Information Page

FOREIGN RESIDENT'S OFFICE

Since the mid-1980's, principally due to a property boom both in Spain and other, more northern European countries, many thousands of people from all parts, mainly Great Britain, Scandinavia and Germany have set up home in the warmer climes of the mediterranean sunshine. Most new residents are attracted by the quality of life and sense of well-being that everyday sunshine provides, some for the health giving properties of the town's two salt lakes, and many who, upon reaching retirement age, decide to enjoy the freedom that their retirement offers by adopting the tranquil way of life that Spain has to offer.

The prospect of a move to a different country has proved not to be so daunting as many would expect, Spain is a progressive and responsible member of the European Community and the way of life, generally, is not so different from the colder climes left behind. However, inevitably, certain things ARE DIFFERENT: the language, the beaurocracy, the 'system'.

Recognising the needs of it's around 15,000 residents from other parts, Torrevieja Town Hall, under the direction of the mayor, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, has set up a special office aimed at making life that little easier for those unfamiliar with the 'Spanish way'. The office, which first opened its doors in December 1999, is situated immediately next door to the main town hall and is open every weekday from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. The principal aim of the office, to act a a liason between the 'foreign' residents and local government, dealing with complaints, constructive critisism and even useful suggestions, has almost been superceded by the need for a type of 'advice bureau'. The staff, who are able to communicate in Spanish, English,German and French, offer friendly advice and assistance on such divers subjects as the obtaining of residence cards, health and social security, social services etc. offering guidance on how to deal with a beaurocracy which is sometimes different to that which they are used to. The office, under the direction of a British-born resident who has encountered the same difficulties as any 'foreigner in Spain', also works towards a greater intergration of the foreign population through publicising, supporting and, on occasions organising, events aimed at bringing the various communities of such a cosmopolitan town together.

The 'Oficina de Atención al Residente Internacional', which will attend to enquiries from residents, potential residents and tourists alike, can be contacted by:

   Telephone: +34 96 570 6159
   Fax: +34 96 670 3357
   e-mail: touristinfo.torreviejacentro @turisme.m400.gva.es

Telephone Numbers

Emergency

Local Police	092
Local Police	96-571 0l 54
Guardia Civil	96 571 0l 13
Firemen	085
Firemen	96-670 44 88
Ambulance (24 hrs)	96-670 47 60
Red Cross	96-571 18 18
Health Centre	96 670 77 87

General Information
Torrevieja Harbour	96-571 0l 94
Town Council	96-571 02 50
Mayor Office	96-571 0l 66
Urbanism Dept	96-571 47 14
Employment Office	96-670 13 77
Customs	96 571 44 34

Tourist Information
Tourism Bureau	96-571 0l 94
Bus Station	96-571 0l 46
Post Office	96 571 06 79
Scuba Tribe	96 671 9936
Boat Trips to Tabarca	966 702 122

National Holidays in Spain

Jan 6th	Dia de los Reyes (12th night, when Christmas presents are given)
Mar 19th	San Jose (Father's Day)
Variable	Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
Variable	Dia de Pascua (Easter Sunday) May 1st Dia del Trabajo (Labour Day)
Mid June	Corpus Christi
Jun 24th	San Juan (St.John's Day)
Jun 29th	San Pedro y San Pablo (St. Peter & St. Paul)
Jul 25th	Santiago (St. James, patron saint of Spain)
Aug 15th	Asuncion (Assumption)
Oct 12th	Dia de la Hispanidad (Columbus Day)
Nov 1st	Todos los Santos (All Saints Day)
Dec 6th	Dia de la Constitucion (Constitution Day)
Dec 8th	Immaculada Concepcion (Immaculate Conception)
Dec 25th	Navidad (Christmas Day)

Fiestas

January	6th Epiphany. Three Kings Day. Children receive Christmas presents and candy
February
March
April
May
June	Running of the bulls one of the most popular event in Spain where bulls are released into the streets. Also features other events known as Fiesta de San Fermin
July	16th Virgen del Carmen. Annual feast of the fishermen.
August	15th Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September
October
November	1st All Saints Day relatives lay flowers on graves of the dead
December

Markets

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Elche	Orihuela	Guardamar	Alicante	Torrevieja	Alicante	Guardamar
Santa Pola	Campo de Mirra	San Miguel	Villajoyosa		Calpe	Las Dunas
	Altea	Benejama	Algueria		Santa Pola	Benferri
	Benijofar				Elche
					Almoradi

	There is also a market at the rear of the Mercadona supermarket on Saturday just north of the La Zenia roundabout on the N332. There is also a street market most nights in Torrevieja.

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