All about Calvia

TODAY is the big day for the inauguration of the new Santa Ponsa market which has been much awaited by stall holders and residents alike, for some time now. The Calle Riu Sil, which is the street near the fire station, and the post office, is the location for this new initiative.

It’s going to be a morning market and will start at 8a.m., going on until 2p.m.

The recently opened Paguera market, so far is very popular, and I have no doubt that this one too, will gain momentum, and be well received by the residents of Santa Ponsa.

The official opening will take place around 11a.m.

The Mayor and the government team will be having a walkabout to greet some of the traders and the general public.

So local markets in Calviá are gaining and our short weekly agenda is as follows :

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Monday, Calviá Town

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Tuesday, Paguera

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Friday, Son Ferrer

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Saturday,Santa Ponsa

Then there are of course the different events, which involve markets too. One such event is Europe day, which is just about 6 weeks away, and which we shall be celebrating on 11 May at Palmanova sea front. I have some new ideas for this year, which I trust ( and very much hope ) that you will like. Going back to the roots of Europe I want to include stands and activities from as many countries as possible. All will be fully revealed in due course!

TONIGHT at Mood Beach in Costa de la Calma, there is a charity event, backed by the Calanova cancer care team. It is a James Bond Casino Royale theme night, so dress to impress. Despite the name there will be no exchange of cash, for bets, given that Mood is not a licensed Casino, it is just the theme of the evening. We start at 8p.m. and there will be an entrance fee of 15€ for cava and canapés. Another good cause and a great venue so the organisers are hoping to see lots of support.

STEPPS Santa Ponsa, reopening party and charity event, is taking place tomorrow Sunday. Following flood damage which forced them to close, Cheryl and David are delighted to open their doors again, and are combining the opening bash with a charity "do". Once again people are giving up their time to perform free of charge, and participate in a fundraiser, which involves, singing, dancing, DJ Jon White, cake stands and Karaoke, as well as kiddies activities.

Funds raised go to the Allen Graham charity.

Starting at 1p.m., this should be great fun.

I had a a heartwarming moment this week, when I was able to introduce two widowed residents of El Toro, to each other. Edward and Phil live quite close by, but had not met before.

Edward was widowed six years ago, but also recently lost his faithful pet Pablo who died of old age.

Phil, you will remember was widowed just a few weeks ago.

I introduced them in a local bar, and immediately they struck up a conversation. It made me laugh when Phil said to Edward "So you’re 88, just a youngster, I’m 92."

They have a lot in common both having been R.A.F. men and both of their wives were two days older than them too.

Hopefully we shall get them together again, one day soon, and they can become friends and company for each other. It made me feel happy to have done something positive.

STILL in El Toro, don’t forget the Fallas this weekend. I spoke at length about them last week, but have a bit more programme detail now. Today early people will be woken up with the band and parade, described in the brochure as a " noisy wake up".

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At 2pm there will be a firecracker display ( also a wee bit noisy ) this is a very typical thing called the Mascletá.

At 6pm all residents are welcome to join in the floral offering to the Patron of El Toro, the Virgin Mary. Leaving from the church, the band from Valencia will accompany the parade along the main street.

Many will be in traditional costume for this, it will be very emotional, and a great photo opportunity.

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At 7p.m. there will be a special mass.

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At 9.p.m. there will be a torrada ( barbeque) price 4€. Plaza Europa.

The evening will close with a sensational firework display and live music until the early hours.

SUNDAY will also see sunrise and another 9a.m., "noisy wake up". The Paella competition will take place at the Plaza Europa. This is where you can buy Paella, bring and cook your own, or bring a picnic.

All of this will be followed later in the day by the burning of the actual fallas, there will also be music and fireworks, to round off a weekend full of tradition, fun and frivolity.

SPEAKING of fun, and fundraising, last Sunday the Lions charity event at Jokers was a great success. Despite the cool but sunny weather, some 160 people turned out to support us. Thank you so much to all of the musicians and people who took part, and to Nicky Stixx too. The recently appointed E.U. resident of 2014, Edward Ingram was there. Mr Blobby was determined to congratulate him, and made a bee line for him. All in all the funds raised were almost 1000€.

FINALLY, this week we had the PLENO monthly debate. The P.P. government team have proposed and confirmed, that this season the growing and popular activity of "bar crawls" will be regulated. This means that big groups of people can no longer wander " willy nilly" from bar to bar, but will need to be controlled and legalised. Calviá Town hall will issue the appropriate permits and licenses, if deemed that the organisers comply with the rules. This means that they will need to have, fully legal staff, pay taxes, have a public liability insurance, and exercise the correct rules and regulations. This is a great thing for the municipality, and one that many from the leisure industry have been asking for in past seasons. Another step in the right direction. Maybe the boat parties will follow suit very soon.

All for now

See you at the Fallas

Angie x