Dep. Legal A 42-2025 - ISSN 3015-1309
Costa Blanca North I No. 2145 I 13 - 19 August 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Grand Parade
Miles that matter
CALPE has brought its 2026 official fiesta programme to a colourful close with the much-anticipated Grand Parade, filling the streets with music, costumes, laughter and festive spirit. The cavalcade provided a lively finale, with residents and visitors turning out to enjoy the atmosphere and admire the creativity on display. One of the real highlights was the fantastic fancy dress, with imagination taking centre stage. Children, in particular, stole plenty of attention with wonderfully playful outfits. Some appeared in towels and swimming accessories, while others sported bath hats and other unexpected creations. The costumes did not necessarily need to be elaborate to make an impression. Some of the funniest outfits were also the simplest, proving that a little imagination and a good sense of humour can go a long way. The procession of kids in inflatable duck rings deserves a big shout out. Alongside the quir-
Credit: AjuntamentdeCalpe
Costumes and creativity brought Calpe’s fiesta programme to a spectacular close
Music, colourful costumes and plenty of smiles
ky costumes, the parade showcased the colour and energy that have become such an important part of Calpe’s fiestas. Families, local groups and visitors all helped create a warm and celebratory atmosphere as the procession made
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its way through the town. The Grand Parade was more than simply the final event on the programme. It was a celebration of community, tradition and the people who help keep Calpe’s fiestas alive. With music, colourful
costumes and plenty of smiles, the 2026 celebrations ended on a high. And judging by the creativity on display - special mention to the boy dressed as a mop - there was certainly no shortage of fun along the parade route.
Firefighter’s emotional 42km run for suicide awareness ends in Benidorm BENIDORM became part of a deeply moving nationwide challenge when Madrid firefighter Jaime Domínguez Ibáñez ran 42 kilometres through the resort to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health. Known as JimmyGo, the ultrarunner was joined by local athletes and Marina Baixa firefighters as he tackled a route taking in Poniente and Levante beaches before finishing outside Benidorm City Hall. The marathon was one stage of his extraordinary ‘Romper el Silencio’ (Break the Silence) campaign. Domínguez has pledged to run 3,953 kilometres across Spain, one for every person who died by suicide in the country in 2024. Along the way, he carries a wooden ‘torch of silence’, filled with names and messages dedicated to people lost to suicide. Benidorm also hosted a talk about the campaign, giving residents the chance to hear the personal story behind his mission. For JimmyGo, every exhausting kilometre carries the same message: silence should never stand in the way of asking for help.
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13 - 19 August 2026
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App developed at the university of Alicante and Valencia.
tinations including Javea, Denia, Calpe and Moraira, where available. Much of the information comes directly from the public. Beachgoers can report jellyfish they Dep. Legal A 42-2025 - ISSN 3015-1309
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spot, upload photographs and record locations, while users can also indicate when they have seen no jellyfish. Reports can be filtered by date, beach and species, with a colour-coded system helping users understand the potential severity of different stings. The technology also helps people identify species from photographs and provides advice about what to do if someone is stung. Researchers say the information collected has another important purpose, helping scientists monitor jellyfish populations and changes taking place in Mediterranean waters. However, the app should not replace official beach warnings. Swimmers should always follow flags and lifeguard instructions and never touch a jellyfish, even one washed up on the sand, as its tentacles may still be capable of stinging.
Credit: ComunitatValencia
BEACHGOERS heading for the Costa Blanca’s beaches have a handy weapon in the battle to avoid an unpleasant jellyfish encounter this summer. MedusApp, a free citizen-science app developed by the University of Alicante and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, allows swimmers to check recent jellyfish sightings before heading into the water. The interactive map covers the Spanish coastline, meaning holidaymakers and residents can use it to check reports around popular Costa Blanca des-
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Jellyfish warning app Patient delays slashed
Denia hospital has reported a 60 per cent reduction in delays.
PATIENTS needing the most urgent surgery at Denia Hospital are now being treated significantly faster, with waiting times for the most serious cases falling by 60 per cent over the past three years. The Denia Health Department says patients classed as Priority 1, who should undergo surgery within 30 days because of the severity of their condition, now wait an average of just 12 days. In June 2023, the average wait was 30 days. The improvement forms
part of a wider effort to reduce surgical waiting lists across the Marina Alta health department. Patients in Priority 2, who are expected to receive surgery within 90 days, have also seen waiting times halved, dropping from an average of 100 days to 50 days. Even less urgent Priority 3 patients have benefited, with average waits falling from 108 days to 93 days. Across all categories, the average surgical waiting time has reduced from 105
days three years ago to 86 days today, an overall improvement of more than 18 per cent. Hospital managers say the progress has been achieved through better planning of operating theatres, more efficient use of resources and a stronger focus on treating the most clinically urgent patients first. The hospital says it is now performing comfortably within Spain’s recommended waiting time targets for the most serious surgical cases.
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13 - 19 August 2026
Inheritance tax change
Calendar clash Bank holiday day claims
The impact will depend on individual circumstances.
ries receive. Moving permanently to Spain does not automatically remove someone from UK inheritance tax rules. The UK considers factors including long-term tax residency, meaning some British expatriates may still have financial links to Britain despite living abroad for years. Chris Ball, CEO and an expatriate financial planning specialist, warned that British residents in Spain should review their situation before the new rules take effect. The impact will depend on indivi-
dual circumstances, including how long someone lived in the UK, when they moved abroad, the size of their pension and other assets they hold. Some pension holders may consider withdrawing funds or gifting money before 2027, but experts warn against making decisions without professional advice due to the complex tax rules between Spain and the UK. For many expatriate families, the issue is not retirement income, but what happens to decades of savings left behind.
Credit: daily_creativity/shutterstock
Photo credit: Iryna Dzvonkovska/Shutterstock
SHIFTING RULES ACROSS BORDERS
THOUSANDS of British nationals living in Spain could face unexpected inheritance tax consequences after a major UK pension rule change comes into force in 2027. From April 6 next year, certain UKheld pensions will be brought into the inheritance tax system, meaning savings that many retirees believed could pass to loved ones outside the tax rules may be assessed differently after their death. The change does not affect the value of pensions during a person’s lifetime, but it could alter how much beneficia-
Check specific workplace agreements.
WORKERS in Spain could have a stronger claim to an extra day off when Assumption Day falls on a Saturday this year. Observed on Saturday, August 15, Assumption Day is a national public holiday across Spain. Because many employees already have Saturdays off, questions have been raised about whether they should lose the benefit of the holiday when it coincides with their normal weekly rest day. Fresh attention has followed a recent National Court ruling linked to a dispute in the customer service sector. Judges found that a public holiday should not automatically be absorbed into a worker’s regular rest period. Under that interpretation, some employees may be entitled to a compensatory day off instead. Workers whose schedules already include Saturdays as a non-working day are among those most likely to be affected. Although the case relates to a specific sector, employment specialists believe its reasoning could influence disputes in other industries where collective agreements contain similar provisions. Any entitlement will depend on the terms of individual agreements and workplace arrangements, meaning an additional day off is not guaranteed for everyone. Guidance reported by El País suggests that replacement leave should generally be taken within 14 calendar days of the holiday, although exceptions may apply in cases such as illness or authorised absence. Credit: Dragon Images - Shutterstock
Community access BORDERS, BRICKS, AND BOUNDARIES PROPERTY owners in Spain face severe financial and legal penalties if they refuse access to maintenance workers conducting repairs on shared infrastructure. Under Article 9.1 of Spain’s Horizontal Property Law, known as Ley de Propiedad Horizontal, property owners must permit entry to their homes or gardens for essential work on communal services. This obligation applies to flats, detached houses, and urbanisations where shared utilities, such as water pipes or drainage networks, cross private land. Recent court decisions demonstrate that judges have little patience for uncooperative residents. In Orihuela we recently heard from a Euro Weekly reader about an owner who refused entry to a plumber after bougainvillaea roots damaged
shared pipes beneath his garden, causing a neighbour’s water bills to balloon. Courts eventually forced access, leaving the stubborn owner liable for legal costs, compensation, and his own garden repairs. In another case, an elderly resident attempted to block workers from lifting a shower tray to fix a communal leak. The court ruled that lacking minor details does not grant the right to delay critical repairs. While owners can request details regarding work schedules and disruption, they cannot legally block access once necessity is proven. Refusing entry does not protect the home. Instead, it converts routine maintenance into a costly legal dispute. Early cooperation remains the best way to avoid heavy court fees and property damage.
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What if the leak is from your house in Spain?
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13 - 19 August 2026
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Open-air cinema draws crowds HUNDREDS of people gathered at Mal Pas beach in Benidorm for a special summer night of cinema, watching Pixar’s animated adventure Elio beneath the stars. The screening marked the opening of this year’s ‘Cine en la playa’ programme, bringing free outdoor entertainment to one of the city’s most popular coastal locations. Families, residents and visitors settled on the sand as the film began at 9.30pm, creating a relaxed atmosphere with the Mediterranean providing the backdrop. The event forms part of Benidorm’s summer cultural programme and offers a different way for audiences to enjoy films away from traditional cinemas. The combination of a family-friendly movie, warm evening temperatures and a beachfront setting proved
Credit: AjuntamentdeBenidorm
Special summer night screening of Elio
popular, with the opening session attracting a large crowd. The programme will continue later this month with another free screening at Mal Pas beach. The next film will be
CampeoneX, directed by Javier Fesser, and is scheduled for Friday, August 21, at 9.30pm. Admission will again be free, although access will depend on available capacity. With its mix of cinema,
beach and summer entertainment, the initiative gives residents and holidaymakers another reason to spend an evening by the sea while enjoying a film with family and friends.
History comes alive THE streets of Els Poblets came alive as the town staged its annual Moors and Christians parade, one of the highlights of the 2026 patron saint festivities. Hundreds of participants, dressed in elaborate Moorish and Christian costumes, marched through the town accompanied by live music, creating a colourful spectacle that attracted crowds of residents and visitors. This year’s event opened with a tribute to Al-Azraq, the legendary Muslim leader close-
Facebook/TurismoCostaBlanca
Elaborate costumes, dramatic performances and stirring music.
ly linked to the Marina Alta, marking 750 years since his death. The procession featured Filà Mora Alamar, Filà Alberca, Filà Cavallers de l’Apocalipsi and
Kinta Filà before culminating with Filà Maulets, which holds this year’s Christian Captaincy. Under the theme Els Poblets, Terra Conquerida, the group presented a dramatic retelling of the area’s medieval past, combining theatrical performances, music and symbolism. The captaincy display was supported by visiting groups from Pego and Denia, adding to an evening that celebrated local history, tradition and community spirit.
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13 - 19 August 2026
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THERE was a double reason to celebrate recently as Ellie Pipkin, manager of the MABS Cancer Support shop in Oliva, retired after many years of dedicated service and celebrated her 84th birthday at the same time. A farewell lunch was held with some of the shop’s volunteers, joined by Mark Love, Treasurer, and Irena Bodnarec, Area Coordinator, to mark the occasion and to thank Ellie for her tremendous contribution to the shop and to MABS Cancer Support. Ellie has been part of the Oliva shop from the very beginning, being there when it first opened its doors some 13 years ago. Since then, she has played an integral role in its growth and success, giving her time, energy and commitment to both the charity and the local community. Over the years, Ellie has
Credit: MABS Cancer Support
A double celebration Beach wars start at night
MABS Cancer Support celebrate Ellie Pipkin.
become a familiar and much-loved face to the shop’s volunteers, colleagues and customers alike. Her dedication, warmth and enthusiasm have helped make the Oliva shop the success it is today. While everyone at MABS is delighted to see Ellie enjoy her well-earned retirement,
she will be sorely missed by her colleagues, volunteers and customers. The team would like to wish Ellie a very happy retirement and, of course, a very happy 84th birthday - with heartfelt thanks for everything she has done for MABS Cancer Support over the past 13 years.
SETTING a 6am alarm is a regular holiday routine for tourists determined to claim a prime spot on Levante Beach in Benidorm. Social media footage shared on Friday, August 7, revealed early risers placing parasols and deckchairs along the shoreline at dawn before returning to their hotel apartments for breakfast. The annual competition for space has renewed debate over local enforcement. Benidorm bylaws allow authorities to clear unattended items that obstruct public access, with potential fines for serious infractions reaching thousands of euros. Nevertheless, vague regulations mean officers rarely issue penalties specifically for leaving empty parasols unattended on the sand. Nearby Calpe enforces clearer rules. Coastal bylaws strictly prohibit setting up beach equipment before 9.30am and authorise police to confiscate items left unattended for longer than three hours during the day.
The problem extends across the Mediterranean. On Friday, July 10, Italian police seized unattended gear during a major operation in Naples, while officers near Torre del Greco fined “umbrella cheats” up to €500 for unauthorised occupation
of public maritime space. Other holiday destinations are trying alternative solutions, with Calvia in Mallorca introducing digital booking systems for sunbeds. Yet in Benidorm, the early-morning scramble for the shore shows no signs of stopping.
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Sailboat rescue drama
A SAILING trip off the coast of Javea took an unexpected turn after a yacht with two people on board ran aground near the picturesque Portitxol Island, triggering a rescue operation. The incident happened on Tuesday, August 4, when the vessel became stranded in the narrow channel between the island and the mainland. The crew contacted Spain’s Maritime Rescue service by VHF radio, prompting the Valencia Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to send the Salvamar Fénix rescue boat from Javea. Rescuers successfully refloated the yacht before carrying out checks to assess whether it had suffered any damage. Fortunately, the vessel was found to be in good enough condition to continue its journey, and neither of the two occupants was
Credit: X/Salvamentogob
13 - 19 August 2026
Rescue operation off the coast of Javea.
Credit: Ajuntament de Ondara
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200 people visited skin cancer advice pop-up.
injured. The grounding occurred in a protected stretch of coastline where navigation is restricted. Although the channel is marked by buoys, pleasure boats are not permitted to pass through the shallow waters, with the measures designed to improve safety and protect the area’s marine environment. Local authorities say incidents like this are not uncommon during the busy summer season, despite the restrictions being clearly signposted. Another boat reportedly ran aground in the same area just weeks ago. Maritime Rescue is reminding skippers to follow local navigation rules and respect exclusion zones, warning that even a short detour through shallow waters can quickly turn into an emergency.
Sand advice MORE than 200 beachgoers received potentially lifesaving advice on skin cancer prevention when health professionals took their message directly onto the sand in Denia. Doctors and volunteers set up at l’Estanyó beach in Les Marines on Sunday, August 9, for the ninth Solar Campaign for the Prevention of Skin Cancer, organised by the Ondara branch of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). Throughout the morning, residents and holidaymakers were able to speak to experts about protecting their skin from the Mediterranean sun, reducing the risk of skin cancer and spotting changes that could require medical attention. Doctors Ana Morell, Joana Grunayes, Juan Montes and Almudena Monteagu-
do took part alongside FarmaOndara, while AECC volunteers helped spread the prevention message. Visitors were reminded to avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, wear protective clothing and hats, and use high-factor sunscreen. The campaign also stressed the importance of regularly checking moles and other marks for changes that could be warning signs of melanoma. Maria Carmen Bisquert, president of the AECC’s Ondara branch, welcomed the turnout as a positive indication of growing awareness surrounding skin cancer prevention. The initiative was supported by Denia and Ondara councils and the Red Cross, with representatives from both municipalities visiting the beach during the morning.
Credit: Shutterstock/UJAlexander
New cycling circuit
Major cycling boost for Denia.
CYCLING in Denia is set for a major boost as the town prepares to open its first permanent circuit dedicated to mountain biking and cyclocross. Construction is already taking place in Madrigueres Nord, next to the Vía Verde, with the new 2.5-kilometre course expected to be ready around September. The facility has been designed as a yearround base where local riders can practise without relying on temporary courses, while also giving Denia the infrastructure needed to attract competitive cycling events. The four-metre-wide route will incorporate several features associated with cyclocross and mountain bike racing, including a sand section, steps and an artificial mound. There will also be a dedicated pit
area, improved road access and space for parking. Being close to Denia’s municipal sports facilities is another advantage, allowing riders and competitors to access existing services such as changing rooms. The project comes after requests from the town’s two cycling clubs, which have collaborated with the Sports Department over the plans. Denia hopes the finished circuit will eventually welcome regional mountain bike and cyclocross competitions, bringing riders from across the Valencian Community to the town. And bikes may not be the only beneficiaries, with the site potentially providing a future venue for school cross-country running and other outdoor sporting activities.
A FIREWORKS display ended in chaos when a pyrotechnic failure left 27 spectators injured in Altea, on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Around 100,000 people had gathered for the annual Castell de l’Olla event in the early hours of Sunday, August 9. Organisers launch the pyrotechnics from the sea for the traditional summer display, which has run for four decades. Emergency services treated casualties at the scene before transferring several patients to local medical centres. In total, 14 people were taken to IMED Hospital, with 11 of those subsequently moved to the specialist burns unit at Alicante General University Hospital. A further 13 people received treatment at Altea Health Centre for minor injuries before being released. Organisers expressed deep regret over the accident and praised emergency personnel for their rapid response. The incident occurs as firework safety faces scrutiny across Spain. Extreme heat and dry conditions
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Beach fest fright Credit: SDR X
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Altea fireworks accident.
have raised wildfire fears, leading towns such as El Campello to cancel planned displays earlier this summer. Meanwhile, animal welfare campaigners continue to push for restrictions on noise levels to protect pets and wildlife.
However, this latest disaster is expected to renew debate over pyrotechnic safety standards during large public events, as authorities review how the failure occurred while victims continue to receive medical care for severe burns.
13 - 19 August 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Bullfighting protests Facebook/PolicaLocalDenia
Police rescue paddle boarders
Swept out to sea off Denia coast
SIX young paddleboarders were rescued off the Denia coast after changing winds and sea conditions left them stranded away from shore. The drama unfolded on Friday, August 7, when officers from Denia Local Police’s Maritime Surveillance Unit were alerted at around 4.50pm. When they arrived, they found three paddleboards, each carrying two people, secured to a buoy marking the edge of the designated bathing area. The group had managed to stop themselves drifting further out but were reportedly extremely nervous as they waited for help. With conditions making it difficult for the police boat to safely reach them, one officer entered the water and swam out to the
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stranded group. In a demanding rescue effort, he attached one of the paddleboards to his ankle and towed two people back towards the beach. He then returned to help guide the remaining two boards, carrying four more youngsters, safely back to shore. All six escaped the ordeal without injury. A yellow flag was flying at the time, warning beachgoers to exercise caution in the water. Denia Local Police praised the rapid response and training of its Maritime Surveillance Unit following the successful rescue. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change at sea, with paddleboards particularly vulnerable to offshore winds that can rapidly carry users away from the coastline.
AROUND 50 people gathered outside Ondara’s bullring to protest against bullfighting and call for the venue to become a cultural space free from animal cruelty. The peaceful demonstration took place on Saturday, August 8, with local residents joined by animal welfare campaigners as a bullfighting event was being held inside the arena. Protesters voiced their opposition to the return of bullfighting to the town and read a manifesto arguing that killing animals for entertainment should not be regarded as art or culture. Campaigners also questioned the use of public money to support bullfighting. Their manifesto highlighted the Generalitat Valenciana’s €1 million budget for bullfighting-related activities in 2026, including €300,000 allocated to
Credit: Instagram/ondarasensecrueltatanimal_
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Peaceful demonstration outside Ondara’s bullring.
the Fundación Toro de Lidia for novilladas and more than €700,000 for other events. Those taking part argued that public funding could instead be directed towards areas including healthcare, education and wildfire prevention. The demonstration concluded with calls for an end to legislation re-
cognising bullfighting as cultural heritage and for Ondara to move away from events involving the killing of animals. Campaigners ultimately want the town’s historic bullring to be used for cultural activities without violence, summing up their message with a call for an “Ondara without blood.”
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LOCAL NEWS
A smashing rush hour
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Credit:Pexels/FrancescoUngaro
Credit: Shutterstock/VICHAILAO
DRIVERS in Calpe faced an unusual rush-hour headache after more than 100 crates of empty glass Coca-Cola bottles tumbled from a lorry and spilled across a busy roundabout. The incident happened at around 6.30pm on Monday, August 10, as the vehicle travelled around the Avenida Diputacion roundabout, where Avenida Ejercitos Españoles, Calle Malaga and Avenida Casanova meet. Part of the rear of the lorry reportedly opened What a pane! while it was negotiating the roundabout, sending as motorists attempted to navigate a large quantity of its cargo crashing around the disruption. onto the road. Civil Protection personnel also joiBoxes and bottles were left scattened the clean-up operation, helping red across the carriageway, bringing traffic disruption to one of Calpe’s key remove the fallen cargo and make the road safe again. routes. In a welcome display of community Local Police officers were quickly called to the scene and began redirecting spirit, several members of the public who found themselves caught up in vehicles while the debris was cleared. the incident also reportedly got out to The unexpected roadblock caused significant queues stretching between help, moving crates away from the cathe roundabout and the La Fossa area rriageway as the clean-up continued.
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Close-up encounter with a dolphin pod.
A SUMMER spin on a jet ski turned into a magical Mediterranean encounter when a family of dolphins suddenly appeared alongside a young woman off the coast of Javea. The unforgettable moment unfolded near Cabo de San Antonio, where several dolphins were filmed swimming through the clear blue water just metres from the jet ski. The young woman had headed out to sea with her father for a swim on Saturday, August 8, when the unexpected visitors appeared. Footage shared on Instagram shows the dolphins gliding alongside the jet ski, disappearing beneath the surface before emerging again nearby. Instead of a quick glimpse of a fin in the distance, father and daughter were treated to a spectacular close-up encounter as the pod continued through the Mediterranean alongside them.
Dolphins delight The young woman described it as a moment she would remember forever. The waters around Cabo de San Antonio, the dramatic headland separating Javea and Denia, are known for their rich marine life, and dolphin sightings have been recorded along this stretch of the Marina Alta coast before. However, seeing the animals from such close range made this encounter particularly special. For the pair, what began as an ordinary summer trip onto the water became an unforgettable wildlife experience, and one that provided another reminder of the remarkable marine life found just off Javea’s coastline.
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Popular beach closes Glam gala announced Credit: ComunitatValencia
Temporarily closed due to water contamination.
thousands of visitors each year with its sheltered bay, clear waters and family-friendly atmosphere. The temporary restriction comes during a peak period for tourism on the Costa Blanca, affecting holidaymakers hoping to enjoy one of the area’s bestknown beaches. Officials have stressed that the closure is a pre-
ventive action designed to protect public health. Updates on the reopening will depend on the results of upcoming water tests. Until then, visitors are being asked to respect the restrictions and follow guidance from local authorities while monitoring of the beach continues.
JAVEA ROTARY CLUB has announced plans for a special charity gala this September, bringing supporters together for an evening of food, fundraising and community spirit. The event will take place on Saturday, September 5, at the Marriott Hotel in Jesus Pobre, with proceeds going towards the club’s charitable projects. Guests will be welcomed from 7.30pm, before dinner gets underway at 8pm. Organisers are promising an evening centred on “sharing and celebrating,” while raising valuable funds to support the Rotary Club’s work in the community. A grand charity raffle will also form part of the night, giving guests another opportunity to contribute to the cau-
ses supported by the club. Tickets are priced at €65 per person, with reservations and further information available from organisers Andrea on 606 935 434 or Pepe on 651 850 647. The gala will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Alqueria Deferrando, providing a picturesque setting for one of the club’s upcoming fundraising events. Rotary Club Javea is part of the international Rotary network, which brings together volunteers to support humanitarian and community initiatives. The September gala will give local residents and supporters the chance to enjoy a night out while helping raise money for projects designed to make a difference locally and further afield.
Credit: Marriott
EL PORTET beach in Moraira has been temporarily closed to swimmers after authorities detected microbiological contamination in the water, prompting a precautionary safety measure during the busy summer season. The closure was introduced after routine water quality checks showed levels that did not meet the required standards for bathing. Local officials have advised residents and visitors to avoid entering the sea until further tests confirm that conditions are safe. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and will carry out additional analyses to determine whether the contamination has cleared. The beach will only reopen once water quality results meet health and safety requirements. El Portet is one of Moraira’s most popular coastal spots, attracting
Taking place at the Marriott Hotel in Jesus Pobre.
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Roof rider reported Credit: Facebook/PoliciaLocaleJavea
A DRIVER has been reported by police in Javea after being spotted travelling along a public road with another person sitting on the roof of the moving car. The extraordinary scene was detected by the Local Police in Javea, who warned that the behaviour posed a serious risk both to those involved and other road users. The person on the roof had no protection or restraint, leaving them dangerously exposed while the vehicle was moving. Sudden braking, a sharp turn or an unexpected manoeuvre could have caused them to fall into the road. Local Police subsequently reported the driver, describing the behaviour as a very serious traffic infringement. A local report also said the
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Police stunned as person travels on roof of car down busy road.
Credit: Facebook/PoliciaLocalDenia
Drone finds lost hikers
Local police used technology to search for the missing walkers.
A DAY out on one of the Costa Blanca’s most spectacular mountains took a worrying turn when two hikers became lost on Denia’s Montgó, prompting police to launch a search from both the ground and the air. The pair had been missing in the Montgó Natural Park since the morning of Sunday, August 9, when Denia Local Police’s Environmental Unit stepped in to help locate them. Faced with the mountain’s vast and rugged terrain, officers deployed a drone to scan the landscape from
above. The technology proved crucial, allowing police to pinpoint the hikers’ position much more quickly than would have been possible during a search on foot alone. Once their location had been established, officers made their way across the terrain to reach the pair and bring the operation to a safe conclusion. Police said the successful search demonstrated the value of combining specialist technology with officers’ knowledge of the Montgó, where difficult terrain can make loca-
ting lost walkers challenging. The incident has also prompted a reminder for anyone heading into the natural park to prepare carefully. Hikers are advised to plan their route in advance, carry enough drinking water and make sure their mobile phone is fully charged before setting off. With intense August temperatures adding another potential danger, walkers should also check weather conditions and any official restrictions before heading onto the mountain.
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motorist had been reported for an alleged offence of reckless driving. Police have not publicly identified the people involved, and there has been no indication that anyone was injured during the incident. Officers stressed that what might appear to be a bizarre stunt could have had far more serious consequences. A person travelling outside a vehicle has none of the protection offered by a seatbelt or the structure of the car, and a fall could also force other motorists into sudden evasive action. Police used the incident to remind motorists of the importance of responsible driving and warned that reckless behaviour on the road can have irreversible consequences.
FEATURE
12 13 - 19 August 2026
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New court success. Property recovery claim confirmed on appeal. Requirements. Land identification. Legal advice. IN this week’s article, we return to a case we covered previously. Four years ago, our firm successfully defended our clients against a property recovery claim, which was ultimately dismissed. Unhappy with the outcome, the claimant lodged an appeal. The Provincial Court of Alicante has now fully upheld the first instance ruling, which favored our clients and ordered the other party to pay the legal costs. The specific case: What was at stake? Two neighbouring plots in Benissa originated from the same parent property, split in 1978. A wall had separated the two properties ever since. The claimants argued that the physical surface area of their plot
was smaller than that recorded at the Land Registry. According to them, 46m² were missing. And they believed those meters were actually located within our client’s property. Our client had acquired his property in 1989, and had been using that same area, delimited by the same wall, ever since. In first instance, the Court of Denia dismissed the claim. It concluded that there was insufficient evidence to identify precisely where those disputed 46m² were located. What does the law require for a property recovery claim? Article 348 of the Spanish Civil Code grants the owner the right to reclaim property from whoever possesses it. Case law has set out the require-
ments that must be met: - The claimant must prove their ownership by means of a valid title. A sale deed, an inheritance deed, or any other document evidencing ownership of the property claimed. - The defendant must be in possession of the property claimed, without any title justifying it, or with a title of a lesser standing. - The property claimed must be perfectly identified. This is a crucial requirement. It is not enough to state that “meters are missing.” It must be proven exactly where they are, what their boundaries are, and that they form part of the property being claimed. Without strict compliance with these requirements, a
claim of this kind cannot succeed. The appeal ruling and the identification of the land claimed. The claimant decided to appeal the First Instance decision. The Provincial Court of Alicante’s ruling is clear: the identification of the property claimed was not conclusive. On one hand, the claimant’s plot bordered three other properties (besides our client’s) and it was never examined whether the alleged surface shortfall could be found in any of them. Furthermore, the historical Land Registry record of the parent property was never provided. Making it impossible to determine with certainty where the original boundary lay. For all these reasons, the first ins-
ABOGADOS / SOLICITORS
tance ruling was upheld, once again siding with our clients. You can read the full ruling by visiting our website. Conclusion. At White-Baos Lawyers, we specialise in real estate law and disputes over boundaries and property rights. If you are facing a similar claim or believe your rights as a property owner are being challenged, do not hesitate to contact us. We will study your case in detail and provide expert legal advice. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.
Carlos Baos (Lawyer) White & Baos. Tel: +34 966 426 185 - info@white-baos.com - White & Baos - All Rights Reserved.
14 13 - 19 August 2026
LOCAL NEWS
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MORE than 100 baby sea turtles have hatched on Denia’s beaches in one remarkable weekend for local wildlife, with scores making their first journey into the Mediterranean. The excitement began on Friday, August 7, when the first hatchling emerged from a nest amonitored by Denia’s Campamento Tortugua. Another 30 soon followed, with the first 31 transferred to Valencia’s Oceanogràfic for specialist care. A further 38 turtles from the nest were released into the sea, with divers capturing underwater footage of some beginning their new lives in the Mediterranean. But there was another surprise on the night of Satuday, August 8, when tiny turtles suddenly began appearing at Les Deveses from a previously undiscovered nest. After the alarm was raised, specialists from the University of Valencia’s Marine Zoology Unit and the Oceanogràfic joined the operation. A total of 80 hatchlings emerged from the hidden
nest. Of these, 10 were taken to the Oceanogràfic, while the remaining 70 were released directly into the sea. The discovery brings the number of sea turtle nests detected in Denia during the 2026 season to five. These extraordinary arrivals are another encouraging moment for turtle conservation on the Costa Blanca, with volunteers and marine specialists continuing to monitor the coastline during nesting season and help give the vulnerable hatchlings the best possible start.
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Fantastic wildlife feat.
Cooler classrooms Credit: Ajuntament de Benissa
Benissa set to invest €180,000.
OUR BUSINESS IS TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS THE BUSIEST BUSINESS IN TOWN.
Credit: FundacionOceanografic
Tiny turtles take-off
AS temperatures continue to climb across Spain, Benissa is investing €180,000 to improve air conditioning and climate control in its public schools before pupils return after the summer holidays. The Costa Blanca town will spend €60,000 on each of its three public education centres: CEIP Pare Melchor, CEIP Manuel Bru and IES Josep
Iborra. The aim is to create more comfortable learning environments for students and staff during increasingly hot weather. Rather than installing new systems without planning, the council first commissioned a technical study to assess the specific needs of each school. The findings will now be used to determine the most effective upgrades, with a focus on improving both comfort and energy efficiency. Education councillor Virginia Pérez said the investment responds to the needs identified by the schools and will help ensure classrooms are better prepared for the new academic year. Mayor Arturo Poquet said investing in education also means investing in the wellbeing of the town’s children and teachers, adding that adapting school buildings to modern climate conditions is becoming increasingly important. The project comes as schools across the Valencian Community face growing challenges from hotter summers. While regional funding is available for similar improvements, Benissa has committed significant municipal funding to speed up the work locally, helping ensure classrooms remain cooler and more suitable for learning in the years ahead.
SPANISH NEWS
A NEIGHBOURHOOD bar can keep the same sign, the same regulars and the same tortilla for years. But the person holding the keys is increasingly likely to have come from somewhere else. Foreign nationals now account for 25.5 per cent of Spain’s self-employed hospitality workers, effectively one in four, and their role is even larger among salaried staff, where they make up almost one in three. Barcelona offers the clearest glimpse of the change. A council survey of 999 bars and restaurants found that almost 44 per cent had an owner of foreign nationality. Chinese nationals alone represented 18.6 per cent, close to one in five, followed at some distance by Italians and Pakistanis. That does not mean every familiar Spanish
Credit: Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock
Change behind Spain’s bars
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Animal trafficking Photo credit: Vaxo/Shutterstock
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Police have detected increased animal trafficking. New figures reveal a quiet change behind the counter at Spain’s bars and restaurants.
bar is turning into a Chinese or foreign restaurant. Many new owners still retain the coffees, beers, local tapas and classic menu del dia that customers already know and love. Self-employment groups say foreign entrepreneurs are also helping to fill a growing succession gap as older owners retire and find it increasingly hard to pass
down their business to a generation uninterested in long hours, rising costs and tight margins. The figures require care though: Spain counts individual autonomos rather than establishments, and hospitality includes accommodation. Even so, a quiet changing of the guard is clearly taking place behind Spain’s bar counters.
SPAIN’S stretched animal shelters are facing a threat as police warn that puppies are being trafficked into the country for profit, with some allegedly arriving without health controls. The trade can leave buyers with sick animals and adds pressure to a welfare system already receiving hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats each year. Police have detected increased animal trafficking along the AP-7, with puppies reportedly brought from Eastern Europe and sold in Spain for higher prices. Breeds identified include chihuahuas, dachshunds, labradors and golden retrievers. The financial incentive is clear. A dog bought for around €100 can reportedly be sold for as much as €2,000. But authorities warn that bypassing veterinary safeguards can
create health risks. A puppy may appear healthy when sold but develop illness after reaching its home, leaving families facing distress and bills. Legal animal transport is possible when safeguards are followed; the concern is when controls are avoided. The warning comes as Fundación Affinity recorded 285,720 dogs and cats entering Spanish shelters during 2025, including 169,268 dogs. The figure includes lost and abandoned animals, highlighting pressure on Spain’s protection network. Authorities say buyers should check documentation, identification and veterinary history. A cheap puppy may seem like a bargain, but its cost can fall on the animal, the family and an already overloaded nationwide shelter system.
SPANISH NEWS Photo credit: neme_jimenez/shutterstock
16 13 - 19 August 2026
Ruined holidays MORE than 400 customers are seeking answers after claiming a travel agency in L’Escala, Girona, failed to provide holidays they had paid for, leaving some families thousands of euros out of pocket. Some customers say they paid more than €9,000 for trips that included flights, hotels and Disneyland Paris visits. The problem often became apparent only when departure dates approached. Families had already paid the agency in full but were still waiting for tickets and other travel documents. One custo-
mer who contacted her airline directly was reportedly told she was not the airline’s customer because the booking had been made through the travel agency. For parents, the financial uncertainty has been accompanied by a particularly painful emotional impact. Some holidays had been planned as Christmas or Three Kings presents, leaving children expecting their long-awaited Disneyland trip while their parents scrambled to discover whether the reservations existed.
Customers have connected through social media to compare experiences, establish how many bookings may be affected and work out how much money was paid. Individual losses reportedly range from thousands of euros to more than €9,000, while the total financial value of the disputed bookings has not yet been established. Customers continue seeking answers. The affected families now face the difficult task of recovering their savings while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
Caught red handed A 27-YEAR-OLD French national has been arrested in Salamanca after a witness allegedly spotted him attempting to start a fire while firefighters were already tackling several outbreaks nearby. Guardia Civil officers
detained the man near La Samasa, in Ledesma, where more than a dozen firefighting resources had been deployed. According to the reported account, the witness saw the man crouching be-
side the SA-305 and apparently trying to ignite another fire. Officers attended the location and arrested him while the firefighting operation was still under way. Authorities reportedly found him carrying pe-
trol and five lighters. The blaze near the road was brought under control at around 8pm, but investigators are now examining whether the suspect was responsible for that fire or any of the other outbreaks reported in the surrounding area. The man appeared before a judge and was placed in provisional custody. He reportedly gave evidence with the assistance of a translator. His detention does not amount to a conviction, and investigators must establish whether there is sufficient evidence connecting him to any deliberate ignition. Authorities are examining the witness statement, materials recovered by officers and evidence from the affected areas. Evidence will determine whether prosecutors can connect the suspect to nearby fires. Investigators must establish whether the evidence connects the detained man to one fire or several separate outbreaks. Photo credit: Branko Stojisavljevic/Shutterstock
Some customers say they paid more than €9,000.
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The man had five lighters and gasoline.
FEATURE
18 13 - 19 August 2026
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garage options are also available. Park-King can also take care of your car while you travel. Services include battery and tyre checks, while selected annual memberships include an exterior wash, meaning you can return from your trip to a freshly washed vehicle ready for the journey home. Customer feedback has also helped
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SPANISH NEWS
Cows of the Costa Photo credit: Vira Pogromska/Shutterstock
Credit: Orange Pictures / Shutterstock
Madrid showdown awaits SPAIN’S newly crowned world champions will welcome England to Madrid on Sunday, November 15, for a Nations League match that could decide which side reaches the quarter-finals. The game kicks off at 8.45pm at the Metropolitano and brings one of European football’s biggest rivalries back to Spain. England will have no shortage of motivation. Spain beat them 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, then returned from this summer’s World Cup as champions after defeating Argentina. No one needs reminding of how England exited this year’s World Cup. The Madrid fixture will be the countries’ second meeting in the group. England first host Spain at Wembley on September 26, before both teams face Croatia and Czechia home and way. The top two advan-
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The unexpected encounter becomes a holiday highlight.
Spain beat England 2-1 when the sides last met in the Euro 2024 final.
ce to the quarter-finals, while third place brings a relegation play-off. Tickets for Madrid are expected to go on sale from September through the Spanish federation’s official platform. Spain have yet to lose at the Metropolitano, where
they have scored 11 goals and conceded only once in three senior men’s internationals. After a World Cup staged across North America, Wembley and Madrid offer supporters a much closer chance to see both sides in person.
HOLIDAYMAKERS arriving at two of Cadiz’s most popular beaches are getting an unexpected encounter this summer, with cattle wandering through the coastal landscape. Visitors to Bolonia and Zahara de los Atunes have been stopping to watch and photograph Cadiz’s distinctive reddish-brown Retinto cattle as the animals move between the countryside and coastline. For tourists expecting nothing more than sun, sea and sand, the sight of cattle near the beach can come as a genuine surprise. For locals, however, the animals are part of everyday life. Retinto cattle have been raised in Cadiz for generations and continue to graze extensively across the province, particularly around La Janda and the Costa de la Luz. The breed is highly adapted to Andalucia’s hot,
dry conditions and is also prized for its beef. The unusual beach encounters highlight what makes this stretch of Cadiz different from heavily developed resorts. Here, dunes, farmland, livestock and beaches remain closely connected, allowing visitors to see a traditional way of life alongside modern tourism. Beachgoers are advised to keep their distance, avoid touching or feeding the cattle and never approach calves. Although generally calm, the animals remain powerful livestock and can react unpredictably, particularly when protecting their young. For many visitors, the unexpected encounter becomes a holiday highlight, offering a glimpse of a Cadiz that cannot be found in a typical tourist brochure.
SPANISH NEWS
Feria ride horror Credit: accem / Shutterstock
and were taken to Hospital de Vic. Later updates said their injuries were not life-threatening. Three other youngsters were also taken to hospital, while four people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Ambulances, firefighters and police rushed to the fairground, where the ride was sealed for technical checks and the remaining attractions were closed. Investigators are now trying to
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Jellyfish invasion
The spinning attraction was sealed after nine people were injured in Tona.
A FINAL night at Tona’s summer feria turned frightening when a door opened on a fairground ride while its tilted platform was still spinning. The accident happened shortly before midnight on Tuesday, August 4. Several young riders were reportedly flung from the Disco Show attraction, leaving nine people injured, eight of them children. Two girls, aged 12 and 14, suffered fractures
13 - 19 August 2026
establish why the door opened. Fairground rides are a familiar part of Spain’s summer fiestas, especially for children and teenagers. Nothing reported so far points to a wider safety problem, and accidents of this kind are not commonplace. Even so, some families may find themselves checking the safety bar or closed door a little more carefully the next time the music starts and a ride begins to spin.
Credit: Instagram/Ivancl_
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MORE than 120 people were stung in a single day on Tuesday, August 4, after an invasion of Portuguese man o’ war forced the temporary closure of several beaches along Spain’s Basque coast. Red flags were raised at San Sebastian’s famous beaches, including La Concha, Ondarreta and Zurriola, after lifeguards spotted large numbers of the venomous marine creatures drifting close to shore. The Portuguese man o’ war, often mistaken for jellyfish but considerably more dangerous, can deliver extreMore than 120 people stung in one day. mely painful stings through its long tentacles, which remain dangerous even after the animal has washed up on the beach. which have carried the floating organisms Most of the injuries reported were treated towards the coastline. by lifeguards and were not considered seAuthorities say sea temperatures of around rious. However, earlier the same week one 24.8C have helped the creatures survive close regular swimmer was taken to hospital after to shore. suffering multiple stings near Getaria, while Beachgoers are being urged not to touch another woman required ambulance treat- Portuguese man o’ war, even if they appear ment after being stung at Zarautz. dead on the sand, as their tentacles can still inExperts believe the sudden influx has been ject venom. Anyone who is stung should leave caused by persistent north-easterly winds the water immediately and seek help from liand unusually warm sea temperatures, feguards or emergency services.
FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
Give us all a break LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT WHAT on earth is going on with the British police force? They continually gripe about being undermanned and ill equipped. They moan about being so weighed down with work they have been forced to downgrade ‘risk assessment’ of crimes to a ridiculous level and are constantly moaning that they simply ‘can’t cope’ with the latest crime figures. As legitimate as these claims may be, our precious plod does seem to find the time to, dance around maypoles, thread their boots with rainbow laces and appear in a whole host of police reality programmes! Well, whereas laces and prancing about may not be very time consuming, I can assure you reality programs most certainly are. There are SEVEN cop shows running at the moment, from cops in the sky to the most recent, which concerns seizing criminal’s assets. (Scraping the barrel comes
to mind!). Well, I’ve done a number of reality programmes (including a few I would rather forget!) And I can assure you they take forever. Every five minutes you see on the screen can take hours to shoot. The retakes alone can be unbelievably time consuming. How can these ‘overworked’, rushed-off-their-feet officers of the law possibly find the time to be ‘reality stars’? Another thing these shows are inclined to do is eat into the respect the public should hold for its upholders of law and order. Any aura of mystique or invincibility is stripped away by these programmes, which often show the utter contempt a small number of individuals have for the upholders of law and order. With the wide publicity television creates, public order and criminal acts are then copied by other members of toe rag society, who would normally be wary of the unknown outcome their actions could bring. No, I’m sorry but respect for the law is obtained by solving crime and putting away the bad guys, not strutting around like jumped up, ego tripping
American TV robo cops. Let’s all get back to the true reality. The fact that glamourising the police doesn’t do one iota toward rooting out criminals. Posing on telly and signing autographs simply doesn’t hack it. It’s time the powers that be put a complete ban on all cop reality shows. Let’s restrict their TV appearances to announcements of successful conclusions to crime investigations. Now that’s the way to earn respect. I don’t know about you but I am also heartily sick of this entire ‘touchy-feely’ syndrome that seems to have crept into British sport. Even cricket which used to be such a wonderful stiff upper lip occasion now sees batsmen hurrying up to each other and touching fists after a particularly good shot. Doubles at tennis is another example of this ridiculous habit. In fact, they still fist each other when they actually lose a point. All this coupled with the orgasmic grunts just about sums up the whole caboodle of our modern. self-subsidising players. For heaven’s sake, give us all a break. Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
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Madrid Grand Prix Credit: Motorsport Photography F1
22 13 - 19 August 2026
Madrid’s new Madring circuit will stage its inaugural Formula 1 weekend from September 11 to 13.
AT 3pm on Sunday, September 13, the finish line is due to be crossed at Madrid’s newest sporting attraction. Formula 1 will race at Madring for the first time, bringing the Spanish Grand Prix to a 5.4-kilometre circuit built around IFEMA and Valdebebas. The weekend begins on Friday September 11, with Formula 1 practice at 1.30pm and 5pm. A final practice session follows at 12.30pm on Saturday, before qualifying at 4pm. Formula 2 and Formula 3 will fill much of the space between the main sessions, with their own practice, qualifying and races spread across the weekend. The new circuit mixes permanent sections with public roads and contains 22 corners. Its showpiece is La Monumental, an almost 550-metre banked curve expected to be surrounded by tens of thousands of spectators. Anyone attending should plan around public transport as organisers say there will be no general parking at the circuit. Metro Line 8 stops at Feria de Madrid, while the C1 Cercanías train serves Valdebebas. Before the Grand Prix arrives, Formula 3 cars will test the track on August 24 and 25 as part of its final operational and safety preparations.
SPANISH LIVING
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Beating the heat
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Tourism shopping
Photo credit: Ahmet Misirligul/Shutterstock Photo credit: No-Mad/Shutterstock
AS another spell of intense heat grips Spain, many residents say surviving the summer isn’t about enduring the weather, it’s about changing the way you live. Readers from across the country have shared the small adjustments that help them cope when temperatures soar. For many, the day now starts earlier, with shopping, exercise and household chores finished before the midday sun makes being outdoors uncomfortable. Evenings have become the new time for socialising, while afternoons are increasingly spent indoors. Keeping homes cool is another priority. Closing shutters before the sun reaches the windows, creating airflow with fans and avoiding unnecessary cooking during the hottest part of the day are among the most common strategies. Others have found inventive alternatives to air conditioning, from placing bowls of ice in front of fans to using porta-
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It does not mean tourists have stopped using restaurants.
Keeping homes cool is a priority.
ble cooling devices or sleeping on cooling mattress toppers. Food habits are changing too. Cold soups, chilled fruit and frozen snacks have replaced heavier meals, while many readers say staying hydrated is their biggest priority. Others argue that warm drinks help the body
regulate temperature more effectively than iced beverages. The experiences show that there is no single solution to Spain’s summer heat. Instead, it’s a combination of simple habits that allows people to carry on with daily life until temperatures finally begin to ease.
SPAIN’S tourism industry is attracting record numbers of visitors, but holidaymakers are increasingly changing how they spend their money once they arrive. Travel agencies are reporting a rise in the so-called “supermarket tourist”, with more visitors buying groceries and preparing meals themselves instead of eating out throughout their holidays. The change is particularly noticeable as accommodation, restaurants and activities become more expensive. Families and other travellers are increasingly dividing their budgets carefully, spending on flights, accommodation and experiences while cutting everyday food costs. Apartments and holiday homes with kitchens make self-catering an easier option. It does not mean tourists have stopped using restaurants altogether. Instead, many
are becoming more selective, eating out on some days while preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner themselves on others. For some visitors, buying Spanish ingredients and cooking in their accommodation has also become part of the holiday experience. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, are among the destinations where the change is particularly visible. The shift matters because supermarket spending benefits the local economy differently from spending in restaurants, bars and smaller tourism businesses. Spain continues to attract millions of visitors, but arrival numbers alone no longer tell the whole story. Restaurants and other tourism businesses will be watching closely as changing spending habits affect their summer incomes.
EUROPRESS
Italy after dark
Skydiver misses mark Credit:Brarm / Shutterstock.com
ITALY is testing extended evening hours at three major sites, hoping cooler nights and thinner crowds will improve the visitor experience. From August, Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon, along with Milan’s Castello Sforzesco, are staying open well past their usual closing times for a month-long pilot backed by the Culture and Tourism Ministries and the City of Milan. The Colosseum welcomes visitors on Fridays and Saturdays from 7.45pm to 11.30pm. The Pantheon opens nightly from 7pm to 11pm, except Thursdays. In Milan, Castello Sforzesco now closes at 7.30pm, two hours later than normal. Discounted tickets are available for the Museum of Ancient Art, Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pieta, and the Passione e Disegno exhibition,
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Credit:Goaheadeagles/FB
24 13 - 19 August 2026
Colosseum by night.
which spans works from Leonardo da Vinci to Keith Haring. Officials say the scheme reflects culture’s growing pull on tourists. It became Italy’s top reason for visiting in 2026, up from seventh place a decade ago, and now underpins €58 billion in visitor spending. Milan’s museums have seen a si-
milar rise, with annual visits climbing from 1.3 million in 2019 to 1.7 million. No decision has been made on whether the later hours will continue past August. Ministers will assess the trial’s success before considering a wider rollout to other heritage sites across Italy.
An interesting start to the match.
THOUSANDS of supporters gathered at De Adelaarshorst Stadium in Deventer for the opening weekend of the new Eredivisie season, but a dramatic pre-match incident stole the spotlight before a ball had been kicked. Ahead of the match between Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II, organisers arranged for a team of skydivers to deliver the match ball as part of the entertainment. However, one parachutist drifted off course during his descent. Instead of landing near the centre of the pitch, he headed towards one end of the stadium and was unable to regain control. The skydiver crashed into the goal structure and advertising boards surrounding the field, prompting audible gasps from supporters. For
a brief moment, many feared he had been seriously injured. As concern spread around the stadium, one television commentator remarked: “The first injury of the season is a fact, not of a player, but a parachutist.” Fortunately, the fears proved unfounded. Moments after the collision, the parachutist got back to his feet and raised his arms to the crowd, drawing cheers and applause from relieved fans. Footage of the incident quickly spread across social media, where football supporters reacted with a mixture of sympathy and humour. “I felt that. Damn,” wrote one viewer, while another commented: “Oof, that didn’t go quite as planned.” One fan joked: “There is such a big goal and you miss that too.”
FINANCE Ryanair sued
A TOTAL of 262 pilots have sued Ryanair for owed holiday pay. Ryanair often contract pilots through recruitment agencies, and argue independent pilots’ sick or holiday pay isn’t their responsibility. The lawsuit comes after Ryanair’s share price drops 16.52 per cent, as climbing fuel prices and slumping demand affect profits.
Streaming profits
SPOTIFY has recorded a net profit of €545 million in the second quarter of 2026, recovering losses of €86 million recorded in the previous fiscal year. Revenue increased 14 per cent to €4.7 billion, €4.3 billion of which came from paid “premium” subscriptions.
Preloved wedding
SECOND-HAND shopping is becoming increasingly popular, even for weddings. New data from Vinted shows searches for second-hand bridesmaid dresses are up 17 per cent. Many are trying to cut costs by buying pre-loved dresses, otherwise bridesmaids end up spending between £250 to £499 on the special day.
Heat losses
MORE than personal discomfort, frequent heatwaves can have a real effect on a country’s economy. According to Allianz Research, heat waves could reduce Spain’s GDP by 1.4 per cent. The loss is largely due to decreased productivity and increased pressure on infrastructure.
Reservations
INTERNATIONAL residents are expected to have empty stomachs and full wallets this August. Analysis by TheFork predicts tourists will account for 28 per cent of all restaurant reservations throughout the month. Comparatively, national tourism is expected to make up just 4 per cent.
euroweeklynews.com • 13 - 19 August 2026
STAT OF WEEK
Total spending by international tourists visiting Spain in June increased by 4.0 per cent, reaching €13.579 billion. Average daily spending rose by 0.7 per cent to €211, according to INE.
Exports hit all-time high ANDALUCIA has posted a new export record for the first five months of 2026, reaching €19 billion, up 3.8 per cent on the previous year. Malaga province set its own record with a 9.1 per cent increase, giving the Costa del Sol a strong boost to the regional figures. Spain as a whole recorded growth of just 1.3 per cent over the same period, leaving Andalucia well ahead. The region ended the period with a trade surplus of €900 million, while the national balance remained in deficit. Vegetables led exports at €2 billion, rising 15.7 per cent. Mineral fuels and the mining sector also performed strongly, with mining exports surging 80.2 per cent. Aeronautics increased 36.9 per cent to more than €1 billion, highlighting continued strength in high-value industry.
Airbus in Sevilla.
Germany remained the biggest export market at €2.5 billion, up 14.7 per cent. France, Italy and Portugal also recorded healthy growth, while exports to China jumped 64 per cent, opening new opportunities for Andalucian goods. Almeria and Cordoba joined Malaga in setting provincial export records, spreading growth across the region. Although Sevilla still handled the largest export volume, broader growth is creating
Social media sales SOCIAL MEDIA has changed almost every aspect of daily life, including purchasing habits. With the rise of social media came the demise of traditional marketing strategies - billboards, print ads, television adverts. Instead brands reach consumers where they’re at: online. It is estimated that European brands spend €35.5 billion a year on social media advertising, according to IAB Europe’s
Energy battle Credit: Junta
BUSINESS EXTRA
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AdEx Benchmark Report. And one of their biggest demographics is teenagers and children, who almost use social media as a step-by-step guide on what to buy. Approximately 54 per cent of youths aged 12 to 15 find what they want to buy through social media. Another 24 per cent frequently watch unboxing or product review videos. But how will this marketing strategy, and consequently annual sales, change
opportunities for more businesses to expand. Stronger exports are expected to support jobs in logistics, aviation, food production and engineering. Firm demand across Europe, together with rising exports to China, underlines the appeal of Andalucian products. Officials monitor the figures through Andalucia Trade and the national trade ministry, with the latest results providing further confidence in the regional economy. Credit: Basilico Studio Stock/ Shutterstock
Teenagers use social media to figure out what to buy.
as governments across Europe take steps to limit under-16s social media use? Experts predict toys, fashion and beauty sectors to be the most impacted.
Crop crisis
Tax the banks
Purchasing
THE weekly grocery bill is set to get even more expensive, as farmers across Europe warn of a slump in food production. Extreme heat, wildfires and drought have all impacted the annual harvest, leading the EU to cut harvest predictions by 7 per cent. In Spain, it is expected the cereal crop will drop from 24 million tonnes to less than 18.5 million tonnes. Olive groves have been amongst the hardest hit, once again driving olive oil price rises.
AS Prime Minister Andy Burnham looks to tackle the cost of living crisis, there has been renewed demand to tax UK banks to help fund his agenda. The outcry also comes off the back of the UK’s biggest banks raking in a collective £29.2 billion in profit in the first half of 2026. Campaigners believe a windfall tax on this lucrative banking business could raise £19 billion, which would go towards the government’s October budget.
A BIGGER pay packet does not always mean a better standard of living. Across Europe, purchasing power offers a clearer picture of what minimum wage earners can actually afford once living costs are taken into account. While Luxembourg still tops the rankings for nominal pay, Spain performs far better when adjusted for purchasing power. It sits alongside France, Slovenia and Poland, with minimum wages worth more than 1,500 purchasing power standards (PPS). Findings from Eurostat highlight how lower living costs can boost workers’ spending power, proving that headline salaries alone do not tell the full story.
SPANISH supermarkets have declared war on the energy drink business. Two of Spain’s biggest chains - Carrefour and Mercadona - are taking advantage of the demand to sell their own branded beverages 40 per cent cheaper than Coca-Cola’s Monster, the most popular brand on the market. Energy drinks are big businesses. Annual sales grew 38 per cent in the last four years, reaching €298 million in 2025 with Spaniards buying approximately 105 million litres. However, new age restrictions could cut into profits.
Lease increase LEASING companies in Spain have invested heavily to expand fleets, spending €5.8 billion since January 2026. According to AER data, 235,388 new vehicles have been registered by leasing companies, 10.2 per cent more than in 2025. Strong investment is a positive sign of high demand. In fact, leasing a car is becoming a popular alternative to personal vehicle ownership, accounting for approximately 26.5 per cent of registered vehicles on the road.
Poetry boom THE hype around Christopher Nolan’s newest blockbuster, The Odyssey, has breached the Box Office, helping UK poetry sales reach record highs. After leaving the cinema, many movie-goers are seemingly heading to the bookshop. So far in 2026, poetry sales have increased by 13.3 per cent to £8 million. If momentum continues, sales could reach £17 million by the end of the year. UK print sales for the Odyssey increased by 1,400 per cent after the film’s release.
FINANCE
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Closing Prices 10 August
Net
3I Group.....................................2.847,00............2.877,00......... 2.835,00......... 223,21K Admiral Group............................3.943,80............3.962,00......... 3.884,00......... 111,67K Airtel Africa................................. 328,52................332,2............... 325............. 368,69K Anglo American..........................4.005,00............4.018,00......... 3.950,00......... 366,19K Antofagasta................................3.994,00............4.001,00......... 3.931,00......... 175,28K Associated British Foods............2.103,00............2.127,00......... 2.097,00.......... 76,56K AstraZeneca..............................12.012,40..........12.096,00....... 11.898,00........ 536,86K Auto Trader Group Plc................. 518,8.................520,4..............512,6........... 284,25K Aviva............................................ 715,6.................715,8..............706,4........... 817,15K B M European Value Retail........... 234,4...................236................. 232............. 261,71K BAE Systems..............................2.231,00............2.249,00......... 2.201,00.......... 845,3K Barclays....................................... 521,7...................522................514,5.............5,52M Barratt Redrow............................. 318,4.................319,1..............316,1.............3,93M Beazley.......................................1.292,00............1.295,50......... 1.291,00.......... 620,9K Berkeley.....................................3.574,00............3.574,00......... 3.492,00.......... 17,53K BP................................................ 519,6.................526,8..............518,3.............4,01M British American Tobacco..........4.446,00............4.454,00......... 4.341,00......... 258,07K BT Group..................................... 197,9.................200,8............... 197...............3,34M Bunzl..........................................2.860,00............2.860,00......... 2.826,00.......... 80,66K Centrica..........................................153..................154,3..............152,1.............1,74M Coca Cola HBC AG.....................4.992,00............5.000,00......... 4.898,00.......... 65,91K Compass....................................... 32,4..................32,64..............32,19........... 152,76K ConvaTec Group............................233..................233,6..............226,4.............1,84M Croda Intl...................................3.304,00............3.340,00......... 3.276,00.......... 62,81K DCC............................................6.375,00............6.380,00......... 6.370,00.......... 22,38K Diageo........................................1.792,60............1.800,00......... 1.717,50...........2,02M Diploma.....................................7.740,00............7.740,00......... 7.655,00......... 148,28K EasyJet......................................... 667,2...................674...............665,74............6,64M Entain.............................................537....................540................531,8........... 383,06K Experian.....................................2.854,00............2.859,00......... 2.821,00......... 848,45K F&C Invest.....................................344..................344,4..............342,8........... 240,54K Flutter Entertainment..................7.588,00............7.718,00......... 7.536,00...............0 Frasers...........................................811....................825................. 804............... 3,35K Fresnillo.....................................2.889,00............2.913,00......... 2.803,00......... 336,98K Glencore....................................... 560,2................568,55.............558,8.............4,33M GSK plc......................................1.962,50............1.970,50......... 1.931,00...........1,11M HALEON....................................... 372,1.................372,1............... 369...............1,79M Halma.........................................3.832,00............3.832,00......... 3.762,00.......... 66,56K Hikma Pharma...........................1.712,00............1.717,00......... 1.671,00......... 167,56K Hiscox........................................1.833,20............1.838,00......... 1.804,00.......... 215,9K Howden Joinery.............................834..................835,5..............827,5............ 39,22K HSBC.........................................1.535,80............1.536,80......... 1.519,60...........4,37M IAG............................................... 444,6.................445,1..............439,1.............1,98M ICG PLC.....................................2.030,00............2.032,00......... 2.012,00.......... 67,82K IMI PLC......................................3.126,00............3.138,00......... 3.100,00......... 178,42K Imperial Brands..........................2.788,00............2.788,00......... 2.750,00......... 214,57K Informa........................................ 903,4.................908,4............... 899............. 282,08K InterContinental........................... 158,1.................158,4..............156,4............ 32,81K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
Intertek.......................................5.835,00............5.840,00......... 5.835,00.......... 26,91K J Sainsbury.................................. 351,6.................353,3.............349,79.......... 551,03K JD Sports Fashion........................ 95,06.................95,42..............93,48.............3,38M Kingfisher..................................... 327,1.................327,1..............322,4........... 437,45K Land Securities............................ 711,5.................712,5............... 706............. 388,24K Legal & General.......................... 315,92..................316................308,8.............4,53M Lloyds Banking............................ 115,9...................116...............113,95...........22,75M London Stock Exchange.............8.972,00............8.978,00......... 8.718,00......... 264,98K Londonmetric Property................ 194,4.................195,9..............192,5.............1,51M M&G............................................ 365,6.................365,7..............360,9........... 531,01K Marks & Spencer........................ 405,75................407,7..............402,4.............1,28M Melrose Industries....................... 480,9.................482,9............... 476............. 371,38K Mondi........................................... 906,8...................927................902,6............ 57,19K National Grid..............................1.194,71............1.196,25......... 1.183,00............1,3M NatWest Group..............................717..................717,6..............704,2.............2,94M Next..........................................15.805,00..........15.820,00....... 15.625,00......... 29,81K Pearson......................................1.225,50............1.238,50......... 1.224,50......... 147,45K Pershing Square........................3.920,00............3.938,00......... 3.888,00.......... 49,08K Persimmon................................1.143,00............1.151,70......... 1.133,00......... 464,54K Prudential...................................1.052,00............1.053,00......... 1.023,50...........1,13M Reckitt Benckiser.......................5.284,00............5.288,00......... 5.242,00......... 149,29K Relx............................................2.614,50............2.638,00......... 2.588,00......... 876,29K Rentokil....................................... 359,05................360,2.............355,23............6,63M Rightmove................................... 476,4.................478,9.............468,35.......... 521,13K Rio Tinto PLC.............................7.455,00............7.515,00......... 7.439,00.......... 313,7K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.546,40............1.550,40......... 1.526,20...........1,44M Sage...........................................1.036,50............1.046,94......... 1.021,50......... 512,94K Schroders.................................... 583,5...................584................. 583............. 145,95K Scottish Mortgage......................1.377,00............1.378,00......... 1.365,00......... 294,17K Segro.............................................964..................965,8..............953,6........... 567,93K Severn Trent..............................3.106,00............3.112,00......... 3.080,00.......... 36,16K Shell...........................................3.294,00............3.330,00......... 3.283,00.......... 895,3K Smith & Nephew........................1.110,00............1.110,50......... 1.098,00......... 827,51K Smiths Group.............................2.717,00............2.717,05......... 2.691,00......... 192,92K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........7.489,70............7.495,00......... 7.369,50.......... 47,75K SSE............................................2.368,00............2.383,00......... 2.357,00......... 202,18K Standard Chartered....................2.216,00............2.216,00......... 2.187,00......... 432,03K Standard Life................................ 941,5.................941,5..............927,5........... 252,46K Taylor Wimpey............................. 83,14.................83,96..............82,94.............2,61M Tesco........................................... 471,9................475,51.............470,1.............2,93M Unilever......................................4.697,00............4.703,50......... 4.659,50............412K Unite..............................................537....................537................. 532............. 194,41K United Utilities............................1.423,00............1.427,00......... 1.410,00......... 127,52K Vistry Group................................. 275,2.................281,6..............272,2........... 237,99K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 119,85................120,2.............118,65...........13,65M Weir Group................................2.702,00............2.704,00......... 2.682,00.......... 71,91K Whitbread..................................2.510,00............2.523,00......... 2.490,30........... 48,4K WPP............................................. 393,3...................396................379,7.............2,56M
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 180,71................183,5.............179,46............2,55M Amazon.com............................... 272,26...............275,48............271,06...........30,67M American Express........................ 342,6...................350...............342,07............2,77M Amgen........................................ 404,85................418,4..............401,2.............2,61M Apple........................................... 312,41...............316,29............309,23...........46,14M Boeing......................................... 232,19...............240,37............231,33............7,13M Caterpillar.................................... 856,96...............879,33............856,96.............2,9M Chevron...................................... 189,23...............189,78............187,02............7,18M Cisco........................................... 120,88...............122,19.............119,9............14,05M Coca-Cola..................................... 86,85.................87,97..............86,42............13,57M Goldman Sachs..........................1.032,58............1.068,04......... 1.030,78...........1,73M Home Depot................................ 349,52...............353,55............347,51............2,62M Honeywell................................... 240,74..................250...............239,93............5,04M IBM............................................. 233,43...............234,47............228,44............4,25M J&J............................................. 256,98...............262,11............255,28............6,93M JPMorgan.................................... 356,3................362,81............354,95............5,82M McDonald’s................................. 276,26...............276,83............271,76............4,21M Merck&Co................................... 128,37...............131,08.............127,8.............7,05M Microsoft.................................... 499,86...............501,56............488,52...........36,44M Nike.................................................42...................42,64..............41,85............18,15M NVIDIA........................................ 218,99...............223,63.............. 217.............113,94M P&G............................................ 146,97................148,5.............145,45............8,77M Salesforce Inc............................. 186,77...............187,02.............. 183...............13,3M Sherwin-Williams........................ 363,42...............371,53............362,13............1,88M The Travelers.................................386.................386,59............382,25............1,48M UnitedHealth............................... 403,97...............416,97.............402,4.............4,71M Verizon......................................... 46,99.................47,48..............46,58.............24,3M Visa A.......................................... 370,47................371,1.............365,25............5,02M Walmart...................................... 112,07...............114,56............111,04............23,2M Walt Disney................................. 104,68...............104,73............102,52...........14,05M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 10 August
Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced TEN Holdings.................................................. 252,20 %........................68,98M Wing Yip Food Holdings ADR......................... 194,28 %........................57,78M ClearOne......................................................... 166,30 %........................69,45M Creative Medical Tech Holdings....................... 71,92 %.........................272,9M Gauzy............................................................... 67,81 %........................234,25M Autozi Internet Technology.............................. 58,42 %.........................69,98M Zenta................................................................ 47,79 %..........................2,32M Wearable Devices............................................. 46,71 %..........................8,29M Surgepays........................................................ 45,66 %.........................273,8M Ensysce Biosciences........................................ 44,83 %........................498,05M Iovance Biotherapeutics................................... 43,09 %.........................73,43M Honest Company.............................................. 40,78 %..........................20,1M Paranovus Entertainment Tech........................ 40,12 %.........................31,36M Insmed............................................................. 33,86 %.........................12,04M Oportun Financial............................................. 32,84 %..........................2,45M Hertz Global Holdings...................................... 29,49 %........................155,82M Paysign............................................................ 29,30 %..........................3,33M Aeva Technologies........................................... 28,81 %..........................8,43M 5E Advanced Materials..................................... 27,94 %........................630,33K M - Million Dollars
Company Change Net / % Volume Most Declined YXT.Com Holding ADR....................................-66,07 %..........................3,25M ThredUp...........................................................-50,48 %.........................22,34M Vsee Health......................................................-39,84 %..........................5,75M BillionToOne.....................................................-38,89 %..........................3,75M Recon Technology...........................................-34,12 %..........................81,6M Biovie...............................................................-33,82 %..........................8,78M Commerce.com................................................-31,96 %..........................6,09M XCHG Ltd ADR.................................................-30,26 %.........................15,46M LegalZoom.com...............................................-30,00 %.........................13,06M Inseego............................................................-28,60 %..........................1,93M Olenox Industries.............................................-27,93 %........................157,54K biote Corp........................................................-27,88 %........................704,97K Context Therapeutics.......................................-27,27 %..........................4,34M Reitar Logtech Holdings...................................-26,72 %.........................27,12M Akebia Ther......................................................-26,05 %.........................17,69M Tripadvisor.......................................................-25,52 %.........................11,26M AiRWA.............................................................-25,51 %.........................58,74M Advantage Solutions........................................-23,26 %........................305,44K Honeywell Aerospace.......................................-23,16 %.........................20,63M M - Million Dollars
Photo Credit:
lash
k ndary roc gines lege a im re o n rand pia A single g Calpe. in s m anthe powerful, high-energy interpretations of songs genre-spanning journey by U2, Muse, Radiohead, across several generations Coldplay, and Imagine of legendary hard and Dragons. alternative rock. The ‘Rock Piano’ The show’s programme show is set to take includes records from place on Wednesday, rock legends like AC/ August 19, at 9.00pm at DC, Pink Floyd, The the Casa de Cultura’s Beatles, The Doors, and auditorium. Tickets for The Police, alongside the event are available grunge and heavy metal for purchase online classics from Nirvana and through the official Metallica. Fans of modern organiser website at stadium rock and indie underthetree.es. music will also recognise
Groovy gathering TEULADA-MORAIRA is preparing to go back in time for a night of peace, love, and hit vintage tunes at the Flower Power Party, set on the atmospheric esplanade beside Moraira Castle. Doors will open at 8.00pm and the celebration will run until 3.00am, giving guests a full evening, from golden-hour views over the Mediterranean to groovy dancing under the stars. True to its name, the party is a fullthrottle tribute to the sounds of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, with talented local favourite Toño DJ behind the decks spinning classics that promise to fill the night air with flower crowns, tie-dye, and plenty of nostalgia. Attendees can experience an eclectic, feel-good soundtrack built for singing along and dancing barefoot in the summer air, the kind of set that bridges generations, appealing both to those who lived through the originals and younger visitors discovering them for the first time in equal measure. Not only will the event be a fun and community-led way to experience these
Photo Credit: Dustin Tramel / Unsplash
MUSIC lovers in Calpe are gearing up for an extraordinary evening as the vibrant ‘Rock Piano’ show takes centre stage at the Auditorio de la Casa de Cultura in mid-August. Organised by Under the Tree in collaboration with the local Council of Culture, this live concert will bridge the gap between classical genres and a high-energy rock performance. The premise of ‘Rock Piano’ sounds simple, but will be captivating to experience: a single grand piano will replay the strikingly powerful melodies of some of history’s greatest rock anthems, showcasing the rhythmic force of these famed songs. During the show, attendees can enjoy a
iel / Unsp Claude Gabr
Moraira hosts a retro Flower Power party supporting local cancer patients. golden eras for music, the Flower Power Party will also have a charitable spirit behind it. The event will act as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Junta Vecinal Cap D’Or Moraira in support of the Asociación Teulada Moraira Contra el Cáncer, the town’s association dedicated to helping those in the community affected by cancer.
Dynamic dance AN artistic, open-air treat in Javea is preparing to blow culture and dance enthusiasts away. The award-winning contemporary dance piece ‘Dummies’ is arriving at the David Ferrer Tennis Player Promenade at Playa Arenal in the municipality, a performance that will be completely free to the public and offer locals and visitors the unique opportunity to experience high-calibre performing arts in the charming Mediterranean coastal town. Taking place on Saturday, August 15, at 9.00pm, this 21-minute performance is organised as part of the ManIAC Fest 2026 and was specifically crafted for urban environments, transforming public promenades, squares, and streets into dynamic, open stages. The actual show is a duet that delves deep into the theme of human connection. Through an expressive,
Photo Credit: Institut Alacantí de Cultura Juan Gil-Albert
Piano power
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Award-winning contemporary dance show Dummies performs free in Javea. vulnerable, and physically demanding performance, the talented dancers will navigate themes of discovery, frustration, imperfection, and the search for balance between two meeting bodies. The performance is set to take place on Saturday, August 15, starting promptly at 9.00pm on the David Ferrer Tennis Player Promenade along Playa Arenal in Javea.
Admission to the event is completely free with open access until capacity is reached. Combining seaside views with world-class choreography, this short show offers an ideal cultural stop for anyone enjoying a warm August evening on the Costa Blanca and looking to experience a breathtaking display of culture and dance prowess from two international talents.
SOCIALSCENE II euroweeklynews.com
13 - 19 August 2026
Coffee & community THOSE looking for a meaningful way to spend a weekend morning on the Costa Blanca while contributing to a good cause are in luck: Las Reinas del Biberón, a dedicated local animal rescue association, has invited residents and visitors alike to La Casa de las Reinas in El Campello for their Biberdesayuno Solidario, or Charity Breakfast community event. To be held on Saturday, August 15 from 10.00am to 12.00pm, this heartwarming community initiative combines local hospitality with animal welfare advocacy. During this event, visitors will be able to pop in for a fresh cup of coffee and morning pastries in a warm, welcoming environment, and make a pay-whatyou-wish donation upon arrival.
ristopher
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Yiu Chung
/ Unsplash
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Every donation contributes directly to the animal-saving work done at the Las Reinas del Biberón organisation, specialising in rescuing, hand-rearing, and fostering abandoned puppies and vulnerable animals that require special care before finding their permanent homes. The event will take
place at La Casa de las Reinas, located at Calle Fra Juan Tensa, 29, in El Campello. Whether you are a long-time resident of the Alicante area or visiting the coast for the weekend, taking part in a Biberdesayuno Solidario offers an effortless, enjoyable way to support vital animal rescue work, one coffee at a time.
Photo Credit: Teulada-Moraira Tourism
Sensational sounds
Moraira hosts the Voramar Street Music Festival with open-air concerts.
IN August, the charming coastal town of Moraira comes alive with sound during the annual Voramar Street Music Festival, an event designed to bring cultural open-air entertainment to residents and summer visitors alike. This vibrant series of concerts will transform the town’s picturesque streets, historic squares, and seaside avenues into an accessible stage for diverse, local musical talent. Held every August on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday evenings, the festival offers an eclectic lineup that spans a wide range of genres, ensuring there is something for every musical preference. From the lively rhythms of Dixieland and tropical steelpan bands to soul, latin jazz, swing,
and contemporary saxophone ensembles, the performances will each represent a rich variety of artistic styles. The Voramar Street Music Festival is particularly special due to its intimate, open-air setting. Rather than taking place in traditional indoor venues, concerts are hosted in special gathering points throughout Moraira. Highlights include performances at the Plaza de la Iglesia, the bustling Calle Dr. Calatayud, Calle La Mar, Avenida de la Paz, and Plaza La Sort. These iconic, idyllic locations in the municipality will allow spectators to enjoy live acoustic and amplified sets framed by the Mediterranean evening breeze, traditional coastal architecture, and Moraira’s vibrant dining scene.
EWN 29
euroweeklynews.com II SOCIALSCENE Photo Credit: Denia Town Hall
30 EWN 13 - 19 August 2026
Denia celebrates its historic Moors and Christians festival in mid-August.
Marvellous Moors FROM mid-August, the coastal town of Denia will finally enter the final days of
Spain’s Wine Legacy Martha Ardila, Sommelier at Martha’s Vineyard Moraira.
The harvest has arrived
LAST week, we were watching the grapes ripen, waiting for the first signs that Spain’s great annual transformation was about to begin. Now, the waiting is over. The 2026 harvest is underway. Across Spain, the weather is helping to set the rhythm. A hot, exceptionally dry summer has encouraged grapes to mature earlier in many regions, bringing pickers into the vineyards weeks ahead of traditional calendars. In Catalonia, the first Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were picked at Gramona on July 22 - the winery’s earliest harvest on record. To protect the fruit from the heat, workers begin around three in the morning, when the vineyards are still cool and quiet. In Somontano, Aragon, growers are also gathering early varie-
ties including Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. And in Rioja, the first white grapes have already been picked, with Tempranillo Blanco leading the way. Meanwhile, in Jerez, Palomino grapes are already making their journey from vineyard to winery. Yet Spain’s vineyards are not all moving at exactly the same pace. Soil, altitude, grape variety and local weather can make every vineyard’s calendar different. And perhaps that is what makes harvest so special. One morning, a vine is holding its last bunches of summer; by afternoon, those grapes are on their way to becoming wine. The vineyard is changing before our eyes - and the story is only beginning. Cheers.
martha@marthasvineyard.es marthasvineyard.es
its iconic Moors and Christians festival. This vibrant cultural, historical, and traditional event, declared an event of Tourist Interest and held in honour of Sant Roc in Denia, will transform the streets into a breathtaking spectacle of history during the second half of the month. The mid-August festivities will start bright and early on Friday, August 14, with the traditional Diana festera morning wakeup parade at 9.00am, where local musical bands will make their way through the famed historic centre of Denia. Saturday, August 15, will see the undisputed crown jewel of the entire festival: the Grand Gala Parade, or Gran Desfile de Gala. Beginning at 6.00pm, more than 25,000 spectators will gather along Marques de Campo and surrounding streets to marvel at the elaborate costumes, horses, dance troupes, and musical ensembles that form part of the spectacle. Finally, the Moors and Christians festival reaches its dramatic conclusion on Sunday, August 16, coinciding with the feast day of Sant Roc. The morning begins at 10.30am with the thunderous Harquebus Battle. The entire festival will conclude at 10.00pm with the Retreta and final gunshots, leading to the gathering at Plaza del Consell where participants and spectators join voices to sing the local anthem, El Vell Montgó, officially closing out Denia’s summer celebrations.
EUROPRESS
euroweeklynews.com
13 - 19 August 2026
31
A MURKY bottle of Guinness that spent more than 160 years beneath the sea could help scientists recreate the pint enjoyed in Victorian Ireland. Divers discovered up to 20 bottles of stout among the cargo of a shipwreck around five kilometres off Dover during the summer of 2025. The vessel is believed to be the Mindora, which sank after a collision in November 1864 while travelling from London to Vancouver. Rather than risk tasting the contents and attempting to split the oldest G in history, expedition diver Stefan Panis and historical researcher Paweł Truszynski have launched ‘Project Jurassic Beer’. Professor Kevin Verstrepen, a brewing yeast specialist at KU Leuven in Belgium, will help exa-
mine the bottles. Finding living yeast after so long is quite unlikely, but surviving DNA could lead scientists to a closely related modern strain and allow them to brew something resembling the original stout. The Guinness Archive at St James’s Gate in Dublin is also helping the
team assess the discovery and compare it with company records. There is still a little mystery attached. Historic documents differ over whether the ship was called Mindora or Mindoro, and its identity has not been formally confirmed. Nor has a tasting date been announced, so the Victorian pint remains tantalisingly out of reach.
Credit: Frederik Boving
Scientists hope the recovered yeast could help recreate the Guinness enjoyed in Victorian times.
CHILDREN at a summer camp in Dietwil, Switzerland, were startled when a wallaby bounded out of the woods on Thursday, August 7. They were on a trip to spot the typical wildlife of the Swiss mountains. Staff attempted to lure the marsupial with vegetable slices before it bounced away, prompting a call to local police. Initial checks with local keepers and a regional zoo revealed no missing animals.
Credit: Russell Harris X
Shipwrecked Guiness Volcano airport shutdown
Etna erupts, causing airport chaos in Sicily.
HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Sicily faced severe travel chaos after a dramatic nighttime eruption from Mount Etna forced aviation authorities to shut Catania airport on Friday, August 7. Lava fountains shot hundreds of metres into the night sky from the Voragine crater. A new fissure opened along the Valle del Leone at an altitude of roughly 2,750 metres, sending molten rock cascading down uninhabited slopes towards
the Valle del Bove. Thick plumes of dark volcanic ash pushed up to 7,300 metres high, drifting across eastern Sicily. Air traffic controllers issued a red aviation warning and suspended incoming flights at Catania’s Vincenzo Bellini Airport. Outbound journeys were quickly grounded due to a lack of aircraft on the tarmac. Brief lulls in activity permitted a few aircraft to touch down, but renewed ash clouds forced further runway closures. Airlines di-
Hopping Switzerland The wallaby had escaped from a licensed farm in Inwil, Lucerne, roughly six kilometres away. A gap in a fence caused by water pipe repairs enabled the creature to squeeze through and head towards the youth camp. Footage of the animal hopping near the forest edge circulated ra-
pidly online, generating substantial media interest. By Friday, August 8, a search team comprising police officers, a veterinarian, and the owner located the escapee in woodland just 300 metres from its enclosure. Christian Rapp, deputy head of the Swiss
verted incoming jets to alternative airports, including Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso. Railway operator Trenitalia added emergency services through Messina and Palermo for stranded passengers. Civil protection volunteers deployed across regional terminals to assist passengers. Meanwhile, nearby towns experienced heavy falls of fine black ash. Local residents reported subterranean booms, together with striking views of the fiery orange glow.
Large Animal Rescue Service, stated that the team successfully tranquilised the wallaby from a moving vehicle at a distance of 17 metres. The animal was safely returned home shortly afterwards. Lucerne’s deputy cantonal veterinarian, Tobias Frink, confirmed that an investigation is under way to determine the full circumstances of the escape, with potential action to follow once inquiries conclude.
32 13 - 19 August 2026 ASK THE OFFICER SARA ROMERA: THE AUTHOR OF INSIDE THE FLOATING CITY AND THE DISCERNING VOYAGER.
FEATURE/EUROPRESS
euroweeklynews.com
“I nearly missed my ship on embarkation day and spent the last two days of my cruise worrying about my flight home. What am I doing wrong?”
THE calmest passengers I’ve ever watched start their cruise the same unremarkable way: sleep on land the night before, a hot shower, coffee in a real cup, suitcase by the door. No scrambling, no sprinting through a terminal, no white-knuckle taxi ride to the pier. They arrive the day before embarkation, and it makes everything that follows easier. Rather than indulgence, it’s good seamanship. It’s how crew travel. If the cruise line builds that buffer for its own people, build one for yourself. It gives a delayed bag time to catch up. A missed connection becomes a shrug rather than a ruin. Book the hotel, wander out for dinner if you have the energy, and if you don’t, shower and sleep. Either way, you step on board as a guest, not a casualty of the morning. If same-day arrival is truly unavoidable, know what you’re asking of your
Credit: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock.
The answer is buffers, and the crew never skip them.
Don’t miss embarkation.
luck. Book a nonstop flight. Land by 10.30am at the latest. Pack all medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and swimwear in your carry-on and accept that your checked bag may not find you for days. Remember the ship’s
check-in closes well before sail-away. The return journey catches more people out than the outbound. Here is the truth from the operations side: an itinerary that reads “arrival 06.00” does not mean you can walk off at 06.01.
First the ship must be cleared, border officers come on board, manifests are reviewed, and only when the approval stamp lands does the gangway light flip from red to green. Union rules put border officers and longshoremen on a 7.00am start. Then come the breakfast lines, the elevators, the luggage halls, and the taxis that appear and vanish before you reach the front of the queue. Anything before 4.00pm for your flight home is asking for trouble, even on a direct route. If you can, give yourself one more night at the port. Walk the waterfront. Eat something good. Fly tomorrow. You planned this trip carefully. Don’t let the edges undo it. Vega Mare now writes under her real name, Sara Romera. Sara Romera is the author of Inside the Floating City and The Discerning Voyager.
Have a cruise question? Write to contact@sararomera.com. Selected questions will be featured in upcoming columns.
Human chain HUNDREDS of beachgoers on a Baltic beach in Stegna, Poland, joined forces on Saturday, June 29 after a mother feared her husband and twoand-a-half-year-old son had vanished in the water, with footage of the dramatic human chain rescue effort recently going viral on social media. Lifeguards had already raised red flags due to rough conditions, prohibiting swimming. Panic set in when the mother, Bogusia, could not locate her family after they had left their blanket for a swim, leaving their mobile phones behind. Rather than waiting for official instruction, bystanders acted immediately. Dozens of strangers linked arms to create a ‘łancuch zycia’, a chain of life, weeping through the shallow water and shoreline to loca-
Credit: @CaseyKrol - X
Instant human chain in Polish shores.
te anyone submerged in trouble. Lifeguards joined the effort, using megaphones to coordinate search patterns, while all-terrain vehicles traversed the sand. The frantic search ended with immense relief when the pair returned unharmed. The father had seen the red warning flag and decided against entering the sea, opting instead to take his young son into the nearby du-
nes to search for shells. He was completely unaware that a full-scale rescue operation was underway. While this alarm was unfounded, the immediate reaction illustrated strong local solidarity. Joint rescue chains are a familiar sight on Polish beaches, where holidaymakers recognise the dangers of sudden sea currents and understand that quick, collective action saves lives.
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AFTER a cathartic, only slightly disappointing finale, Ted Lasso has unexpectedly returned for a fourth season. The American-football coach turned proper-football coach is back at Richmond, this time to lead the Lady Grayhounds to victory. Releasing weekly on Apple TV, the first few episodes already feel like a return to form, with each episode full
of Kansas quips, British banter and lots of positivity.
The Drama
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DAYS before Robert Pattinson and Zendaya’s characters are set to walk down the aisle, the two go to dinner with their close friends. After a few too many glasses of wine, secrets come to light that change everything, sending their wedding week off the rails. The Drama is at once a hilarious dark comedy, and a fascinating philosophical think-piece that will leave viewers debating long after the end credits.
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Getting away with murder in Spain - sort of! NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
WITH today’s global uncertainty, is it surprising we’re drawn to TV crime dramas? Their mysteries, twists and memorable characters let us experience all the thrills of real life but none of the spills! And faced with such unpredictability we get solutions and closure. Whether it’s the UK’s ‘Line of Duty’ or Spain’s ‘Money Heist’ (‘La casa de papel’, a massive global phenomenon), ‘The Innocent’ (‘El inocente’), ‘I Know Who You Are’ (‘Sé quién eres’) or ‘Locked Up’ (‘Vis a vis’, the Spanish equivalent
to ‘Orange Is the New Black’). However, it’s not just crime drama that’s flourished. Readers have turned in droves to crime novels to see the good guys win and loose ends tied up and readers tell me this is what they like about my crime thrillers. The latest ‘The Girl in Red’ just published both on Kindle and in paperback and ‘The House of Secrets’ available soon in audiobook format - all culminating in an invitation for inclusion in the prestigious Book Riot’s 2026 Read Harder Challenge! All novels narrated as before by Rayner Bourton (‘Rocky’ in The Rocky Horror Show’s original London production). Thanks for all messages to my website below about this column (you’ve followed now for 17 years!) and my audiobooks (free audio samples on Amazon). Happy listening!
Nora Johnson’s 15 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
IMAGINE throwing away €1 million. A woman in Italy recently did exactly that when she binned her winning lottery ticket, not realising it was worth a fortune. It was any other day for the winner - a woman who has chosen to remain anonymous. Hoping but never expecting to win, she went down to check her lottery ticket at the local shop. When the words “non-payable” popped up on the screen, she didn’t think much of it. Oh well, try again next week. It wasn’t until she returned home that a loved one told her that her numbers - the ones she played every week - had won. The machine had displayed “non-payable” not because she hadn’t won, but because small vendors can’t redeem such large pay-outs. The family immediately ran back to the shop, but it was too late. The ticket was gone. Not gi-
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Lucky bin Credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock
Bin men help search for a winning lottery ticket.
ving up hope, the woman rang Italy’s waste management company and asked if there was anything they could do to help track down the ticket. With the promise she would reimburse any additional costs, refuse workers reconstructed
the route the bin-lorry would have taken. Luck had struck this woman once, would it strike again? Finally, after a two-day search at a specialised plan, the million-euro lottery ticket was found, somehow still intact.
euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY
WARM summer evenings may be perfect for outdoor dining and late sunsets, but they can make getting a good night’s sleep surprisingly difficult. When your bedroom feels stuffy, it is harder for your body to cool down, making it more challenging to fall asleep
and stay asleep. Start by keeping your bedroom as cool as possible. Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out the sun, then open windows in the eve-
ning once the temperature drops. A fan can also help improve air circulation, while lightweight cotton bedding allows heat to escape more easily than heavier fabrics. Your evening routine matters too. Avoid large meals, alcohol and caffeinated drinks close to bedtime, as they can make you feel warmer or disrupt your sleep. Instead, opt for a light snack if needed and stay hydrated throughout the day, without drinking excessive amounts just before bed. A lukewarm shower before bedtime can help lower your body temperature, while breathable sleepwear keeps you feeling comfortable through the night. With a few simple changes, you can enjoy deeper, more refreshing sleep and wake up ready to make the most of sunny summer days.
A WARM, radiant complexion is one of summer’s most sought-after beauty looks, but achieving that healthy glow does not have to involve hours in the sun. In fact, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the best way to keep it looking youthful and healthy for years to come. The secret to a convincing sun-kissed look starts with a lightweight base that kbones and the inner corners of the allows your natural skin to shine eyes will enhance the glow without through. Follow with a cream bronlooking overly shimmery. zer, applying it lightly to the areas Complete the look with bruswhere the sun would naturally hit, hed-up brows, a coat of brown such as the forehead, cheeks and mascara and a tinted lip balm in a bridge of the nose. Blend well for a warm nude or rosy shade. Most imsoft, seamless finish. portantly, finish with a broad-specNext, add a touch of peach or trum SPF every morning. It is the coral blush to the apples of your one product that protects your skin cheeks. This creates the fresh, outwhile allowing you to enjoy a beaudoorsy flush often associated with tifully bronzed appearance, safely time spent in the sunshine. A subtle and confidently. highlighter on the tops of the chee-
IN a world that often celebrates being busy, a growing number of people are embracing a different approach to self-care. Known as slow wellness, this trend focuses on building healthy habits that are realistic, enjoyable and easy to maintain, rather than chasing quick fixes or demanding routines. Instead of following strict diets, intense workout plans or complicated morning rituals, slow wellness encourages small, consistent changes that fit
Credit: ShotPrime Studio / Shutterstock
34 EWN 13 - 19 August 2026
naturally into everyday life. That might mean taking a daily walk, preparing nourishing meals, switching off screens before bed or setting aside a few quiet moments for reading or meditation. The appeal lies in its flexibility. Rather than trying every new trend, it is about choosing habits that genuinely make you feel healthier and happier. There is
no pressure to be perfect or to tick off an endless checklist. Instead, the emphasis is on listening to your body, prioritising rest when needed and creating routines that support your physical and mental wellbeing over the long term. As more people seek balance in their daily lives, slow wellness is proving that lasting wellbeing does not come from doing more. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what you need to feel your very best.
36 EWN 13 - 19 August 2026
euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Vithas Alicante and Vithas Medimar hospitals have strengthened their year-round international patient care model IN order to offer peace of mind and safety to the thousands of travellers visiting the Costa Blanca, the hospital group provides comprehensive healthcare coverage that combines a 24-hour multilingual helpline with taxi or ambulance transfers to A&E from hotels, holiday apartments, and cruise ships. 24/7 helpline and foreign insurance management Any tourist experiencing a health issue can contact the international care service at any time of day. Administrative staff manage documentation directly with major international and travel insurance companies, processing authorisations so that patients do not have to pay upfront costs for their treatment. Furthermore, direct coordination is
maintained with the crews and medical teams of vessels docking at the Port of Alicante, streamlining doctor appointments and ensuring priority hospital admission for passengers or crew requiring urgent diagnostic tests. Ambulance transfers to the emergency departments at Vithas Alicante or Vithas Medimar are also coordinated, where foreign patients enter a priority triage pathway accompanied by an interpreter from the moment they arrive. This comprehensive model ensures that both the hotel sector and Alicante’s thriving cruise industry benefit from top-tier healthcare support, helping to position the province as a safe holiday destination tailored to the global needs of its visitors.
Hospital Vithas Medimar. C/Padre Arrupe, 20. Tel: 965 269 104
WE’VE all done it. You wake up with a headache, a sore throat or a mysterious ache in your shoulder. Rather than making an appointment with your doctor, you pick up your phone and type a few words into Google*. Five minutes later, you’re convinced you’ve got an incurable neurological disease, three forms of cancer and perhaps something so rare that only six people in the world have ever had it - and you’ve got it! Welcome to the wonderful - and occasionally terrifying - world of Dr Google. The internet has changed our lives beyond recognition. Never before has so much medical information been available to so many people at the touch of a button. That’s a fantastic thing. We can learn about healthy eating, understand why our blood pressure matters, read about diabetes, heart disease or arthritis, and become much better informed patients. The trouble starts when information turns into diagnosis. Google is brilliant at finding information. It is hopeless at telling you what’s actually wrong with you.
Credit: rawf8 / Shutterstock.com
DR MARCUS STEPHAN
Dr Google is seeing you now... and that’s not always good news
It’s a vicious circle that many people unknowingly create for themselves.
Imagine walking into a doctor’s surgery and saying, “I’ve got a headache.” The doctor doesn’t immediately reply, “Brain tumour.” Instead, they start asking questions. Where exactly does it hurt? How long have you had it? Have you been under stress? Within a few minutes, they’ve built up a picture that Google simply can’t. Medicine is a bit like detective work. Symptoms are clues, not answers.
READ MORE
The information provided in this column is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Read more at euroweeklynews.com/author/mstephan/
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Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Birthday blended with giving
Summer surge
LOCAL favourite and Hollywood star Antonio Banderas marked his 66th birthday at the 17th Starlite Occident Gala, held under the stars in Marbella’s historic Nagueles quarry. The evening fused a 1970s hippy theme with a serious charitable mission. Banderas struck a reflective tone. “Peace and love is now a slogan that unfortunately makes very little sense in the world we are living in,” he said, signalling a shift from glamour to purpose. At midnight, Plácido Domingo led the room in singing Happy Birthday. In a spontaneous move, Banderas donated the very shirt he was wearing, painted by his own hand, to the charity auction. Proceeds support the Starlite Foundation’s work with Niños en Alegria, Cudeca and Lagrimas y Favores, Banderas’s own foundation.
TORREVIEJA is bursting into life this August, with new estimates suggesting as many as 438,000 people could be staying in the city at the height of the summer season. With around 113,000 residents registered on the municipal population roll, the figures mean Torrevieja is effectively becoming almost four times its normal size. The estimates come from a technical report prepared for Torrevieja Town Hall, providing a striking picture of just how dramatically the community changes each summer. July’s equivalent population is estimated at around 414,000, rising to 438,000 during August. Even in September, around 348,000 people could still be using the city’s homes, streets and services. Torrevieja’s huge number of second homes plays a major role. The municipality has more than 62,000 of them, while only around 1,600 hotel places are available across 14 hotels.
Axarquia
Almeria
Shocking pink
Pride in full colour
BEACHGOERS on Cotobro beach in Almuñecar received an unexpected surprise one Saturday in July around 11am when a rare pink visitor landed on the shoreline. A greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) touched down near the water, prompting astonished onlookers to pause and film the creature before it took off a few minutes later. Local resident Álvaro Martín captured the moment on video, noting that everyone stopped to watch the bird. Footage shared on social media rapidly spread among residents who missed the brief spectacle. Greater flamingos are renowned for their long legs, curved bills, and vivid pink plumage, which derives from their diet of crustaceans and algae. The birds typically favour shallow saline lagoons and coastal wetlands over open Mediterranean beaches. In Granada province, flamingos are usually seen only as passing visitors, making a direct landing on Cotobro beach particularly unusual.
VERA demonstrated its pride in true technicolour, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with an outrageously bright and festive parade. The 2026 Vera Playa Pride Parade marks a decade of advocacy. More than a bright party atmosphere, this march through the streets represents the importance of diversity and respect, positioning the freedom to live and love authentically as a basic right that should be afforded to all. Anticipation was high in the days leading up to the landmark event, especially as the parade was postponed out of respect for the Los Gallardos wildfire. Thousands flooded the streets in support. Some followed the route in cars, soft tops down and music blaring. Others partied on elaborately decorated floats. Hundreds more followed on foot, until the parade arrived at Playa Vera Hotel, where Rafa Lopez took to the stage to deliver the traditional Pride Proclamation.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
A royal good time
Lagoon love
KING FELIPE VI has wrapped up a busy weekend in Mallorca after competing in the 44th Copa del Rey de Vela before joining his family for dinner at a Palma restaurant. The King sailed aboard Hispania in the Abanca ORC 0 class, finishing second overall and winning the final race of the prestigious regatta in the Bay of Palma. After racing ended, Felipe attended the trophy ceremony at the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, where he was welcomed by Balearic President Marga Prohens and other regional and local officials before presenting awards to the winning crews. Later, he joined Queen Letizia, Queen Sofía, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía at Mía restaurant in Palma’s Portitxol district. The family were also accompanied by Jean Henri Fruchaud, a close friend of Queen Sofía. The dinner provided a relaxed end to the royal family’s Mallorca weekend.
IN a symbolic gesture of solidarity, thousands of residents and visitors gathered at the beaches of Los Alcazares to form a massive human chain in order to call for a “living Mar Menor.” This peaceful protest, which has now been ongoing for six consecutive summers, took place primarily at the Los Espejos beach, with hundreds of residents expressing their commitment to protecting this unique ecosystem, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe. The beaches were alive with activity. Banners displaying slogans, as well as the seahorse, which has long represented the Mar Menor, could be seen all along the human chain. Over the years, the protests bloomed from small local gatherings on the idyllic beaches of the Region of Murcia to become a global movement, supported by more than 140 international organisations.
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PETS
euroweeklynews.com • 13 - 19 August 2026 SPONSORED BY
Why are HouseSitMatch dog sitters so good? HOUSESITMATCH takes a refreshingly different approach to finding and vetting pet sitters. We connect you with experienced pet lovers who also have a passion for travel, so they travel to your home at their cost. How does it work? • It’s a fair exchange: Our dog sitters don’t charge for their services. They exchange their time and dedicated pet care for free accommodation in your home. • Safety is our priority: A mandatory triple ID and fraud check protocol keeps our entire community safe. • It’s a collaborative community: Our sitters are simply happy to help pets thrive while you’re away. Need a dog sitter for your own canine friend? Whether you’re off on a long cruise or visiting family back home for the holidays, your pets prefer the comfort of their own home. Live-in sitters keep their daily routines intact and your property secure - saving you money and sparing your
Dylan with his new friends Deb and Simon.
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CATS can squeeze into impossibly tight spaces because their collarbones are unattached to other bones. Instead, the feline clavicle is buried in muscle, allowing their shoulders to fold inward. If a cat’s head can fit through a gap, their incredibly flexible skeletal structure ensures the rest of their body follows.
Lamia Walker, Founder. Call: +44 (0)7772 142 742 Rated excellent on Trustpilot - 4.9/5
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Clean ears, happy dog HEALTHY ears are an important part of your dog’s overall wellbeing, but they’re often overlooked until a problem appears. Regular checks can help you spot issues early and keep your four-legged friend comfortable. Start by looking inside your dog’s ears once a week. Healthy ears should be clean, pale pink and free from strong odours. A small amount of wax is perfectly normal, but redness, swelling, excessive wax or an unpleasant smell could point to an infection or ear mites. When it comes to cleaning, always use a dog-friendly ear cleaner recommended by your vet. Gently apply the solution, massage the base of the ear for a few seconds, then let your dog shake their head before wiping away any loosened debris. There are a few things you should avoid. Never insert cotton buds into your dog’s ear canal, as they can push wax deeper inside or even cause injury. Household products, alcohol and hydrogen
Check ears regularly.
peroxide should also stay well away from your pet’s ears as they may irritate the delicate skin. Dogs with floppy ears or those that enjoy swimming may need more frequent ear checks, as
Liquid cats
moisture can encourage infections. If your dog is scratching their ears constantly, shaking their head or seems uncomfortable, arrange a visit to your vet rather than attempting to treat the problem yourself.
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COUNSELLING I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (350562)
CHARITY EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY – Life and Family Sunday Service at 11am. Bilingual (English and Spanish) at San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello. For more information visit https:// www.christiancommunity-vi dayfamilia.com/en/, email campellocc@gmail.com or call Juan Zúñiga – 686 203 183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton – 680 594 134 (English). (233602) www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658)
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KGM Rhino – capable, comfortable and full of features ROAD TEST By Mark Slack THE pick-up market has changed from one of purely working vehicles to one that now encompasses a more mixed, leisure orientated set of buyers. Standard and optional equipment now includes many features found in cars, many of them in luxury models, with ventilated seats, navigation and adaptive cruise control not being unusual on the specification list. KGM, previously SsangYong, have been progressing their range with a more refined and quality bias for some time and we are seeing the results. The latest Musso Rhino pick-up is an example in point and is very much a top-line model with standard
features that put many cars to shame and raises its game against the competition. Prices start from €45,585/£38,995 with the plus model adding a €1,169/£1,000 premium. Essentially the Rhino+ adds a more capacious load carrying capacity, courtesy of a slightly longer load bed, and an increased payload weight. While the Rhino may not worry the likes of Ford’s Ranger, it does
o f f e r an excellent specification for a very competitive price. With suitably rugged looks it comes with selectable all-wheel-drive, including low range, hill descent and hill start. Over a rugged but dry and dusty course, the Rhino coped admirably. It’s not meant to be a Land Rover capable off roader, but it’s much more capable than
many would imagine. Standard fare is very generous with everything from Nappa leather seats, heated seats all-round and ventilated front seats to intelligent cruise control, dual zone climate and much more. The interior feels very car like, and not at all utilitarian, with buttons, rotary dials, a touchscreen that offers a simple swipe to access driver
safety systems, it’s an object lesson in how to make a vehicle pleasant to drive. The 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine is not the most refined but, unless pushed hard, is surprisingly smooth. There is no manual gear option but the 6-speed automatic changes smoothly enough and it’s not difficult to keep up with traffic even on faster roads. On the road the ride is a bit choppy (the Rhino EV rides noticeably
smoothly and a report on that will follow next month) although it’s better when cruising and handles particularly well in off-road conditions. For those not worried by the badge on the bonnet, or the perceived trends as to what is a ‘must buy’, the Rhino offers a superbly well-equipped, capable and price competitive option. Some competitors may be more polished, but KGM has really stepped up its game with the latest Rhino.
SPORT
48 13 - 19 August 2026
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alfaz del Pi.
Start the weekend with a morning of yoga.
Yoga mornings EARLY mornings at Albir Beach have been offering much more than stunning sea views this summer, thanks to a series of free Healthy Yoga workshops organised by the Red Cross. Held every Friday from 8.30am to 9.30am at the Biblioplaya, the sessions have welcomed residents and visitors of all ages and abilities, creating a relaxed and inclusive space to focus on both physical and mental wellbeing. Organised by the Red Cross, each class combines gentle warm-up exercises, adapted yoga poses, breathing techniques and guided relaxation. No previous experience is needed, making the workshops accessible to anyone looking to improve their health while enjoying the peaceful beachfront setting.
Yoga is widely recognised for its many benefits. Regular practice can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, enhance balance and posture, and encourage better breathing. It also promotes mindfulness, helping participants feel calmer, more focused and better equipped to cope with the pressures of everyday life. The initiative forms part of the Alfaz Active Health programme, which encourages healthy lifestyles through free community activities. By bringing yoga to the beach, the Red Cross has created an enjoyable way for people to stay active, connect with nature and prioritise their wellbeing, one Friday morning at a time.
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A knock out LA NUCIA has once again put boxing in the spotlight, welcoming more than 100 young prospects from across Spain for a week of intensive training at the Combat Sports Centre. Held from Monday, August 3, to Saturday, August 8, the summer boxing camp was organised by the Royal Spanish Boxing Federation (RFE Boxeo) as part of its 2026 National Sports Development Programme. Young boxers from every region of Spain came together to sharpen their skills, learn from federation coaches and experience the benefits of training alongside other ambitious athletes. The six-day camp combined practical sessions with classroom-based learning. Participants worked on technique and tactics, including punching, movement, evasions, blocks and defensive skills, while also developing their physical fitness.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de La Nucia.
La Nucia’s boxing camp is a knock out.
But the camp was about more than what happened inside the ring. Discipline, effort, teamwork, respect and personal improvement were central themes throughout the programme, with time also set aside for recreational and social activities. The event highlights La Nucia’s growing reputation as a destination for high-level sports training. With its specialist facilities
and established sporting infrastructure, the town provided an ideal setting for Spain’s next generation of boxers to train, learn and build friendships. For these young athletes, the week offered more than hard work. It was an opportunity to gain experience, raise their game and take another step towards the future of Spanish boxing.
Walking Football Cup Credit: spainwalkingfootball.com
Walking Football Heads To Torrevieja.
SPAIN Walking Football is proud to be supporting the growth of one of the world’s fastest-growing inclusive sports, bringing communities across Spain together through health, friendship, wellbeing, and international competition. The not-for-profit organisation promotes healthier lifestyles, social inclusion and stronger links between communities through the game. Walking football, a slower version of traditional football, enables older adults and people with limi-
ted mobility to remain active and involved in sport. The organisation says the sport is helping participants across Spain improve both physical and mental wellbeing while also reducing social isolation. It is also creating opportunities for friendship and international competition. Two major events are now planned for Torrevieja in 2026, helping to raise the profile of the Costa Blanca as a destination for inclusive sport and tourism linked to community events.
The Iberian International Walking Football Club Cup will take place at the Sport City Stadium in Torrevieja on September 24 and 25. This will be followed by the FIWFA European Nations Cup from November 2 to 6 at the same venue. Teams from across Europe and other countries are expected to attend, bringing increased tourism, hospitality business and international attention to the area. More information at spainwalkingfootball.com.