Tag: town hall
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Latest Gran Canaria News, Views & Sunshine
Menas Case: Foundation Siglo XXI directors allegedly filed false invoices, unrealistic expenses and repeatedly drew funds from ATMs, meant for the care of migrant children, even charging botox facial treatments and posh restaurant bills to foundation debit cards
A comprehensive analysis conducted by Group I of the Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) of the National Police yielded scandalous results, writes Spanish language daily Canarias7, regarding the alleged irregular use of the public funds intended for the care of unaccompanied minors, by the suspected to have been perpetrated by centres managed by the Foundation Social Response Siglo XXI on Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. In this case, driven by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, investigators discovered that the director of the Guiniguada centre charged the NGO responsible for €1,500 worth of beauty treatments and €1,113 for bills at top restaurants including Vinófilos, El Vasco de Vegueta, and Triciclo.
Centre-Right Pact Between Regionalists (CC) And Resident Conservatives (PPAV) Returns Marco Aurelio Perez As Southern Mayor
The conservative Partido Popular-Agrupación de Vecinos (PP-AV) and the right of centre regionalist Coalición Canaria (CC) have this Thursday signed a local government pact that will shape the future of the southern Gran Canaria tourism municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The alliance, dubbed a “Pact for Stability and Socioeconomic Progress of San Bartolomé Tirajana”, represents 60% of the votes cast in the municipality’s recent local elections, emphasised the mayor-elect, Marco Aurelio Pérez (PP-AV), who returns for the third time to lead the local council responsible for some of the most important tourism areas on the island, including Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín.
Local Government Coalition Agreement Maspalomas and the South of Gran Canaria
A governing coalition pact has been finalised in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The Popular Party–Agrupación de Vecinos (PP-AV) conservative residents party is to join forces with regionalist centre-right Coalición Canaria (CC) to govern the main tourist municipality on Gran Canaria for the next four years. Marco Aurelio Pérez will serve as mayor for the entire four-year term, and the Popular Party will take charge of Employment, Sports, Roads and Infrastructure, and Human Resources, among other areas. The regionalists, led by Alejandro Marichal, will oversee Urban Planning, Economy and Finance, and Tourism as their main departments.
Storm Óscar Latest: Government of the Canary Islands Declares Rain Alert for Western Islands and Gran Canaria
A storm system, dubbed Óscar, has formed over the last few days over the mid-north Atlantic, unusual for this time of year, and has led to concern from meteorologists and journalists as it passes south of the Azores, its tail should reach The Canary Islands, before the system heads northeast towards mainland Spain. Advisory warnings have been issued in expectation of heavy rainfall, primarily in the Western Isles of the Canary Islands Archipelago, though some rainfall is also expected to reach Gran Canaria over the next couple of days. It seems unlikely that any major consequences will stem from the bad weather, however these things can be unpredictable and so every precaution is taken to ensure people are informed and kept safe.
Foundation Investigated for Alleged Mismanagement of Public Funds Meant for Care of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors
The 7th Investigative Court of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has opened a preliminary investigation into the Social Response Foundation Siglo XXI and four of its directors. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in Las Palmas filed a complaint against them, alleging crimes that could include forgery of commercial documents, mismanagement, and embezzlement of public funds. The investigation aims to determine whether this nonprofit organisation, and its officials, could have misused public funds intended for the care of unaccompanied migrant minors, during the migration crisis of 2020 that was precipitated by the pandemic confinement on the islands, leading to a build up of arrivals having to be assessed and cared for by the Canary Islands Regional Government, using hotels left empty due to the lack of tourism. The estimated amount involved in the alleged misuse stands at around €12.5 million between 2020 and 2022 on Gran Canaria alone.
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Phase II: Canary Islands beaches to reopen for recreational use from Monday
On Monday, May 25, beaches on Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma will open once more for people to be able to sunbathe and swim recreationally, however showers, foot-baths and designated recreational areas will stay closed to avoid possible infections from Covid-19.
These remaining five will join the other Canary Islands, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa already in phase two of the Spanish state de-escalation plan, which were among the first places in Spain to advance to that stage last Monday. This will mean greater levels of freedom throughout the Canary Islands, including leisure use of beaches, although the state regulations have once again generated uncertainties.
A technical meeting of the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (FECAM) and the regional government was convened yesterday to establish a framework protocol for the measures to be taken by the various municipalities in allowing access to their beaches. They recognised the differences between a small cove and beaches that stretch for kilometers, with the intention of clarifying some of the issues likely to be encountered.
At this time, the priority is security “on the ground,” said Tomás Pérez, Mayor of La Aldea and leader of the Fecam security commission, so lifeguard teams from the Red Cross will join the Local Police to control compliance with the rules of social distancing and protection measures.
All across Spain there are still many unknowns. Although Fecam is clear that, as a general rule, showers and recreation areas will be closed and that the separation between beach users will be monitored, there are still multiple issues that need to be defined.
In Andalusia, for instance, there are proposed measures to limit the capacity of people on the beaches. There they are recommending showering before going to the beach and then again upon arrival, with people being asked to not stay on the beach for more than four hours to avoid crowds. Other areas, such as Galicia, are asking people to make a prior appointment to avoid overcrowding. FECAM do not plan to go to these extremes in the Canary Islands. Pérez refered to the first day that we were allowed to exercise, in phase zero, or to go to bar and restaurant terraces, in phase one. Though there were crowds at first, the numbers have lessened, which he believes demonstrates that it is a matter of individual responsibility, which can be extrapolated to the general opening of the beaches, which can already be used for sports training. He stressed that we cannot yet relax our efforts to mitigate the effects of a virus that has claimed 155 lives on the islands and more than 27,700 in Spain.
The ministerial order for the penultimate phase two of de-escalation indicates that visits to the beaches will be allowed, always maintaining a minimum safety distance of at least two meters, or, failing that, using alternative measures of physical protection, including consistent hand hygiene and a mask, mandatory in public spaces. Groups can be a maximum of 15 people.
Shopping centres, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas, theaters, weddings and funerals
Shopping centers will also be allowed to reopen under phase two rules, however, with quite a few limitations, as common areas and recreational areas will still be out of bounds, and capacity will be limited to 40% with a preferential service schedule established for people over 65 years of age.
Restaurants will be able to allow customers to enter inside, once more, although food and drink cannot be consumed at the bar and seating will be limited to one third of capacity, so that there is sufficient separation between customers. Nightclubs will not open yet.
Cultural spaces such as libraries and museums will be joined by cinemas, theaters and auditoriums, which will open to the public with previously assigned seating and limited to a third of capacity. Shows must host audiences of less than 50 people indoors and less than 400 outdoors.
In addition, from phase two, weddings can be held in all types of facilities, at up to 50% venue capacity and without exceeding 100 guests in outdoor spaces or 50 in closed spaces.
Funeral wakes will also have a limit of 25 people in open spaces or 15 in closed spaces. And among other relaxation measures in phase two of de-escalation, places of worship will now be limited to half normal capacity.
The Canary News
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Mogán and the Government of the Canary Islands discuss Pueblo de Mogán bypass and the planned Taurito tunnel
Minister of Public Works, Transportation and Housing for the Canary Islands Government, Sebastián Franquis, held a meeting on Friday with the serving mayor of Mogán, Onalia Bueno at which the mayor of La Aldea de San Nicolás, Tomás Pérez, also participated. The gathering was to discuss a bypass necessary for Pueblo de Mogán as well as possible alternatives in the long running project to the complete the “Insular Ring” and guarantee greater safety in travelling around the entire coastline areas of the island. Included in these discussions were the proposed coastal GC-500 tunnel project that is to reconnect Playa de Mogán with Taurito, closed due to landslides back in the summer of 2017.
The Canary Guide “Reyes Magos” Weekend Tips 3-5 January 2020
A lovely long weekend ahead as the holiday season draws to a close here on Gran Canaria. Monday is officially a national bank holiday; Twelfth night is almost upon us, the Epiphany, preceded by the Noche del Reyes Magos, or night of the kings, the spectacular finale of the holiday season, when 3 wise men are expected to visit every home in the kingdom, in celebration of a newly born child.
REYES MAGOS– THE THREE WISE MEN / THE THREE KINGS
This is the most magical time of the year for kids in the Canary Islands and throughout all Spain.
The long observed traditions here supersede those of more northern European, christianised, pagan Yuletime legends, many of which tell of a benevolent, sometimes mischievous and goaty, old man secretly delivering gifts and toys to good little children on Christmas eve, or indeed the roman catholic stories of the originally Turkish-born Saint Nicholas, who nowadays morphs into a red robed and chuckling Santa Claus character flying from Lapland on his reindeer drawn sleigh.
By far the more prominently celebrated story of Los Reyes Magos, known in English as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, tells of strangers arriving from the east, following a star, who bring gifts for a newborn, and as luck would have it magically supply gifts to all good christians, and children too, on the Day of the Epiphany, which is of course the 12th night, or the eve of the 6th day of January.
This is when Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar bring their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They arrive to Street Parades in every major town as they are celebrated across Gran Canaria on the 5th, the Noche de Los Reyes Magos.
Most towns and cities throughout Spain, and across the island, will be hosting extravagant events and parades on Sunday, aimed mainly at the littlest in the family, to welcome these strangers from far off lands, who will arrive from the east via every imaginable mode of transport, whether on traditional camel, speed boat, parachute, helicopter, horseback or jet ski, they will be presented with a magical key by the local mayor so that they can let themselves into each of the townspeople’s homes to leave them something special.
Two of the biggest and most magical parades on Gran Canaria occur in the capital and up in the beautiful eastern town of Agüimes. Traditional seasonal and artisanal markets can be found in many major towns across the island in the run up to the main seasonal gift-giving day, between 2-5 January 2020.
2-5 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS 25ª FERIA DE ARTISANÍA
The 25th Artisans’ Market in Parque de San Telmo in the capital, Las Palmas by the traditional Canarian crafts federation FEDAC.
Opening hours are every day between 10:00-21:00.
2-5 JANUARY, TELDE FERIA DE REYES
“Feria de Reyes”, The Kings’ Fair in the heart of Telde.
The Fair is held in the open commercial area ZCA SAN GREGORIO, surrounding the plaza de San Gregorio and Avenida de la Constitución.
An event full of music, acrobatics, jugglers and children’s workshops at which 21 artisans will have stands exhibiting their work for sale from January 2 to 5.
On Thursday 16:00 – 21:30, on Friday and Saturday 10:00-21:30 and on Sunday 10:00-13:00.
3-5 JANUARY, Vecindario (SANTA LUCÍA) FERIA DE NAVIDAD
The Vecindario Christmas fair has its final weekend at Plaza de San Rafael, in the municipality Santa Lucia. Traditional crafts, cosmetics, jewellery, textiles, accessories and recycled products are all on offer on the main shopping street of this buzzing south-eastern town.
From 10:00 to 21:00 (excluding holidays).
The fair is open on January 5, from 10:00 until the closing of the shops.
3-5 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS SAND NATIVITY / BELEN DE ARENA – LAS CANTERAS
This weekend is the last chance to visit one of the main seasonal attractions that has positioned the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as one of the world’s most charming cities to visit at Christmas time: the Belen de Arena de Las Canteras has become an entire event in its own right, with unique sand sculptures visited every year by thousands of locals … and an growing number of travellers who visit the capital of Gran Canaria at this time of year.
The sand sculptures will be open until January 5 (09:00-20:00) other days from 09:00-22:00 and are free to visit, though charitable donations are encouraged.
3-5 JANUARY, MOGÁN NAVIDAD EN MOGÁN
As part of the Town hall’s seasonal program there is a lovely weekend of activities happening in the neighbourhoods of the municipality.
On Friday in Playa de Mogán, a street parade for children at 17:30 leaving from Avenida Los Marreros (shopping centre). At 18:30 at Plaza Pedro Betancor León children’s animation activities where visiting children can hand over their letters and lists to a Royal page, for delivery to the kings.
On Saturday in Mogán Casco, the old town, children’s animation activities and a visit of the Royal Page to Parque Nicolás Quesada at 18:00.
On Sunday in Arguineguín, “Fair of Kings” at Plaza Pérez Galdós between 17:00-21:00 with crafts, gastronomy and a market.
At 18:30 a boat carrying their Majesties, The Magi from the East, will arrive at Arguineguín port. They will then tour via Avenida de las Marañuelas to Plaza Pérez Galdós, with a parade and live music and animation.
Upon arrival, the municipality’s magic key will be presented to Their Majesties, and the last of the letters will be collected.
4 – 5 JANUARY, MASPALOMAS NAVIDAD EN MASPALOMAS
The holiday season program continues in various enclaves of the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana
On Saturday, a night to be enjoyed in the little coastal neighborhood of El Pajar. From 17:00 there is a market and workshops for children at Plaza Pública de El Pajar and at 22:00 Gran Verbena, evening street party with Paco Guedes.
On Sunday, Maspalomas celebrates the arrival of the Kings with a parade at 18:00. Parade route : Departure from the Centro Socio-Cultural del Mayor via Avenida de Mogán to the roundabout of the municipal pool. Avda de Tunte to the roundabout of Avenida de Gáldar to calle Camellero Hernández García (in front of the Eurospar) and then via Avenida de Tejeda until reaching Parque de San Fernando.
SUNDAY 5 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS REYES MAGOS LAS PALMAS
The welcome party begins at 11:00 on the esplanade walkway next to the Poema del Mar Aquarium with the arrival of the three wise men to the Sanapú pier scheduled for 12:00 midday. The three kings and their entourage will disembark and meet all the children and families who gather to welcome them, as well as the mayor, Augusto Hidalgo, who will deliver the “Magic Key to the City” and there will be entertainment and activities.
The Three Kings Parade. starts at 17:00 from Castillo de la Luz heading through the city to Parque de San Telmo. Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar will climb on to moving platforms decorated with striking star-shaped light boxes, which premiered in 2019, to illuminate the route that will take them from the port fortress to San Telmo park and to share messages of solidarity for the conservation of the planet.
Accompanied by a legion of Romans, the royal pages, their entourage and favorites, Melchor will ride on a golden star, Gaspar on one of silver and Baltasar on the star of bronze, all illuminated. The three kings will be followed by their camels, who for the second time, will travel the city without being ridden by people or carrying cargo, as once was the way. Public opinion has dissuaded any inclusion of animals that could be deemed harmful, so instead they will simply partake in the parade unburdened.
At 22:30 there will be a concert by “Non Trubada” at Parque de San Telmo. And a Night of The Kings event all along the main shopping street of Triana.
SUNDAY 5 JANUARY, AGÜIMES AGÜIMES 2020: 65TH LIVE REYES DE MAGOS PERFORMANCE: COLEGIO NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL ROSARIO
Since 1956, the “Magna Cabalgata de Reyes”, an outdoor theatrical performance, has been held in Agüimes. The script for this staging emerged from the inkwell of Orlando Hernández Martín, a “whole and serious” figure of Canarian literature, born in this town in 1936.
After almost sixty years, that “Magna Cabalgata”, was renamed Auto de Los Reyes Magos on June 6, 2009, and is performed every year through the streets of this beautiful old, historic town.
The royal procession departs from the gardens of the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Rosario to tour various stages arranged in different parts of the old town.
At 20:00 the Royal Entourage departs from the gardens of the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Rosario, beginning a traditional tour of five stages scattered throughout the town, until they reach the Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario by the main church in the old quarter. The act ends around 23:00 following the adoration of the “Child” in the manger. Then the kings, preceded by the entourage, retire to rest for a while, leaving behind a huge trail of goodies to the delight of the children who follow them intently throughout.
The first scene, the annunciation is performed at the Parque los Moros.
The second scene, is a meeting with the sheppards on Calle Juan Alvarado y Saz.
This is followed by a visit to Herod’s Palace, just down the road, at El Ejido
The fourth scene depicts the appearance of the Angel on Carretera Esquina
And the fifth and final scene, is the nativity scene at the Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
OTHER THREE KINGS PARADES
SANTA LUCIA; Kings parade at 18:30 from Cruce de Sardina to theatro Victor Java. Concert at 21:30 by music group ‘Karma’ at 21:30 at Plaza de Los Algodoneros. Animation for children from 17:30-19:30 on the pedestrian area of avenida de Canarias.
TELDE; Activities for children 10:00-12:30 at the municipal stadium Pablo Hérnandez Morales. Arrival of the majesties at 13:00 At 17:30 the parade starts at Casa de la Juventud to Parque Franchy
SANTA BRIGIDA; the arrival of Their Majesties The Magi from the East into Santa Brígida. a parade with Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar starting at 18:00 and through the streets of the town centre to bring the spectacle of the most special day of the year for the little ones.
GÁLDAR: The Kings parade 17:00-18:30 from Cañada Honda neighborhood and streets of the historic center. The traditional Auto de los Reyes Magos from 19:00 – 20:00 at Plaza de Santiago.
You can be sure there will be plenty of others going on all around the island
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