By Carmen Fernandez,Helena Molin Valdés
Copyright theseasidegazette
August ended and left Spain in dismay – the hottest and most deadly heat-related summer ever recorded.
It involved drownings, people perishing in wildfires and heat stroke, more than 1,500 up to the 8th of August, said the authorities.
And, in contrast, we enjoyed the well-attended Feria de Almuñecar, Fiestas Patronales, honouring the Virgen de la Antigua. It was a successful week with 200,000 attendees and visitors, says the Ayuntamiento.
More than 70 events, including music/concerts, dancing, food stands, playgrounds, sports events and processions ended with the flamboyant fireworks from the seaside and a grateful population – both during the events, and when it finished.
It was impossible to sleep in town that week, with concerts until 5 am. “Now we are all proud Sexitanos” said the Concejal responsible for culture, thanking everyone for support and patience. If you have never attended, it is back every year, 9-15 of August. Always exciting!
Los Nordicos activities in Almuñecar start again on September 24th. This is when Scandinavians start coming back after enjoying spring and summer back home. We have an interesting program for our weekly Wednesday meetings, kicking off with cava and a fun talk by Carmen Fernandez on Those Crazy Andalusians, October 8th. In parallel begin the many activities– boulle, wine bingo, hiking, library, workshops of all kinds (all is listed on our website).
The extreme weather and climate events are on the rise, due to climate change. In Spain, the heatwaves are getting hotter and longer. This August Jerez de la Frontera marked the record of 45.8 degrees! La Costa Tropical was thankfully not that bad, with few days of maximum 35-36 degrees.
We did experience a heat burst (tormenta seca / reventón térmico), a very unusual event. According to AEMET, heat bursts happen when collapsing thunderstorms send down very hot, dry air, making the temperature rise suddenly with strong dusty winds and stormy skies. The extreme only lasted for half an hour or so, but it was very surreal. It provoked two tornados in the area and chaos among beachgoers. The Mayors of Motril and Almuñecar sent out messages to urge us to stay at home during the event, and secure everything we could, while the beach lifeguards were very busy supporting those taken by surprise.
This year’s wildfires were also out of control. Firefighters and military did heroic work across Spain, not without casualties. EU sent some support. Thousands were evacuated and many lost everything.
I am writing this on August 18th, and today is World Wildfire Prevention Day, which is highlighted on the news. It is a day to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our forests and land from wildfires with preventive measures. This affects ecosystems, livelihoods, people and animals alike. And it is becoming more relevant every year.
The sad thing is that 95% of wildfires are caused by human action, both accidentally and voluntarily, according to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.
Here are a few things everyone should do to prevent the devastating fires:
• Never litter the forest or roadsides with cigarette butts or any other objects, especially glass and tins can reflect sunlight and start fires. Take your rubbish with you, even if it’s not yours.
• Do not light fires outside the permitted areas or during a fire risk alert.
• If you see littering or unauthorized fires, inform the authorities quickly.
• Follow the instructions and observe the restrictions in place (in forests, natural reserves, beaches and camping areas).
• Help raise awareness to prevent wildfires by sharing this information.
Finally, I had the opportunity this summer to accompany one daughter on her quest to walk the Camino de Santiago. She started in San Sebastian for an almost 900 km trail along the coast, el Camino Norte. I only joined for 250 km through Asturias, and to me it was magic.
Walking through breathtaking landscapes, greeting people and farm animals, sleeping in albergues with other peregrinos and with only a minimum of belongings in a backpack. Liberating and exhausting, full of deep conversations.
This is another thing I would recommend to those who want to fight their demons or just find peace or a different experience. Let your thoughts fly free and be open to some adventures. And – we never had more than 25 degrees Celsius. The wildfires were catching up in Galicia now, as I was writeing this.
I wish you all a wonderful return to the Tropical Coast, post-August heat!
Los Nordicos-Almuñecar (Costa Tropical) is an Association of more than 500 Scandinavians, independent from politics and religion, with the purpose to supporting each other and to build bridges with the Spanish society. Check our website if you want to join: www.losnordicos.com.
(Feature: Los Nórdicos/September Issue)
Keywords: Nordic community, August, Wildfire, Camino de Santiago, World Wildfire Prevention Day,
news, andalucia, granada, costa tropical, almunecar, keywords: nordic community, august, wildfire, camino de santiago, world wildfire prevention day
