Bad luck Tuesday but not for Zapatero

A WORD of warning to all Olive Press readers…today, Tuesday 13 is considered to be as unlucky in Spain as the dreaded Friday 13.

This however, has not stopped Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero using today to meet US president Barack Obama.

The Spanish leader is scheduled to spend a number of days in the US this week.

Historians suggest the superstition may date back to the 13th century when a now-forgotten Spanish king and army were crushed by the Moors on a Tuesday.

The custom may also originate from the fact that Martes – the Spanish name for Tuesday – is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war, whose legend is steeped in death.

So today more than ever, stay away from any black cats or precariously-balanced ladders!