‘It’s all about good wine, olive oil and garlic’

Pedro Capilla, who fought in the Spanish Civil War, has revealed the secrets of his long life as he celebrates 100 years.

Pedro Capilla celebrated his 100th on Easter Sunday at The Juniors Kingsford. Picture: John Appleyard

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WHEN Pedro Capilla was born in 1918, George V was king, Australia was fighting World War I and a 10-year-old Don Bradman was knocking a golf ball around with a cricket stump.

One hundred years on and the Spanish-born Coogee resident is still going strong. Mr Capilla, who fought General Franco’s forces in the Spanish Civil War, celebrated his birthday with family and friends at The Juniors Kingsford on Sunday.

Pedro went round the tables greeting all his guests on Sunday. Picture: John Appleyard

“Good food and fine wine,” Mr Capilla said when asked the secret to a long life. “I don’t drink too much, I’ve never had drugs or smoked. But I have a glass of wine with my meal each night. And plenty of good food. I have garlic and good olive oil with everything. It’s good for you.”

Pedro fought against General Francisco Franco (pictured) and his men in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s

Mr Capilla grew up in Spain and spent his teenage years in Barcelona working as a barber. When the Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936 he was called up to fight against Franco. “I was young, only 18, and it was a difficult time in my life.”

Pedro with one of his sons, Julio, who came from his home in Canada for the special birthday. Picture: John Appleyard

After the war he was interned in a work camp where he remained for much of WWII. On release he moved near Portugal, then opened a barber shop in Madrid. But fearing reprisals from Franco’s men, he fled to Canada. “It was too cold, especially for my wife so we decided to move to Australia,” he said. “I loved it straight away: the food, the people, the beach.”

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