The Word on the Street - News and Information from Spain

News and Information from Spain

International Edition - February 2018

Welcome to the February issue of 'The Word on the Street'. This is your monthly news and information from Spain provided by Ábaco Advisers. We hope to keep you in touch with the news, events and just a little bit of gossip.

Making a Spanish will

Making a Spanish will

It’s not an easy subject but it is a very important one. If you have a property in Spain you should make provision for when you die. Making a will in Spain will help make the inheritance process simpler for the ones you love. We explain in this article why it is a good idea and what it consists of:

Making a Spanish will

The inheritance deadline

The inheritance deadline

Did you know that there is a deadline for settling inheritance in Spain? It’s something that often takes people by surprise. There is no automatic transfer of ownership of property and when someone dies, names must be changed within six months of the date of death.

You can find out more about this in our article:

Make sure you meet the inheritance deadline

Changes to urban law to be aware of

Changes to urban law to be aware of

Owners of property in Spain can be unaware that even minor refurbishments require a licence. Now it’s the case that there is no longer a time limit for town halls to challenge illegal constructions in rustic areas. To find out more:

A new urban law that affects rustic properties

Who lives in Torrevieja?

Who lives in Torrevieja?

The past few years have seen some dramatic changes when it comes to the resident statistics in Torrevieja. Fluctuating popularity amongst different nationalities along with the impact of the recession has meant that the profile of the town has changed.

In this article we look at the overall trends for those who live in this popular Spanish seaside town:

Who lives in Torrevieja 2018?

Changes to driving tests in Spain

Changes to driving tests in Spain

A number of new traffic law amendments could make it harder to pass your driving test. It is proposed to make attendance at classes compulsory and include some real life traffic situations.

For those caught drinking and driving or driving when under the influence of drugs it could also become harder to get your licence back after a conviction:

Euroweekly reports:

L OF A PLAN: Revamped Spanish driving test to be unveiled

Think Spain reports:

Overhaul of driving test requirements on the cards

Everyone likes a good quiz

Everyone likes a good quiz

So why not have a go at this Money Saver quiz. Some of the questions are trivia but others provide useful information that might come in handy some time. They even give you a rating depending on your success!:

Money Saver Spain Quiz

New closing days

New closing days

The Valencian government has introduced some new rules around Sunday opening in the region. You might find that your normal Sunday shopping habits have taken a tumble. Although Sunday trading will still continue during the summer months and some peak times, many other months will see the doors closed.

Check out this calendar to keep up-to-date with opening times:

Valencia

Alicante

Spain gets medals in the winter Olympics

Spain gets medals in the winter Olympics

Spain isn’t renowned for its performance when it comes to winter sports. However, this year they have broken the mould. The Spanish figure skater, SuperJavi, came third in his category.

You can watch his performance on YouTube and read about him in the Euroweekly:

WATCH: Spanish figure skater SuperJavi wins Spain’s first ever Olympic ice medal

Think Spain reports:

Historic Winter Olympic bronze for figure-skater 'SuperJavi'

He wasn’t the only Spaniard showing the rest of the world a thing or two. Snowboarder Regino Hernández also took to the pódium to collect a bronze medal in snowboard cross. El País in English writes about him:

Snowboarder Regino Hernández wins Spain’s first Winter medal in 26 years

Some disappointed U2 fans

Some disappointed U2 fans

If you live in Spain and are missing your favourite bands then you might have wanted to take a trip to Madrid to see U2 playing live. It’s 13 years since they were last in the city but no one anticipated how quickly the tickets would sell out. The original price was from €60 to €70 but they sold out in minutes and suddenly re-appeared for sale on the internet for up to €952.

There is no doubt that the tickets were bought up just to sell on. A fact that neither the band nor
the Spanish Education, Culture and Sports minister are pleased about. Given this exorbitant price you might want to consider taking a flight back and seeing them in your home country instead.

With or Without You, U2 will play in Madrid for the first time in 13 years

Are you an adrenaline junkie?

Are you an adrenaline junkie?

Even if you’re not, it can be quite interesting to see what those that like risking life and limb can get up to in Spain. Whether it’s an 80km an hour zip wire or kite surfing off Tarifa, there’s plenty to try out:

Twelve adrenaline-fuelled adventures for thrill-seekers in Spain in 2018

Have you been to a no-frills bar?

Have you been to a no-frills bar?

Leah Pattern is a blogger who fell in love with Madrid. Now, she writes about the city with a focus on an unusual aspect of life there – the no-frills bar. Leah is keen to skip by the chique venues in Madrid to focus on the bars which really represent the working-class past of many of its residents. 

It’s an unusual concept and certainly worth considering if you do spend time in this capital city:

'Madrid is a humble city of overlooked treasures and untold stories'

Who does ‘Manchego’ belong to?

Who does ‘Manchego’ belong to?

It’s a popular type of cheese eaten across Spain that originates from La Mancha. Now the region is having to defend its authenticity as a Mexican rival has copied its name and is continuing to trade. Find out more about this battle of the cheeses on Expatica:

Spanish cheesemakers defend Manchego from Mexican 'copy'

The Guardian also has something to say on the matter:

'Plagiarism': Spain's manchego makers in Mexican standoff over famed cheese

Never too old to learn

Never too old to learn

If you’re a little hesitant about taking up the challenge of learning Spanish or any other new skill then perhaps you should take a leaf out of Miguel Castillo’s book. This 80 year old is travelling from Spain to Italy on the Erasmus student Exchange programme.

El País tells us more about this remarkable Spanish man with a thirst for learning:

Spanish 80-year-old snags Erasmus study grant, packs his bags for Italy

What interests you?

 What interests you?

We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained.

Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com.

Thank you!