Now that we are in December I guess it is OK to acknowledge that Christmas is just around the corner. I hope you have everything under control: presents bought, meals planned…..or should I dream on?

Well let’s take a moment to see what you might have missed in the news over the last month and then a word about Christmas in Spain.

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In the local Alicante News

Ryanair vs Alicante Airport

There has been a debacle running between the no-frills airline, Ryanair and AENA, the operator of Alicante Airport, for some time and it is still rumbling away.

In case you haven’t been following it, in a nutshell: Ryanair doesn’t want to use (ie. pay for) the airbridges at Alicante Airport. In the interests of health and safety, and presumably their bottom line, AENA insists the airline has to use them.

The airline is saying that if they do not get their way they will take their flights (and passengers) elsewhere. They are reported to have the backing of local hoteliers. Read more here.

Now AENA is saying they have no intention of giving in and anyway passenger numbers from other carriers is increasing thank you very much. Read more here.

Hopefully they will soon remember it’s the season of goodwill to all Men and find a compromise.

Salt Tourism for Torrevieja

On a positive note, Torrevieja is expecting a tourism boost with an investment in the local salt industry. The town has been the centre of the local salt industry since the 19th Century and there are now plans to promote the city’s salt heritage to tourists. Read more

Events

Christmas

Did we mention it will soon be Christmas? It’s official.

Spain’s patron saint is the Virgin Mary and the Christmas season officially begins December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Traditionally the big Christmas event in Spain is Christmas Eve (24 December, just in case), the Nochebuena or “the Good Night”. In the evening, families gather to celebrate and prepare for the Christmas Feast which is usually enjoyed after midnight: “Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no es noche de dormir” (This is the goodnight, therefore it is not meant for sleep.)

The concept of present-giving at Christmas is relatively new in Spain but it has apparently been well received by the children! Traditionally the time for presents is on Kings’ Day, 06 January. This is the twelfth night after Christmas, the Epiphany, celebrating when the Three Kings or Wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. On Epiphany Eve (January 5th) children leave shoes on windowsills or balconies or under the Christmas Tree to be filled with presents. The downside has been that the children are back at school on the 7th which is why the idea of presents on Christmas Eve is so appealing: more time to play!

We would love to hear from you if you are planning a visit to Spain for Christmas.

And a reminder, Drivalia is open 365 days of the year so there will be someone available to help you with your Christmas car rental!

Drivalia Car Rental

Last month saw the intrepid duo, Martin and Fernando, travel to London for the World Travel Market.

Last week, we launched a new “About Us” page where you can learn how it all started and meet some of the team; and this week a “What’s Included” page which sets out both what’s included in your rental arrangement and what the extras are.

For more news and highlights please check out the Drivalia Facebook page.

¡Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas from the Drivalia Team.