Spain's Franco football stunt and the growing split-bill ban

Football meets anti-fascism: Franco's head as the ball

Spain’s love for football took an extraordinary twist this week at the experimental "Ex Abrupto" art festival in Moia, near Barcelona. Two teams participated in a symbolic match, using a hyper-realistic replica of dictator Francisco Franco’s head as the ball.

The event, titled "La Copa del Generalísimo," subverted the name of the football tournament held during Franco's dictatorship (1939–1975). Held near former trenches from the Spanish Civil War, it marked the 50th anniversary of Franco’s death and served as a statement against fascism.

The head, made of resin and silicone, was created by artist Eugenio Merino and the activist group Indecline. Merino, known for his provocative works on Franco, previously gained attention with "Always Franco," a life-sized depiction of the dictator inside a refrigerator, and "Punching Franco," a punching ball featuring his head. Both works provoked legal complaints from the Francisco Franco Foundation, which were ultimately dismissed by Spanish courts.

Merino explained the artistic intention behind the match: "It's the 50th anniversary of Franco's death, and I thought it was necessary to commemorate it. We recover the idea of anti-fascism through play and enjoyment."

The game, recorded for broadcast in local bars, highlights how art and sport can converge to challenge historical narratives and political ideologies. The Franco head will remain on display in a museum in Moia.

Merino and Indecline have staged similar events using replicas of other controversial leaders, including Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, to deliver political messages.

Spain's hospitality industry pushes back on split bills

In a shift that’s frustrating diners across Spain, a growing number of bars and restaurants are refusing to split bills for customers. Instead, establishments are encouraging one guest to pay the total amount, leaving the group to sort out reimbursements privately.

This trend, particularly prominent in Málaga, has been spreading to cities like Barcelona and Zaragoza. Restaurant staff argue that dividing bills for large groups is time-consuming and disrupts their workflow. Spanish TV channel La Sexta recently highlighted the issue, noting that waiters often face challenges when dealing with penny-pinching customers who insist on paying only for their individual orders.

Consumer watchdog Facua clarified that while this practice is not yet widespread, businesses are within their rights to refuse split bills as long as they notify customers in advance, either verbally or through signage. Moreover, Spanish law permits establishments to charge fees for splitting payments, provided this is clearly communicated beforehand. Some venues have already introduced surcharges of €1–€2 per customer for this service.

Although tipping is not a significant practice in Spanish culture, it adds another layer of complexity to group dining when it occurs. For now, customers are advised to clarify the restaurant’s payment policies before dining to avoid surprises.