Bets are in for El Scorchio

The processions of Easter may appear something of a curiosity to British expats who marvel in the artful dedication and passion, doubtlessly comparing it to the more staid celebrations of churches and vicaries from Shropshire to Shrewsbury. For many Spanish people, however, bringing the Easter festivities and fervour out onto the street is fundamental to their national religion and soul. 

So while the British would be pleasantly surprised to scrounge a few sunny days out of the Easter Holidays, the Spanish are filled with dread by the prospect of rain ruining their parade. Already weather forecasters and news reports are charged with wild speculation and archaic meteorology measures.

Science can put a man on the moon, but it cannot yet accurately predict the weather so the faithful are left with the scraps of statistics. One estimation, which seems more like something pulled out of the hat at 4.45pm in a Leicester Ladbrokes after a bad day at the races, has pundits mulling over how there has been at least one rainy day from March 20 to 27 (Easter Week this year) 68 per cent of the time since records began in 1948. 

While Spaniards, betting men, and anxious grandmothers get to grips with that head spinning stat, Brits on the Costa del Sol can be rest assured that they’ll see at least one fine sunny day.