costablog.com

Say what you will about Spanish mentality, when it comes to R&R and work/rest balance they know what they’re talking about. Take this upcoming “puente” for example. For those not in the know, a “puente” – literal translation “bridge” – is an extra days holiday.

Case in point, Monday 6^th of December is the Día de La Constitución Española and also the 8^th is La Inmaculada Concepción. Therefore, what most Spanish have come accustomed to doing is taking one extra days holiday in between these two “festivos” (public holidays) – therefore effectively “bridging” the gap and walking away with 3 days holiday, for the price of one! Read more »

With the Christmas season already in full swing, what better way to enjoy the festivities than this?

A Charity Christmas Market will be held in La Cala de Mijas, starting on the 4^th December and continuing for two more days from noon til 8pm every day.

There will be something for everyone, with Christmas goodies and handmade items on sale on stalls set up especially in the boulevard.

Additionally, there will be various performances by international choirs, the Tapas choir and Dutch choir, as well as dance shows by groups such as Stagecoach and FAMA academy.

For the kiddies, there will also be a very special visit by Father Christmas who will give out chocolate and sweets.

For more information, call the Mijas Town Hall on 952 589 010

Costa del Sol Singles is a new Single Club for singles who want to meet by sharing activities and common interests. Because life is more fun that way. In December they offer different Singe Hiking Tours.

GENTLE WALK TO “EL TÁBANO”
Sunday, 5th of December 2010
Meeting point: Church of El Secadero (near Tesorillo) at 10am.
It’s a gentle walk without mayor hills to climb. Duration of the walk approximately 2 and a half hours. After the walk we shall have some tapas at the village. Read more »

A change in the birth registration laws is being planned by Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s socialist government. This new law will instruct registrars to put surnames in alphabetical order, unless the parents specify otherwise.

Traditionally, Spanish people have two surnames at birth: firstly, the father’s and the second is the mother’s. Historically, the father’s name has always gone first and in legal battles, this name would also have priority, however under existing laws either can come first. In addition, Spanish women do not change their surnames when they marry.

Under the rule of Dictator, General Franco, first names had to be chosen from an approved list of Saints. Now, the latest legislation will also spare parents from declaring whether their child was born out of wedlock, a rule which has been mandatory since 1957. Read more »

Spain cracks down harder on serious crimes; softer penalties for minor infringements of the law

Spain’s new and improved penal code will come into force on December 22 this year with the main focus being on terrorism, organised crime, corruption and sexual offences against children under 13 years.

New crimes which have been introduced to the code this year are piracy at sea, harassment in the real estate market, trafficking in human organs and illegal immigration networks.

Other, more minor offences are now finding the penalties softened. These include drug possession for self consumption, some driving offences or the selling of counterfeit goods at markets or in the streets. Those who sell illegal material in the streets, i.e.: DVDs/ fake designer bags and sunglasses will no longer be sent to prison when their ill-gotten gains amount to less than 400 €. Read more »