Costa Blanca North 9 – 15 October 2025 Issue 2101

Town transformed

ELS POBLETS burst into colour and creativity as Persianes amb Art took over the town. Murals, installations, exhibitions, live music and interactive workshops transformed the area into a vibrant open-air gallery, where traditional Mediterranean shutters became canvases celebrating the region’s artistic spirit.

Persianes amb Art was created to establish an annual cultural event using art as a tool for social transformation. Each year, the initiative brings together artists from the Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community, encouraging cultural exchange and building bridges across Mediterranean communities.

Now in its third edition, the festival has reached new heights, confirming its status as one of the Costa Blanca’s must-see events. A total of 25 artists have taken part this year, bringing fresh life to Carrer Major after pre-

vious editions lit up Plaça del Consell and Sant Josep. The 25 new creations join the 50 shutters painted in earlier years. For the first time, the event included an ‘inclusive shutter’, designed by students from Denia’s special education schooland it happened to be the largest of all.

New musical hive buzzes to life

EL VERGER has launched Eixam Ensemble, an innovative musical project born in the municipality with the participation of musicians from across the Costa Blanca. The premiere took place on Friday October 4 at 11.30am in the Plaza Major, as part of the official programme of the town’s patron saint festivities.

The ensemble is made up of eight wind instru-

AFPO meeting

AFTER a very successful presentation by Mark from the Spanish Traffic Law Facebook team in May, the Association of Foreign Property Owners, Calpe (AFPO), will be meeting again on Tuesday October 14.

The meeting will take place in the Club de Tenis, Calpe, at 10.30am. There will be a representative of the Calpe Cruz Roja giving advice on basic first aid, and such things as how to spot the signs of someone starting to have a heart attack. Coffee will be offered to the members. New members are always welcome.

The website, afpocalpe.com gives daily news updates, both local and international. For more information call Carole on 639 637 520 or email president@afpocalpe.com.

mentalists, electric bass and drums, under the direction of double bassist and El Verger resident, Miquel Álvarez. Their proposal combines traditional instruments with a modern rhythm section, with the aim of promoting and valuing music in all its formsMediterranean folklore, jazz, flamenco and contemporary styles. This project has the support and sponsor-

ship of El Verger Town Hall, which reaffirms “its commitment to local culture, the promotion of regional musicians and the creation of new spaces for artistic exchange.”

Eixam Ensemble is “a cultural and community initiative: a living network that seeks to build connections, bring together diverse traditions and showcase the creative power of diversity,” according to a statement from the town hall.

New rules ahead

Costs and exemptions

BRITISH pensioners planning trips to Spain have gained a reprieve: from 2026 they will be exempt from new EU entry fees, while younger travellers will face extra charges. Under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), UK passport holders must apply for authorisation before entering Spain and 28 other European destinations. Each application will cost €20, up from the €7 originally proposed.

The fee applies to travellers aged 18-69, while children under 18 and pensioners over 70 are exempt. For families, the cost adds up quickly, with a household of four paying €80 extra per trip.

The ETIAS scheme, repeatedly delayed, is now due to launch in late 2026, with a transition period into 2027. Approval permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day window and remains valid for three years. Most applications should be processed within minutes, though some may be rejected due to invalid documents or security alerts.

Refusals can be appealed. EU officials say the higher fee will fund post-Covid debt and technical upgrades, though it comes as households already face rising travel costs.

ETIAS coincides with the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, set to start in Spain from October. Replacing

passport stamps with biometric checks, it will require fingerprints and photos at border crossings, sparking concern over airport delays.

Read the full article at: https://tinyurl.com/tra vel-fee-exemption

Digital wallet

Spain steps up

SPAIN’S Tax Agency has widened its focus to neobanks, prepaid cards and fintech apps, with more than one million accounts already under review. The move marks one of the largest crackdowns yet on digital banking, as inspectors warn these platforms are becoming havens for tax evasion and money laundering.

Neobanks offer easy sign-ups, low fees and smartphone access, but officials say those same perks make it simpler to move money out of sight. In 2024 alone, Hacienda sent 62 data requests to fintech firms and uncovered 40,000 accounts, nearly 10,000 point-of-sale contracts and more than a million active cards. Investigators believe some are being used to hide undeclared income, e-commerce revenues and crypto transactions.

New reporting rules introduced this year require digital banks to notify Hacienda when spending exceeds €50,000 annually on standard cards or €15,000 on prepaid ones. Reports must include transaction counts, full account holder details and authorised user identities. Alongside this, 42 audits have been launched into individuals classed as high risk, particularly those moving funds into cryptocurrencies. The crackdown forms part of Spain’s 2025 Annual Plan for Tax and Customs Control, following a record €18.9 billion recovered in 2024 anti-fraud operations, up 13 per cent on the year before. For most users, everyday spending is unaffected. The real target is large-scale transfers designed to evade detection.

Repairing the damage Wage balance

Rules on responsibility

SPAIN’S rental law sets out who pays when something breaks, usually depending on whether it is wear and tear or tenant-caused damage. Under Article 21 of the Urban Leases Act, landlords must carry out repairs needed to keep a property

cover the cost. That includes heating, wiring, roofs, windows and plumbing - anything essential to safety and liveability. If hot water fails, a roof leaks or a window will not close in winter, the landlord must act quickly.

Normal wear and

landlords. An oven failing through age, a burst pipe in a wall or a washing-machine hose perishing despite proper use are their responsibility. Delays can even give tenants grounds to terminate a contract.

However, the Civil Code (Articles 1563 and 1564) makes tenants liable for damage they, their household or guests cause. They can avoid blame only by proving otherwise, using evidence such as photos, reports and messages.

To prevent disputes, tenants should report issues immediately in writing, provide access for repairs, and keep receipts if emergencies force them to pay upfront. Essential repairs never justify rent increases.

If either side refuses to cooperate, tenants can end the lease or seek damages. In most cases the rule is straightforward: age or weather damage means the landlord pays; negligence or misuse means the tenant does.

Read the full article at: https://tin yurl.com/landlord-vs-tenant

Tax and pay debate

SPANISH Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz has proposed a rise in the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), depending on whether it becomes subject to income tax. If the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda) requires SMI recipients to pay IRPF, Díaz argues the increase must be higher to offset the tax burden, ensuring low-income workers do not lose purchasing power.

Since 2018, Spain’s minimum wage has risen by 61 per cent, from €736 to €1,184 per month in 14 instalments. This forms part of the government’s drive to reduce inequality and improve living standards. Hacienda has not confirmed whether the SMI will be taxed, though it has applied IRPF to comparable incomes before. If introduced, this would reduce the net benefit of any rise, prompting Díaz to stress that wage policy must balance fiscal compliance with fairness. To guide the decision, the Labour Ministry has convened a panel of experts to advise on the increase, considering inflation and possible taxation. The government can approve rises by decree, without parliamentary backing, but employer groups are excluded from the panel and have long opposed higher increases. The last consensus agreement was in January 2020.

Díaz’s proposal highlights the challenge of protecting low earners while maintaining economic responsibility.

For touring enthusiasts

Caravaning Alicante Facebook

Credit: Feria

CARAVANING Alicante has unveiled the official poster for its 33rd edition at IFA Fira-Alacant. The popular event will once again bring together enthusiasts and key industry players over two consecutive weekends - from February 6 to 8 and from 13 to 15.

The fair will reaffirm its role as the leading showcase for touring holidays

in the Levante region, featuring more than 60 exhibitors presenting the latest models of new and used vehicles, rental options, spare parts, accessories, and energy solutions designed to enjoy a nomadic lifestyle with complete freedom.

In addition, the exhibition will once again offer a family-friendly and leisure-oriented environment,

New life for the bullring

complete with rest areas, dining spaces, and proposals to help visitors plan routes and getaways.

As a nod to both innovation and the industry’s history, the newly presented poster features a special 60th-anniversary edition

Adria Camper – an iconic model that symbolises the evolution of caravanning, continuous improvement in design and efficiency, and the growth of a passionate and ever-expanding community.

Firmly established as a must-attend event for lovers of life on the road, Caravaning Alicante 2026 promises an edition defined by innovation, sustainability, and inspiration for those seeking the freedom to travel their own way.

BENIDORM has secured a €6.42 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Local Integrated Development Strategy (EDIL) to redevelop the city’s historic plaza de toros through the ‘Benidorm Open Arena’ Integrated Action Plan (PAI). Covering 60 per cent of the total €10.7 million investment, the remaining 40 per cent will be funded by the town hall.

Mayor Toni Pérez expressed “great satisfaction” with the approval, noting that the plan includes three key projects: ‘Arena Live’, ‘Arena Joven’ and ‘Arena Encuentro’. These initiatives align with the town council’s Urban Agenda, promoting energy efficiency, digitalisation, sustainable mobility, and urban rehabilitation.

‘Arena Live’ will transform the plaza de toros into a multifunctional space for cultural, social, and sporting events, enhancing Benidorm’s leisure and cultural offerings.

Cheers to Tharsys! Strike paralyses hospitals

HOSPITALS across Spain were paralysed on October 4 as thousands of doctors staged a nationwide strike, the second this year after June’s stoppage. The action, called by the Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM) and the Andalucian Medical Union (SMA), is aimed at rejecting the Ministry of Health’s latest draft of the Estatuto Marco. Doctors are demanding a speci c framework law for the profession, warning that the proposal represents ‘a step backwards’.

In the Valencian Community, hospitals were operating on minimum cover equivalent to a Sunday service. Emergency departments, urgent operating theatres, intensive care, dialysis, radiotherapy, transplant units, the CICU and SAMU were functioning at full capacity.

However, most other areas were drastically reduced: oncology, day hospitals, hospital pharmacy, home care and scheduled surgeries were working at only 50 per cent. Outpatient consultations and specialist centres were limited to 25 pr cent of sta , while health centres and auxiliary clinics were left with a Saturday-level service.

The College of Physicians of Valencia (ICOMV) has backed the strike, stating that the Ministry’s draft ‘damages both the profession and the quality of public healthcare’. CESM general secretary Víctor Pedrera insisted: “Spain does not lack doctors – it lacks doctors willing to work under such conditions.”

Credit: Rostislav_Sedlacek / Shutterstock.com

THE European Commission has approved the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for the Valencian wine Tharsys, along with the inclusion of Italy’s Olive taggiasche liguri and Carne Salada del Trentino in the Register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).

Tharsys is a red, white and rosé wine produced in the municipality of Requena. The Tharsys estate dates back to the 16th century, when it was already well known for its vineyards, which include ancient cellars carved into rock. Each wine o ers distinct aromas depending on its age

and colour - from the intense oral notes of young reds to the smoky and toasted spice aromas of barrel-aged rosés. These new designations join the more than 3,680 protected names already listed in the EU’s eAmbrosia database. eAmbrosia serves as the o cial register of agricultural products, wines and spirit drinks that are registered and protected throughout the European Union. It provides direct access to information on all registered geographical indications, including legal protection documents, product speci cations, key dates and links to applications.

WHEN it comes to cultural investment, Denia shows how it can truly make a difference. In a country where reading habits are steadily declining and fewer books are being bought, the Municipal Library of Denia is defying the trend - and thriving.

Over the past decade, both membership and book loans have grown remarkably, with the biggest surge starting in 2019. That was the year the library moved from its old home in the Casa de Cultura to its current, spacious, modern, and centrally located building on Calle Sant Josep. The numbers tell the story. Membership has jumped

A library reborn

The new library has become a true cultural hub rather than a one-off success.

by nearly 70 per cent in 10 years - from 10,311 in 2015 to 16,974 in 2024. The real

turning point came right after the move: from 11,867 members in 2018 to 12,876

in 2019. Growth has continued steadily since then, particularly in 2023 and 2024, confirming that the new library has become a true cultural hub rather than a one-off success.

Denia’s experience proves that when you invest in spaces that inspire learning and community, culture doesn’t just survive - it flourishes.

Address

Carrer Sant Josep, 6, Denia, Alicante.

Telephone 965 783 665

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 9pm Saturday: 10am to 1.30pm

An afternoon of floral fantasy and fun

FOLLOWING the disappointment of not having a demonstration in September, the Marina Alta Costa Blanca Floral Club hope you are all looking forward to welcoming Andrew Key to his first visit to the club on Thursday October 23 when he will be bringing the ‘Colours of Autumn’.

Andrew, who comes from the North Midlands area team of NAFAS, is a NAFAS Demonstrator and Speaker, and a keen competitor who has won gold at Harrowgate.

Apart from his floral skills, his natural warmth and charisma, he is informative, entertaining and has a wealth of anecdotes, so do go along and join what they are sure will be an afternoon of floral fantasy and fun.

The doors open at 2.15, and you

are asked to be seated promptly by 3pm. Entrance remains at €10. The demonstrations are held in the Salon de Actos, La Senieta, Moraira. If you have never been to one of their

demonstrations do go along and enjoy watching a gifted and skilful demonstrator turning a boxful of beautiful flowers into stunning arrangements.... you will not be disappointed and just might be one of the lucky ones taking home one of the exhibits at the end of the afternoon. Tell your friends and neighbours, all are welcome.

Diary Note: The Christmas Demonstration is on Thursday November 27 when they look forward to a return visit from the super Lynne Sharpe with ‘A Floral Christmas’. Make a note now and tell your friends and neighbours. They will also be drawing the lucky winners of the Christmas Charity Hamper and other prizes at this demonstration.

SPAIN is set to receive nearly €1.6 billion in aid from the European Union to support the recovery of infrastructure and repair the damage caused by the devastating floods brought by the Dana storm, which left 229 victims in the province of Valencia in October 2024.

The European Commis-

EU funds aid Valencia

sion has proposed €945 million from the EU Solidarity Fund and approved the reallocation of a further €645 million from Spain’s Cohesion Funds through the

Restore mechanism to strengthen European support for the recovery efforts.

“The devastation we witnessed almost a year ago in the Valencian Community and across Spain deeply moved Europe. This climate disaster united us in shared grief and solidarity. I met with relatives of those who lost loved ones in the Dana floods and felt their pain,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Brussels had already paid Spain an advance of €100 million in March 2025 to cover immediate expenses

caused by the floods, the maximum permitted under EU rules.

Once the European Parliament and the Council approve the Commission’s propo-

sal, the remaining balance will be disbursed in a single instalment.

All care is carried out ensuring a humane and responsible approach.

Happy cats in town

PEDREGUER’S largest cat colony has become a shining example of how communities can care for their furry residents in an ethical and sustainable way.

Mayor Sergi Ferrús and councillor for Animal Welfare, Celia Mas Puchol, recently visited colony no. 8 to recognise the progress achieved

through a partnership with local charity Els Poets. The group currently looks after 56 cat colonies across the town, but this one stands out as a pilot project and a true pioneer.

Colony no. 8 is home to 62 registered cats and follows the guidelines of Pedreguer’s Ethical Cat Colony Management Plan, as well as recommendations from Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights. Its success is already attracting interest from nearby municipalities eager to learn from the model.

During the visit, officials reviewed the improvements carried out, assessed the colony’s needs and highlighted the positive results of the collaboration. All care is carried out under the CER method (Capture, Neuter and Return), ensuring a humane and responsible approach. “The experience of colony no. 8 shows how ethics and collaboration can make a sustainable model of cat colony management possible,” said the mayor. “With initiatives like this, Pedreguer inspires other towns in the region.”

Phone weather alerts An 80th celebration

ON September 28 and 29, torrential rain hit the Costa Blanca, placing the region under an orange alert. However, a survey carried out by local Spanish papers through WhatsApp and Instagram channels revealed that a considerable number of residents did not receive the Civil Protection or AEMET warnings - raising the question: are our phones properly set up to receive these alerts?

The ES-Alert system was introduced across the European Union in 2022, requiring all member states to establish mobile-based emergency alert systems.

In Spain, ES-Alert operates on both Android and iOS devices, providing warnings about imminent risks.

Level 1 alerts - the most urgent - are activated automatically and require no configuration. However, Level 2 alerts, which cover less immediate threats, may require manual activation in your phone settings.

For iPhone users (iOS 15.6 or later):

Go to Settings: Notifications, scroll down, and enable Civil Pro-

tection Pre-alerts.

For Android users (Android 11 or later):

Open Settings, then select either Notifications or Safety and Emergency, and turn on Allow alerts under Wireless emergency alerts. Civil Protection alerts are transmitted via mobile antennas to all devices within a coverage area. Phones receiving them display a full-screen message, accompanied by a loud tone and vibration - even if the device is on silent or ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.

SATURDAY September 20 was a special day for Bonalba Bowls Club, El Campello, as they gathered to celebrate Chris’ 80th birthday. The members gathered early, to enjoy a cooling drink and to wish Christine very best wishes for many more happy years, as the social club team laid out the food, with its highlight – an 80th birthday cake. Chris had seen The Entertainers performing when she had attended an El Cid Bowls Club event some years earlier and was excited when they agreed to perform at her celebration.

With their make-upnished, The Entertainers opened their show with their costumes sparkling in the lights and immediately members started to sing along and some feet suddenly started to remember dance moves from years gone-by. Strange how good are our memories of songs from our youth!

A wonderful evening

be tting an 80th birthday with €175 raised for The Entertainers to donate to the Make A Smile charity. Birthday congratulation also to Sheena who was also celebrating a birthday at the event.

Fancy a role in Channel 5’s drama?

BENIDORM will be the setting this October for the filming of the British television series Death in Benidorm, which will air on Channel 5. Producers are looking for extras of different nationalities to take part in the shoot.

To find suitable participants, the company in charge of recruiting organised an open casting on October 3 at the Hotel Meliá Benidorm. Men and women aged between 20 and 65, regardless of nationality, were welcome to attend, although organisers highlighted a particular need for Spanish and British extras.

Applicants were asked to be available for occasional full-day shoots and to bring recent photographs of face and

body stored on their mobile phone, as well as ID, bank details and their Social Security card to process payments and registrations for the days they take part.

Channel 5 announced in July the development of Death in Benidorm, a sixpart detective drama set in the heart of Spain’s most iconic beach town. With clear echoes of Death in Paradise, the series promises sun, suspense and a dash of quirky humour, offering a fresh twist on the classic whodunnit.

Directed by Simon Delaney, who has previously worked on Death in Paradise, the drama follows Dennis Crown, a retired British detective who swaps the chaos of UK policing for a quieter life running a bar in Benidorm.

An illustrated tourist map

BENIDORM has unveiled a new tourist resource: an illustrated map created by Alicante artist Arly Jones, with an initial print run of 1,500 copies.

Mayor Toni Pérez described the map as a ‘graphic document’ with informational, artistic, and educational value. He explained it will allow both residents and visitors not only to explore some of Benidorm’s key sites but also to gain insight into the city’s history, which underpins its status as a leading tourist destination.

The map focuses on Benidorm’s central area, covering the zone between Avenidas Jaime I and Alfonso Puchades and the three main beaches - Levante, Mal Pas, and Poniente - extending towards the island. The front of the map highlights 30

points of interest, from cultural and heritage sites to public spaces, notable landmarks, and green areas.

The reverse showcases the street network, revealing historic curiosities, such as the origins of street and square names and local legends, including the stories behind the iconic ‘El Gos i la Tortuga’ rocks near El Castell.

Mayor Pérez praised Arly Jones’ vision and ability, noting the collaboration with the Historical and Cultural Heritage Department began in 2021.

Jones explained the map is not only a tourist guide but also ‘a visual memory of Benidorm’, designed to be appreciated as a beautiful object that residents can identify with.

Javier wins Robotics Gold

JAVIER, a distinguished Lady Elizabeth School alumnus, together with teammates Pedro and Pepe from Team Gam ma Version, achie ved a remarkable victory at the National Final of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in Cáceres.

The WRO is an international educational robotics competition that encourages young people to engage with technology and engineering. Under the guidance of a coach, students design, build, and program robots to solve complex challenges.

In the Future Engineers category, teams design and document an autonomous car capable of completing three laps around a circuit, navigating obstacles, and performing a precise parallel parking manoeuvre.

After months of preparation, even through the summer, Gamma Version refined the car that had previously won the National Final and placed seventh at the 2022 International Final in Germany. Despite technical challenges caused by course irregularities, the team remained in second place until the final round, where they claimed the gold medal.

This victory qualifies them for the WRO International Final in

Singapore, taking place November 26–28, 2025. Javier exemplifies the LES spirit of innovation and excellence, highlighting the value of education, teamwork, and resilience.

Javier and his team are currently raising funds to cover travel expenses for the final. Supporters can donate here: https:// gofund.me/1c44bbfd0. For more information about Lady Elizabeth School or to join the next Open Day, contact info@les.edu.es .

IN Spain, property owners must comply with several tax obligations, whether they are residents or non-residents. Traditionally, non-residents have been treated differently depending on their origin. On the one hand, citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). On the other hand, citizens of third countries. This distinction directly affects the amount of Non-Resident Income Tax each group must pay. And it has been a source of controversy for years. A recent ruling of the National Court seems to mark the beginning of the end of this inequality. We analyse it below.

Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) Types of Income

The IRNR applies both to

the ownership of properties in Spain and to the income obtained from their rental. The way the tax is calculated depends on the use of the property:

- Second home not rented out. When the owner uses the property for personal use but does not generate rental income. In this case, the tax is calculated by applying a percentage to the cadastral value of the property.

- Rental of properties. In cases where the property is rented (whether for short periods, as a tourism rental, or as a long-term tenancy, etc) the income obtained is taxed at 19 per cent for residents of the EU or the EEA, and at 24 per cent for non-EU taxpayers. In addition, while EU/EEA residents can deduct certain expenses related to obtaining

that income, non-EU citizens cannot deduct any expenses. This has always been controversial in the Spanish and European tax systems.

National Court Ruling of 28

July 2025

The ruling is very clear: it is discriminatory that only EU/ EEA residents can deduct certain expenses. Citizens of third countries (such as the US) should also be allowed to do so. This decision is based on the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which understands that the effects of the free movement of capital should also extend to citizens of third countries.

Effects of the National Court Ruling: Is it the Begin-

ning of the End?

Although the ruling is not yet final, and may be appealed, it represents a very positive step in the right direction. Since it opens the door for non-EU citizens (such as citizens of the UK) to also deduct community fees. The Property Tax (IBI). Repair and maintenance expenses. Etc. In addition, it leaves the door open to question other discriminatory aspects. Such as the higher 24 per cent rate compared to the 19 per cent applicable to EU citizens. Or the 60 per cent reduction on long-term rentals income enjoyed by resident taxpayers.

Conclusion

The ruling of the National Court is not final, does not create case law and therefore does not guarantee that the

Spanish Tax Authorities will automatically accept potential refund claims for undue payments. Nevertheless, it is a step in the right direction.

At White Baos Lawyers we will remain attentive to any developments in this regard. If you are the owner of a property in Spain, our firm can help you file your Non-Resident Income Tax and, where appropriate, manage refund claims for undue payments. Do not hesitate to contact us and we will study your case.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

Sir Rod returns

SIR Rod Stewart, one of the best-selling artists in music history with over 250 million albums and singles sold worldwide, has just announced an exclusive concert in Spain. The British icon will perform on June 30 at the brand-new Roig Arena in Valencia.

Tickets for this highly anticipated show go on sale on October 10 at 12pm via Live nation.es, Ticketmaster and El Corte Inglés. Fans were also able to get early access during the Santander Smusic and Live Nation presale starting October 8.

Earlier this year, Stewart released Swing Fever, his 33rd studio album - a lively 13-track tribute to the timeless sounds of the big band era. True to form, the album showcases his unmistakable voice and

effortless charm, once again proving why Stewart remains a cross-generational legend, effortlessly spanning rock, folk, soul and R&B.

Expect an unforgettable night packed with timeless hits such as Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Tonight’s the Night, Sailing, You Wear It Well, You’re in My Heart, Infatuation, Stay With Me, Downtown Train and Forever Young - all delivered with Stewart’s signature flair.

Over his illustrious career, the singer has collected countless honours, including the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, a New York Times Best-Selling Author title, and the prestigious Grammy™ Living Legend Award.

Saving the sea

ENVIRONMENTAL company Gravity Wave has completed its underwater mission to remove a 400-metre ghost net that was trapping marine life off the Mediterranean coast. Supported by B100 The Healthy Banking - ABANCA’s digital brand - and Visa, the operation successfully extracted tonnes of waste from the seabed near Penyal d’Ifac.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, where more than 1.1 million tonnes of plastic are already accumulated, with a further 229,000 tonnes added each year.

Ghost nets - abandoned fishing gear that can take centuries to degrade - make up over 40 per cent of this waste, continuing to entangle marine animals and damage habitats such as Posidonia seagrass meadows.

Led by head of operations Ignacio Martí, the Gravity Wave team used

crane vessels and expert divers to remove the massive net without harming the surrounding ecosystem. The waste was later processed by Reciclamás for

recycling.

The next stages of the project will focus on clearing remaining debris and restoring the seabed’s natural balance.

Half a century of sailing

CLUB NAUTICO Moraira marked its 50th anniversary in spectacular fashion with the 12th edition of the Gourmet Race - a unique celebration that blended sailing, gastronomy and Mediterranean spirit.

The port came alive on Saturday October 4 as crews and guests gathered for the lively Dock Out Show. Boats departed one by one to the beats of DJ Toño, turning the regatta’s start into a floating festival of music, laughter and applause.

For two hours, teams faced a double challenge - showing off both sailing skill and culinary flair - with bluefin tuna as the star ingredient. When the boats re -

turned, the town filled with colour, aromas and excitement as dishes were plated before an eager crowd of food lovers.

Highlights included a Show Cooking by Michelin-starred chef Nazario Cano, a live tuna cutting demonstration, and a lively raffle hosted by MasterChef judge Pepe Rodríguez.

The closing ceremony brought heartfelt tributes to the charities that aided during the DANA floods, as well as recognition for the club’s founding members. With more than 450 participants, the day ended in true Mediterranean style - a shared meal, music and the much-loved Tardeo Gourmet Race.

Padron campaign

WITH the slogan ‘Don’t stay in the shadows - register or renew your registration’, Calpe Town Hall has launched a new campaign encouraging residents to register on the municipal register (padrón) or update their details. The town hall’s Citizen Attention Office will distribute dynamo torches to residents completing any municipal procedure.

Each torch carries a QR code linking to detailed information about how to register or renew, including what documents are required and the steps to follow in each case. The code also provides guidance for Spanish citizens moving to another municipality or abroad, and explains the benefits and local programmes available to those who are officially registered.

The campaign, supported by a grant from Alicante Provincial Council, seeks to remind residents - espe-

cially foreign nationals - of the importance of being registered. According to Calpe’s Department of Registration, many expatriates mistakenly believe they are already on the register, or are unaware that they must renew it periodically.

Under Spanish law, EU residents registered in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals or non-EU resi-

dents with long-term residence permits must renew their registration every five years, while other foreign residents must do so every two years. As a result, hundreds of international residents may not currently appear on the National Statistics Institute’s records, potentially affecting local funding and services.

9–5 spreads along coast

IN Spanish towns with large British expatriate communities, particularly along the coast, a shift in shop opening hours is emerging. Instead of the traditional jornada partida, morning trade, long lunch closure, and late evening reopening, many businesses are adopting continuous 9am–5pm schedules. The change caters to British retirees, remote workers, and tourists accustomed to uninterrupted hours, raising debates about cultural adaptation versus economic necessity.

Shops, supermarkets, cafés, and even veterinary clinics report benefits from the adjustment. Business owners argue that closing in the afternoon risks losing sales from expatriates who prefer shopping mid-afternoon or earlier in the evening.

Continuous hours can also ease staff routines, cutting costs linked to

long breaks and avoiding late-night finishes. A Granada veterinary clinic noted serving more clients and saving money by staying open 9-5 rather than closing for siesta. For customers, the convenience is clear. British residents, used to northern European schedules, welcome the alignment, while tourists unfamiliar with Spain’s rhythm also benefit. Some younger Spaniards are themselves shifting towards uninterrupted workdays, suggesting the

trend may reflect wider modernisation.

However, critics warn that over-adaptation risks eroding Spain’s distinctive culture. The siesta and split day are not only traditions but also practical responses to the climate and family life. Continuous hours may disrupt established childcare patterns and alienate local customers who value evening shopping. The rise of 9-5 hours highlights a delicate balance: economic opportunity versus cultural preservation.

SPAIN’S worst blackout in decades, which left millions across the Iberian Peninsula without power last April, was not caused by renewable energy. A new investigation by ENTSO-E, the European network of electricity transmission operators, found that the April 28 failure resulted from a rare “cascade of overvoltage,” not from Spain’s growing reliance on wind and solar.

The report described the incident as “a unique global event” that unfolded in minutes, briefly cutting Spain off from France and Morocco. It began in southern Spain, where voltage surged beyond safe limits, triggering automatic shutdowns across several regions. Within 20 seconds, more than 2,500 megawatts of generation were lost as renewable plants disconnected for protection. A transformer failure in Granada and further

Real reason

shutdowns in Huelva, Segovia, Seville and Cáceres deepened the crisis. Portugal’s power was restored by midnight, but Spain’s grid took until around 4am to recover.

Rather than slowing Spain’s clean-energy expansion, investigators argue the lesson is clear: a smarter, more resilient renewable grid is essential for Europe’s energy future.

BARCELONA-EL PRAT

Airport has begun installing new CT scanners in a €39 million upgrade aimed at speeding up security checks. The technology allows passengers to keep laptops and liquids in their hand luggage, removing the need to unpack trays at checkpoints.

Although the 100ml liquid rule still applies, the 3D imaging gives security staff clearer views of bags, reducing queues and delays.

Only a few scanners are operating so far, but all 52 are expected to be in place by early 2027. Airport director Eva Valenzuela described the system as

Smooth flying ahead

a step forward that will save time while maintaining safety standards.

The airport is also preparing a €700 million expansion of Terminal

Strawberry train

SPAIN’S iconic ‘Tren de la Fresa’ is back for its autumn season, blending history, countryside charm and nostalgia. After a spring run and a summer pause, the vintage train resumes its route between Madrid and Aranjuez, offering themed rides, musical events and rural adventures that make it a unique weekend escape from the capital. The train follows the country’s first railway line, inaugurated in 1851, linking Madrid with the royal city of Aranjuez. Carriages from the 1920s to 1960s, with wood-panelled interiors and period details, offer passengers a journey back in time. This season, it runs 12 times between October and November, departing Madrid’s Railway Museum at 10am and returning around 7.45pm. Tickets are available on trendelafresa.es and sell out quickly. Experiences include ‘Strawberries with Music’, pairing rides with performances from the Aran-

1, which will add over 70,000 square metres of space by extending the glass façade 38 metres and dismantling the unused control tower. The rede-

sign will increase capacity by 15.5 per cent, with construction due to start in 2028 and finish by 2031. Officials say major disruption is unlikely, though some minor re-routing inside the terminal may occur. Passengers will not need to arrive earlier, and new digital screens will display real-time updates to keep queues moving.

Handling over 50 million passengers in 2023, Barcelona joins airports such as Heathrow and Schiphol in adopting CT technology to boost efficiency and improve the travel experience.

juez Early Music Festival, and ‘Strawberries from the Orchard’, featuring pumpkin-picking, tractor rides and children’s workshops. Other highlights include ‘Royal Strawberries’, with a guided palace visit, ‘Strawberries by the River’ with a Tagus boat trip, and ‘Strawberries with Cream’, a city tour on the Chiquitrén mini train. Run since 1984 by Renfe, the Madrid Railway Museum and National Heritage, the Strawberry Train is dog-friendly for pets up to 40 kg. With vintage carriages, music and open-air adventures, it remains one of Spain’s most enchanting journey.

Hondarribia: A colourful town on Spain’s Basque Coast

HONDARRIBIA, located on the northern coast of Spain in the Basque Country, is known for its well-preserved old town, coastal promenade, and maritime history. The town sits at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, close to the French border, and provides a convenient base for visitors exploring the Basque coastline and surrounding countryside. It is particularly suitable for travellers in campervans, combining coastal access with local amenities. Campervans are welcome in and around Hondarribia. Designated motorhome areas are located near the outskirts, some with electricity, water points, and waste disposal facilities. Parking within the historic centre is limited, but nearby public car parks provide easy access on foot. Roads leading into the town are generally in good condition, though some narrow streets may

nearby vineyards in the Txakoli region. Markets and shops in the town sell local cheeses, preserves, and cured meats. Visitors travelling by campervan can also purchase ingredients from these markets to prepare meals on the move. Historical sites and landmarks

The town features a well-preserved old quarter with colourful buildings, cobbled streets, and its maritime connections.

Welcome autumn

IN October, southern Spain’s Costas and Balearics offer pleasant autumn weather and public holidays, ideal for enjoying between occasional ‘gota frias’ (autumn storms). Spain’s Hispanic Day on October 12, marking Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, extends to a non-working holiday on October 13 in Andalucia (Malaga, Almeria), creating a long weekend for parades and gatherings. The Valencian Community celebrates its regional holiday on October 9 with cultural events in Alicante. Murcia and Palma de Mallorca lack additional local holidays but can join in with local fairs and harvest celebrations. Weather in October transitions from summer warmth to autumn coolness, with early highs of 25-26°C and lows of 16-19°C.

Almeria stays driest, while Murcia has the warmest evenings. By late October, highs dip to 21-22°C and lows to 13-16°C, with Mallorca and Costa Blanca seeing a 10-20 per cent chance of showers. Sea temperatures of 19-23°C remain inviting for beach trips in Malaga or Mallorca. AccuWeather predicts above-average warmth early on, with six to eight hours of daily sunshine. Pack light layers for cooler evenings and check local calendars for events like Almeria’s almond festivals or Murcia’s wine harvests. For updates, consult AEMET or municipal websites. October blends holiday cheer, comfortable weather, and intermittent storms, inviting everyone to enjoy southern Spain’s outdoors before winter.

Amazon Haul Spain

AMAZON has officially launched its Haul store in Spain, taking direct aim at Shein, Temu and AliExpress with millions of low-cost items capped at €20.

The new bargain section, available on Amazon’s website and app, focuses on fashion, homeware and everyday essentials, with most prices hovering around €10 and some starting from just €1. Free delivery kicks in on orders above €15, while smaller ones cost €3.50. Shoppers also get extra discounts: 5 per cent off purchases over €30 and 10 per cent off over €50.

and customer service, the company hopes this will tempt Spain’s growing community of budget-conscious buyers away from Chinese rivals. Returns are another highlight: shoppers have 15 days to change their minds, with many items returnable at partner points like Seur or Celeritas without labels or packaging.

The timing is no accident. With the cost-of-living crisis pushing shoppers to hunt for bargains, Shein and Temu have boomed in popularity. But Amazon believes its mix of low prices, reliability and fast shipping offers an edge.

The biggest selling point, however, is delivery speed. Unlike Shein or Temu, where orders can take weeks, Amazon is promising a maximum wait of two weeks, often faster. Combined with the platform’s existing reputation for trust

The Haul store has already rolled out in the US, UK, Germany and other European markets, proving popular. Spain, with its strong e-commerce culture and appetite for affordable goods, is a natural next step.

Toma Castaña

AS October arrives, Spain comes alive with festivals that blend food, culture, and history. Across regions from Galicia and Asturias to Andalucia and Castilla y Leon, autumn offers newcomers a chance to immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions while enjoying seasonal cuisine.

In the north, Galicia and Asturias celebrate Magostos, with fire-roasted chestnuts, cider, and music around bonfires. Catalonia marks the Castanyada, featuring roasted chestnuts, sweet wine, and panellets, while La Rioja and Ribera del Duero host vibrant grape harvest festivals, with tastings, parades, and vineyard tours.In Andalucia, fairs across Granada, Malaga, and the Alpujarra showcase chestnuts, cheeses, and wild game, set against stunning mountain landscapes. Castilla y Leon complements autumn with mushroom fairs, markets,

and early wine tastings.

November brings the feast of San Martín, traditionally marked by the Matanza, or pig slaughter, where villages prepare fresh pork, chorizo, and jamón. Many towns now host guided agro-tourism events, allowing visitors to participate respectfully in this deep-rooted custom.

Seasonal cuisine is at the heart of these celebrations. Hearty stews of venison,

partridge, or rabbit are accompanied by root vegetables, pumpkin, and leafy greens. Desserts include roasted or candied chestnuts, membrillo (quince paste served with Manchego cheese), and regional favourites such as sweet potato treats or Catalan panellets.

Autumn drinks, young wines, Asturian cider, and chestnut liqueurs, further enrich the season.

Global appeal

SPAIN has once again emerged as one of the world’s most desired places to start a new life. A survey by Remitly, based on more than 4,800 responses, ranks the country in the global top 10.

What sets Spain apart is more than its sun, sangria and sea views. Respondents highlighted a unique blend of quality of life, affordability and a slower, more human rhythm. The Mediterranean diet, rich cultural life and strong sense of community appeal to many, offering a balance many feel is missing in their home countries. Healthcare and education are praised, while retirees enjoy an active, affordable lifestyle.

The country’s popularity has also brought challenges. Housing costs have surged, with rents up 11.5 per cent in 2024

and property prices at their highest in nearly 20 years. Bureaucracy and visa hurdles remain difficult, and salaries are lower than in much of northern Europe.

Despite this, Spain ranks highly across Europe. In Estonia, 10 per cent named it their top choice, while in Belgium, Ireland,

Sweden, Portugal and the Netherlands it consistently appeared among the top two. Its appeal lies in simplicity: warm climate, fresh food and a culture centred on family and social life. While it may not offer the highest pay, Spain promises something rarer - a life that feels genuinely lived.

A smoke-free generation? Indiana Jones vulture

SPAIN has made remarkable progress in reducing tobacco use, but the growing popularity of vaping now threatens these achievements. More than half of Spanish teenagers have tried e-cigarettes, sparking concern among health authorities.

The president of the Non-Smokers’ Association has praised the Health Ministry’s Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use but warned that loopholes remain in existing legislation.

- raising a generation free from nicotine addiction.

However, the challenge is far from simple. The ESTUDES national survey revealed that more than 50 per cent of young people aged 14 to 18 have vaped, suggesting the habit is becoming increasingly normalised. Economic sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and tobacconists have also opposed stricter regulations, citing fears of nancial losses.

CENTURIES of human history are preserved in the towering nests of bearded vultures, Europe’s most endangered raptors, forming an unexpected archive of ancient artefacts transported by the birds.

Tobacco continues to be one of the world’s leading causes of preventable death, claiming eight million lives annually, according to the World Health Organisation. Inspired by the United Kingdom’s recent ban on tobacco sales to anyone born after 2009, Spain aims to move towards a similar goal

AN illegal immigrant made a daring paraglider crossing into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco on Friday, October 3, bypassing the heavily forti ed border in an aerial manoeuvre captured on viral social media videos.

The incident, described by the Guardia Civil as ‘unprecedented’, marks a potential rst

Raquel Fernández, president of the Non-Smokers’ Association, remains optimistic but urges stronger laws, including a gradual sales ban for those born after 2009. “Regulations also educate and empower citizens,” she says, emphasising that education, legislation and determination will be key to achieving a truly smoke-free generation.

A Spanish research team excavated 12 ancient eyries in southern Spain’s rugged cliffs, uncovering 2,483 preserved remains, as detailed in a recent Ecology journal study. These included 2,117 animal bones, 86 hooves, 72 leather scraps, 43 eggshell fragments, and 226 human-made objectssome over 650 years old, confirmed by carbon-14 dating.

“These nests have acted as natural museums,” the authors noted, attributing preservation to the birds’ stable cave perches and dry microclimates. Highlights include a 674-year-old ago-

bía sandal, a 651-year-old ochre-painted sheep hide, a woven esparto slingshot, 151-year-old basket fragments, and a wooden lance.

Bearded vultures carried these items alongside ungulate remains from their diet across generations. The finds offer snapshots of Mediterranean pastoral life, from shepherds crafting ropes, baskets, and footwear from local plants.

Paraglider breach

for the enclave and underscores vulnerabilities in defences along the tense North African frontier.

Spotted soaring over Morocco’s Yebel Musa mountain in the

afternoon, the paraglider descended toward Ceuta’s Benzu neighbourhood near the perimeter, covering about eight kilometres.

The equipment was later

found abandoned in dense undergrowth just beyond the border fence, but the pilot - a male suspected of Maghrebi or Sub-Saharan origin - had ed on foot toward the Temporary Stay

Centre for Immigrants (CETI). Despite an extensive search involving patrols, surveillance cameras from the Centre for Operational Services, and additional units scouring the rugged terrain, the suspect remained at large.

Online footage reveals the high-risk ight, which evaded traditional land and sea controls.

FROM 2026, schoolchildren in Denmark will face a sweeping ban on mobile phones in schools and after-school clubs. The reform, backed by a broad parliamentary majority, takes e ect at the start of the 2026/2027 academic year and aims to restore focus, calm and real-world interaction in classrooms.

The rules apply across the entire folkeskole system, from reception

Classroom disconnect

to Year 10, with after-school care mobile-free up to Year 3. The ban covers all personal internet-enabled devices, not just smartphones.

Exceptions will be made for medical needs, such as diabetes monitoring apps, and for pupils

with learning di culties requiring digital tools. School-issued laptops and tablets for teaching will still be allowed.

Schools will also be required to block non-educational websites, including social media, gaming, streaming, gambling and sho-

pping, using new Wi-Fi lters. Authorities are urging schools to reduce overall screen time, particularly for younger children, in favour of traditional learning methods.

A 2024 Education Ministry survey found over one in three pupi-

ls in Years 6 and 8 felt distracted by digital devices, despite most schools already enforcing local rules. Earlier this year, a government well-being commission recommended a nationwide ban. Critics, including the Danish School Leaders’ Association, argue the law removes exibility, but with cross-party support it is set to reshape education.

Jilly Cooper RIP

DAME JILLY COOPER, the celebrated British novelist famed for her raunchy romances and witty satires of upper-class life, died at 88 following a fall, her family announced on October 6. The author of the blockbuster Rutshire Chronicles, which captivated millions with tales of scandal, sex, and showjumping, passed away Sunday, October 5, leaving a legacy of over 12 million books sold worldwide.

Her children, Felix and Emily - adopted with late husband Leo in the late 1960s - called the news a ‘complete shock’. In a statement, they said: ‘Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for family and friends knew no bounds... We are so proud of everything she achieved and can’t imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter’.

Born Jill Sallitt in 1937 in Essex, Dame

vels alongside Jane Austen’s Pride

Jilly rose from odd jobs - including 22 sacked PR roles - to literary stardom. Her 1985 breakthrough, Riders, launched the Rutshire Chronicles, featuring charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black (inspired partly by friend Andrew Parker Bowles, ex-husband of Queen Camilla). Blending steamy escapades among polo elites with sharp insights on class, marriage, and rivalry, it became a cultural phenomenon, earning a BBC spot among 100 key English-language romance novels alongside Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Queen Camilla, a longtime friend, deemed her a ‘legend’ who created a new literary genre.

THE majority of children in the European Union are enrolled in formal childcare or education well before they reach the legal school starting age.

Most EU children in daycare

According to Eurostat, 68.5 per cent of children aged three to the minimum compulsory school age in 2024 received formal childcare or education for at least 25 hours per week.

The legal age at which compulsory education begins varies between European countries. Age three - France (education begins at age three and is mandatory, though it becomes legally compulsory from age six. Age five - Netherlands, Latvia, UK, Northern Ireland (Children in NI start primary school the September after they turn four if their birthday is on or before July 1 of that year. Children born between July 2 and August 31 will start school in the September following their fifth birthday.) Age six - Spain, Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Czechia, Sweden, Croatia, Lithuania, Romania. Age seven - Finland, Estonia.

Beyond the age of entry, rankings highlight where children receive the stron-

gest education outcomes.

Global Citizen Solutions lists the following European countries within the global top 10:

• UK - high prestige and global recognition.

• Germany - robust dual academic and vocational track.

• France - highly centralised standards and strong STEM

• Finland - flexible, student-centred system with global recognition.

• Switzerland - multilingual education and strong apprenticeship routes. For expats, early enrolment can help children adjust socially and linguistically while giving parents much-needed childcare support.

• Netherlands - emphasis on creativity and multilingualism.

Double gold

GERMANY claimed double success at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi as Felix Streng and Johannes Floors secured a 1-2 finish in the men’s prosthetics 100m, Streng winning in 10.73 seconds. Earlier, shot putter Niko Kappel took Germany’s first gold with a 13.34m throw, his third world title. Germany now has five medals overall.

Crash splash

TWO teenagers survived a dramatic accident in Oberhausen after their Ford Fiesta plunged into the Emscher River. The 18-year-old driver and 17-year-old passenger managed to escape the sinking car unharmed by flooding it to open the doors. Police ruled out alcohol or drug use. The vehicle remains badly damaged in the river.

EURO PRESS

PORTUGAL ITALY

Rolls-ruined

A VINTAGE 1920 Rolls-Royce was destroyed while being transported under a motorway underpass in Portugal. The car, intended for restoration, struck the low clearance and suffered irreparable damage. Authorities reported no injuries, but the loss is significant for classic car enthusiasts, as such vehicles are rare and highly valued.

Reporting risk

A DOCTOR who reported alleged malpractice at Faro Hospital has gone on trial after a complaint was filed against her. She now faces legal proceedings for allegedly tarnishing the good name and reputation of the director of the surgery department. The proceedings examine whether her whistleblowing violated professional or legal obligations.

Fairy forest

STORM-DAMAGED trees in Bearna Woods, Galway, have been transformed into striking wood sculptures by artist Will Fogarty. Commissioned by Galway City Council, Fogarty has carved animals, wood spirits and fairy houses into fallen trees. The artworks, alongside benches, have drawn strong visitor interest, with more additions expected next year.

Rescue ready

Dalí doubts

BRUSSELS has launched a fluorescent ‘Senior Focus’ lunch box to improve safety for senior citizens. The box contains medical and administrative information, to be kept in the fridge, helping emergency services respond quickly in accidents or health incidents. The initiative, tested locally, is supported by the city and organisations like the Alzheimer’s League.

Monument moved

BELGIUM’S only UFO monument in Lotenhulle has been removed at the request of paratrooper Marin Vandercruyssen’s family. Vandercruyssen, who died in 2020, famously spotted five flying saucers over the E40 motorway in 1955. The memorial, erected in 2004 and recently restored, honoured the sighting but has now been taken down.

Paint & play

A DANISH art initiative is bringing installation art, street art and painting into the lives of children as young as two in Esbjerg. The ‘Art for Life’ project, run by Esbjerg Art Museum and local schools, has been extended for four years with a €640,000 grant. Organisers describe it as a ‘vitamin pill against unhappiness’.

Building battle

VEJLE Municipality has ordered owners of oversized allotment houses to cut their buildings down to within a 50-square-metre limit. In the first appeal, a resident with a 139-square-metre home lost his case. Neighbours, calling the decision ‘pig-like’, argue the 2024 planning rules are invalid. Around 200 owners have launched a lawsuit.

NETHERLANDS

FRANCE DENMARK BELGIUM NORWAY GERMANY IRELAND

Poll prep

TIKTOK has launched an Election Centre for Dutch users ahead of late-October parliamentary elections. It offers official information and guidance on spotting misinformation. Politicians and parties cannot advertise or monetise content. TikTok works with fact-checkers to label misleading material and promote accurate information.

Help redirect

CHATGPT is increasingly referring users to Dutch suicide helpline 113, even for mild mental health concerns, raising fears that people without suicidal thoughts may feel their problems are dismissed. Research shows GPT-5 mentions 113 more than psychologists or mental health professionals. 113 has asked OpenAI to refine guidance.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Media snip

IRANIAN state television blurred the legs of Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and her Swedish counterpart Maria Malmer Stenergard during a broadcast of their UN General Assembly meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Valtonen described the censorship as a ‘sad’ reflection of women’s position in Iran.

Wearable art

A FINNISH Lego enthusiast, Satu Aaltonen from Vaasa, has created a wearable wedding dress entirely from Lego, which will go on display at the Masterpiece Gallery in Billund. Aaltonen is the first Finnish woman and only the second Finn ever invited to the exhibition, which showcases the world’s finest brick-built creations.

Tainted tables

AROUND 20 people have been hospitalised in Stockholm after dining at a luxury restaurant, suffering from suspected listeria infections. All affected have been hospitalised for observation, though none require intensive care. Health authorities are investigating the source of the contamination.

Swedish swindle

A COUPLE in Sweden has been charged after staying at 12 hotels and campsites without paying, claiming bills would be covered by a real estate company. Their fraud amounted to roughly 79,000 kronor (around €7,200). Authorities were aided by the woman’s detailed diary, which described their stays and luxury experiences.

ITALIAN art police have seized 21 works suspected of being fakes from a Salvador Dalí exhibition in Parma. The impounded pieces were part of the show ‘Dalí: Between Art and Myth’. The seizure followed a complaint by the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation, which questioned the authenticity of works previously displayed in Rome.

Palace to pope

KING CHARLES III and Queen Camilla will meet Pope Leo XIV during a state visit to the Vatican in late October, Buckingham Palace has announced. The trip was rescheduled after their earlier visit in April was postponed due to the health of Pope Francis. The visit aims to underscore ecumenical ties and coincide with the Vatican’s Jubilee Year.

No connection

QUEEN SONJA of Norway has not watched her daughter Princess Märtha Louise and husband Durek Verrett’s Netflix documentary, ‘Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story’, explaining she was in the mountains and had ‘no connection’ to it. The royal family seeks a clearer separation between the couple’s commercial activities and the official Royal House.

Furry fugitive

HUGIN, a five-year-old otter, has escaped from Kristiansand Animal Park after digging a tunnel from his enclosure. The zoo has set traps and wildlife cameras to catch him, but cannot use tranquilisers for safety reasons. Dark brown and not dangerous, Hugin may have followed nearby rivers, and the public is asked to report sightings while keeping a safe distance.

Border arrest

A RUSSIAN court has extended the detention of French cyclist Sofiane Sehili until November 3. The 44-year-old was arrested in early September while attempting a record cycle from Lisbon to Vladivostok, accused of illegally crossing the border despite holding a valid e-visa. His lawyer plans to appeal.

Rat rally

DEPUTY mayor of the 11th arrondissement in eastern Paris, Grégory Moreau, took to the streets with a rat perched on his shoulder to promote a positive image of rodents, challenge stereotypes and encourage Parisians to reconsider their perceptions of these often-maligned animals. Moreau emphasised that rats are intelligent and social creatures.

Your

VOICE

Credit: Aliaksandr Antanovich / Shutterstock

Embracing Spain, one step at a time.

Do you feel integrated into your local Spanish community?

FOR many expatriates living in Spain, the question of whether they feel part of the local community can reveal much about their lifestyle and surroundings. We asked our readers if they felt integrated into their local Spanish community, and the responses revealed a wide range of experiences shaped by geography, effort, and attitude.

Many of those who said yes emphasised the importance of location and making an effort to engage with locals. Alison Barrass shared, “Yes, because we live in an inland village. Integrate or lead a very isolated life. We chose here to live in Spain, not to be surrounded by bars and restaurants of other countries as you see on the Costas.” Similarly, Clare Embrey explained, “Yes. We live in a town inland Alicante. All our immediate neighbours are Spanish. They have welcomed us with open arms and treat us like family, we are so blessed.”

Others felt that long-term commitment and genuine relationships are key to integration. Paul Clarkson said, “Yes. Married a Spanish woman. All my friends are Spanish. Live inland. Worked for years in a Spanish company. Speak Spanish most of the day.” For Deb Horses , decades in Spain have made it home: “Yes, 100 per cent, but then it’s been 50+ years… I could and

would NEVER return to my birth country.”

Several commenters mentioned how everyday interactions can create a sense of belonging. Micky Moses Jones commented, “Definitely. Local cafe bars five minutes away have Spanish owners, staff and regulars.” Others, like Judith Dominique Altavista Wolfenegg, feel part of the community because they live in authentically Spanish neighbourhoods: “Yes. I live in an authentic barrio of Arrecife, far from hotels and resorts.”

Still, not everyone feels included. Fred Harding said, “Sadly, no. Riviera Miraflores is British, Scandinavian, Belgian but little real Spanish community.” Martin Heaney, Linda Leventhal Little and Rhona Cameron also answered simply, “No.” For some, coastal life can feel detached from Spanish culture. Andy Mills noted, “Living inland deffo, but the coast is the opposite as it’s little Britain in the sun.”

Overall, most respondents reported feeling integrated into their Spanish communities. The responses suggest that those who live inland, learn the language, and actively connect with locals find the deepest sense of belonging in Spain - a place where, as Paul Johnson put it, “We made the effort to be included.”

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

EU–Mercosur deal

SPAIN’S Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on September 29 that he expects the EU–Mercosur trade agreement to be ratified by year-end. The deal would remove tariffs on over 90 per cent of exports, though some EU states, including France, remain sceptical.

September’s inflation

SPAIN’S annual inflation rate climbed to 2.9 per cent in September, up from 2.7 per cent in July and August, according to INE data. The rise was driven by higher fuel and electricity prices. A year earlier, inflation was at 1.5 per cent.

Token sterling

UK Finance has launched a pilot for tokenised sterling deposits (GBTD), backed by major banks including Barclays, HSBC, and Santander. Running until mid2026, the project will test faster, safer payments, fraud prevention, and digital asset settlement.

Jaguar Land Rover

THE UK government will back Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) with a £1.5 billion loan guarantee to support its supply chain after a major cyber-attack. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the move will help safeguard jobs across the West Midlands, Merseyside, and wider UK.

Bank closures

MAJOR UK banks including NatWest, Halifax, Lloyds, and Bank of Scotland will shut 97 branches and 45 mobile services from October. The closures, blamed on the shift to digital banking, add to more than 6,400 branch closures since 2015, consumer group Which? reports.

The annual change in the flash estimate of the CPI stands at in September, two 10ths higher than August. 2.9%

Spain’s student housing

SPAIN has become a hotspot for global investors targeting its under-supplied student housing market, as international admissions soar.

Foreign student numbers have risen 77 per cent in the past decade, creating unprecedented demand for accommodation.

Yet, only 117,000 purpose-built student beds are available, less than a fifth of the 622,000 students in need, according to JLL.

This shortage has fuelled high-profile deals, including Nido Living’s €1.2 billion purchase of Livensa Living, backed by Cana-

da’s CPP Investments.

Major US developers Greystar and Hines are also expanding rapidly in Spain.

Prime yields on student flats in Madrid and Barcelona stand at 4.5 per cent, compared with 3.3 per cent on 10-

Data centre expansion

SPANISH company Submer Technologies SL, a specialist in liquid cooling systems for data centres, has announced its entry into the Indian market with plans to build AI-focused data centres and expand manufacturing.

Founder Daniel Pope confirmed the firm had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Madhya Pradesh government in July to develop up to one gigawatt of data centre capacity. He said India would serve as a hub for Asia, adding that the country could represent 10 per cent of the global data centre market by 2030.

Submer will also set up a manufacturing facility in India, creating around 5,000 mechanical, electrical and plumbing jobs in the coming years.

Executives highlighted India’s young engineering ta-

year Spanish government bonds, CBRE data shows. Lower tuition fees and less restrictive migration policies than in the UK or US have also strengthened Spain’s appeal.

At leading business schools such as IE

and IESE, nine in 10 students come from abroad.

But while premium blocks attract wealthy international students, many locals struggle. Rents often exceed €1,000 a month, double the average Spanish student’s budget. A broader housing deficit of 400,000 homes, worsened by a surge in tourist lets, has intensified pressure.

For expats, modern student complexes with gyms and study spaces offer comfort, but rising costs in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia mean housing may become scarce and costly in the years ahead.

lent pool and the opportunity to build ultra-efficient new infrastructure rather than modernise older facilities. The company aims to deliver projects in as little as six to nine months using modular construction techniques.

Wealthy Brits Money

laundering

SPANISH police arrested five people and charged five others in Ceuta during Operation SMOKE, which uncovered a network tied to online fraud in Spain and Portugal. The group tricked victims into paying for fake tobacco sales online, laundering over €7,000 through money mules who carried cash to Morocco. Investigators have identified 66 victims so far but suspect the real figure is higher. Two alleged ringleaders in Morocco remain at large. The investigation began in December last year.

AFFLUENT UK citizens are regaining confidence in the economy, though sentiment remains well below pre-Budget levels, according to the Saltus Wealth Index Report. The index rose to 64.7 from February’s record low of 58.2, buoyed by stronger markets. However, this is still short of the 67.7 high in 2022. While 66 per cent of respondents are optimistic about the economy, down from 84 per cent a year ago, concerns remain: 78 per cent expect tax rises within 12 months, with income tax, National Insurance and pension relief seen as likely targets. Inflation (58 per cent) and tax policy (46 per cent) top the list of wealth risks.

MICHELIN Spain Portugal has announced three key management appointments to strengthen its industrial strategy. Fran Cardona will lead the Valladolid factory from November 1, while J Bruno Arias will take charge of the Aranda de Duero plant on December 1. From January 1, 2026, Carlos Abril Barber will oversee agricultural tyre production in Valladolid. The company said the changes aim to consolidate operational excellence across its passenger car, truck, and agricultural tyre divisions.

AMAZON customers in Spain can now defer purchases of €60 to €3,000 over four to 40 months using Zinia, Santander’s consumer financing platform. The service, already available in Germany and Austria, marks Zinia’s debut in Spain. Customers can apply directly on Amazon.es by entering a DNI or NIE, with financing approved per purchase rather than through a permanent credit line. The move expands Santander’s consumer finance presence while offering Amazon shoppers more flexible and secure payment options.

UK wine merchants

INDEPENDENT wine merchants in the UK are turning to lesser-known regions and varieties to keep prices competitive amid inflation and higher taxes, according to The Drinks Business.

At a recent London tasting hosted by The Bunch (six top merchants including Haynes Hanson & Clark, Tanners and Corney & Barrow) chair Siobhán Astbury said demand was strong for wines under £20, especially affordable Bordeaux, southern France, and cru Beaujolais. Tanners’ chairman James Tanner noted UK wine is at ‘a crossroads’, as consumers adjust to £20 bottles.

SPAIN has received further recognition from global credit agencies, as Moody’s and Fitch upgraded its sovereign rating, following a similar move by S&P in recent weeks. Moody’s raised Spain from Baa1 to A3 with a stable outlook, while Fitch upgraded from A- to A. Both cited balanced growth, labour market recovery and a stronger banking industry as key factors. The upgrades come as GDP growth forecasts for 2025 are revised upwards to 2.6-2.7 per cent.

3I Group 4.427,00 4.445,40 4.376,00 148,31K

Group 3.292,0 3.292,0 3.246,7 18,94K Airtel Africa 238,00 239,60 236,00 199,4K Anglo American 2.816,2 2.821,0 2.793,0 152,78K Antofagasta 2.707,00 2.745,00 2.706,00 57,67K Ashtead Group 5.036,0 5.076,0 5.020,0 65,42K Associated British Foods 2.092,0 2.095,0 2.085,0 29,44K

12.736,0 12.776,0 12.687,0 234,42K Auto Trader Group Plc 785,40 786,08 780,60 96,13K Aviva 676,20 679,00 673,00 409,03K

B&M European Value Retail SA 256,60 259,10 255,80 558,42K BAE Systems 2.030,00 2.056,66 2.025,00 302,03K

378,80 385,45 378,70 4,53M Barratt Redrow 392,70 394,60 391,00 296,43K

Beazley 900,00 902,00 895,00 153,29K Berkeley 3.902,0 3.917,0 3.888,0 15,64K

BP 428,95 431,00 427,00 3,24M British American Tobacco 3.824,0 3.825,0 3.798,9 189,01K BT Group 183,65 185,15 182,95 1,09M

2.451,4 2.488,0 2.450,0 59,7K

168,90 170,00 168,20 712,6K

3.280,0 3.308,0 3.277,0 88,73K

2.542,00 2.547,00 2.531,00 64,67K

4.919,9 4.942,0 4.900,0 13,03K

BUSINESS

EXTRA

UK hotels

UK hotel investment hit £1.04 billion in Q3 2025, up 28 per cent year-on-year, according to Savills. Single asset deals drove 92 per cent of activity, with London leading at £697 million. Regional markets also surged in Scotland, the South West, and West Midlands.

Spain to Liverpool

DUTCH carrier WEC Lines has upgraded its Spain-UK service, now called NWC Spain, adding a second vessel and ports including Gijón and Antwerp. The weekly route links Bilbao and Gijón to Liverpool and Dublin, offering faster, more reliable alternatives to road transport.

Gibraltar EES delays

SPAIN will begin rolling out the EU’s new Entry/ Exit System (EES) on October 12, but the first phase will only affect airports, meaning there will be no immediate changes at the Gibraltar–La Línea border.

The EES will replace passport stamping with biometric registration for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area. It will collect fingerprints, facial images and travel details to improve security and monitor overstays.

Spain’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed

UK-BASED Marshmallow has entered an exclusive partnership with Evolution Funding to offer motor finance to newcomers and migrants who often lack the credit history required by traditional lenders.

The deal marks Marshmallow’s first move beyond insurance since raising $90 million (€76.9 million) in April 2025. By integrating its risk models with Evolution’s distribution platform, the partnership will allow dealers to approve customers typi-

UK newcomers

cally excluded from secured car finance.

Co-founder Oliver Kent-Braham said the initiative aims to support migrants locked out of fair financial services. Evolution CEO Lee Streets said the collaboration combines ‘credit models with distribution and insight’ to expand inclusive lending.

a three-stage rollout: first airports, then land borders such as Gibraltar, and finally maritime crossings. The EU has set April 10, 2026, as the final deadline for full implementation.

For now, interim arrangements continue. Holders of Gibraltar’s red ID cards can cross into Spain without passport stamps, while EU nationals may still enter Gibraltar with ID cards.

Negotiations on a UKEU Gibraltar treaty are advancing, with officials hoping to finalise it before the EES applies at land borders. Senior EU representative Clara Alberola described the target as ‘very ambitious’ but said the text is ‘well advanced’.

For cross-border workers and expats, this delay offers temporary relief from queues and new checks.

EIB & ACCIONA

THE European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted Madrid-based ACCIONA €120 million to drive research, innovation and digitalisation in infrastructure, renewables, and water treatment. The funding, part of a €150 million package, will support AI, automation, decarbonisation and IoT projects, aligning with EU goals on climate action and tech.

SPAIN’S hotel market saw €2.1 billion in investments in H1 2025, its third-strongest first half ever, led by domestic buyers (66 per cent). Highlights included the €430m Mare Nostrum Resort deal in Tenerife. Strong demand, stable yields, and limited supply pushed RevPAR up 6.9 per cent, reinforcing Spain’s global investor appeal.

Perhaps I’m too old

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS

THINK IT

I’VE heard some jaw dropping judgements from a number of bewigged judgemental Wallies over the years, but this week’s decision by one such incompetent truly took the whole tin. Emma Thompson, a so-called ‘gambling addictive accountant’, stole £350,000 from her employers over the space of 12 months.

Judge Isobel Newman, who sentenced the woman at Southwark Crown Court to an almost unbelievably inadequate two-year suspended sentence, said in defence of her decision, that the accountant was ‘not the general stuff of which the prison population is made’. ‘Er Wot!? She’s a crook who pleaded guilty to stealing 350 grand from her employers! That’s exactly the type of ‘stuff’ that a large portion of the prison population do in fact consist of. The judge also remarked, that she had actually considered giving Thompson a sentence of three years and four months, before being

persuaded that she was ‘unfit for prison’! You really couldn’t make it up.

Not quite au fait with this judge’s idea of ‘prison fitness’, I can only assume that if this had been a young, able bodied, working-class male, he would have had far more sentencing ‘suitability’ than a highly educated female accountant. Give us a break. This whole sorry debacle is nothing more than a biased, sexist, utter travesty of justice. Personally, I think this delusional judge should be immediately disbarred, or whatever they do with members of this pathetic bunch of generally out of touch bewigged hierarchy, who, in my opinion should all be put out to grass with the rest of their cuckoo’s nest compatriots.

Personally, I think they should be replaced by computers. One, highly sophisticated machine into which are fed all the facts of a case. Defence, prosecution, witness statements, mitigation, evidence etc, etc. Whatever verdict it spits out couldn’t be as ludicrous and biased as a some of the unbelievable rubbish we have to put up with from most of these pontificating jumped up dinosaurs, most of whom

consider themselves vastly superior to us mere mortal minions. Well, I’ll give ‘em all one thing. Many of them do appear to have emanated from a different planet, and that’s fer sure.

I don’t know about you, but I am 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, non-demonstrative occasion, now sees batsmen scurrying up to each other like children and ‘fisting’ after a particularly good shot. Doubles at tennis is another example of this absurd habit, in fact these partners actually still fist each other when actually losing a point. All this along with the utterly ridiculous orgasmic grunts of the tennis brigade just about sums up the attitude of a whole number of our modern self-promoting competitors. Ah well, leave the youngsters alone. Perhaps I’m merely getting too old. Cest La Vie. Have a good week, and whatever ya do alwaysKeep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Spain in October

SPAIN in October offers a calmer, more authentic travel experience, making it one of the best months to visit. With summer crowds gone and the heatwave over, cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Granada reveal a softer side. Travellers can stroll through iconic neighbourhoods, enjoy festivals, and soak up golden autumn light without the chaos of peak season. For many Brits looking for an autumn escape, October strikes the perfect balance: warm days, lively nights and more affordable prices.

Barcelona becomes intimate, with quieter beaches and cooler streets. The Gothic Quarter can finally be explored at leisure, balconies overflowing with flowers in view.

Madrid glows in autumn hues, Retiro Park turning golden while its nightlife remains electric. Enjoying tapas-filled afternoons in La Latina set the tone before the city’s Autumn Festival of theatre, dance and music.

Sevilla rewards visitors with perfect mid-20s weather, making landmarks like the Alcázar and Giralda a joy to explore. Flamenco thrives in hidden bars, paired with tapas favourites such as jamón and honey-drizzled aubergines.

Valencia shines with 23-degree sunshine, offering both beach days and cultural highlights such as the City of Arts and Sciences.

Granada transforms into an autumn painting, the Alhambra glowing pink at sunset and framed by red and gold foliage.

Record population

BRUSSELS has reached a new population milestone, with more people now living in the capital than ever before.

On January 1 2024, the Brussels-Capital Region counted 1,255,795 inhabitants, an increase of 6,198 from the previous year, marking the 29th consecutive year of population growth. Brussels’ appeal as a place to live, work, and study continues, though growth is slowing. In 2024, the region expanded by 0.5 per cent - faster than Wallonia (0.34 per cent) but slightly behind Flanders (0.63 per cent).

The city’s high birth rate supports this growth. In 2024, 13,830 babies were born, a rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, higher than in Wallonia or Flanders. With just 8,500 deaths - the lowest recorded - Brussels maintains one of the country’s lowest mortality rates.

Despite these gains, many locals continue to leave. Last year, 43,000 people moved to Flanders or Wallonia, while only 25,100 relocated to Brussels from these regions. Families with children and people in their 30s are the largest groups leaving, often seeking more space, affordable housing, and quieter surroundings.

International migration remains the main driver of population growth, offsetting the outflow of young families. In 2024, Brussels welcomed 19,398 international arrivals.

Recent years highlight shifting dynamics: in 2022, the population surged with 31,685 newcomers, including arrivals from Ukraine; 2023 saw 21,443 new residents. By 2024, the city added 6,198 residents, showing slower growth but ongoing international appeal.

Eurostar travel checks

THE EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), launching on October 12, introduces stricter rules for British travellers on the Eurostar. The electronic system will scan passports, record biometrics such as fingerprints and facial data, and log entry and exit times in the Schengen zone. Passengers may be asked about accommodation, return tickets, funds and travel insurance. Those answering ‘no’ could face manual checks by French border police, who can deny entry if requirements are not met. Initially, the rules apply to business and premium class passengers, with full rollout for all travellers set for January 2026. Confusion arose after UK media reports suggested medical insurance would be mandatory. Eurostar clarified this was a translation error: general travel insurance is required, ideally covering medical costs, repatriation and cancellations. The UK government confirmed

that medical cover is not a legal entry condition, though it is strongly recommended.

France’s official guidance does require third-country nationals to carry insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation. Historica-

lly, these rules have rarely been enforced, but EES’s electronic checks may tighten, increasing the likelihood of being asked for proof. Having valid insurance could prevent delays or denied entry.

Mediterranean flair meets Argentine

JUST a short stroll from the sands of El Portet beach, La Casita in Moraira has quickly earned a reputation as one of the area’s most inviting dining spots. This cosy restaurant and pub blends Mediterranean charm with the fiery spirit of Argentina, serving everything from artisan pizzas to expertly grilled meats cooked before your eyes.

The welcoming atmosphere - a mix of rustic wood, lively conversation and the aroma of the open grill - sets the tone for a memorable meal. Friendly staff ensures guests feel right at home, while the menu offers something for every taste.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Start with the Tesoro La Casita, delicate filo parcels filled with goat’s cheese and spinach, finished with honey and walnuts, or try the Gambas en tempura, crisp prawns with a creamy, mildly spiced sauce.

The star attraction is the Parrillada Menu, available from Friday to Sunday evenings, featuring Argentine cuts like chorizo, morcilla, entraña and Angus ribs with

roasted potatoes, salad and house sauces.

Vegetarians can savour the La Girgola Burger or vibrant vegan salad, while the Ibérica Pizza with Serrano ham and pesto delights every palate. With its warm hospitality and bold flavours, La Casita is pure coastal comfort with an Argentine twist.

Av. del Portet 163, Moraira - WhatsApp +34 722 465 839

Irish Tavern live music

ALBIR’S Nightkats are set to take the stage at the Irish Tavern on Friday October 11, promising an evening of rock, blues, and a touch of country from 10.00pm to 11.30pm.

The traditional Irish sports bar, located on Camí Vell d’Altea, 20, offers much more than just live music. Doors open at 12 noon, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy cold drinks, tasty bar snacks, and fun games while catching the UEFA Champions League action, kicking off at 18.45.

Fans of football and good times can settle in with a pint, cheer on their favourite teams, and take advantage of the bar’s drinks promotions, including the famous Alcopop Buckets - chilled, colourful, and dangerously easy to drink, perfect to share with friends or enjoy solo.

Live music begins in the evening at 18.00, making it the ideal spot for both sports fans and music lovers. With big screens, lively atmosphere, and plenty of Bucket Deals to sample, the Irish Tavern promises a memorable night out.

For more information, call 610 129 283 or email irishtavernalbir@gmail.com. You can also visit theirishtavern.com for updates.

Whether you’re a football fan, a live music lover, or just looking for a great night out, The Irish Tavern in Albir has something for everyone.

Ondara craft market Open-air sculpture route

Credit: Ondara Craft Market

The market opens on Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.

EVERY weekend , Ondara’s emblematic Plaza de Toros transforms into a lively meeting point with the celebrated Craft Market. Visitors and residents alike can discover a wide variety of handmade products, local crafts and traditional goods in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

The market opens on Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm, offering plenty of time to browse, shop and enjoy the lively surroundings.

The first edition was on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, marking the start of a season filled with colour, music and tradition.

More than just a market, the event also features a lively cultural programme. Guests can enjoy the popular Musical Vermouth, the best afternoon sessions, as well as live music and dancing. These activities provide the perfect backdrop for spending time with friends and family in a unique setting.

The Craft Market at La Plaça is a place where tradition, craftsmanship, local products and entertainment come together, creating an experience that appeals to all ages.

The organisers invite everyone to join at Rest. La Plaça de Bous d’Ondara and be part of an unforgettable event that celebrates community and creativity.

THE cultural and sculptural project of Teulada Town Hall is entering its final stage ahead of its grand debut. The initiative will be launched on Saturday October 18 at the Auditori Teulada Moraira with the official opening of the monumental sculpture route.

The proposal, under the title Teulada Moraira, City of Culture and Sculpture, aims to establish the municipality as a national and international benchmark in contemporary art. The route, connecting the two urban centres, will feature seven monumental sculptu res by renowned artists, alongside the emblema tic Salt Giant, already installed on the esplana de of Moraira Castle and owned by the council.

The works will be dis tributed across key areas of the municipality, blen ding into streets, squares and emblematic corners.

Each piece will include a QR code, giving visitors access to detailed information about the artist, the meaning of the work and its context, offering an interactive experience that combines art, culture and heritage at the heart

of the Costa Blanca. The opening event will take place on Saturday October 18, at 12pm in the Auditori Teulada Moraira, where a temporary exhibition linked to the project will also be on display.

Step out against cancer

THE eighth edition of the Ondara Charity Race in aid of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) will take place on Sunday October 19.

Registrations are open until October 16, or until 1,000 participants are reached, via www.so mesport.com. Entries can also be made in person at local businesses including Esports Colau, Calzados Dora, La Furiona de Laura Vicens, Peluquería Antonia Jiménez, Sonrisas and Ondara Ópticos. The registration fee is €6, with all proceeds going directly to the AECC. Organisers expect strong participation, hoping to surpass the 1,000 mark.

The race will start at 10am on Sunday October 19 from Avenida General Bosch, next to the bullring, with the finish line also located there. At 9am, a warm-up will

Registrations are open until October 16.

be held to energise participants, followed by the presentation of the charity cheque and the reading of a manifesto. At the end of the race, entertainment will be provided for all attendees.

The event will feature a four-kilometre urban circuit for walkers and a five-kilometre route for run-

ners, passing through the areas of Xebics, Mollons and Alfatares. Afterwards, the Festeros de la Soledad and Festeros del Cristo 2026 will host a refreshment bar.

The Sports Department also thanked the more than 150 local and regional businesses sponsoring the charity race.

Alfaz Spiritual Friends Centre

THE Alfaz Spiritual Friends Centre invites you to come along on a Thursday eve-

ning to the 6.30pm service at The Comm (The Forum/Mare Nostrum), Camino del Pintxo 2, Alfaz del Pi 03590.

Whether you are just curious or are looking for a spiritual home, everyone receives a warm welcome. We have a lovely room downstairs and everyone is welcome to stay for a chat after the service.

When we reopened in September after the sum-

mer break, we had three wonderful services andwelcomed three new visiting mediums - two were International mediums over from the UK.

They all brought through amazing evidence with joy and laughter from loved ones in the spirit world.

We are hoping for a repeat success in October with four popular visiting mediums, one of which will be joining us from the UK for the October 9 service.

There will be a €5 entry fee at the door for October 9. There is free Spiritual Healing after each service. There is a Freewill Offering/collection during the service, unless there is a visiting International medium - there will be an entry charge.

Contact Dorothy - 634 320 013

Email - dorothydoro thy608@gmail.com

FACEBOOK - alfaz spiritual friends

Free art show

VISITORS in Denia can enjoy a unique free exhibition showcasing the creative world of typography through the work of renowned graphic artist and professor Begoña Jordá Albiñana.

The exhibition, titled ‘A contraforma’.

The language of letters, brings together 16 pieces that highlight the expressive power of type, with Jordá’s unmistakable style at the forefront.

Curators Nereida Tarazona and Jimena González del Río explain that the exhibition explores the duality between the verbal and the visual, with Jordá focusing on subtle yet essential elements of letters such as counterforms and white spaces - often overlooked, but vital to the anatomy of typography.

The result is a series of clean, striking compositions that are both logical and vibrant, offering a fresh, dynamic take on

graphic design.

The exhibition will remain on display until Sunday November 2 at the Centre d’Art l’Estació, located in the heart of Denia.

With its central setting, it is the perfect cultural stop after enjoying lunch or dinner in the nearby streets filled with cafés, bars and restaurants.

And best of all - entry is completely free, making it a must-see for expatriates, tourists and locals alike.

First Honey Cut Fair

AYORA, a charming inland town in Valencia Province, will once again fill its streets with the sweet aroma of honey as it celebrates the 14th edition of its renowned Primer Corte de la Miel (First Honey Cut Fair).

Running from Wednesday October 8 to Sunday October 12, this unique festival pays tribute to local beekeepers while offering visitors an authentic taste of the town’s biggest economic treasure - honey.

Over the years, Ayora has grown into a major hub for honey production and distribution in Europe, with its local cooperative among the leaders in the sector. Today, the fair is not just a celebration of apiculture, but also a firmly established gastronomic, cultural and tourist event.

One of the most popular highlights is the live honey-cutting demonstration, where beekeepers open a hive, explain their work and offer freshly cut honey straight from the comb - a truly sweet experience that no visitor

should miss.

Beyond honey, the fair invites visitors to sample and purchase regional delicacies such as cured meats, cheeses, pastries, wines, and traditional dishes like gazpacho ayorino.

The programme is packed with activities for all ages, including: Guided tours to historic

landmarks.

Street performances, concerts, dances, games and exhibitions.

Honey competitions and cooking contests featuring honey-inspired recipes.

Tastings of honey, olive oil and craft beers made with honey.

Family-friendly workshops.

Friday karaoke night

STEP into La Palmera, Orba’s stunningly spacious live entertainment venue, and discover a place where music, friendship, and community come together. With its sports lounge and

beautiful oasis courtyard, it’s the perfect setting to unwind and have a great time.

What makes La Palmera truly special is its inclusivity. People of all ages and nationalities come

Spain’s Wine Legacy

Alicante: Where the sun ages the wine just right

THERE’S something magical about drinking wine in Alicante - maybe it’s the sea breeze, maybe it’s the sunlight that kisses every grape. Vines have been growing here since the Phoenicians dropped anchor, and by the Middle Ages, Alicante wine was already a European celebrity, prized for its sweet, powerful charm.

Today, under the Denominación de Origen Alicante, the region bubbles with personality. The coastal La Marina gives us fresh, aromatic wines, while the inland Vinalopó produces bold reds with a sunburnt swagger. The star grape? Monastrell, of course - rustic,

warm, and a little wild. Add Moscatel de Alejandría or Giró, and you’ve got a glass full of Mediterranean joy.

A new generation of winemakers is rewriting the story. Pepe Mendoza crafts wines that taste of sea air and olive trees. Les Freses, once a strawberry farm, now bottles pure sunshine. Bodegas Alejandro keeps things soulful and honest, while Masos de Guadalest channels mountain freshness.

Alicante’s wines are no longer hiding in the cellar - they’re out dancing in the light: joyful, generous, and full of the Mediterranean spirit.

marthasvineyard.es

martha@marthasvineyard.es

together to enjoy music, support local businesses, and contribute to charity - all while having a fantastic night out.

And yes, the drinks are just as good as the atmosphere!

In the two years since opening, La Palmera has invested more than €36,000 in live bands and music, consistently supporting local talent and keeping the entertainment varied and exciting.

The bar has built a devoted international clientele, many of whom travel from across the valley to enjoy the events, also benefiting other local bars and restaurants along the way. On top of that, La Palmera has raised thousands for local charities, proving that a great night out can also make a difference.

Every Friday night, the venue comes alive with karaoke, inviting everyone to take the stage, sing their hearts out, and share in the laughter and applause.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just love to cheer on others, karaoke night at La Palmera promises an unforgettable evening.

Calle d’Alter 2a, Orba, Alicante | 711 072 039

What’s App: +34 711 023 344

FOOD CRITICS by The Silver Spoon Sisters

Antica Roma

STARTER Patatas bravas con 3 salsas.

We were both impressed with the fantastico presentation for this starter. Great crunch on the bravas, but we were not in love with the salsas.

MAIN Lasagne y spaghetti bolognaise

Sophia - The lasagne was a good size portion, well seasoned inside, only negativo was that it was really heavy on the queso. It would have been better to taste more of the dish flavours through the cheese, but the dish was nice and filling which was good. Bella... Why did the lasagne go to therapy?....

Because it had too many layers of eating habits.

Annabella - Good one Sophia. My spaghetti was cooked really well and had a good amount of meat in it. It was cocinado perfectamente! Fabulicious. A flavour and a big portion. Totally looked like I had kissed a pumpkin after I had done all that twirling about on the plate, ha ha!

DESSERT Cheesecake Classico

Top marks for presentation again, it really looked pretty sitting on the plate waiting for us to attack it with our spoons. It had a beautiful white chocolate button with the restaurant logo on it. Sadly for both of us the dessert was muy muy dulce. The cream cheese was very thick and the fruit was a little soggy.

Overall,

We had a good dining experience, the food was presented very well for all the courses, the service was friendly and a good speed, a few hiccups but still enjoyable.

Muchísimas Gracias para all! Catch you next week. We have some exciting news to share in the next review.

Ojos Rojos Photo Festival

JAVEA and Denia will become a haven for photography and visual arts enthusiasts, as Brazil is celebrated as the guest country of the 14th edition of the Ojos Rojos Photography Festival.

From October 24 to November 30, the streets, galleries and cultural spaces will host a rich tapestry of exhibitions, talks and workshops, bringing together some of the most exciting voices in contemporary photography.

Among the highlights are solo exhibitions by

Brazilian photographer Luisa Dorr, Luis Asin and Gloria Oyarzabal, alongside collaborative shows from Palmira Puig & Marcel Giro.

Visitors will also discover the poetic series ‘When Turtles Sleep’ by Susana Galbis, as well as striking visual narratives by Marcos Aviles, Julian Zuazo, Jose Miguel Cerezo and the innovative Fosfografias of Rafael Pablos and Cesar Blasco.

The festival is not only about viewing art - it is an invitation to dialogue.

Renowned photographers

and creators will lead a series of engaging talks. Toni Ricart, the nephew and artistic executor of Puig and Giro, will discuss La Mirada Moderna, exploring the modern gaze and the enduring legacy of these Brazilian artists.

Innovation is also at the forefront, with Fernando Puche leading a talk on Things We No Longer Need (Photography & AI) and participating in a roundtable discussion alongside experts in AI and multidisciplinary photography.

Bar in Harley workshop?

IT exists - and with live music every weekend! Looking for a unique night out in La Nucia? Overdrive Rock Cafe is not your usual bar - it’s set inside a Harley Davidson workshop and offers live concerts every weekend.

On Friday October 10 , don’t miss Joe Dylan taking the stage for an unforgettable evening of rock music from

From mud to

ORBA and Orbeta are getting ready to celebrate the sixth Week of Clay,

8.00pm to 9.30pm.

Located at Calle Guadalest 19, La Nucia, Alicante, Overdrive Rock Cafe serves ice-cold beer at 1°C from brandnew taps, making it the perfect place to enjoy great drinks and even better music. Come for the Harley atmosphere, stay for the live rock - discover just how good rock and beer can taste!

masterpieces

water cool, proving that sustainability is nothing new.

running from Saturday October 11 to Sunday October 19 , with a full programme of activities organised by Amics del Fang together with the town hall.

Over the past few years, Orba has worked hard to establish itself as the clay capital of the Marina Alta, promoting traditional and modern pottery through its Clay Museum, the Municipal Workshop and this annual festival.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of water and its traditional storage in clay pitchers, or cántaros - once made by almost every local potter. Long before running water reached homes, clay jars were essential for keeping

The celebrations kick off on Saturday October 11 with a concert by the local band La Xopena d’Orba and the presentation of the week’s programme. The grand finale will be the Mercat del Fang on Sunday October 19, when Calle Mayor will come alive with potters’ stalls, demonstrations, workshops, food, music and the popular allioli competition.

Visitors can also take the chance to explore the Clay Museum with the help of Amics del Fang, while the afternoon ‘barro-tardeo’ will feature live music from local group Trilogy.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Recognising the signs

GASLIGHTING is a term that has gained increasing attention in recent years, yet many still struggle to fully understand what it means. Often subtle and deeply manipulative, gaslighting can leave a person doubting their own memory, judgement or even sanity.

ARTIFICIAL intelligence is carving out an exciting role in the beauty industry, particularly when it comes to sustainability. From ingredient sourcing to packaging design, AI is helping brands minimise waste and reduce their carbon footprint.

One of the most significant impacts of AI is in product formulation. By analysing vast amounts of data, AI can suggest eco-friendly ingredients that are both effective and responsibly sourced. This not only streamlines the development process but also ensures that products are less harmful to the environment.

In manufacturing,

Whether in relationships, workplaces or families, recognising this toxic behaviour is the first step towards regaining control and confidence.

The term originates from the 1944 film Gaslight, in which a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she

is losing her mind by gradually dimming the gas lights in their home and denying it is happening. This chilling portrayal gave rise to the word now used to describe similar emotional manipulation.

At its core, gaslighting involves someone deliberately making

another person question their perception of reality. It might come in the form of denying something was said, shifting blame or dismissing valid feelings as irrational. Over

Sustainable beauty

AI-powered tools optimise production lines, reducing water and energy use. Smart packaging solutions, guided by AI,

are helping to design recyclable or biodegradable containers, cutting down on the industry’s reliance on single-use plastics.

Furthermore, AI-driven personalisation is changing how consumers buy beauty products. Virtual skin analyses and makeup trials ensure customers select only the products that suit them, reducing the likelihood of unwanted items ending up in landfills.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in fostering a more sustainable beauty industry looks increasingly promising. The combination of technology and innovation is paving the way towards a greener, more conscious future in beauty.

time, these tactics can erode self-esteem and create lasting confusion.

Dealing with gaslighting begins with recognising it. Keeping a record of events,

speaking with a trusted friend or therapist and setting clear emotional boundaries can make a significant difference. Recovery takes time, but awareness is the first and most empowering step toward reclaiming self-trust.

Pregnancy glow Lashes in focus

PREGNANT women are often described as glowing, and new research suggests there may be a literal truth behind the phrase. Scientists studying ultraweak photon emission (UPE) have found that living organisms, including humans, emit a faint natural light that fades after death and sparks brightly at conception.

A study in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters showed that living cells release ultra-weak photons, particles of light so faint they cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be captured with highly sensitive imaging such as EMCCD cameras. UPE occurs in the spectral range of 200-1,000 nanometres and has been observed in plants, animals and humans.

Researchers recorded a sharp drop in photon output in mice immediately after death.

Earlier studies revealed a ‘flash of light’ at the moment of fertilisation, triggered by a zinc spark when sperm meets egg, releasing millions of photons in an instant.

The phenomenon may help ex-

plain why expectant mothers are said to glow. Heightened metabolism, increased circulation and cellular changes in pregnancy could amplify UPE, giving a literal basis to the metaphor.

According to University of Calgary physicist Vahid Salari, UPE could one day be used in medicine to monitor cellular health, fertility and disease without invasive tests.

EYELASH serums have become a staple in many beauty routines, promising longer, thicker and darker lashes without the need for extensions. Marketed as quick fixes in sleek tubes, they are often applied daily along the lash line and can show visible results within weeks.

The appeal is clear: fuller lashes can enhance the eyes and reduce reliance on mascara or false lashes.

Some serums are infused with nourishing oils, peptides and vitamins that condition and strengthen the hair, reducing brittleness and breakage. Users often describe the boost as confidence-lifting as well as cosmetic.

However, the products are not without controversy. Certain formulations contain prostaglandin analogues, originally used in glaucoma medication, which can stimulate lash growth but may also cause side effects such as redness, irrita-

tion and skin darkening around the eyes. Even plant-based alternatives can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive users. Ophthalmologists recommend caution, stressing the importance of following instructions carefully and discontinuing use if discomfort occurs.

While eyelash serums can deliver striking results, experts advise weighing the aesthetic benefits against potential risks. As with many beauty trends, a degree of moderation and medical awareness may be the best safeguard.

Gut loving goodness

YOU have probably heard of probiotics, but have you met their powerful partner - postbiotics? These are the helpful compounds your body naturally produces when it digests food using good bacteria. Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, postbiotics are the beneficial byproducts they leave behind, and they are packed with health supporting properties.

There are several types of postbiotics, including short chain fatty acids like butyrate, lipoteichoic acid (from bacterial cell walls), and microbial peptides. These compounds can strengthen the gut barrier, reduce inflammation, support immune function, and help balance the gut microbiome - all of which are essential for better digestion, impro-

ved energy levels, and even clearer skin.

One major advantage of postbiotics is their stability. Unlike probiotics, they do not require refrigeration or specific conditions to remain effective. They also carry a lower risk of infection, making them a safe option for people with compromised immune systems. However, postbiotics are still relatively new in the supplement world, and research is ongoing. Some products may make unproven claims, and not all postbiotics are equally effective. Always choose well studied ingredients and consult a healthcare provider before adding new supplements.

In summary, postbiotics offer promising gut and immune health benefits without the challenges of live bacteria.

Embrace the grey

AS we age, grey hair is a natural sign of life experience - but deciding whether to colour it or embrace it can be a personal dilemma. Both options offer unique benefits depending on your style, lifestyle, and confidence.

Colouring allows you to maintain a youthful appearance, blend roots, or experiment with new shades. Modern dyes are gentler, and professional colourists can customise tones to suit skin tone and hair texture. Regular touch-ups and good hair care are essential to keep coloured hair healthy and vibrant.

Home Hygge

- all of which benefit your skin, hair, and overall health.

On the other hand, embracing grey can be empowering. Many people find silver and salt-and-pepper tones sophisticated and low-maintenance. Highlighting or gloss treatments can enhance shine and texture, keeping grey hair looking polished rather than dull.

Ultimately, the choice is personal. Whether you opt to colour or go natural, healthy hair care, regular trims, and confidence are the keys to looking and feeling your best.

HYGGE, pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, is a Danish concept that’s all about creating a sense of warmth, comfort, and contentment. In the colder months, embracing hygge can have a surprisingly positive effect on both mental and physical wellbeing.

In practice, hygge might mean curling up with a cosy blanket and a hot drink, lighting candles to create a soothing atmosphere, or enjoying a slow, mindful meal with loved ones. These small, intentional acts can reduce stress, improve mood, and even encourage better sleep

You can bring hygge into your beauty routine too. Try a calming bath with essential oils, a gentle face mask, or a self-massage with a nourishing body oil. Pair these rituals with soft music or reading a favourite book to fully relax.

Ultimately, hygge isn’t about extravagance - it’s about slowing down and taking care of yourself. By weaving these comforting habits into daily life, you can boost wellness, radiance, and a lasting sense of calm.

Finding gym joy

FOR some, the gym is more than a place to exercise; it is a source of motivation, focus and even community. The attraction lies not only in the physical benefits but also in the mental lift that regular training can provide. A well-structured workout can release endorphins, reduce stress and foster a sense of progress that keeps people returning.

Those who thrive in the gym often speak of the satisfaction of routine, the measurable gains in strength or stamina, and the camaraderie of training alongside others.

For many, the environment itself - music, equipment and atmosphere - creates a motivating backdrop that is hard to replicate elsewhere. For those who

ting, practical ad

justments can make the experience more appealing. Wearing comfortable clothing, preparing a playlist and scheduling sessions as fixed appointments can help build routine.

Training with a friend provides accountability, while noting progress in a journal or app can keep motivation high.

Choosing activities you enjoy, alternating workouts to avoid monotony, and asking staff for guidance on equipment can also make visits less intimidating. Ultimately, learning to love the gym means treating it as a positive investment in health, with patience and consistency paving the way to lasting enjoyment.

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Monster: The Ed Gein Story

NETFLIX’S hit crime and biographical series, Monster returned in October with its third instalment, this time following the chilling story of Ed Gein, otherwise known as the Butcher of Plain eld. Set in the atmospheric transition between the 1940s and 1950s, the ominous series follows the story of Ed Gein, infamous suspected serial killer and body snatcher who inspired horror works including Psycho and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Though the acting has been acclaimed and the immersive worldbuilding impeccable, the narrative can be unfocused and sloppy at times.

Wheels and sails Malaga to California, no flights needed

FROM COAST TO COAST

me, o cer! Please take me away!”

From Paris to Caen… bliss: gliding through the French countryside on a train, sipping wine, pretending this mad plan was chic instead of insane.

Billionaire’s Bunker

WHEN a group of billionaires trade their status and power for shelter in a luxury bunker, whirling chaos, an old family feud, and unprecedented global conflict ensues. Netflix’s Billionaire’s Bunker is quickly making its way to the top of the popularity lists for the streaming service, though it has been chided for its high-concept dystopia and sometimes-silly plot points. Notwithstanding, the series’ dramatic twists and turns, as well as its fast pace serve as a perfect autumn watch to be engrossed by and not think too hard about.

IT all started because I hate ying. Sounds foolish, but when panic hits, you just want to cover your ears and disappear. On a ship, I tell myself I might survive - I know how to swim (a few minutes, until hypothermia or a shark). But a plane? Zero chance - I don’t know how to y.

This phobia began on a long-haul ight from Los Angeles to Paris. I was seated by the emergency door. Shortly after take-o , it started making odd coughing noises - as if it had a cold. The engineer checked it and exchanged a silent nod with the ight attendant: this doesn’t look good. I was choking, sweating, praying like a monk. Even the captain inspected it and nodded: I wouldn’t bet on this one. That nine-hour ight felt like nine years. When we landed, I swore - never again.

But humans forget. Soon enough I was planning my next holiday - California! This time, no planes allowed. There had to be another way. So I mapped out the challenge:

Bus + Train + Ferry + Taxi + Queen Mary 2.

This was my Paci c Coast plan: slower than a plane, faster than a snail.

The rst leg: Malaga to Paris by bus. (Not the wisest choice, especially changing buses in the Basque Country at 3am) Then the police boarded for a routine check. I was so numb and sleep-deprived I almost shouted, “Yes, it was

Dark enough, I arrived in Caen for an overnight stay - one of those charming hotels where they promised the key would be ‘somewhere’. At midnight it felt like a twisted game show: ‘Where’s the Key?’ No key, no sta , no phone answered. Plan B: lurk outside until someone entered, worst case - sleep in the lobby with the potted plants.

From Caen, a ferry carried me to Portsmouth. My rst sea crossing: completed without falling overboard. A taxi took me to Southampton, where I spent a sleepless night buzzing like my rst Disneyland visit.

Here’s the surprising part: I’d assumed transatlantic voyages were only for the mega-wealthy - Titanic bank-account holders. Thanks to my brilliant travel agent, Yolanda Benítez, I scored a bargain. Why pay full price if you can book in advance and get a steal?

The next morning, I headed to the quays. Nervous - like going to my wedding and meeting the in-laws for the rst time. Muttering, ‘Stay calm, don’t trip on the gangway, and try not to look like a tourist’.

The legendary Queen Mary 2 awaited - what a beauty! Much better than I imagined; I almost shed a tear. Fatalistic as ever, I muttered: Well, Lord, if I must die doing my favourite hobby, let it be on this majestic ship - in style.

My experiment began: Malaga to California - no planes.

To be continued…

Pocket jackpot

A MAN from Frankfurt has won €15.3 million after rediscovering a forgotten lottery ticket in his coat pocket, six months after buying it.

He came across the ticket while rearranging his wardrobe and was shocked to find the numbers matched the winning draw. Posters had been put up in the area to find the unknown winner of €15,336,286.40, but he had walked past them without realising he was the person being sought.

Ironically, he had even laughed on hearing a radio report about the unclaimed jackpot. “How stupid can you be not to collect it?” he reportedly said at the time.

He remained unaware of his fortune throughout spring and summer, only finding the folded slip in his jacket when temperatures dipped again. He was still well within the three-year deadline before unclaimed tickets are forfeited.

“Luckily I was sitting down, otherwise my knees would have given way,” he said. His first planned purchase is modest: a new sofa for the living room. The remainder will go towards securing his family’s future.

For everyone else, the story serves as a reminder that forgotten pockets may hold more than loose change.

Turbulence ahead

LUFTHANSA will cut 4,000 jobs by 2030, most of them in Germany, in the largest round of reductions since the pandemic. The group, which employs 103,000 people, said the losses will fall mainly on administrative staff, not pilots or cabin crew. Executives argue automation and digitalisation allow back-office functions to be streamlined while frontline operations are protected.

The decision comes as Germany battles a stagnant economy and rising unemployment. It has angered staff who remember mass layoffs during Covid-19, and coincides with renewed union unrest. The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit is balloting members on possible strike action, which could further disrupt the company.

Financially, Lufthansa is underperforming its rivals. In 2024, it posted an operating margin of 4.4 per cent, well below its 8 per cent target and far behind IAG,

parent of British Airways, at nearly 14 per cent. Even Lufthansa Airlines, its flagship brand, slipped into the red.

The wider German economy has seen two years of contraction, its highest unemployment in over a decade, and major job cuts

at companies such as Bosch, which recently announced 13,000 redundancies.

While staff face uncertainty, Lufthansa is pressing ahead with its biggest fleet renewal, ordering more than 230 new aircraft by 2030.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Adios carriage rides

MALAGA Council has banned horse and carriage tourist rides, effective October 6, retiring the final 25 licences. This ends a service that peaked at 55 carriages in 2018, with operations originally set to continue until 2035 under a 2015 ordinance.

The phase-out, announced by Mayor Francisco de la Torre in January’s State of the City Debate, prioritises animal welfare, public safety, and urban hygiene.

Operators receive €125,380 per licence in compensation, based on a February valuation by R&L Auditores - totalling more than €3 million for the last 25. Earlier, 30 licences were voluntarily redeemed between 2016 and 2020.

In a video message, the mayor stated: “We’ve acted for the animals’ well-being and safety. Licence holders are compensated to end this early, and Malaga now offers sustainable tours, like strolling our streets.”

Axarquia Finding their place

TWO years after the four-star Urban Beach Hotel in El Morche (Torrox) was converted into a migrant reception centre, the story is less about conflict and more about integration.

Since October 2023, some 1,600 people, mainly young men from Senegal, Mali, and Somalia, have passed through its doors.

The Red Cross runs the centre, offering language classes, cultural orientation, and job training. Out of the 362 people currently living there, more than 160 already have jobs, mostly in the region’s agriculture sector. “There’s a lot of demand from local fruit and vegetable companies,” explains provincial coordinator Samuel Linares.

Despite political noise and some initial criticism from Torrox’s town hall, the programme has unfolded without incident. Residents have watched newcomers settle into routines, work, and community life. For many of the men, this is the first step toward legal stability and a safer future.

Mallorca

Author headlines festival

HELEN FIELDING, the acclaimed British author behind the Bridget Jones series, made an appearance in Magaluf on Saturday October 4 for the 2025 edition of the FLEM Festival.

Known for her sharp wit and insight into modern life, Fielding delighted fans eager to meet the mind behind one of contemporary literature’s most beloved characters. Her blend of humour, honesty and cultural commentary has redefined the romantic comedy novel, making her visit a major highlight for Mallorca’s literary community and expats alike.

Organised by independent bookstore Rata Corner in collaboration with INNSiDE by Meliá, FLEM has evolved into one of the island’s most dynamic cultural gatherings, transforming Magaluf into a creative hub for several days. The festival combines books, art, music and performance in unexpected spaces, from rooftop readings to live podcasts, celebrating storytelling in all its forms.

Costa Blanca South Street food fiesta

FROM October 8 to 12, Torrevieja is hosting their fifth annual Street Food Market in Parque de Las Naciones.

Organised by the town hall of Torrevieja Comercio y Hostelería, the market is expected to be an event full of life with a bustling, retro-vibe atmosphere full of vintage food trucks (imagine old Volkswagen Vans), serving a variety of gastronomy from classic Spanish tapas to American burgers, and market stands selling arts and crafts and lots of other fun goodies.

The family-friendly event will have children’s activities to get people of all ages involved, and there is also set to be numerous different bands and DJs performing throughout the week. Guests can expect to see popular tribute bands covering legendary artists such U2, Queen, and The Rolling Stones.

The market will run from October 8 to 12.

Almeria David in the desert

FAMED Spanish singer-songwriter and actor, David Bisbal, along with his family, recently enjoyed a holiday at the Desert Springs Resort in none other than the vibrant Almeria town of Vera. The artist, accompanied by wife Rosanna Zanetti and their children, enjoyed a luxurious holiday in the internationally-acclaimed hotel, with its tranquil views, proximity to the coast, and of course, the stunning golf course for which the resort receives unending attention.

At the resort, David and his family relaxed in the unique landscape of the resort. “I was living a real dream with my family at Desert Springs,” said David, expressing the great tranquility at the resort.

Almeria-born talent David Bisbal originally skyrocketed to fame when he appeared on reality television show Operación Triunfo. Since then, the 46-year-old entertainer has had a successful career as a singer.

Costa Calida Ouigo expands

OUIGO will add a new daily high-speed train between Murcia and Madrid starting December 14.

The extra service will leave Murcia’s El Carmen station at 6.35am, while trains heading back from Madrid’s Chamartín station will depart at 6.45pm. This new route joins the two existing daily services. Currently, trains leave Murcia at 12.39pm. and 8.30pm, and depart Madrid at 8.15am and 4.15pm. With the additional service, Ouigo will operate six trips daily between Murcia and Madrid, three in each direction. All trains will stop in Elche and Albacete, and the new December services will also stop in Alicante.

Tickets for the new routes go on sale Thursday, October 9, from 10.00am. Fares start from just €9. Children aged four to 13 pay €7, while children up to three years travel free if seated on an adult’s lap without taking a separate seat.

Each week, Ouigo offers around 14,000 seats in the Murcia region.

Plan ahead to find pet-sitters

IF you are looking for house-sitters, it’s best practice to plan ahead. Why? Because the most experienced house and pet-sitters get booked up, naturally being asked to return by happy homeowners who have benefited before. All those people who know how well house-sitting works, plan ahead. It means publishing your requirements well ahead of a trip. Post the advert with approximate dates. You’ll get the best choice of applicants. Planning a trip in 2026? Join today!

Fair exchange

Remember that house-sitters move in to care for your pets and home for free. In exchange you offer free accommodation and perhaps a welcome meal. They in turn will keep you up to date with how home and pets are doing while you travel.

We’d love to help you.

Lamia Walker - Founder

Get in touch +44 (0) 7772 142742

Rated on Trustpilot – 4.8 / 5

Deb and Simon plan their housesitting trips months in advance.

Excellent Fantastic Service

As a homeowner, I was initially trepidatious about having virtual strangers in my home to care for my animals, but as many pet owners know, if you want to travel, you need someone to look after your home and pets. I was lucky to have chanced upon HouseSit Match. Rather than being owned by a corporate conglomerate or hedge-fund, it’s privately run and

How do you join?

that shows in the contact Lamia has with each person, the care she takes with background checks, her quick responses and excellent guidance. I’ve now had four couples in my home to look after my animals and each one has been a fantastic fit. They are all genuine animal lovers, curious travellers, respectful homeowners and great communicators. With some, their glowing reviews tell the story, so there’s nothing left for me to ask. With others, we start talking about world travels and by the time they arrive, it feels like an old friend has come to stay. I think it comes down to Lamia’s personal attention with both pet sitter and homeowner, and the fact that no one is reduced to a number as can happen with huge sites. Here, each ‘match’ is truly a match between homeowners and pet/travel lovers. I’m tremendously happy I found HouseSitMatch and would recommend without hesitation. Michelle Payer, home and pet owner, Spain

Register online via our website Housesitmatch.com

Old dog, new tricks

MANY dog owners assume that training is only for puppies, but older dogs can learn new skills too.

In fact, engaging your senior dog in training offers both mental stimulation and a stronger bond between pet and owner.

Older dogs may have slower reflexes or limited mobility, so it’s important to adapt training techniques to their abilities. Short, frequent sessions of five to 10 minutes work best, with plenty of positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, or gentle petting. Patience is key - progress may be slower, but consistent encouragement helps older dogs succeed.

Training isn’t just about tricks like ‘sit’

or ‘shake’. Teaching practical skills, such as navigating stairs safely, responding to basic commands, or walking politely on a lead, improves daily life for both dog and owner. Mental exercises, like puzzle toys or scent games, also help keep cognitive function sharp, reducing the risk of age-related decline. Remember, older dogs thrive on routine and positive interactions. Training strengthens your relationship, boosts confidence, and provides enrichment that enhances quality of life. No matter their age, dogs can always enjoy learning something new - and you can enjoy watching them shine.

Visor mirror fines

A QUICK glance in your car’s sun visor mirror might seem harmless, but Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, is warning drivers it could cost them €200 and two licence points. The visor itself is safe to use for blocking glare, but the small mirror inside has become a hidden trap. Officials say too many drivers flip it open while driving or even when stopped at red lights, creating a serious distraction. According to the DGT, around 5 per cent of accidents in Spain are linked to moments like this, when a driver’s eyes stray from the road.

The penalty is clear: use the visor mirror while in traffic and you risk a €200 fine plus two points off your licence. This places it in the same risk category as eating, scrolling a phone or adjusting a sat-nav on the move. Road safety experts stress that even two seconds of distraction at 50

DRIVERS heading to Barajas airport need to be alert: a brand-new fixed speed camera on the M-14 has now gone fully live. After a month of warning-only notices, it will now issue paid fines. The device sits at kilometre 1.68, on the carriageway leading from M-40 Exit 9 towards terminals T1-T3 - a short 3.2km stretch that carries a constant flow of airport traffic and through-drivers from the ring road.

The limit here is 80 km/h, and enforcement thresholds have been set carefully. Until Septem-

km/h means travelling nearly 30 metres without paying attention - more than the length of a pedestrian crossing. That gap can be the difference between safety and a collision. The DGT’s advice is simple: if you need to check your face, fix your hair or apply make-up, pull over first.

Park safely in a car park, a service station or a quiet street. The visor was never designed as a dressing table, they remind drivers, but purely as protection against sunlight. By resisting the urge to use it as a mirror while moving, you avoid fines and reduce the risk of accidents.

Madrid speed camera

ber 1, 2026, speeds up to 83 km/h will be tolerated; from then on, the leeway rises slightly to 85 km/h. In practice, that means tickets start from 84 km/h now and from 86 km/h after the bedding-in period. Officials recommend setting cruise control to 78-80 km/h to stay safe.

This new camera is part of the DGT’s 2025 rollout of 32 extra devices across Spain. Madrid already leads the country in automated enforcement, with

the infamous M-40 camera at PK 20 issuing more than 74,000 fines in 2024. The M-14 unit may not hit those numbers immedia-

tely, but given its location, it could become one of the capital’s busiest enforcement spots. On approach, drivers will see repeated 80 km/h signs before the camera. Authorities highlight three risk factors: the downhill slope and wide lanes that can cause ‘speed creep’, sudden lane changes as motorists aim for the right terminal, and the pressure of tight flight schedules that tempt people to push the limit.

Spain scooter insurance

FROM January 2, 2026, riding an e-scooter or e-bike in Spain without insurance will no longer be legal.

A new law published in the BOE makes civil liability insurance mandatory for many privately owned scooters and e-bikes, marking a major shift in how Spain regulates urban mobility.

The rules will not affect rental scooters, since companies already hold insurance, but owners of more powerful or faster models must now prepare for extra costs and paperwork.

Insurance is required if your scooter exceeds 25 km/h, weighs over 25 kg and can top 14 km/h, or if your e-bike’s motor assistance pushes it beyond 25 km/h.

High-powered pedal vehicles over 45 km/h

and those with trailers or semi-trailers also fall under the new law.

Riders will need to hold civil liability insurance similar to car and motorbike owners.

Exceptions apply for deregistered vehicles, small trailers under 750 kg, and vehicles being built, tested or transported, though strict minimum cover is set for goods: €6.45 million for personal injury and €1.3 million for property damage per accident.

The law officially takes effect in January 2026, but includes a six-month grace period until July 2026 for vehicles newly classified as ‘motor vehicles’.

Riders won’t be fined during this time, but any accident costs paid by the Insurance Compensation Consortium will later be recovered directly from the rider.

Runners of all ages

Will include a full programme of races for children.

ALTEA is set to welcome runners of all ages on Thursday October 9 for the 31st edition of the Cursa Popular 9 d’Octubre, featuring both the traditional 5K race and, for the first time, an official 10K race approved and included in the regional calendar of the Valencian Community Athletics Federation.

The 5K and 10K races will follow homologated, flat circuits, with the highest point reaching 14 metres above sea level and the lowest at three metres, ensuring fast and accessible routes for all participants.

This year’s 10K race is also the third event in the I Circuit a Peu Marina Baixa, and all runners already registered for the

circuit are automatically entered for the 10K, with no additional registration required.

A full programme of races for children will start at 11.30, ranging from 80 metres for the youngest participants (Barrufet, born 2020-2022) up to 2,000 metres for the Juvenil category (born 2008-2009), providing a fun and safe environment for young runners.

Both the 5K and 10K races feature multiple categories, with the 5K offering an additional SUB-18 category. The 10K includes a PROMO-S23 category for participants born between January 1, 2003 and October 9, 2007.