The Word on the Street - News and Information from Spain

News and Information from Spain

International Edition - February 2016

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.

Do you need to change your Spanish will?

Do you need to change your Spanish will?

Following changes to EU legislation the succession law of the country in which you live will apply unless you specify otherwise in your will. This is particularly relevant to UK nationals who are residents in Spain. Further information is included in our article:

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Quality assurance for conveyancing

Quality assurance for conveyancing

It’s understandable that people want to feel that the estate agents and solicitors they are dealing with in Spain are trustworthy and reliable. There have been too many horror stories in the past for this not to be the case.

The AIPP is the Association of International Property Professionals. They have established a code of conduct which organisations can subscribe to. Abaco have done just that and if you would like to know more about what this means and the assurance that AIPP can provide - read this:

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Questions about driving in Spain?

Questions about driving in Spain?

We’re often asked questions about the dos and don’ts of driving in Spain. In this article from Spain Explained, Graham Shelton of www.spanish-number-plates.com answers some of your questions including:

  • What must I keep in my car?

  • What must I do if I am buying or selling a vehicle in Spain?

  • Do I need to change my licence?

  • Will I need to have a medical if I change my licence?

  • What should I do if I have an accident?

Read the article

Watch out for the processionary caterpillar

Watch out for the processionary caterpillar

There have been lots of sightings of this nasty little caterpillar which seems to have made an early appearance due to the mild winter we have had here in Spain. They can be lethal for dogs and other pets who encounter them and you should be particularly cautious when you are out walking your dog:

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What does it take to be a Spanish national?

What does it take to be a Spanish national?

With the possibility of a Brexit there’s renewed interest around what it takes to be a Spanish National. You might find it of interest to test your wits against the Spanish citizenship test. Would you be accepted as a Spanish national?

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Would you like to go on a wine trip?

Would you like to go on a wine trip?

If you enjoy your wine and like to combine it with an entertaining day out you might be interested in this opportunity to visit two wineries in Jumilla. The trip includes wine tasting, a traditional meal from the region and a sightseeing tour on Saturday the 12th March . The whole trip is only €50 including your pick up and drop off from Torrevieja.

For more information and to book your place:

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Battling mother nature

Battling mother nature

Think you can beat the elements? These cyclists did their best in Benidorm. In the end even they had to admit defeat as the wind definitely showed them who’s boss:

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Still trying to learn Spanish?

Still trying to learn Spanish?

If there is one regret that foreigners living in Spain have, it’s not being able to speak the language. Unless you came young and/ or were completely immersed, learning Spanish can be a long hawl. So, we’re always on the look out for something to help. The Local has selected some Apps, I might even try one myself...

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The Paramount theme park definitely bites the dust

The Paramount theme park definitely bites the dust

When the Paramount Theme Park was first announced in Murcia it was greeted by the majority with enthusiam. Just as there was a down turn in the economy this promised to raise spirits and bring in new business in the Murcia region.

However, since then there has been little to celebrate and the prospect of the park has limped on half heartedly to finally be laid to rest in 2016. The highest court in Murcia has ordered that the project should be stopped because part of it would have been built in a natural park. Add this to the fact that the developer is bankrupt and it seems well and truly to be the case that the Paramount Theme Park can finally be shelved. 

Murcia Today have a good write up about some of the issues:

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Looking for Spanish books to read

Looking for Spanish books to read

It’s a little while since we shared the titles of good books to read about Spain in our newsletter. Since then it’s all gone quiet, but hearing about this recent translation of a very thought-provoking book, it seems a good time to raise the subject again. Please let us know if you have any titles of Spanish books that have been translated into English that you would recommend.

The one described in this article sounds something of a harrowing but thought-provoking read into what’s been going on beneath the property boom and bust of the last few decades. It’s certainly a title that I will be looking out for when it is available in English:

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Here’s another review:

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How was carnival for you?

How was carnival for you?

It’s one of the highlights of the year – the ‘carnaval’ is a colourful and vibrant festival in Spain that marks the last days before lent. The idea is that you throw caution to the wind and enjoy yourself before a period of abstention.

Most areas have a carnival during February and comprasas (dance troupes) dress up according to different themes or sometimes just in feathers and very little else. You might have missed the opportunity to see your local procession this year but take a look at a variety from around Spain and put it in your diary for February 2017:

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Perhaps the most famous of the carnivals is that in Cadiz. The costumes may not be as flamboyant as can be found in some other cities but what they lack in glamour they make up for in political satire with politicians and clergy coming in for rebuke.

Murcia Today include information about carnival:

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Which country has the best health care system?

Which country has the best health care system?

This article doesn’t exactly answer that question directly but it does provide some interesting information that can help us to compare health care in twelve countries. The UK, Spain and Sweden are all featured:

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What’s going to happen with Britain and Europe?

What’s going to happen with Britain and Europe?

It’s what’s on every British person’s mind. What will the vote be on June 23rd? It’s looking fairly evenly balanced at the moment in terms of how the public will vote. However, exactly what the impact of Britain leaving the EU would be is of great interest to the world press.

If you want to read a mixture of views on what a Brexit might mean Voxeurop has quite a collection. You might not like all that you read.

Read the article

If you want to register to vote then you can by accessing the Gov.Uk site:

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What interests you?

What interests you?

We like to think that we know what our readers like to read. However, as we’ve changed the format of our newsletter it seems like a good time to ask you - have we got it right?

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!