IVA and gas go up at midnight

VAT in Spain (IVA) goes up by 2% (from 16 to 18%) at midnight tonight. Consumer organizations are warning to watch out for increases above that. In the meantime, the gas bombona also goes up by 6.6% from €11.68 to €12.45 - added, of course, to the higher VAT. Natural gas goes up at midnight. This is the third time gas goes up this year. However, the Ministry for Industry recently decided not to allow electricity rises that had been announced for tonight as well.

(JimenaPulse would gladly see a rise of any percentage in donations that will allow us to keep this site FREE. Our 2010 fund raising campaign that started at the beginning of this month has raised only €85 (for 18 months' work to keep you informed) - for which we are nevertheless very grateful.)

Jimena pool opens tomorrow, Tuesday; San Pablo's on Monday next

Jimena's municipal pool opens tomorrow, according to a town hall press release. Access tomorrow, Tuesday June 29, the first day, is FREE. However, general non-classes access will be restricted to afternoons only, from 2 to 7.30pm. Over-14s will have to pay €2 per day, and under-14s, €1, as from Wednesday. Mornings are dedicated to swimming lessons for children and for adults of the Deporte y Salud programme (See photos of timetables below). New this season are a series of improvements that include renewal of the pool's depth, shallower now (from 1.20 to 1.75m - photo), as well as new sunbathing and shade areas. The San Pablo pool is scheduled to open on Monday, 5th, after the village feria.>

We won't mention the unmentionable...

We have no photo, no image, no comment. We've seen nails painted with St. George's cross, but won't mention them. We've seen caps taken off in disgust. We've been present when a person of a certain (opposed) nationality turned up to create. He left, we should have. We could go on, but won't. Still, there's always España for the World Cup ... providing God's on this side of the Atlantic.

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND?

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

From 7.30 pm: Spain-Chile on giant screen, Sports Pavilion, Jimena

From  9pm: Verbena by Mujeres del 91, Reina Sofía CC, Estación

Feria de Algeciras

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Oriental Weekend: check here, or on UpComing Events Calendar - also on SUNDAY

5th Jimena Motorbike Rally: check here, or on UpComing Events Calendar

Feria de Algeciras

PLEASE CONSIDER: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU MADE A DONATION TO THIS FANTABULOUSLY USEFUL SITE?

Jimena's tribute to Joaquín López Morales

A simple, heartfelt ceremony took place yesterday evening at the Reina Sofía Cultural Centre in Estación. The tribute to Joaquín López (c.) included a review of his life, the salient points of which encompassed having been born just before the Spanish Civil War, his having lived through it as the son of a Republican in Jimena, his family's exile and concentration camp experiences. As his relative, journalist Rosa Gómez López (l.), said, "This is supposed to be a tribute to Joaquín and his family, but it is one also to those who lost everything for a just cause; to those children who lived through the chaos, to those who lost their childhood in a war, to those who fell at the front, and those who were executed for their beliefs after it."

Hospedería Henrietta

Calle Sevilla now closed (almost) all the way up

We've been warning about the imminence of Phase 2 of the roadworks in Jimena. Today, they have finally closed off the stretch from the Parafarmacia up to the 'ski slope' just above the Town Hall. Calle Romo is  now therefore only downhill from the alleyway opposite Bar Marilyn, and uphill all the way to Paseo Cristina, where traffic flow becomes normal (so to speak). Click on the map to enlarge. (PLEASE CONSIDER: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU MADE A DONATION TO THIS WONDERFULLY USEFUL SITE?)

Verbena scheduled for tomorrow

As is too often the case, we get event announcements almost too late to make it in time. However, this one is organized by the Mujeres del 91 women's association. An evening out in the square at the Reina Sofía Cultural Centre in Estación. Get your flamenco dress out, says the poster (click to enlarge), and come along to have some fun. Tapas, drinks, music and fun. (Prosp note: ideal for football non-fans....) Starts at 9pm and goes on til late.

Campo photos in exhibition at Castellar castle

A group of photographers of the area, all of whom post their work on Flickr in a group calling itself  'Campo de Gibraltar: Al Sur del Sur', have come together to create an itinerant exhibition. Its first exposure will be at the castle in Castellar starting today, June24, until Sunday 27. Some 40 pictures can be visited daily from 11.30am to 2pm and from 7.30 to 8pm. The photographers are Ángel L. Duarte, Antonio Carmona, Sergio Franco, Lalo F.O., Ramón Orza, Felipe López, Fernando Osuna, José Mª Arroyo, César Hernández, Juan Carlos Otero, Pedro M. García andjavascript:void(0) Juan Machado. This is also a good reason to visit the castle if you haven't already.

Work begins on lift for Town Hall

Anyone needing to visit the top floor at Jimena's town hall will be pleased to hear that work began last week on installing a lift for the building. The law establishes that access must be available to all, but the ancient building has had to wait for a number of years, as well as for a grant of €50,000 from the Junta to be put up to date. Entry to the lift will be through a new door being opened between the staircase and the conference room.

Robbed at hatchet point

A San Pablo man was accosted last week by someone wielding a hatchet and demanding money, according to a Guardia Civil release. The victim -there are reports that he is a foreigner living on his own in the countryside- was working in his garden when J.A.N.H., 26 and resident in San Pablo, allegedly threatened him with a hatchet. His refusal to hand over any money made the attacker run away; however, he returned that night and supposedly stole 30m roll of cable from the garden. J.A.N.H. has a long list of previous convictions as well as an order forbidding him from being in the municipality.

Spanish classes for foreigners: register now

The Xemina Adult Education Centre today opened their registration books for the 2010/2011 courses. Aside from other choices for Spanish speakers, there are also Inter-cultural Spanish Classes for Foreigners. Depending on the number registered, classes are organized in the morning or evening, in Jimena as well as in Castellar. If you are interested in learning Spanish, you can find out more at the centre on Calle Sevilla 77 (photo of plaque on door), or by phone on 956 641 196. As it is so often said: "It's never too late!" This is an opportunity not to be missed.

'Oriental Weekend' coming up this weekend

Belly dancing workshops and Master Classes on Saturday and Sunday (12 noon to 3pm  - €40 per lesson, discount of €5 for both) at the Reina Sofía Cultural Centre in Estación, and a performance of the ancient Oriental art at 10pm on Saturday at the Santuario de la Reina de los Ángeles by teacher Sylvia Shazadi and her students, local and from Marbella. It sounds like a great weekend! (Click on poster for more info - and check our UpComing Events calendar for more things going on this weekend.)

End of term wetside story

The kids at Jimena's CEIP N.S. de losÁngeles primary school had a great end of term party. The firemen came with their hoses and swept away all the fuzz and cobwebs of a whole school year with a cannonade of water. What an end of term! (Prospero note: If anybody so much as mentions Health & Safety, or how it wouldn't be allowed in the UK, or ... what ever happened to fun? If you could have seen the joy on these kids' faces. Send this item to anyone you know with schoolkids in the UK and compare notes!)

Celio Cuenca, TV star

This is not the first time Celio's been on TV. It's always been about football and this time he's in Jo'burg for today's Spain-Honduras match, appearing on national news (TVE) at midday. He has made his picador costume (including foam horse) into a symbol of sorts. Here he is with other gaditanos (people from Cádiz province), Ernesto and Chano, supporting their team. ¡Eha, eha, eha! ... or something. 

A hot, dry summer starts today

According to the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) the summer that starts in Spain at exactly 13.28 - as we write: check this post if you don't believe us! - will be over the average in temperature, will last 93 days and 15 hours and will start with a rise in temperature to somewhere over 35º this week. Today, of course, is the longest day in the year, daylight lasting about 15 hours against the 9 of the year's shortest day, and this is going to be the driest summer for many a year. Wait a minute, they said that about last summer, didn't they?

La Estación on Japanese television

One of the area's favourite dining spots, and one of our sponsors, La Estación in San Pablo, appeared in a Japanese documentary recently. Here is an extract (thanks to www.buceite.com) in Japanese with Spanish subtitles. Enjoy.

The symbol of San Pablo: 'El Pollito'

(Photo: www.buceite.com) If you wondered what this is adorning one of San Pablo's new fountains (see item below), you can find out all about it in an article we published on JimenaPulse in November 2008. Known as the Ojeda Lamp, after its finder, it is popularly known as El Pollito in San Pablo.

San Pablo's new fountain

San Pablo de Buceite has a new fountain on the recently renovated main street, Calle Real. Jimena Mayor Pascual Collado and Councillor for Development Fernando Gómez, accompanied by District Mayor Andrés Beffa, visited the installation on Thursday and expressed their pleasure that the work, financed with a grant  of €50,000 from the Junta, was finished on time and in good order. In fact, it is two fountains in one. Consisting of three 'rings', the centre one has a pedestal on which is a reproduction of the Ojeda Lamp (see item above).

Graduation ceremony at IES Azahar

Students of 4º ESO (Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria) at IES Azahar, in San Martín del Tesorillo yesterday celebrated their graduation in a ceremony attended by Mayor Pascual Collado and Councillor for Education Jesús Rodríguez. Kids from Tesorillo and nearby Secadero have attended their obligatory secondary school there; some will come to IES Hozgarganta in Jimena next year to continue studying for their Bachillerato, while others will go on to attend other educational facilities.

Summer activities for children

Jimena's youth association, Radelafrá, has opened registration for their summer activities. - until  Tuesday June 22. Aimed at children between 4 and 12 and starting on July 1, they can spend the mornings of July and August in a series of activities including crafts, painting, recycling, etc. Registration at the Radelafrá headquarters on the ground floor of the Municipal Library, just up from the town hall and next to the tax offices building.

Susana Odell, environmentalist

(By e-mail from our regular contributor Wendy) "A few of us had a lovely afternoon down by our beautiful river until Susana spotted all the rubbish somebody had left behind - plastic bottles and packaging and tins. Our hero swam over, collected all the rubbish up and then swam back. What an example to us all and a big 'BOO' to whoever it was that left it all there. We are so lucky to have such a lovely river to swim in and picnic by." We couldn't agree more! It's so easy to take the rubbish with you when you leave - but that requires an effort... (An idea for all of us who walk along the river: take a plastic bag with you and pop any rubbish into it and dispose of it later. Of course, if we all did that, Susana wouldn't have a job...)

Word games as a road to reading

The kids at the Jimena primary school, CEIP N.S. de los Ángeles, had a fine time yesterday when two actors turned up to choose words from well-known stories, leading to their use in rhyme, sounds, syllables, etc. The idea, organized by the Council's Department of Culture headed by Juan José Rondón (who is also a teacher at the school), was to promote reading among the young. Rondón also reminded everyone that the municipal libraryies are open to anyone throughout the summer.

What do the Spanish like about Britain?

According to Radio Televisión Española (RTVE), Spaniards like things British, although the item does say "We prefer our own, but if they only had the sun..." (If you place your cursor on a photo in the slide, you will see the caption.) Now then, what is it the British like about Spain? Send us your ideas via 'Comments' below or e-mail.

Where's DominGo?

Our many readers are asking themselves what happened to  the fifth edition of our colour supplement. The image is the tentative cover, which proves we're working on it. Also tentative is that DominGo may well be published in a bilingual English-Spanish version, though that depends on The Translation People. Fortunately, we haven't committed to firm dates for its publication, which means we have more time between running around like headless chickens as we have of late. (See previous editions by clicking the covers on the sidebar)

CampoPulse now listed on Expat Blog

You will have noticed a widget (love that word!) on our sidebar: Expat Blog. It is a collection of blogs about expats the world over. CampoPulse is now listed on that site. It is worth a visit to get the answer to numerous questions about your life as an expat, wherever you are. Naturally, we at CampoPulse - and, of course, JimenaPulse - will still be happy to help any way we can.>

Bossano to UN 24: Gibraltar ready to delist

(Text and photo: Gibraltar Chronicle) Opposition Leader Joe Bossano was in New York yesterday for his second unilateral lobbying of the United Nations Committee of 24 since Government walked away from that committee in 2008. He called upon the C24 to reject Spain’s territorial integrity arguments and accept Gibraltar for delisting. This is something both he and Chief Minister Peter Caruana have often done at such sessions though never jointly. (Read the full story on CampoPulse)

Where's their 'civic pride'?

This is what the children's playground on El Paseo looked like last night. We were lucky not to have been struck by a football being smashed about by a bunch of pre-teens as we took the picture. Once upon a time, when Prospero was young, there used to be something called 'civic pride', which taught us to be proud and careful of the place where we lived. But in those days, there were policemen about...

Jimena-Ubrique and Barranca Bermeja roads repaired and open

The A-8201 road linking Jimena with Puerto Gáliz, Ubrique and Cortes was opened to traffic this morning, pending markings and other details (photo). It had been closed to traffic since the the December storms caused a landslide (see here). Also finished and open is the road on the left side of the Guadiaro river known as Barranca Bermeja, which is used principally by agricultural traffic, joining San Pablo de Buceite and San Martín del Tesorillo (though we believe the Tesorillo end is still unpassable - can anyone confirm?)

Not at the bottom of your garden, unless...

... your garden's in Uruguay. We got this by e-mail from Emma: "Great shot of the caterpillar, posted the other day. I too have a great shot of a caterpillar, although its not from round here, I saw it in Uruguay when I was there earlier this year. No idea what type it is though." We have readers who know about bugs (bichos in Spanish) and we're likely to get an ID for this one. Er ... Emma, you didn't read the whole story on the previous one: it's actually a larva. (As far as we're concerned, we stay away from anything like these, however picturesque. Our Uruguayan friend stings terribly as we remember.)

Jimena roadworks update

On Tuesday, June 8, we published an item about Phase 2 of the roadworks on Calle Sevilla. It was based on a press release from the Council, but yesterday, talking to the foreman of the works, we find that the second phase won't actually begin for another ten days or so. Nevertheless, to our earlier report and the map, left, we must add that traffic will be going up Romo and then be re-diverted up Calle Autoridad Portuaria (i.e. the 'ski slope' - check your brakes!) to continue up Calle Sevilla, at least according to the maps stuck up on walls throughout. As we write, they are working on the lower end of Calle Sevilla and new diversions are happening all the time, so be aware.

We need your help

JimenaPulse has been going for well over three years, it has become the English language reference site for Jimena de la Frontera. As you will see from the Feedjit facility at the bottom of the sidebar, we get visitors from all over Spain and the world - all looking up JimenaPulse. And all of it without cost to you, Dear Reader. We want it to stay that way but it is a hard uphill struggle to keep going without your financial help. We still insist on PayPal because we have received a couple of donations through them thanks to our PLEASE CONSIDER: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU MADE A DONATION? campaign, but it's perfectly okay to stop Prospero in the street and hand him some cash (well, it would be, wouldn't it? And he looks nothing like Abbe's cartoon!). We are most grateful for your support, but we need to at least be able to pay for the phone lines, never mind the enormous amount of time it takes to keep you informed. We know times are hard but they are for us, too. Please help.

Unions announce general strike

The two main Spanish unions, Comisiones Obreras (CC.OO.) and Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT), have announced that there will be calling a general strike. The date is to be announced in a joint statement by the two unions tomorrow. Meanwhile, Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE, the equivalent of Britain's CBI), has said that a general strike will hamper recovery, and has called the unions to "push in the right direction." There have been five general strikes in Spain since the advent of democracy in 1978: in 1985, 1988, 1994 and 2002.

Good morning! It's Monday again...

Just thought you ought to know that this monster could be at the end of your garden ... more info below.

Chamber music concert and Master Class coming up

(Press release) Two marvellous Italian artists, violinist Marcello Defant (photo) and pianist Mariarita Pellitteri, will be in Jimena to perform a chamber music concert and to teach some of the students at the Jimena Music School. The concert is sponsored by the Council and CODA, the Jimena music society, and will take place on July 9 at 10pm at the  home of Suzana O'Dell, just below El Anón.  They will present works by Beethoven, Franck, Brahms and Ravel. Defant and Pellitteri will also conduct a Master Class for students of the music school to be held at the Casa de la Cultura (Calle Sevilla, just up from the town hall) in Jimena on July 8 at a time to be announced.

An appeal from a very proud Mom

(By e-mail) "Hi Prospero, many thanks for putting Laura up on your blog this morning...she still thinks she´s dreaming, bless her! Anyway, coming down to earth, you are probably aware of the cutbacks this year for the Feria and the girls have been asked to, basically, organise (and pay for!) as much as possible themselves...there´s no help with the dresses, sweets, etc and they even have to walk instead of having the carrozas (floats)...so I was wondering if you would kindly ask on your blog if anyone would be willing to lend us a carriage and horses to transport these young ladies to their destination? I think they are going to pool their resources and buy the sweeties so that the children don't miss out on this particular tradition and of course, the dresses will be bought by themselves (with some family help, hopefully).....we are just a bit stuck on the transport........we are open to suggestions if a carriage and horses can't be found, of course!! Thanks so much from one proud mum!" (Please see our item on the Queen of the Fair)

World Cup quandary, by Prospero

I'm in a quandary. Here's why: I have a son born in England and partly brought up in South Africa, which he considers home; I have a daughter born in Argentina, is a US citizen and lives there; I have a son who was born and lives in Spain and whose parents are English. I was born in England and brought up in Argentina, lived in Brazil and the US and have lived in Spain for almost 20 years. Who do I cheer for? Let the best team win!

5th Edition of Jimena Mortorbike Rally

The fifth edition of Jimena's Motorbike Rally takes place on Saturday, June 26. Registration (€12 - bikes are not required) starts at 3.30pm. Activities include a ride around the area, (5.30) a stunt riding exhibition (7pm), an Argentine asado (9pm), and a lot of fun all day. For more information: www.losmurgas.es.and for prior registration (limited space so it might be advisable) on 605 857 124 - 670  899 161 - 619 717 775.

(KEEP ABREAST OF ALL ACTIVITIES VIA OUR UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ON THE SIDEBAR)

A Night of Bats

Agaden invites us all to take part in 'A Night of Bats' that will allow the young and not-so-young to get to know these marvellous, fascinating creatures, unknown to most. Eighteen of the 21 species existing on the Iberian Peninsula live around us, mainly near the Hozgarganta River. That is where we will go, after a talk and slideshow at the Casa Verde (Calle Sevilla 55, Jimena), on  Saturday, June 19, starting at 4pm, to continue with games, workshops, story telling and a night-time excursion with experts that will locate these animals with their special equipment. This sounds like an absolute must! (Click on image for more info.)
(KEEP ABREAST OF ALL ACTIVITIES VIA OUR UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ON THE SIDEBAR) 

A blog for expats

If you scroll down you will notice a new feature on the sidebar called Expat Blog. Clicking on the image there you will go to a fascinating site run by expats from all over the world. Registration is easy and participation also. Enjoy!

Laura Gutiérrez Haddon is elected Queen of the Fair

Sue's daughter, Laura Gutiérrez Haddon, was elected last night to be the Queen of the Fair at August's feria. Congratulations, Laura! And enhorabuena! to her Ladies of Honour: Sara Gómez Macías, Rocío Delgado García, Belinda Lobillo Delgado, and María José Romero García.

They came, they ate, they listened and ...

... many of them will conquer! This was the scene at Tuesday's Slim with Sue promotional luncheon at El Anón. The food, prepared by Susana according to Sue and Kristin's instructions, was delicious - a lot of us had at least two helpings. Of course, plenty of the guests cringed when they saw our camera, but relaxed as the lunch progressed. Others didn't mind. Why would they? They were there to learn about the classes and how they could eat themselves to a healthier lifestyle. That was Sue's department.
The former teacher explained to everyone that this was a step towards well being - and she did quite a bit of personal advising, answering questions. One of these had to do with the venue.

The Slim with Sue classes will be gathering at El Anón in July, when Jimena's meeting place reopens after a couple of weeks' holiday this month.
JimenaPulse is not privy to how many people signed up for the classes, but is willing to bet that plenty of those present on Tuesday will be doing so in the near future. In any case, watch this space for more info!

Feria infants' cortege elected yesterday, and the winners are...

The younger kids of Jimena also have a Queen and Cortege during the August Fair. Selection was made yesterday by draw. Elected this year are Julia Segovia Navarro, Alba Delgado Barranco, Carmen Sánchez Sánchez, Miriam Barrios Fernández and Eloise Newing. Also drawn yesterday was the name of this year's Young Mayor: Francisco Torres Sarmiento. Selection of the older Queen and Cortege goes on as we arite - we will bring you the news as it comes in.

New barriers at sports centre

(Press release) Jimena's Department of Sports has installed a series of fixed barriers to stop cars and motorbikes from using the outdoor facilities as skid pads, as has been the case lately. The Council reminds us that vehicle access to the grounds is forbidden without authorization. The number of facilties has increased over the last few months and now includes pádel, tennis, five-a-side football, basketball, volleyball and petanque, among others.

We need your help

JimenaPulse has been going for well over three years, it has become the English language reference site for Jimena de la Frontera. As you will see from the Feedjit facility at the bottom of the sidebar, we get visitors from all over Spain and the world - all looking up JimenaPulse. And all of it without cost to you, Dear Reader. We want it to stay that way but it is a hard uphill struggle to keep going without your financial help. We still insist on PayPal because we have received a few donations through them thanks to our PLEASE CONSIDER: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU MADE A DONATION? campaign, but it's perfectly okay to stop Prospero in the street and hand him some cash (well, it would be, wouldn't it?). We are most grateful for your support, but we need to at least be able to pay for the phone lines, never mind the enormous amount of time it takes to keep you informed. We know times are hard but they are for us, too. Please help.

End of line for end of road

(Press release) As we reported earlier, work on the bottom part of the main access to the village, is to begin on Monday, which will bring to an end the renovation of Avenida de los Deportes that has been going on for a number of months. Work will consist of continuing the planters and other urban furniture and street lighting down to the A-405, as well as lighting for the restored bridge (to the left, out of picture) over the Arroyo García Bravo that was the original access to Jimena. This last will become a park that is at present being worked on by an employment scheme.>

Mayor and Councillor visit roadworks

(Press release) Mayor Pascual Collado and Councillor for Public Works Fernando Gómez visited the roadworks on Calle Sevilla accompanied by the supervising engineer, Javier Moreno, who explained some of the details involved. These included the fact that housing connections to the main water supply and sewage system are being replaced at the same time as the principal system; also, that several rain catchments will be installed to better control the water flowng down the street. Work, which started on May 17 and is being carried out by Arcgisa, is expected to take six months.

Local Police act on 'dodgy' gas inspectors

The Local Police took action against operators of a 'gas inspection' company after several people denounced having been charged excessively for routine 'inspections' of butane gas (bombonas) installations. They targeted the elderly, whose families reported the incidents. The police found that the operators did belong to an authorized company but that the perpetrators did not have the proper certificates as installers. They allegedly obliged their victims to sign estimates (presupuestos) and the bills (facturas) they presented. Local authorities once again advised on what to do in these circumstances, which JimenaPulse advertised recently. (See more below)>

Electricity and VAT on the rise...

The government regulatory authorities, i.e. the Industry Ministry, are planning a rise of an average 4% in electricity bills for later this year. This coincides with a rise of 2% (from 16% to 18%) in the Impuesto de Valor Añadido (IVA, the equivalent to VAT) set for July 1. At the bottom end of the scale of electricity rises are small and medium companies (pymes, including the self-employed, about 5% rise) with households at the top (approximately 10%). While the rises are in the planning and pre-approval stages, consumer organizations are already saying that the price of electricity has risen by 26.1% in 30 months, which is six times the rise of the cost of living index (IPC in its Spanish acronym). See more on CampoPulse.

A little rain, a little jewel

This beautiful picture was sent in by Philip Heinzl, whose camera is always with him (and it's a lot smpler than ours!). He added: "Yes it rained again...but in my wanderings, tidying the garden and getting totally wet, I found a little jewel of a picture. This Lantana  (Bandera) had naturally captured the water droplets, producing an attractive effect." Attractive, indeed! Many thanks, Phil - how we wish others would send in their photos... This one is well worth clicking on to enlarge.

Looking for a home!

(By e-mail) "I have been asked to send you this photo to see if you could post it in the hope of finding a new home for it. He's currently lodging with Jane Blezzard (her dog brought him home about a week ago). He's only a pup and very friendly. Thanks Sharon" There is no contact number so just post a comment below until we get one. (Prospero note: There was a certain confusion in our 'office' - but it's the dog needs a home, the dog!)

'Hasta el 40 de mayo no te quites el sayo', a Spanish saying

Loosely translated Hasta el 40 de mayo no te quites el sayo means 'Don't take off your coat until the 40th of May'. A sayo is defined as a loose piece of clothing - a cape, perhaps - that reaches down to the knees. The picture is of a similar garment used in the Canary Isles that includes a shawl over the head and is evidently of Arab origin, though the Spanish mainland version is shorter. It might also apply to a raincoat of sorts. The saying dates from the Middle Ages, as does the garment, which was also used under armour. The 40th of May is today and if you look out of your window, you'll understand why we make mention of it...

'Send in your favourite Spanish word' competition

(Press release) The Guadalinfo Centre of Jimena is celebrating Spanish Day (June 19) with a competition that consists of sending in your favourite Spanish word; it can be simply written, or a picture or even a video. 'Spell in Spanish' is a word game that challenges your knowledge of Spanish against other players in the municipality in a specific time frame. The rules are designed for three levels: Level A, Basic or initiation in the language; Level B, Intermediate or independent use; and Level C, Advanced or competent use of Spanish. Competition is therefore balanced according to your level. The idea is to promote interactivity among our residents as well as knowledge of the language. Send your favourite word to: http://www.guadalinfo.es/ficha_centro.php?id_centro=252. Spanish is one of the world's richest languages, spoken by 450 million people, and the official language of 21 countries. Find out more.>

Jimena roadworks enter Phase 2

(Press release) The roadworks on Calle Sevilla, aimed at replacing water and sewage tubes, will be entering Phase 2 soon, having almost reached Calle Barrera. Thus, traffic towards the upper part of the village will be diverted to Calle Romo, flowing opposite to its present direction. If you're driving from the square, you'll have to turn right at the Cajasol building onto Romo. You will be able to turn left towards the top of the village, or right, down towards the school. Calle Romo will therefore be cut off to downward traffic from Calle Autoridad Portuaria (the 'ski slope' just above the town hall - bet you didn't know that's what it's called!). Click on map to enlarge. To leave the village from the upper part, go to either the campsite or the Corral de Concejo exits. (See more below)>