax: Ignore calls or texts about raffle wins; they're just bait to get your money.
- Fake websites: Scammers create convincing clones of airline, holiday home or price comparison sites to trick you into booking and paying.
- Deep discounts: Super-cheap flights or packages might be a cover for stolen credit cards.
- Document drama: Fake services offering visa, passport or international driving license help could leave you with a fake document and an empty wallet.
- Rental regrets: Bogus rental ads on legitimate sites might lead to non-existent or double-booked properties.
- Charter chaos: Private jet and luxury accommodation packages could be a scam, ultimately leaving you stranded.
- Wi-Fi woes: Public Wi-Fi can be a gateway for cybercriminals to access your sensitive info.
- Juice jacking: Public charging stations might infect your device with malware instead of charging it.
To keep your summer scam-free, do your research, and always ignore suspicious offers. Remember: if something looks too good to be true, it usually is.
But it’s not just the tourists getting ripped off. Earlier this week, an Ibiza restaurant was almost stuck with a 12k bill when an older British ‘gentleman’ and his pals refused to stump up for the check.The 77-year-old Brit and a group of five women in their 20s and 30s took a table in the upmarket eatery. He must've been feeling extra generous because he started ordering some of the priciest dishes and drinks on the menu.
Well, the bill arrived, and it was a doozy: 12,300 euros! But here's the twist: when it came time to pay, the group claimed that a seventh member of their party, who had conveniently left just before the bill arrived, had taken care of it.
The staff, understandably, weren't buying this story. When the group refused to pay, they called the cops. The National Police showed up, questioned the party, and ended up arresting all six of them.
Lesson learned: always check who's paying before you start ordering the caviar.
Alicante
Orihuela Costa is reeling from a tragic murder that unfolded this week, leaving a Norwegian man dead and his wife behind bars. The accused, a 49-year-old woman, called the emergency services herself, admitting to stabbing her husband three times with a kitchen knife during a violent domestic dispute.
Their three children, aged 10, 8 and 6, witnessed the horrific incident and are now in the care of the state.
In a chilling revelation, authorities discovered that the couple's 10-year-old son had also suffered a stab wound during the altercation. It remains unclear whether the injury was accidental or if the child was attempting to protect his father.
The young witness provided a statement, but the trauma of the event left his testimony confusing and contradictory.
The family had only recently moved from Norway to a holiday home in Orihuela Costa in May, which is located right on the border with Torrevieja. According to the arrested woman, she and her children had endured years of abuse and death threats from the deceased.One of the woman’s lawyers explained that the traumatised boy’s statement was “very confusing,” but Mr Otharán, from the Quiroga Sánchez law firm in Alicante, has blamed this largely on the police interrogation technique used on the child, which he likened to a “terrorist” being “tortured” for a confession.
The law office has since demanded that the “pressured” statement be deemed null and void by the judge.
All of the child’s rights were violated, Mr Otharán claims, in what he believes was “shameful, unusual and unprecedented” treatment of a minor victim.
Meanwhile, the accused mother remains behind bars in Fontcalent recovering from the serious injuries she suffered to her arm during the altercation.
The judge's decision to remand the woman without bail has been harshly criticised by her lawyer, who said that she “is a victim of gender violence”, given that “she has suffered physical and psychological abuse”, as well as “threats towards her and her children and isolation from her entire family”.
Anyone hoping to fly out of Alicante during August is in for a world of pain as unions representing airport staff have announced that the ongoing strikes will be extended to last until the end of the month.
The partial strikes are strategically planned to coincide with the airport's busiest days. More than 290 security workers are taking part in the protests, demanding improved working conditions and a better work-life balance.
The protesting workers plan to down tools on August 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18, 30 and 31, with specific timings of 8.30am to 9.30am and again from 6pm to 7pm.
While sources from Aena, the airport operator, have indicated that there have been no significant incidents thus far, several airlines including Jet2 and Ryanair are advising their customers to get to the airport early and allow plenty of time to clear security.
If city buses are more your speed, you might get a chuckle out of the next story once you know it has a happy ending. A couple of French tourists seeing the sights in Valencia had an experience they’ll never forget earlier this week when they hopped off a bus outside a museum, leaving their two children, aged just 3 and 5, on board.
By the time they realised their mistake, the bus had already headed off, so they jumped in a taxi and sped around the city trying to track it down.
Luckily, plenty of Local Police officers were on hand and after a tense 40 minutes or so, the kids were found safe and sound and the very relieved family was reunited.
From reunited families to brand new ones (albeit it of the reptile variety), a pair of early morning walkers stumbled on an incredible sight in Benidorm earlier this week.
Esta tortuga Boba es muy lista . Ha elegido la playa de Benidorm, el mejor sitio para desovar.
— Policía Local Benidorm (@POLICIALOCAL) August 7, 2024
Nuestra Unidad de Medio Ambiente junto al Guarda Rural Municipal ya custodian el nido que este maravilloso ejemplar de una hembra de la especie y género Caretta Caretta ha realizado. pic.twitter.com/GhCkBDOh5F
Anyone who’s ever been to the party capital of the Costa Blanca will know that Poniente beach is usually packed with holidaymakers, but a clever loggerhead turtle rambled on shore shortly after 7am, when the beach was almost deserted, in search of a nesting spot.
The excited beachgoers knew immediately how rare this encounter was so they immediately called the police, who wasted no time cordoning off the sandy spot where the mother turtle had been digging after she returned to the sea.
A careful check by the experts revealed that the mum-to-be had laid 28 eggs and since this isn’t a huge number for the protected species, they have all been taken to the Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, where they’ll be incubated until the babies hatch and are released.
Andalucía
Summer is a time for travel and exploration, but this year Spanish health authorities have found themselves grappling with a huge surge in insect-borne tropical diseases. The government has sounded the alarm about two viruses in particular: the Oropouche virus, which is usually found in South America, and the more familiar West Nile Virus (WNV), which is carried by mosquitoes.
In Andalucía, nine new cases of WNV have been confirmed in several towns, including Los Palacios y Villafranca, Dos Hermanas and La Puebla del Río. While six of those people have already been discharged from the hospital, health officials are worried that the virus is widespread in mosquitoes and animals, which could lead to more cases.
In fact, between July 23 and 31, WNV was detected in mosquitoes in several areas of Sevilla, including Almensilla and Utrera. And it's not just humans who are at risk - the virus has also been found in horses in Huelva and Sevilla.
The thing is, most people who get infected with WNV don't even show any symptoms. But for the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, the virus can be particularly serious. It can cause inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, leading to symptoms like high fever, neck stiffness and even paralysis.
Of course, not everyone who gets infected will experience these severe symptoms. More often, people will just feel like they have a bad flu, with fever, headache and aches and pains. These symptoms usually only last for a few days or weeks.
Meanwhile, health authorities are also keeping an eye on the Oropouche virus, which has been detected in three travellers from different parts of Spain. This virus is usually spread by tiny black flies, and it's typically found in South America. While the people who got infected in Spain have already recovered, there have been reports of deaths from the virus in Brazil.
Symptoms of Oropouche virus infection can include sudden fever, headache and joint pain. In some cases, people may also experience sensitivity to light and double vision. While most cases are mild, the virus can lead to more serious complications like meningitis.
It's worth noting that Italy and Germany have also reported cases of Oropouche virus in travellers who returned from Cuba, so it's clear that this is a virus to watch out for.
If you’re looking to get out and about this summer, then make a note in your diary for August 17 to 24, when the spectacular Feria de Málaga returns to the streets of the Costa del Sol.
It’s a week-long celebration you won’t want to miss.
Located in the Real del Cortijo de Torres, the Málaga Fair kicks off with a bang on Saturday August 17, but the excitement begins a day earlier with a mesmerising drone show at the port on the evening of August 16, followed by a dazzling fireworks display at midnight.
The fair officially opens with a traditional 'chupinazo' opening speech delivered by Juan Gómez, aka El Kanka, on August 17, after a morning pilgrimage to the Basilica Sanctuary of Santa María de la Victoria.
Throughout the eight-day festival, visitors can enjoy a wide range of music and dance performances, including concerts at the Municipal Auditorium featuring Carlos Baute, Butterfly Effects, Chenoa and Marta Peláe, as well as flamenco shows at the Municipal Caseta del Flamenco y la Copla and other stands.
Equestrian enthusiasts can look forward to two captivating shows every day at the equestrian exhibition centre.
In addition to these events, the fair offers a unique atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and vibrant clubs and stands to explore.
You may have missed…
- Planning refused for 2 Murcia solar plants as they endanger wildlife.
Two proposed solar plants in the Fuente Álamo area of southwest Murcia have been denied planning permission due to concerns over their potential negative impact on wildlife in the area. - Orihuela Costa police seize hundreds of illegal electric scooters.
The car park of the Orihuela Costa Emergency Centre in La Zenia was packed to the rafters this week with around 150 confiscated electric scooters, which were picked up and carried away by the Local Police. - Separatist fugitive escapes from under the nose of Spanish police.
The police force in Barcelona is coming under international scrutiny and widespread ridicule after exiled separatist leader Carles Puigdemont was allowed to escape right from under their noses. - Andalucía tourist arrested for vandalising ancient cave art for a photo.
The hapless holidaymaker sprayed the historical Jaén site with water so it would look better in his snaps. - Aug 9-14 Sal de Música Festival in San Pedro del Pinatar.
From Friday August 9 to Wednesday 14, the Sal de Música Festival is taking over the town with an unforgettable celebration of music, comedy and inclusivity.
Well, that’s all for this week folks. Have a great weekend – don’t forget the sun block – and we’ll see you back here again next week for more exciting news, happenings and events.
See you next week
