Christmas Traditions and Celebrations in Mallorca

Christmas in Mallorca is celebrated in a traditional style, and is noticeably less commercial than many other places, retaining strong Mallorcan cultural ties and Catholic traditions. Christmas shopping is kept mainly in December, and there is an atmosphere of tradition and spirituality throughout the city of Palma, where you will find the most festive activities taking place. The festivities in Palma begin on December 8th, with 'The feast of the Immaculate Conception', a ceremony and performance of dance called los Seises.  Celebrations continue with various special days, until January 5th, Three Kings Night, celebrated all over Spain. In Palma, there is a spectacular scene as parades arrive by boat in the harbour.Christmas and Three Kings Fair in Palma. With markets at the Plaza Major, Ramblas, Via Roma, Plaza de la Porta Pintada and Plaza España. Opens from 10am to 9pm Monday to Sunday. Runs until 6 January 2014.

Europeos por España

A large number of non-Spanish European citizens have chosen the Balearic Islands as their home. Many of you are well integrated in to the local society, are professional autonomous workers or indeed have established your own small family business. Some of you have married here, have families, and a large number speak and understand Spanish, and even Catalan. According to the National Institute of Statistics there were nearly 120,000 non- Spanish European citizens resident in the Balearic Islands as of the 1st January 2013, although the many organizations, clubs and consuls who work with this group believe this figure to be nearer 200,000. EporE encourages E.U. citizens to register at their local Town Hall, as well as on the Census, thus enabling them to have the right to vote both in the European Elections and the elections for the local Town Hall, and by extension the island Council, "Consell". At this moment in time there are over 16,300 registered to vote in the European Elections. Complaining in your local pub or supermarket achieves nothing. Register to vote, and let your voice be heard!

At the enormous number of meetings EporE has held island-wide, you will not be surprised to learn that most of the concerns expressed are virtually the same as your Mallorcan neighbours in your village or district. What you may not be aware of is that some 80% of all laws passed in Madrid and in the Balearic Parliament start life in the European Parliament. Our elected representatives in Brussels have, every day, more responsibility and more direct effect on what is happening here on our island and in our towns or villages.

In part because of its 6,500 members and friends, and in part by its single minded determination , over the last four years "Europeos por Espana" has successfully lobbied on behalf of European Citizens at local, Regional and National level, and in Brussels when necessary. Our lobby activities are hard work, especially in times of austerity when budgets are tight, and they take time, but we have had some real success over these first few years. Perhaps because of proximity, our work at Municipal level is more obvious, and European residents can see the effect of direct contact with the Town Hall almost immediately. To be truthful, because it is more," hands on", it is probably the work we enjoy the most.  But at EporE we are also bold enough to collaborate in larger-scale projects which take us from discussions and meetings at Regional and National level, to involving Euro MPs of various nationalities. As you already know, "Europeos por Espana" was one of only two Associations Europe-wide to be invited by the "Committee of Regions" and the "Commission of Justice, Human Rights and Citizenship" to participate in, and make a presentation to, the Conference in Brussels on 28th November 2012 to inaugurate the project "Year of Citizenship 2013". A great honour, and a timely recognition of the enormous amount of effort made by our Committee members and other volunteers over the years since our initial presentation.

(information taken from the November 2013 newsletter "Europeos por Espana")

THE LEY DE COSTAS (COASTAL LAW)

"Europeos por Espana" was asked nearly three years ago to support groups, both here in the Balearic Islands and in Valencia, who were frantically lobbying to get important modifications to the "Ley de Costas" (Coastal Law).

This law originally came in to force in 1988, with the intention of protecting coastal areas from over-development. For many years successive National Governments in Spain paid little or no attention to it until the previous National Government of Spain decided to register its "right" over properties in the areas up to 100 metres from the "wave line" and in some cases up to nearly 500 metres from the sea. Owners found themselves unable to make the reforms they wanted without special permission from the Coastal Authorities, and banks did not want to give mortgages to any buyer of these properties, as there was a "charge" on them by Costas.

Mooring concessions were in danger and thousands of front-line properties could have been the subject of a demolition order by 2018. Due to the large number of British and German owners involved, the European Parliament agreed to take on the matter. The rest is history as the Spanish Parliament has agreed to amend this law, principally to strengthen legal security in the coastal areas but also to give confidence to those who have their home or business in the immediate coastal zone. It will also guarantee full information to individual owners on the internet and in the Property Register. Concessions have been increased by 75 years and these concessions can now also be passed on to future owners.

It is expected that these modifications will become law, hopefully by the end of November this year. Once again "Europeos por Espana" is proud to have been a part of this major effort, by giving their support to other lobby groups, especially those in Valencia, who led the way in Brussels.

Information taken from the Nov 2013 newsletter  Europeos por España - www.epore.org

THE RESIDENCY CARD

The subject of RESIDENCY CARDS and the related administration procedures attached has resurfaced in the local media recently.   The following information has been taken from the Europeos por Espana Newsletter - November 2013.  As a result many friends, members and associates have asked for an explanation of the real situation as it is at the moment and an outline any changes foreseen in the near future.        

Endesa launches English website

Power company intends to improve its service for English-speaking residents in the Balearics.  

English speaking residents will now be able to access all of the power company´s websites, social media sites and Apps in English.

In a statement yesterday Endesa said that in view of some 900,000 Britons living either permanently or temporarily in Spain, it has decided to launch its online and social network services in English in order to cater for its English speaking clients.

The website http://www.endesaonline.com/EN/Hogares/ (or click HERE) is now live in English and from the websites their clients can also download the Endesa apps and source all the information they need about Endesa´s services be they for private households or businesses.

Clients can also consult their bills online, lodge complaints or consult experts with regards to installing or upgrading their central heating.

All the latest special offers and energy/money saving schemes are also available online and in English.

Endesa considers that the decision to offer its digital service in English will significantly help to improve the service it offers its English-speaking clients across the country.    What is more, its online office is open 24 hours per day.

(Info from Majorca Daily Bulletin)

Winter Wellness at the Lindner Golf and Wellness Resort

The Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort Portals Nous has a special offer during the winter. Relax and exercise for one month at their fabulous Spa and pay only 100 euros per person.  On top of that, they will give you a full-body massage for free!

The one-month membership includes:

Free use of the indoor pool with Jacuzzi, outdoor pool, 2 Finnish saunas, steam bath, relaxation area and modern gym with Technogym machines. One full-body massage (50 min.) and towels during your stay.

The Bahari Beauty & Spa is open every day from 9 to 21 hours.

This winter offer is valid until the end of March 2014.

Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort Portals Nous
C./Architecto Francisco Casas, 18
07181 Portals Nous
Tel: 971 707 777
Details and schedule on their homepage: www.resortportals.com

(info from ABC Mallorca)

Mallorca is second best place to live in the World

Knight Frank Lifestyle Report has ranked the island of Mallorca second to Dubai as one of the best places to live in the World. (click here for report)

The study looks at four key factors: Knight Frank says the majority of clients are interested in – international schools, weather, leisure pursuits and the availability of quality restaurants.  Knight Frank also looked specifically at three different types of expat – the entrepreneur, family and retired couple.

The new survey ranks destinations according to the quality of their schools, weather, leisure options and restaurants and while Dubai came out on top, Mallorca came joint second with Geneva and the Cayman Islands followed by Cyprus which came in third.

Dubai achieved the highest ranking for its education services and its core climate.

The report noted that the majority of traditional locations – such as London, Paris and New York – scored well in certain categories but were further down the list in others.  London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Auckland, Monaco, Madrid and Moscow rounded out the top 10, with the latter three in  joint position. 

Hong Kong tops the list of best restaurants with 69 Michelin starred eateries in the former British colony, followed by London and Geneva.

For weather, Nassau in the Bahamas was top of the table with 365 days of sunshine a year, along with Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. 

Entrepreneurs need political stability, ease of travel and good restaurants to entertain clients in.  For these qualities Auckland was the top choice.  

For expatriate family, schools, safety and leisure activities are crucial, with Geneva being the best option.

For a retired couple, quality of life, cost of living and personal security were key motivators.

Auckland was the winner across these qualities.

But, it appears that when all the factors are taken into account, Mallorca is one of the second best places in the World to live and that accolade is not only going to be good for the local economy and island´s global image, it will surely give the real estate sector a welcome boost in confidence and trade.

Information via Majorca Daily Bulletin