Costa Blanca South 12 - 18 February 2026 Issue 2119

Happy Valentine’s Day Happy Valentine’s Day

Carnaval crescendo

Torrevieja shines bright at Carnaval 2026

COME rain or shine, the Costa Blanca will not let anything dampen its blowout Carnaval celebrations, and when it comes to music, events and entertainment on the coastline, few municipalities are going so big as Torrevieja.

Torrevieja has celebrated one of the biggest festivities in the Carnaval 2026 programme, the Grand Carnaval Parade and Competition, which included the participation of more than 1,500 people in an event characterised by colour, creativity and culture.

The parade kicked off at 4.00pm from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre with a grand celebration accompanied by music, performers and live entertainment throughout the entire route. One of the leading com-

parsas, or groups of costumed musicians, singers and dancers, were La Sal de Torrevieja, adorned in gold and turquoise feathers.

Finally, the parade closed off with the appea-

rance of the Queen of the Carnaval 2026, Laura Alberca Aznar, who performed Al Alba, a colourful floral presentation inspired by cherry tree, or sakura, blossoms.

The charming coastal

town continues to establish itself as a cultural, musical and social hotspot on the Costa Blanca, attracting countless visitors to its streets and plazas to join in large cultural events and celebrations.

Off-season optimism

THE province of Alicante got o on the right foot for 2026: According to data released by the Provincial Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations of Alicante, or APHA, the tourist occupancy in the province in January was 59.6 per cent, the best historical record for January for the province and one percentage point above January of 2025. The gure is especially encouraging for the province when it comes to o -season tourism, as January is traditionally one of the slower months for tourism for the Costa Blanca.

However, the gures’ impressive nature does not just end at the opeak season; the Costa Blanca also experienced turbulent weather conditions in January, in particular rainy weather and windstorms that seem to

have done little to sti e tourists’ enthusiasm for holidaymaking.

The APHA’s promotional e ort for Alicante tourism has also been a major factor in reducing the tourism seasonality and attracting visitors to the Costa.

The city of Alicante registered a hotel occupancy of 60.4 per cent, whereas San Juan beach

reached an incredible 75.5 per cent in January. Some destinations also placed themselves above the provincial average, with Santa Pola reaching 83 per cent and Algorfa reaching 61.0 per cent. Looking to the future, hotel occupancy levels for February 2026 are expected to reach 72.4 per cent in the province of Alicante.

Shopping sweethearts

THE lovely municipality of Almoradi is winning over the hearts of shoppers this Valentine’s Day: the Almoradi Merchants Association has announced the ‘Fall in Love with Almoradi: The heart of your shopping’ campaign, a special Valentine’s Day initiative aiming to boost commercial activity, thank loyal customers for their continued shopping, support local businesses, and of course, spread the love.

In the week leading up to February 14, local Almoradi businesses will be rewarding customer loyalty with a 10 per cent discount at participating stores, providing a direct incentive to shop. For every purchase made during this period, customers will receive a bonus gift card worth 10 per cent of their purchase

amount, which can be used on a future visit to the store.

Customers looking for retail therapy will be able to identify the participating businesses from promotional posters and vinyl decals, which will be put up during the campaign week. The decorations will also contribute to the festive and welcoming atmosphere in Almoradi as the municipality gears up to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

With initiatives such as these, merchants continue to work together to strengthen local commerce and promote responsible consumption in the municipality, whereas customers continue to show up to support their favourite local brands, and do just what the campaign requests: fall in love with Almoradi.

Homeowner windfall

MANY homeowners in Spain are missing out on a valuable tax saving because they believe it no longer exists. In fact, a housing tax deduction worth up to €1,356 a year remains in force, yet thousands fail to claim it.

The confusion stems from 2013, when Spain abolished the home-purchase deduction for new buyers. What was less clearly communicated is that the change was not retroactive. Anyone who bought their main residence before January 1, 2013, and is still paying the mortgage retains the right to deduct part of those payments from their income tax.

Under current rules, eligible homeowners can deduct 15 per cent of annual payments related to the purchase of their main residence, up to a maximum base

of €9,040. This produces a tax saving of up to €1,356 each year. The deduction is automatic if the conditions are met and is not temporary or subject to special approval.

A persistent misconception is that the deduction ends at retirement. It does not - pensioners who bought their main home before 2013 and continue to make mortgage-related payments can still apply it.

The opportunity may also not be lost if it was missed in previous years. Taxpayers can amend income tax returns for up to the past four years.

As tax season approaches, checking the purchase date of a main residence could uncover a saving still available.

Broader safety net

SPAIN’S Social Security system has confirmed that young adults aged 23 and over living with their parents may now be eligible for the Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV), the government’s income support programme addressing poverty and social exclusion. The scheme, first introduced in 2020, guarantees a minimum income to households with insufficient resources. In 2026, the benefit has been revalued by 11.4 per cent, with the average monthly payment rising to around €540. Previously, IMV eligibility focused on independent households.

The updated guidelines clarify that applicants aged 23–30 who live with parents can be considered separate economic units if they do not share finances or form a household for legal purposes. Those aged 31 and above must have lived independently for at least a year unless exceptional circumstances apply. Applicants must also meet income, asset, and residency thresholds.

The government states that the change is intended to support economically vulnerable young adults who cannot afford independent living due to high rents and stagnant

wages. Approximately 2.44 million people now benefit from IMV, including children and young adults, with an average recipient age of 28. The policy provides immediate financial support for necessities like food, utilities, and transport while facilitating access to education and employment. The expansion reflects an adaptation of Spain’s social safety net to contemporary economic challenges, ensuring more inclusive coverage for vulnerable populations. Applications can be made online or in person, with periodic eligibility reviews to maintain support.

Travel made easier

PUBLIC transport users in Spain will benefit from extended discounts throughout 2026. Congress has approved the continuation of reduced fares until December 31, covering state, regional and local networks, while introducing a new nationwide travel pass for frequent users.

The national monthly pass costs €60, offering unlimited travel on state-run buses, Cercanías commuter trains and medium-distance rail. For under-26s, the price is €30. The pass aims to simplify travel across multiple networks while keeping costs predictable amid rising household expenses.

Existing discounts remain. Children up to 14 travel free on state buses. Ten-journey tickets are 40 per cent cheaper, while monthly passes retain a 50 per cent discount, rising to 70 per cent for under-26s. Regional and local services follow a similar model, with under-14s travelling free, 50 per cent off for young people up to 26, and 20 per cent off for others.

Certain regions maintain their special arrangements. The Canary Islands and Balearics continue free land-based transport for frequent users. Asturias and Cantabria offer free Cercanías services, while Renfe commuter passes remain capped at €20 a month (€10 for under-26s), with children under 14 travelling free.

Medium-distance and Avant rail services also maintain 40 per cent discounts, with a new quarterly ‘Pase Vía’ for Avant routes offering up to 72 per cent off.

For commuters, students and families, Spain’s public transport discounts will provide stability in an otherwise expensive year.

Midway merriment

GUARDAMAR DEL

GURA recently celebrated one of the highlight events of their ‘Mig Any Fester’, or Mid-Year festivities, marking the halfway point between last year’s Moors and Christians celebrations and this year’s. The Mig Any festival concert, which was performed at the Auditorium of the School of Music on Saturday, February 7, united neighbours, merrymakers and visitors in Guardamar del Segura for a special cultural event that served as a major highlight for the municipality’s February cultural calendar. The event was organised

in collaboration with the Central Board of Moors and Christians and was open to the public so that everyone could take part in this special cultural show. During the concert, the Guardamar Musical Group performed a specially selected program-

LOVE for animals

me of festive music for the year, featuring special Moorish and Christian marches that are emblematic of the town’s musical identity, called pasodobles.

Along with the concert, the Youth Social Centre was open during the morning and afternoon, offering activities including board games, foosball, ping-pong, air hockey, and a recreation area. A guided tour, ‘Memory of Sand’, also took place, allowing residents and visitors to explore the Castle, the Rábita, and the Fonteta, as well as take a free walking tour to the geodetic marker, in both Spanish and English.

THE third annual ‘LOVE’ charity gala is set to take place this Valentine’s Day in Orihuela. On Saturday, February 14, from 19.00, the event will be held at La Lonja, C/Aragón, and promises an evening of fun, celebration, and generosity.

The gala will mark the achievements of Asoka Orihuela over the past year. Attendees can expect a lively and engaging event designed to entertain while supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds from the evening will go directly to the centre’s rescued animals.

The event is organised with the assistance of Networks Theatre and the Orihuela Cultural Department, reflecting strong local collaboration in support of animal welfare.

Tickets are priced at €5, and the organisers encourage residents and visitors alike to come along, enjoy the activities, and make a difference in the lives of the animals cared for by Asoka Orihuela.

This annual gathering has become a highlight for the community, bringing together animal lovers, supporters of local initiatives, and those looking for a memorable evening out. The gala combines entertainment with compassion, ensuring that every attendee contributes to a cause with immediate and tangible impact.

For anyone in Orihuela on February 14, the ‘LOVE’ gala presents a unique chance to celebrate kindness, connect with like-minded people, and enjoy a lively evening in the town.

Record-breaking Bellea

THIS April, Alicante’s famous La Rambla street will be transformed into a fabulous, long walkway to host one of the biggest events in the city for the year, the Bellea del Foc, or the Beauty of the Bonfire, galas.

The event, which will take place on April 24 and 25, will see Alicante’s Rambla de Méndez Núñez, an emblematic and centric street full of history and bustling action, turned into a 180-metre catwalk with 1,500 chairs placed on either side, in a perfect setting for a fabulous show.

The Bellea del Foc beauty competition is a long-standing traditional and heritage event in Alicante, wherein two contestants, one woman and one girl, are typically chosen to represent each of the Sant Joan bonfires in Alican -

te. A woman and a girl ‘Beauty of the Bonfire’ are chosen, who then represent Alicante during the Hogueras de Sant Joan festivities. The election of this particular walkway is significant not only for its importance in the city, but because it will be the longest of those ever set up for the his -

torical Gala; the event had previously typically taken place at the Explanada de España. Without a doubt, the 2026 edition of the Bellea del Foc spectacle will be the biggest yet, with Alicante already buzzing with excitement for what is certain to be an incredible April.

Soothing science

WHEN it comes to innovation in the humanisation of healthcare, few hospitals on the Costa Blanca South are taking leaps as bold as the Elche General Hospital.

Shortly after their initiative to transform the MRI scanning room into an immersive, exciting spaceship experience for young patients, the hospital has now implemented a new experience to help patients who suffer from anxiety during blood draws.

The idea is simple: while the patient is getting their blood drawn, they are simultaneously undergoing a virtual reality experience that provides comfort, visual stimulation, and distraction from the blood-drawing process.

Hospital uses virtual reality to ease anxiety during blood tests.

vements, provide more ease of access to veins, and contribute higher-quality samples.

This may also benefit the nurses performing the procedure, as relaxed patients can make fewer sudden mo -

Reducing anxiety with virtual reality may also help to prevent delays in booking appointments, missing appointments, or avoidance of checkups as the process becomes more tolerable, even for those with an intense fear of getting their blood drawn.

The gamified, fun aspect of the process may even improve patients’

overall experience with the healthcare system. By implementing this initiative, the Elche General Hospital has once more reaffirmed itself as a national reference for incorporating non-pharmacological support for patients who suffer from anxiety and fear during these uncomfortable, but necessary processes.

As with all the hospital’s endeavours, patient safety is of the utmost importance.

Consumer comeback

THANKS to the Santa Pola Municipal Consumer Information Office, or OMIC, more than €100,000 has been recovered in total for consumers in the municipality last year. This highlights the importance of the municipal services for defending consumers’ rights against potentially fraudulent companies in various sectors.

In total, the OMIC has recovered €102,160.54 and put it back directly into the pockets of consumers. The money has been recovered through claims made and resolved favourably through mediation processes.

In 2025, the OMIC processed a total of 599 complaints, of which nearly half - 45.1 per cent, or 270 - have been resolved in favour of the consumer. Of the filed complaints, another 110, or 18.4 per cent, remain in the pro -

cessing phase, and the rest have been archived for procedural reasons.

Breaking the figures down by sector, the largest number of claims filed were in the telephony sector with 28 cases representing 21.4 per cent of the total. The telephony sector includes any electronic transmission of data, especially over long distances.

The most frequent reasons for the claims included poor service, breach of the terms of sale, refusal to provide service, and breach of warranty. With these figures and their continued hard work, the OMIC reaffirms a long-standing commitment to protecting consumer rights in the face of potentially fraudulent contracts.

Speedy suppression

ALMORADI firefighters have once more jumped into action, this time to extinguish a kitchen fire. On the morning of Wednesday, February 4, firefighters based in the Costa Blanca municipality of Almoradi extinguished a fire that had originated in the kitchen of a single-family home in the town.

The incident had occurred at around 4.00am at Calle Azahar 9 in Almoradi, a home in the outer ring of Almoradi centre. Firefighters were able to reach the incident quickly and reported later ‘only material damage’, according to their social media. They informed local outlets that the rest of the house was affected by the large amount of smoke, and once the

blaze was extinguished, a mechanical ventilation with fans had to be performed in order to air out the space.

A video shared by the Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium showed the interior of the home, dark with remnants of smoke but with all the damage concentrated in the kitchen. The countertops and roof scaffolding were charred and blackened, but the rest of the home sustained minimal damage due to the large fire.

In order to fight the fire, the first responders had to use an UMJ command unit, a BUP heavy urban pump, an AEA aerial ladder truck with a sergeant, one corporal, and six firefighters from the local Almoradi fire station.

Las Colinas turns 15

LAS COLINAS Golf & Country Club is marking 15 years since opening its doors on March 26, 2011, with a year-long programme of sporting, culinary, and charitable events.

The resort, built around an 18-hole golf course designed by American architect Cabell B Robinson, has gained national and international recognition for its golf, residential, and dining offerings. It has been named Best Villa Resort in Europe seven times and Best Golf Course in Spain five times, while its course is ranked among the top 100 in Europe.

Key celebrations include the ‘15th Anniversary Golf Tournament’ on August 1, and the fifth edition of the ‘Las Colinas Trophy’ on December 5-6. Pickleball, introduced in 2025, will feature in the ‘15th Anniversary Pickleball

Tournament’ on June 27, while the ‘first Cha rity Pickleball Tournament’ in June supports ADIS.

Gastronomy will play a central role with three special events at il Palco: Ferdinando Bernardi on March 10, a ‘Four-Handed Menu’ with Alejandro Ibáñez and José Dolera on 14 April, and Fabio Morisi on May 20.

Social initiatives continue with the Spanish Golf Championship for FEDDI athletes September 12-13. Sustainability remains a priority, including water-efficient irrigation and electric mobility.

Operations Director Javier Rodríguez said: “Celebrating 15 years is a source of pride and a responsibility to continue offering top-quality experiences for our residents and visitors.”

UNTIL Monday February 9, Wetherspoon was a name synonymous with airport stops, London streets, and bargain breakfasts – known only across the English Channel. That changed this week as Spain welcomed its very first Wetherspoon pub, not on a high street or classic tourist

Wetherspoon: first pub outside UK

hotspot, but inside Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport.

It is the chain’s first venture in Spain and the first outside the UK and Ireland, marking an unprecedented step for a brand long known for selective expansion.

Named ‘Castell de Santa Bàrbara’, the pub opened beyond security in the non-Schengen international departures area, meaning only passengers with boarding passes can access it. Covering over 200 square metres with a 30-square-metre terrace, the space mirrors the classic British Wetherspoon experience with high tables, a wide bar, warm lighting, and a layout designed for constant footfall. The menu features

full English breakfasts, fish and chips, burgers, pizzas, draught beer, craft options, and wine, alongside Spanish touches such as tortilla and gambas al ajillo. Alicante was chosen deliberately, with millions of British travellers passing through the airport each year. Operated by Lagardère Travel Retail, the pub allows Wetherspoon to test its first international venture in a controlled setting.

Book bonanza

TORREVIEJA’S Municipal Institute of Culture ‘Joaquín Chapaprieta’ has officially announced the opening of the registration period for the 28th edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, one of the main events in the municipality dedicated to readers, authors, and local bookstores. The event, which has become a major cultural landmark on the annual calendar, will be held between March 28 and April 6 at Paseo Vistalegre, this time with a brand new programme aiming to inspire book lovers from Torrevieja and beyond.

The programme will involve participation from both industry professionals as well as local and national authors. The Torrevieja Town Council’s cultural department is encouraging local bookstores, large and small publishers, book and reading associations, creators, and readers of every kind to participate in this year’s edition.

During the programme, visitors can enjoy presentations about their favourite (or soon-to-be favourite) books, author signings, special children’s activities, debates about books and the publishing industry, and proposals for the cultural importance of books as tools for development, entertainment, and socialisation.

The Torrevieja Book Fair has become a leading literary event on the Costa Blanca, inspiring a boost of cultural activity and drawing more and more book lovers to the charming coastal municipality to share their universal love of books. Applications can be submitted electronically through the website of the Municipal Institute of Culture, imcjoaquinchapaprieta.com.

Santa Pola feasts

SANTA POLA is set to host the 26th edition of the IES Cap de l’Aljub Gastronomy Days from February 16 to 20. The event, organised by the local institute, will feature competitions in cooking and bartending, practical workshops, tastings, live cookery demonstrations, lectures, and a roundtable focused on the state of regional gastronomy.

The programme begins with a cooking contest on Monday, February 16, where seven teams will prepare a full menu. Highlights include a starter inspired by cocas from the Marina Alta, a main course of caldero tabarquino, and a dessert based on Xixona turrón, paired with Alicante beverages. On Tuesday, a service competition will see five provincial centres compete. Prizes exceed €4,000, including cooking ingredients, hospitality

equipment, and winery visits, supported by nearly 40 sponsors. The jury will include chefs, service managers, and institutional representatives. Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 will feature 14 workshops, product tastings, and showcookings. Participants include pastry chef Raúl Asencio and chef Aurora Torres, who will showcase dishes using local artichokes. A talk by the Santa Pola Fishermen’s Guild is also scheduled.

The week concludes with a lecture on regional gastronomy by Segundo Ríos from the University of Alicante, followed by a roundtable discussion with key figures from local wine and gastronomy organisations.

Mayor Loreto Serrano praised the institute as one of the best in the Valencian Community for hospitality education.

Backing mental health

ORIHUELA Town Hall has secured almost €46,000 in funding to support the employment of people with severe mental health conditions, continuing a scheme now in its third consecutive year. The grant comes from Labora, the Valencian Employment and Training Service, and is aimed at local authorities across the Valencian Community.

The funding forms part of the ETRAME programme and has enabled the recruitment of two unemployed people who are users of Orihuela’s SASEM service. SASEM operates under the council’s Social Welfare department and works with adults living with serious mental health difficulties.

Both recruits began work on December 1 and have been employed for a period of nine months. They are working as maintenance operatives within the municipal brigade

linked to the Department of Culture, under standard labour contracts.

Councillor for Social Welfare Agustina Rodríguez said initiatives of this type show that real social inclusion depends on access to decent employment, with roles adapted to individual needs. She stressed that work provides more than income, pointing to gains in self-worth, independence and participa-

Village Association

THE La Mata and Torrelamata Village Association has recently been established as a non-profit, non-political organisation, with the aim of improving the social, cultural and community life of the village of La Mata and its surrounding area.

The Association was created with the intention of working for the general interest of residents, covering the area from Torrelamata to Puerto Romano, and promoting citizen participation and institutional cooperation as key tools for the development of the village and its local community.

On January 29, representatives of the Association held a meeting at La Mata Town Hall with the mayor of Torrevieja, Mr Eduardo Dolón, the councillor for Citizen Participation, Ms Trudy Páez, the councillor for Coastal Areas, Mr Antonio Vidal, and the local representative (pedáneo), Mr Manuel Paredes.

During the meeting, the Association formally introduced its Board and presented various proposals and concerns aimed at improving the village.

The meeting received a very positive response from the local government team, and both parties agreed to maintain a relationship based on dialogue, cooperation and synergy, with the shared goal of working together for the benefit of all residents.

The Association also extends an open invitation to local residents, international residents and visitors, encouraging everyone who

feels connected to La Mata and Torrelamata to join, participate and contribute ideas to help build a more vibrant village community.

CONTACT

La Mata and Torrelamata Village Association Calle Purificación nº 3, La Mata asociaciondevecinoslama ta@gmail.com

Social media: X (Twitter): @VecinosxLaMata

Facebook: Asociación de Vecinos de La Mata y Torrelamata Instagram: vecinosxlamata

tion in society. Support does not end once contracts are signed. Through ETRAME, SASEM staff, working alongside the Culture department, monitor progress, develop practical workplace skills and plan long-term career pathways. The aim is to ensure these posts act as a stable step towards greater independence and improved quality of life.

Why experience and independence matter in Equity Release

EQUITY RELEASE is one of the most significant financial decisions a property owner can make. It affects not only your home, but your long-term security, future planning, and often your family. For that reason, the quality of advice and the experience behind it matters far more than the product itself.

Equity Release Spain is led by Ian Comaskey, who has worked in the Spanish property market since 2001. He is the founder of Comaskey Properties, a well-established real estate business that he sold in 2018. After completing a contractual non-compete period, Ian returned to the sector in 2023, focusing on independent advisory work rather than traditional agency sales.

Today, Equity Release Spain operates from offices in Villamartin, Cabo Roig, and La Zenia, while working with clients across the whole of Spain. There are no geographic limitations and no upper limit on the value of the properties conside-

red. Each case is assessed individually, based on suitability, not size or speed.

What truly differentiates this service is independence. Equity Release Spain is not tied to banks, lenders, or pre-packaged financial products. In many situations, equity release will not be the ri-

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ERS also match private investors to distressed sellers, creating win/win arrangements.

When equity release is appropriate, it can offer genuine advantages. It may allow property owners to access capital without selling their home, improve cash flow, or plan more effec-

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That is why every case handled by Equity Release Spain includes clear legal and tax consideration from the outset. The process is deliberately unhurried, fully explained, and free from pressure. Clients are encouraged to take time, ask questions, and involve family or advisers if they wish.

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Planetary parade

STARGAZERS in Spain are preparing for a rare celestial event as six planets prepare to align in a ‘planetary parade’ later this month. The spectacular display will peak on Saturday, February 28, offering a unique glimpse of our solar system’s architecture.

During this period, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune will cluster along the ecliptic plane. To the naked eye, four of these worlds - Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and Jupiter - will be visible as bright points of light shortly after sunset. Venus will shine most intensely low in the west, while Jupiter will appear prominent higher in the sky. To spot the fainter outer planets, Uranus and Neptune, observers will require binoculars or a telescope. The optimal viewing window begins approximately one hour after

sunset on Saturday, February 28. Enthusiasts should find a location with an unobstructed western horizon, away from the light pollution of major cities. While the alignment is an optical effect rather than a literal straight line in space, the grouping provides a stunning visual for both amateur and professio -

nal astronomers.

As the night progresses, Mercury and Venus will set rapidly, leaving Saturn and the brilliant Jupiter to dominate the evening.

Although a near-full moon may dim the fainter objects, the event remains a highlight of the 2026 astronomical calendar.

Google flood hub

GOOGLE has introduced a new flood-risk mapping feature in Spain, designed to help identify areas vulnerable to riverine and flash flooding. The tool offers an interactive, colour-coded map showing levels of flood risk from normal to extreme, and incorporates short-term projections for sudden urban flooding based on hydrological models, meteorological forecasts and observed data.

The mapping system reflects conditions that can arise during periods of prolonged or intense rainfall, which have recently affected parts of Spain. In regions such as southern and western areas, including coastal and river-basin zones, heavy rain, strong winds and high seas have historically increased the risk of inland and coastal flooding.

Flood risk remains a recurring concern in several parts of the country,

particularly in areas with rivers prone to overflow or urban environments susceptible to surface-water flooding. Monitoring tools such as Google’s flood map aim to provide additional situational awareness by visualising how risk levels may vary by location.

Google says the tool is intended to support public awareness and

preparedness, while emphasising that it complements - rather than replaces - official information. Spanish authorities continue to stress that alerts and guidance issued by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Civil Protection and regional emergency services are the primary sources for safety advice and emergency instructions.

Love in a call

AGE in Spain has launched the #LoveInACall / #AmorEnUnaLlamada campaign to ensure no senior faces Valentine’s Day alone. The non-profit, which supports English-speaking seniors across Spain, encourages people to view love not just as romance but as genuine companionship and support.

Under the slogan, ‘This Valentine’s Day, gift a call that fights loneliness: true love is companionship, not just romance’, the campaign raises funds for the Friendline programme. Through Friendline, trained volunteers make calls to seniors, offering conversation, attentive listening, and guidance on everyday life in Spain.

For many older residents living far from home, special dates such as Valentine’s Day can be difficult. Friendline provides regular calls that offer stability, social contact, and a sense of belonging.

Age in Spain explains, “Flowers fade, but a warm

Fighting loneliness this Valentine’s Day.

conversation can change someone’s week. #LoveInACall invites citizens, businesses, and embassies to gift their time and attention to those who need it most.”

Those who wish to help can make donations (for instance, €10 funds around 20 calls), spread the campaign on social media using #Lo-

veInACall or #AmorEnUnaLlamada, or take part in small local initiatives such as coffee meetups or talks.

All contributions go directly to supporting Friendline, from volunteer training to reaching more seniors. More information and donations can be found at ageinspain. org/friendline.

Leaving a legacy of care: Supporting Butterfly Children in Spain

FOR many expats living in Spain, community matters. We build new lives, form lasting friendships, and often look for meaningful ways to give something back to the country we now call home. At Elysium Funeral Plans , that belief in community is at the heart of everything we do.

We are proud to be The Only Funeral Plan Provider to support DEBRA Spain (ANDEB), the only national, registered charity dedicated to helping children and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) - a rare and painful genetic condition often referred to as Butterfly Skin due to the extreme fragility of the skin.

Spain. For every plan created, Elysium donates up to €50, ensuring that practical planning today helps vulnerable children and families tomorrow.

alongside volunteers and collaborators across Spain.

As part of this commitment, clients arranging an Elysium Funeral Plan can choose to support DEBRA

DEBRA Spain was founded in 1993 by Nieves Montero and Iñigo Ibarrondo following the birth of their son with EB. At a time when little information or support was available, they created the charity so that no family would have to face this life-changing diagnosis alone. What began as a small support network has grown into a professional organisation, now supported by a dedicated team of 38 specialists,

The charity’s vision is clear: a world free from EB. Its mission is equally powerful - to improve the quality of life for everyone living with the condition. Guided by values of humanity, professionalism, transparency, and social justice, DEBRA Spain continues to make a profound difference every day.

By choosing Elysium, expats are not only protecting their own wishes and easing the burden on their loved ones - they are also helping to create a kinder, more compassionate future for some of Spain’s most vulnerable children.

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Women lead Arctic mission

NEXT summer, an all-female scientific team will take part in a groundbreaking mission at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station in Canada’s remote Qikiqtaaluk region. Scheduled for 2027, the expedition marks the first time Catalan researchers will join the station, many from leading centres across Spain.

Hypatia Mars, the organisation behind the mission, explained at CosmoCaixa in Barcelona that this expedition will be more demanding than previous Mars analogues conducted in Utah’s desert. The Arctic environment adds challenges, with extreme cold, snow, and ice affecting equipment, battery life, human performance, and extravehicular operations. Isolation is also intensified by the remote location.

The crew was selected from 80 applicants, chosen for planning, flexibility, and discipline - skills highly

valued by space agencies. Over the next 18 months, they will train physically and psychologically while securing partnerships with organisations such as the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. Scientific work will include monitoring permafrost, water quality, and terrain movements using field observations and satellite radar. Cellular ageing will also be studied under

conditions that mimic space-related stresses, with dietary measures to improve resilience. Research outcomes may benefit human health on Earth and support safer infrastructure in extreme conditions. The mission is supported by Fundación ‘la Caixa’, which will host educational sessions, including a free family event at CosmoCaixa Barcelona on Saturday February 14.

Floodgates lowered in Sevilla

AUTHORITIES in Sevilla lowered the Vega de Triana floodgates along the Guadalquivir River for only the second time in history, following heavy rainfall from Storm Leonardo. The preventive measure aimed to protect low-lying urban areas such as Triana from sudden river surges, with river levels around 1,600 cubic metres per second, below the 3,000 m³/s critical threshold. Parks and sports facilities were temporarily closed, and civil protection and police patrols intensified.

The floodgates are a vital part of Sevilla’s hydraulic defence system, creating a watertight seal to control river flow. Officials emphasised the activation was precautionary rather than a response to active flooding.

Across Andalucia, Storm Leonardo caused widespread disruption: thousands evacuated, roads and railways blocked, and rivers

reached critical levels. Controlled releases from dams and reservoirs mitigated immediate threats but ongoing risks were highlighted from saturated soils and continued rainfall.

Authorities urged residents to avoid riverbanks, monitor official advisories, and cooperate with emergency services. The proactive use of infrastructure demonstrates how early preventive measures can reduce flood risk and protect lives. While Sevilla avoided severe flooding, the wider regional impact underscores the storm’s intensity and the importance of vigilance.

The city continued to monitor water levels closely, ready to implement further measures if conditions worsened, reflecting a broader strategy of proactive flood management amid extreme weather events.

Choosing time over money

BIRMINGHAM-born entrepreneur Tom Hopcroft has found his calling in Madrid. Trading the grey skies of the UK for the lively terraces of Spain, the designer and content creator now brands himself a ‘professional guiri’, reclaiming the cheeky Spanish slang for Northern European tourists.

Through his brand, Guiris de Mierda, and an Instagram following exceeding 100,000, Hopcroft fosters a community for expats via speed dating, running clubs, and hikes on the Camino de Santiago. His message is simple: the Spanish quality of life is peerless. Having lived in Australia and the Netherlands, Hopcroft argues that Spain’s social fabric outweighs the lure of a high salary elsewhere.

“I prefer earning €30,000 a year in Spain to £100,000 in the United Kingdom or United States,” he shared on his Instagram account. He claims that while wages may be lower, the ‘free joys’ - vibrant plazas, sunny parks, and grandmothers gossiping over drinks, make life feel richer.

Hopcroft explains a fundamental cultural shift: in Spain, people prioritise post-work socialising over the ‘straight-home’ commute. This emphasis on human connection and a slower pace makes the days feel longer and more fulfilling. For this ‘professional guiri’, the trade-off is clear. As Hopcroft puts it: “All of this compensates for being paid less, because time is something you can’t buy.”

Updated travel rules

PASSENGERS flying with UK budget airlines in 2026 are being reminded to check updated rules regarding what food and drink they can bring onboard, as carriers such as easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI all have slightly different policies. Across all four airlines, passengers are prohibited from consuming alcohol brought from outside, though duty-free alcohol purchased at the airport is permitted.

TUI offers complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul flights, while on shorter routes, a trolley service sells snacks.

Passengers may bring their own cold, low-risk items, such as pre-packaged sandwiches, but cabin crew cannot heat personal food except for baby bottles. easyJet allows passengers to bring personal snacks, with a 100ml limit on liquid foods, including soups and custards, and airport hot drinks may be

taken onboard only if sealed. Ryanair’s ‘feel free’ policy permits cold food and non-alcoholic drinks, but hot beverages and personal alcohol remain prohibited.

Jet2 does not allow hot or perishable items and advises avoiding foods that are fragile, strong-smelling, or heavy. In addition, EU customs regulations prohibit meat and dairy products in hand luggage, including

sandwiches purchased at the airport, even if sealed. These measures aim to ensure passenger safety, hygiene, and compliance with security regulations, while balancing convenience. Travellers are advised to plan ahead, particularly for families or long flights, to prevent confiscation, delays, or disruption, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers and crew.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Metal metamorphosis

SANTA POLA will once more establish itself as a cultural and artistic hub on the Costa Blanca South, with a creative new exhibition that will change visitors’ perspectives and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura in Santa Pola will host the ‘Creations in Metal’ exhibition by Pepe Casarrubios, a local artist.

The exhibition, as its name suggests, will present different pieces of artistic works made with iron, as part of a passion project and personal hobby by Mr Casarrubios. Using pre-existing designs made of metal, including bicycles, chairs, desks, and appliances, Mr Casarrubios directs his interest and creativity towards unique artistic proposals, creating new and unconventional pieces.

One of the most intriguing works by the artist includes the deconstruction and reconstruction of various models of bicycles and pieces put together for the

construction of stairs. In the exhibition hall, the combined works create a whole universe of curious pieces that will surprise onlookers with their originality, uniqueness, and whimsicality.

The exhibition, which officially made its debut in the Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura of Santa Pola on February 5, will be available for viewing until February 27, 2026. The Casa de Cultura in Santa Pola is located on Calle Elche, 24. Admission will be free for anyone who wants to see the works.

Gourmet & global

IN the shining municipality of Cabo Roig on the stunning Costa Blanca, Rogue Kitchen Restaurante is a standout eatery in the area, earning high praise from both locals and visitors for its seamless blend of Mediterranean cuisine and international flair. The restaurant, whose slogan translates to ‘With a rogue touch in Cabo Roig’, is all about just that: pushing the envelope and trying something unconventional and new.

The menu celebrates the best of Mediterranean cuisine, with seasonal produce sourced from nearby markets and farms. Familiar Spanish and Mediterranean flavours are prominent throughout, from juicy shrimp to beautifully prepared fish and seafood, caught fresh from Cabo

Roig’s famous coastline.

The Rogue Kitchen, however, has more tricks up its sleeve with its international inspirations, including gourmet fish and chips with Icelandic cod, Latin-influenced prawn dishes, and a lineup of salads and home-made pastas that bring a global flair to the charming Costa Blanca municipality.

Seafood is not the only delicacy available in the Rogue Kitchen Restaurante.

Meat lovers will also find

plenty of dishes to enjoy, including premium grilled cuts like solomillo and entrecôte, tender barbecue ribs, and Cajun-spiced chicken that offer satisfying and heartier options.

Rogue Kitchen’s international touch also extends to its meat menu, with gourmet burgers inspired by Mexican cuisine, like its jalapeño-spiced and goat cheese burger variations. Tel. 603 286 829 roguekitchen.es/

Ballet brilliance

AT the Teatro Circo in Orihuela, the Barcelona Ballet is presenting one of the most emblematic titles of classical dance, The Nutcracker. This iconic performance, full of fantasy, whimsy, and fun will be perfect to enjoy with the whole family, as the talented cast brings this famous story to life right at home in Orihuela.

The Nutcracker revolves around Clara, a young girl who embarks on an unforgettable adventure when her nutcracker comes to life and guides her through a universe of dreams and magic.

transports audiences into a new, magical and fantastical world.

There, she meets fantastic creatures, faces the fearsome King of the Mice and discovers wonderful places including the Kingdom of the Sugar Fairy. These whimsical characters are accompanied by dances full of colour, history and tradition.

An 1892 two-act classical ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, this work is emblematic of the magical wintertime, being set on Christmas Eve, and

The performance of The Nutcracker will take place at the Teatro Circo de Orihuela on Saturday, February 21, at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available from €20 at the box office.

Those interested in theatre, ballet, or those simply looking to be transported to a fantastical winter wonderland in Orihuela are invited to come see the spectacle of the season, in the heart of Orihuela.

Sweetest week

TORREVIEJA will be the sweetest town on the Costa Blanca until Sunday, February 15, as the municipality celebrates the fifth edition of the Pastel y Café: La semana más dulce, a celebration tour of the best local pastry shops in town that will have residents and visitors sharing cake, coffee, and companionship. During this week, those in Torrevieja will be able to visit reliable favourites or new places they have never tried before.

cafés unite for a week of cake, coffee, and sweet deals.

coffee, tea, or other hot drink.

This edition of ‘Cake and Coffee: The Sweetest Week’ in town, which started on February 9, is organised by the Torrevieja Hospitality Association, or AEHTC. During the event, participating cafés and pastry shops in Torrevieja will offer a combination of a delectable pastry piece, along with a cup of

The full list of establishments participating in ‘Cake and Coffee: The Sweetest Week’ are: HB Torrevieja; La Cantina Food & Drinks; Delicious Bakery La Jijonenca; Kafeina Cafeteria; Las Columnas Restaurant; El Floridita Restaurant; Ina Expresso Cafeteria; Martinis Restaurant; and La Mata ‘Felisa’

Restaurant

These irresistibly sweet combinations will be available until Sunday, February 15.

Whether looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, on the hunt for a new favourite café to relax in, or simply in the mood for something delectable during the weekend, Torrevieja foodies are not advised to miss out on this sublimely sweet week.

Sweetheart symphony

A MUSICAL event for Costa Blanca residents to feel the love this February: on Valentine’s Day, Torrevieja’s famed Symphony Orchestra is presenting its special concert ‘Romántic@s’, a musical evening to celebrate the day of love, friendship and romance. The programme is designed to thrill and enchant the audience in an atmosphere of love and music.

The concert will combine the emotional works of four renowned composers: Glinka, Fauré, Tchaikovsky, and Mendelssohn. The programme, according to Cultura Torrevieja’s official website, is ‘designed to allow you to be swept away by the intensity, beauty, and evocative nature of the music’.

Torrevieja residents can expect a dramatic sonic journey, passing through intimate and

emotional moments from the beginning notes all the way until the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra performs the grand finale. ‘If you’re looking for a cultural experience that touches the heart, this is the one for you’, states Cultura Torrevieja about the programme.

The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will perform at the International Auditorium

of Torrevieja, on Saturday, February 14, at 7.00pm. Tickets for the show will be available from €15 at the auditorium box office. Music lovers, sweethearts, and those looking to celebrate a special night of enchanting and romantic music will have much to look forward to with this skilled performance from this renowned symphony orchestra.

Alicante vs Benidorm

ALICANTE and Benidorm, just 45 minutes apart on the Costa Blanca, are emerging as two of Spain’s leading relocation choices for 2026. Long associated with retirees and second-home buyers, both cities are now attracting remote workers, young families and long-term expatriates drawn by affordability, climate and lifestyle.

The wider Costa Blanca offers practical advantages - mild winters, outdoor living, reliable public healthcare and strong transport links reduce many of the pressures of moving abroad. Alicante’s international airport is well connected, and the region’s long experience with foreign residents makes administration, medical access and daily logistics straightforward.

Alicante is often described as offering au-

thentic Spanish city life with international comfort. It is walkable, lively year-round and functions beyond the tourist season. Universities, hospitals and offices support the local economy through winter. Demand for housing has increased, however, with rising rents and limited coastal availability, while inland neighbourhoods offer better long-term value.

Benidorm, frequently misunderstood, is defined by efficiency and ease. Services are streamlined, English is widely spoken and social integration is relatively simple. The main compromise is seasonality, with crowded summers and quieter, cheaper winters.

Both cities are linked by the TRAM network, supporting car-free living. While affordability remains strong compared with northern Europe, rental markets require careful research.

Working in Spain 2026

MOVING to Spain in 2026 remains possible for English speakers, but only with a clear strategy. The appeal of sunshine and quality of life is undiminished, yet the job market is competitive, housing costs are rising, and English-only roles are concentrated in specific sectors and locations.

Working without fluent Spanish is achievable, but opportunities are largely confined to international environments. Barcelona and Madrid remain the strongest centres for English-speaking jobs. Barcelona leads in tech start-ups, SaaS, digital marketing and multilingual customer support, while Madrid attracts corporate headquarters, finance, consulting and international sales roles.

Malaga is expanding as a tech and remote-work hub, and Valencia offers lower living costs but fewer English-only positions. Smaller towns rarely provide local English-speaking employment unless individuals are

self-employed or working remotely.

Key hiring sectors include technology, AI and product management, as well as multilingual customer support, digital marketing and international sales. Teaching English remains an entry point, although salaries are modest. Candidates with additional languages have a clear advantage.

Salaries vary widely. Entry-level support roles typically pay €24,000 to

€32,000 gross per year, while tech professionals can earn €45,000 to €85,000 or more. Housing is the main financial pressure, making net income more important than headline salary. Many expatriates now choose hybrid roles or live outside city centres. For EU citizens, legal employment is straightforward. For non-EU nationals, the digital nomad visa has become the most practical option, while traditional employer sponsorship remains limited.

British tourist rescued

A 76-YEAR-OLD British tourist was airlifted to hospital after surviving 30 hours stranded in a remote Tenerife ravine. Susan Hornsby, from Dorset, went missing during a solo hike on Friday, February 6.

Mrs Hornsby set off at 10am for a routine three-hour walk near Benijo Beach in the Anaga Rural Park. When she failed to return or answer messages, her family grew concerned. Her sisterin-law, Louise Bakewell, launched an urgent social media appeal, noting that a language barrier made initial contact with Local Police difficult.

The breakthrough came on Saturday, February 7, after Mrs Hornsby managed to send an email requesting medical assistance. Using the device’s IMEI number and ‘Find My iPhone’ service, rescuers narrowed down her location. She was discovered at 2pm, suffering from severe dehydration and exhaustion.

SPAIN’S tourism sector reached a new high in 2025, welcoming nearly 96.8 million foreign visitors and generating a record €134.7 billion in spending, confirming the country’s position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. While visitor growth slowed compared with the immediate post-pandemic rebound, the economic value of tourism continued to rise at a faster pace.

International arrivals increased by 3.2 per cent compared with 2024, marking the third consecutive year Spain has broken its own tourism record. Tourist spen ding rose by 6.8 per cent,

The rugged volcanic terrain of the Anaga Rural Park is popular with walkers but poses significant risks due to its steep ravines and unpredictable conditions. Mrs Hornsby, who repor-

tedly feared for her life while stranded, was winched from the site by helicopter and taken for urgent treatment.

Following the rescue, her family urged all travellers, particularly solo hikers, to ensure location tracking services are enabled on their mobile devices.

UK boosts Spain

nearly double the growth rate of arrivals, reflecting longer stays and higher per-trip expenditure across accommodation, dining, transport

and cultural activities.

The United Kingdom remained Spain’s largest source market, accounting for around 19.1 million visitors in

2025. British tourists contributed approximately €23.65 billion in spending, making them the single biggest driver of tourism revenue. UK travellers continued to favour coastal resorts, island destinations and major cities, with strong demand for the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Costa del Sol, Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla. While some traditional European markets such as France and Germany experienced slower growth, UK travel to Spain proved resilient.

Flying fishmonger closes

MADRID is preparing to say goodbye to a shop that has served the city for generations.

Pescadería Alofer, at Calle de la Esgrima 8 in Lavapiés, will close on March 31 as its owner, Fernando Alonso, retires after more than 50 years in the trade.

The fishmonger’s was famous not only for the freshness of its seafood but also for its unusual service: fish were often tossed through the air before landing in customers’ baskets. Locals have long praised the shop for its reliability and the friendliness of its staff.

Alofer’s history stretches back to before the Spanish Civil War. Alonso’s great-uncle bought the shop, and it remained in the family until now. With Alonso stepping down, the fami-

ly has decided to sell the property, including the two-storey building that houses it.

Plans were already in place to transform the premises into a capsule hotel. Demolition has been paused after the Madrid City Council intervened. Antonio Giraldo, a municipal spokesperson, lodged a complaint with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, citing the building’s heritage value, which could date back several centuries.

The Community of Madrid will now decide whether the building is protected. If not, demolition could resume. For Lavapiés, the closure of Alofer marks the end of an era and the departure of one of the neighbourhood’s most memorable businesses.

Short-term clampdown

IN the 12 months since Spain introduced the Ventanilla Única Digital, or Single Digital Window, nearly 300,000 short-term rentals have been registered, while 84,250 listings failing to meet standards have been removed. The system was launched to regulate short-term rentals, combat fraud, and protect local communities from illegal lets and disruptive visitors.

The Single Digital Window is a European regulatory system requiring all short- and long-term properties to have an official ID number to be legally advertised online. Spain was among the first countries to implement it. Registration was voluntary for the first six months of 2025 but became mandatory in July.

Since January, 400,362 applications have been submitted, with 74.8 per cent approved and issued a Unique Rental Registration Number (NRUA). An-

dalucia, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community account for 60.3 per cent of registered short-term lets, with 66,643, 58,446, and 55,467 approvals respectively, followed by the Canary Islands with 38,655. These four regions hosted 64.3 per cent of all foreign tourists in 2025, according to the Spanish National

Institute of Statistics.

However, 21 per cent of applications have been revoked, mainly in Madrid, Barcelona, and Marbella, leading to their removal from platforms including Airbnb, Booking, and Idealista. One common reason for rejection is local homeowners’ association bans on tourist rentals.

AI cannot be human

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I’VE been having one of those unsettling thoughts lately - and no, it’s not about my age, my cholesterol, or why the golf ball never went where I told it to! It’s AI. Artificial Intelligence. Or, as I prefer to call it, ‘the thing that’s coming for all our jobs while we’re busy looking for highlights on our phones’.

For all I know, AI could already be writing this very column. It might even be editing the whole paper, (hi ya ed!) choosing the headlines and quietly removing my better jokes! Give it time and every publication on the planet could be entirely AI produced - no journalists, no editors, no arguments in the office and nobody complaining about the coffee. And music? Oh dear.

AI is already releasing records, inventing songs and creating artists who don’t exist. It’s quietly helping itself to around 5 per cent of the entire music industry’s royal -

ties already. Five per cent! At this rate, the next big star won’t need a tour bus, a dressing room or even a heartbeat. Be assured that in the extremely disturbing future only one individual human will need to have an experience. AI can grab it, polish it, and release it to the entire planet in seconds. The rest of us won’t need to experience anything at all.

Why go on holiday when a machine can tell you how relaxing it was - and probably recommend better restaurants than you found? From there, the list grows alarmingly.

Newscasters? Replaced. Presenters and reporters? Gone. Doctors and surgeons? Eventually replaced by machines that never get tired, never panic and never ask you if you really need that second glass of wine. Lawyers and Politicians? Well, with reference to recent events, let’s just say some of us may feel that ship has already sailed.

And what about us? Humans could become completely unnecessary. A whole race of leisure hunters - endlessly entertained, permanently distracted and very busy

doing nothing at all. We’ll be staring at screens while being told what to think, what to buy and when to clap, with our Stone Age instincts bubbling away nicely underneath.

The trouble is, technology was meant to serve us, not replace us. Sometimes I wonder if the future might force us backwards rather than forwards. A time when the internet finally collapses under its own weight and we all return to pen and paper, a diary and proper face-to-face contact.

Imagine that - real conversations, real opinions and arguments conducted in cafés instead of comment sections. AI may be clever. It may be fast. It may even be frighteningly impressive. But it has no soul, no sense of humour and no idea what it means to be human.

Until it can laugh at itself, fall in love and make a complete mess of things like the rest of us - I’ll be keeping hold of the pen. So there.

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Supermarket sightseeing

IN an era of high-tech travel, the breakout trend of 2026 is unexpectedly grounded: grocery store tourism.

From Japanese convenience stores to Spanish hypermarkets, globetrotters are swapping overcrowded landmarks for the authentic charm of local food aisles.

Driven by the rising costs of traditional attractions, such as the Louvre’s recent 45 per cent price hike, budget-conscious explorers are seeking free, immersive alternatives. This shift is further fuelled by the dominance of shortterm property lets. Since platforms like Airbnb provide kitchens, visitors increasingly prefer stocking up on regional delicacies to cook ‘at home’ rather than dining out.

The phenomenon has become a social media sensation. TikTok and Instagram continue to be flooded with ‘snack grabs’, where tourists compare foreign crisps and ready meals to staples back home. Beyond the viral ‘likes’, the data supports this shift; Hilton research reveals that 77 per cent of modern travellers now engage in supermarket tourism, with 35 per cent specifically planning grocery stops on future trips.

Whether it is hunting for artisanal cheeses in France or exotic KitKat flavours in Tokyo, supermarkets offer a cultural microcosm without the tourist traps. In an increasingly globalised world, these aisles provide a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the daily habits and soul of a destination.

Your

Credit: Shutterstock, Utoimage

Do you remember a worse winter in Spain? VOICE

ACROSS Spain this winter, rainfall, strong winds and coastal warnings have been persistent, a stark contrast to Spain’s typically mild, sunny winters. The conditions have been so extreme, that many residents are questioning whether they have ever seen conditions quite like it.

For many long-term residents, the weather has felt unprecedented.

Peter Lardner wrote: “Been here 25 years, had a few floods during that time. However, these constant storms are a first.” Johnny Wilson agreed: “13 years in Portugal and six in Spain, can never remember such sustained rain and storms.” New arrival Belinda Griffiths is shocked, commenting: “First winter here, l am beginning to think l am back in the UK.”

Others, however, recall difficult winters in previous decades. Mark Shurey remembered: “2001/2002. We had two months of solid rain and the dams filled up in one winter.” Doris Flint said: “Yes in the winter of 2009/10 it rained non-stop for weeks and weeks quite heavily

too!” Karen Joy Harley compared the seasons, writing: “No, the last bout of prolonged winter rain was 2009/10, but not in the same quantity as we have received this winter.”

Some contributors linked the weather to wider climatic patterns.

Simon Cornwell observed: “No but the sea temperature is warming while the higher atmosphere is cooling creating the weather.” Sandie Beames offered a broader perspective: “Climate change as climate changes all the time definitely not new.”

Despite disruption, a number of residents highlighted the benefits. John Bell noted: “Reservoirs will be full - bonus!” Hilary Roxburgh welcomed the change: “Worse? I’m loving it. Not having to screw my eyes up all day. Not sweating at work. The streets smelling clean and knowing we don’t have to worry about droughts this year. And thanks to the rain, the best snowfall on record.”

Overall, while memories of earlier harsh winters remain, the majority of respondents said they could not recall a season quite like this one.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Unicaja success

UNICAJA posted a 10.3 per cent rise in 2025 profit to €632 million, beating market guidance after executing its strategic plan. The bank plans to distribute 70 per cent of net earnings, lifting dividends by 29 per cent, while maintaining strong capital and liquidity levels.

Monthly savings

BRITAIN’S Financial Conduct Authority says insurance customers paying monthly are saving around £157 million a year after firms cut premium finance charges. The regulator ruled out price caps, warning they could limit access to cover for lower-income customers.

Beazley bought

SWISS insurer Zurich has agreed in principle to buy London-listed Lloyd’s specialist Beazley in an £8bn deal - another potential loss for the London Stock Exchange. Beazley shareholders would get 1,310p a share in cash plus up to 25p dividend (1,335p total), a near-60 per cent premium.

Salou investment

HUNGARIAN-OWNED Gestor Investment has bought a hotel-style tourist accommodation in Salou on Catalonia’s Costa Dorada, strengthening its Spain footprint at the end of 2025. The off-market deal targets a resort near PortAventura World. Local operator IBERSOL will run it, financed by BBVA.

Orsero invests

ORSERO GROUP plans around €5 million investment across Spain and Italy in the next 12 months, focusing on higher-margin lines like fresh-cut fruit, avocados, and berries. In Spain, funding will upgrade facilities in Sevilla and northern hubs, within overall 2026 capex guidance of €14-16 million.

Streamflation

STREAMING services have become a routine part of daily life for many households in Spain, but the steady rise in subscription prices is beginning to draw attention. This trend, increasingly referred to as ‘streamflation’, reflects the growing cost of digital subscriptions despite continued high demand.

Streaming is now a multi-platform habit. Sixty-five per cent of Spanish households with subscriptions pay for more than one service, according to Spain’s competition watchdog, the CNMC, while an estimated 20 per cent subscribe to four or more platforms at the same time. These typically include a mix of video, music, audiobooks, and live sports services.

At current prices, households can spend between €70 and €110 a month on digital subscriptions alone, excluding internet or mobile contracts.

Subscription prices have risen significantly faster than inflation. Costs have increased by 81.7 per cent since 2015, according to research by EAE Business School, cited by El Economista – around four times the rate of general inflation over the same period. Despite this, demand continues to grow quarter by quarter, according to CNMC market analyses.

UK business rates

UK businesses that believe their business rates valuation is incorrect have until March 31 to challenge it, the government has warned. Anyone paying business rates in England or Wales must act before the deadline, as challenges to current valuations will no longer be accepted once a new rating list takes effect on April 1.

To request a change, ratepayers must check the property details held by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and formally notify it of any errors through a business rates valuation account. Businesses without an account are urged to register immediately, as verification and property claims can take up to 15 working days.

Recent pricing changes highlight the trend. Netflix confirmed the removal of its €9.99 basic ad-free plan in Spain, pushing users towards either an ad-supported option at €6.99 or a standard ad-free plan at €13.99.

Spotify has also raised prices, increasing its individual plan to €11.99 and its family plan to €20.99 - the second rise in two years.

The deadline applies to valuations set in 2023. Any adjustment could result in a property’s rateable value rising or falling and may affect future bills. From April, challenges will apply only to the new valuation following the latest revaluation cycle.

Grandchildren gifting Costco delivery

US delivery platform Instacart has launched Costco Spain’s first-ever same-day delivery service, expanding its long-running partnership with Costco Wholesale into Europe. Costco members in Spain can now order online and receive same-day delivery from all Spanish Costco locations, including Madrid, Sevilla, Bilbao and Zaragoza. Orders are fulfilled from local warehouses at in-store prices, with delivery handled by local European partners.

UK grandparents looking to build a financial cushion for their grandchildren are being urged to start early and diversify. A new investment guide by Money Magpie highlights Junior ISAs as the best foundation, offering tax-free growth until age 18. Other options include low-cost index funds, Premium Bonds for safer savings, property-linked investments such as REITs, and small, high-risk exposure to cryptocurrencies. Experts say spreading money across assets and allowing time for compound growth can significantly boost a child’s future finances.

€1bn hospital

ANDALUCIA has launched one of Spain’s largest public healthcare investments with the new Virgen de la Esperanza Hospital in Malaga. Regional president Juanma Moreno said total spending will approach €1 billion, combining hospital construction, transport links, and urban redevelopment. The main build carries a €543 million price tag and will deliver 815 rooms, 48 high-tech operating theatres and major teaching and research facilities. A further €245 million will extend Malaga Metro Line 2 to the site. For residents and expatriates, the project aims to ease hospital pressure, improve access to specialist care and strengthen long-term public health capacity in a fast-growing city.

agents

BANCO SANTANDER will allow shops to accept purchases made by ‘AI agents’ later this year, marking a major shift in how payments are triggered online. Through its payments arm Getnet, retailers can integrate product catalogues so AI tools can search, compare and complete purchases automatically on a customer’s behalf. The system is designed to work with conversational platforms such as ChatGPT and will run on Santander’s global Single Entry Point platform, backed by card-network security from Visa and Mastercard. For shoppers in Spain, it could soon mean AI booking travel, tickets or retail purchases automatically, within pre-set budgets and preferences.

US crayon maker Crayola has pledged a multimillion-pound investment in the UK and Ireland as part of plans to double its regional business by 2028. The 120-year-old company, a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, has opened a new office in Woking, England. The three-year expansion includes new products and campaigns aimed at boosting creativity among families, alongside further investment planned through 2026 to 2028.

Art strike

SPANISH art galleries took part in a strike from February 2 to 7, closing their doors to protest the lack of a VAT cut on art sales. Despite an EU directive allowing reduced cultural VAT from January 2025, Spain continued to apply a 21 per cent rate, far higher than elsewhere in Europe. Galleries said the situation left them at a serious competitive disadvantage and put both businesses and artists at risk.

3I Group 3.347,00 3.386,00 3.333,00 81,63K

Admiral Group 2.834,0 2.856,0 2.818,0 55,68K

Airtel Africa 331,35 333,80 328,00 112,35K

Anglo American 3.441,4 3.481,0 3.431,0 137,38K

Antofagasta 3.690,00 3.716,00 3.641,00 65,08K

Ashtead Group 4.957,0 4.984,0 4.930,0 45,86K

Associated British Foods 1.914,5 1.952,0 1.914,5 29,96K

AstraZeneca 14.184,0 14.254,0 14.154,0 64,91K

Auto Trader Group Plc 486,80 489,70 483,20 257,27K

Aviva 645,76 650,80 644,20 250,98K

B&M European Value Retail SA 172,60 174,85 171,85 390,25K

BAE Systems 1.914,50 1.922,50 1.880,50 487,51K

Barclays 480,80 482,95 476,70 5,05M

Barratt Redrow 387,38 394,80 386,75 321,81K

Beazley 1.239,96 1.248,00 1.237,00 124,47K

Berkeley 4.173,0 4.212,0 4.164,0 7,02K

BP 476,05 476,85 473,90 2,14M

British American Tobacco 4.577,0 4.600,0 4.576,3 130,43K

BT Group 205,10 207,90 205,10 513,15K Bunzl 2.144,0 2.162,0 2.136,0 18,03K Centrica 193,20 193,70 191,06 712,06K

Coca Cola HBC AG 4.284,0 4.296,0 4.262,0 37,31K Compass 2.107,53 2.126,00 2.084,00 151,65K ConvaTec Group 224,80 227,40 224,80 204,62K

Intl 2.902,0 2.907,0 2.867,6 13,68K DCC 4.872,1 4.908,0 4.866,0 6,02K Diageo 1.765,0 1.786,0 1.761,5 430,39K

5.435,00 5.470,00 5.415,00 64,02K

486,80 494,80

Entertainment 11.215,0 11.340,4 11.190,0 3,38K

706,16 715,50 691,50 1,98K

3.812,00 3.842,10 3.738,00 145,44K

485,90 489,95 484,00 3,88M

plc 2.215,00 2.215,00 2.196,00 864,23K

400,00

3.576,0 3.576,0 3.534,0 45,55K

1.559,78 1.562,00 1.545,34 39,31K

1.535,00

BUSINESS

EXTRA

Canals boost

THE UK is adding

£6.5m to the Canal & River Trust to boost resilience and safety across England and Wales’ 2,000-mile canal network, on top of £52.6m annual funding. Money will support maintenance of embankments and reservoirs, plus works including Peak Forest and Tame Valley.

Gold rush

BANK OF SPAIN says its gold and FX reserves hit a record nearly €94bn at end-2025, lifted by global demand for gold as a safe haven. Analysts say it revives memories of 1936 ‘Moscow gold’, when Republican Spain shipped much of its bullion abroad overseas.

Unemployment figures

SPAIN’S registered unemployment rose in January by 30,392 people (+1.26 per cent) to 2,439,062, according to Labour Ministry figures based on registrations at SEPE employment offices. Even so, the ministry said this is the lowest January level in 18 years, and unemployment is down 160,381 year-on-year (-6.17 per cent).

In plain terms, January is often a tough month after seasonal contracts endbut the longer-term trend in the official data is still poin-

Company closures

AROUND 39 per cent of Spanish companies created in 2019 have already closed, according to new data from Iberinform, underlining the fragility of business survival in Spain. A similar pattern followed the last major downturn, with 73 per cent of firms founded in 2007, just before the global financial crisis, now gone. Early survival rates are high thanks

to initial capital, with 99 per cent lasting the first year and 97 per cent the second, but failure rises sharply from year three.

By year four, one in four businesses has collapsed. Long-term prospects remain tough: only 48 per cent reach 10 years and just one in four survives to 30. The study analysed 3.5 million firms.

ting down compared with last year. The ministry also reported that, once seasonal effects are stripped out, unemployment fell by 25,402 in January.

Youth unemployment (under 25) increased by 4,040 (+2.28 per cent) in the month. Despite the rise, the ministry said this was the lowest January figure on record for under-25sa detail many families will welcome.

Regionally, unemployment fell only in the Balearics (-1,260) and rose across the rest of Spain, led by Andalucia (+8,046), Madrid (+3,659) and Galicia (+3,113). On hiring, January recorded 1,163,555 contracts, including 484,295 permanent contracts (41.62 per cent).

For support, the benefit coverage rate in December stood at 79.09 per cent, with 1,783,205 recipients and total spending of €2,107.35 million.

UK-China deals

THE UK and China have agreed closer financial services cooperation after the first UK-China Financial Working Group meeting in Beijing. Launched by City Minister Lucy Rigby, the deals support UK jobs, strengthen London’s global finance role, and include a second renminbi clearing bank to ease trade and cross-border payments.

Repsol fine

SPAIN’S watchdog CNMC has fined Repsol €20.5 million for abusing its dominant position by discounting Diesel A, harming rival stations supplying transport firms. Several subsidiaries are banned from public fuel contracts for six months. Repsol rejects the ruling and will appeal, saying discounts protected consumers during the 2022 costof-living crisis.

FRIDAY

13th AND ALL THAT …

BRACE yourselves: tomorrow is Friday the 13th. Across Britain, that’s enough to send shivers down spines! But relax - in Spain, it’s not Friday that’s feared, but Tuesday the 13th that’s considered disastrous, especially for weddings or travel. So yes, you can tie the knot on Friday in Malaga without a care… but maybe skip Tuesday...

The notion that Friday the 13th is cursed is, frankly, nonsense. Disasters happen every day, and if one lands on this date, we simply notice it more. Some ‘proof’ has even been manufactured. Remember the ‘Friday the 13th virus’ of January 1989? It wasn’t misfortune, but a deliberately written computer bug, gleefully timed to wipe IBM files across Britain.

History proves the point. Choose any date at random and you’ll uncover war, pestilence, greed or disaster. Friday 13th just happens to have a catchy brand. Writers, of course, have their own quirks and superstitions. (Hey, don’t look at me! As a writer, I’m not superstitious at all - touch wood!) Agatha Christie, bestselling novelist ever, plotted in a large Victorian bathtub, munching on apples as she contemplated murder.

D H Lawrence composed outdoors, scribbling against gnarly tree trunks. And James Joyce? He wrote in bed, kitted out in a white coat, wielding a blue pencil. Beat that!

If you’re still spooked by Friday 13th, you’re in for a whammy of a year. This was just the first of three for 2026 … Help!

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-john son.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Work absence for pets

A BARCELONA court has ruled that a teleoperator’s dismissal for missing work to attend her critically ill dog was unjustified, recognising ethical and humanitarian considerations in employment law. The Social Court No. 25 found that the worker, dismissed by Majorel SP Solutions, SAU, should either be reinstated or compensated €4,116.42.

One absence in November 2024 occurred when the dog required urgent veterinary attention and euthanasia, which the court determined justified prioritising the animal’s welfare over work obligations.

While other absences were partly unjustified, they were insufficient to justify dismissal under the collective labour agreement. The judge referenced Spain’s 2023 law protecting animal welfare and emphasised that ethical duty to dependent beings, including pets, can outweigh strict work requirements. The ruling reflects a broader societal recognition of pets as sentient beings with intrinsic value, rather than objects, and considers unforeseen emergency circumstances in employment decisions.

INTERVIEW

Legal experts suggest the judgment could influence future disputes over emergency care obligations, highlighting the need for leave policies that accommodate extraordinary situations involving human or animal dependents. The decision has drawn attention from animal welfare advocates and the legal community, as it demonstrates how ethical and social responsibilities are increasingly integrated into labour law. The company must now decide whether to reinstate the employee or provide compensation, and the ruling may be appealed. Regardless, the case signals a potential shift in how urgent care responsibilities intersect with employment rights in Spain.

Speaking European: with Cecilia Gould

Danish-born and Mallorca-raised, Cece Gould’s story has come full circle. After building a life in Australia, she returned to the island to raise her three children among the languages and landscapes that shaped her own childhood.

Tell us about your background?

I was born in Copenhagen but moved to Mallorca with my family when I was 18 months old, so the island has always felt like home. After high school I moved to Australia on a working holiday visa and it became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, as I met my husband Dan there.

What was it like growing up in Mallorca?

Why return after building a life in Australia?

Cece felt the pull back to Mallorca.

It was incredibly special. Mallorca is so international that I grew up surrounded by different languages and cultures. I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, but it gave me a wonderful sense of perspective.

We had a beautiful life in Perth. But reflecting made me realise how fortunate I was to grow up multilingual and with Europe on my doorstep. I wanted my children to have that same exposure and opportunity.

Favourite things to do with the kids in Mallorca?

Anything outdoors - beaches, markets, village festivals, and hiking around Cala Fornells. Mallorca offers outdoor adventure like Oz but without the added worry of dangerous animals you might find in the bush!

Bizum goes European

SENDING money across Europe is about to become much easier for mi llions of people in Spain. In 2026, Bi zum will begin allowing personal pay ments to users in several European countries, making international trans fers almost as simple as sending mo ney within Spain.

Bizum has signed an agreement with other national payment systems, in cluding Italy’s Bancomat, Portugal’s MB Way, Vipps MobilePay in the Nor dic countries, and the EPI network covering France, Germany and Bel gium. Together, they are building a shared platform that allows these systems to work seamlessly. For users, little will change: Bizum will still be used through a bank app, but the recipient may be based in another participating country.

Bizum on a smartphone, as the Spanish payment app prepares to expand cross-border transfers across Europe in 2026.

Uber driverless taxis

MADRID has been confirmed as one of the cities where Uber plans to introduce robotaxis, placing the Spanish capital firmly on the map for the next phase of autonomous transport.

The first phase, due to launch in 2026, will focus on person-to-person transfers. An expansion to online shopping and physical stores is expected in 2027. Bizum will keep its own branding, alongside a shared European logo showing where cross-border payments are accepted. Once fully operational, the network could reach around 130 million users across 13 countries.

Bizum’s expansion is a significant step towards a more unified European payment system, bringing greater convenience alongside new responsibilities.

Rail strike called off

SPAIN’S nationwide rail strike has been officially called off following a breakthrough agreement between the Ministry of Transport and the country’s primary railway unions. The deal, finalised on the afternoon of Monday February 9, successfully averted two additional days of major industrial action that had threatened to paralyse the nation’s transport network until Wednesday, February 11.

The dispute, which began on Monday, February 9, saw significant disruptions to Cercanías commuter lines, regional services, and high-speed AVE routes. While the first day of stoppages caused widespread delays in hubs like Madrid and Barcelona, the newly signed accord marks a decisive shift toward long-term stability. At the heart of the ‘historic’ settlement

is a robust commitment from the government to increase staffing levels at both Renfe and Adif. This includes a strategic plan to recruit thousands of new workers to address the understaffing concerns that unions argued were compromising safety and service quality.

Beyond personnel increases, the agreement secures a substantial rise in maintenance in -

vestment through 2030 and introduces more rigorous safety protocols. These reforms respond directly to worker anxieties following recent rail accidents, ensuring better risk prevention and more transparent communication between management and staff.

With the strike withdrawn, rail services across Spain began returning to their regular schedules.

Uber has included Madrid in its plan to deploy robotaxi services in more than 10 markets before the end of 2026, with a long-term target of operating in 15 cities worldwide. The company considers Madrid a key location due to its population density, the volume of daily journeys, and its economic and tourism significance.

The Spanish capital now sits alongside cities such as London, Hong Kong, Zurich and Houston in Uber’s global

strategy. However, residents should not expect an immediate launch. Uber has not announced when the service could begin operating in Madrid, nor has it identified the technology company that would supply the autonomous vehicles. The firm has only confirmed that it will work with partners already used in other countries. Despite growing competition in the sector, including services run with Waymo in the United States, Uber’s chief executive has said robotaxis will represent only a small share of trips in the short term. For Madrid, the announcement signals intent rather than imminent change.

LOW-STIM LIVING is becoming a defining wellness trend for 2026, as more people try to reduce the daily ‘noise’ of modern life - from constant pings on the phone and late meetings to traffic sound and home clutter. The idea is simple: lower the level of sti-

Low-stim living

mulation your brain has to process, so stress is easier to manage, and recovery (sleep, focus, good mood) comes faster.

Low-stim living (short for low-stimulation living) is a lifestyle approach built around limiting unnecessary sensory and cognitive input - espe-

cially the kind that arrives in small hits, all day, every day:

• Digital stimulation (notifications, always-on messaging, doomscrolling)

• Time pressure (backto-back commitments, multitasking)

• Decision fatigue (too many options, too much clutter)

Microsoft’s Work Trend Index research documented how work is spilling further into personal time. In the ‘infinite workday’ Microsoft found meetings starting

span multiple time zones - remote work probably has a lot to answer for that.

The report also flagged that chats outside the 9-to-5 workday were up 15 per cent year-onyear, with 58 messages now arriving before or after work hours.

The outcome is obvious. When work creeps into evenings and across time zones, the nervous system rarely gets a clean ‘off’ switch - this is where low-stim living aims to reduce that over-

This matters because low-stim living isn’t about perfection. It’s a practical response to a world where continuous stress is be-

Most people adopt low-stim living through small, cumulative changes rather than drastic lifestyle overhauls.

Anti hair loss herb

IN the United Kingdom alone, almost eight women are affected by female pattern hair loss. Thankfully, there are plenty of medical treatments currently available on the market.

However, for anyone looking for a natural approach to revitalising their hair, there is one herb that might be able to save the day.

Polygonum multiflorum (PMT) is a root that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The root was used to encourage hair growth and, according to ancient texts ‘blacken hair and nourish essence’.

All modern biological research seemingly supports these ancient beliefs. PMT seems to tackle multiple problem areas at once, unlike modern medicine. PMT prevents further destruction, blocking cell

Credit: Shutterstock, kei907

Chinese herb prevents hair loss.

death by eliminating a hormone that shrinks the hair follicles. Simultaneously, it nourishes the hair by turning on regrowth signals and supporting blood flow to the scalp. This carries more nutrients to hair, allowing it to grow. There are a variety of

ways to apply PMT to the scalp. Given that it is a root, it is commonly crushed into a power. Additionally, it can also be found infused into facial creams and cosmetics, including hair serums that can be applied directly to the roots of the hair.

You can feel it: Spring is on its way

MEDITERRANEAN

LIFESTYLE EXPERT

MIGUEL FRANCO

IT’S only February, but when the sun comes out, you feel it immediately.

The light is stronger. The air is softer and for a moment, the sun actually warms your skin.

That’s when you know: spring is coming.

Living in the south of Spain, we’re lucky. Our spring starts earlier than in most of Europe. Jackets open, we spend more time outside, and heavy winter clothes slowly begin to feel unnecessary and with that comes a familiar thought: how do I feel in my body right now?

In Mediterranean cultures, this moment has always marked a natural shift. Winter food, stews and heavy meals, slowly make room for grilled vegetables, fresh fish, salads and

lighter suppers. Not because of rules, but because the body no longer needs winter fuel.

Movement changes too. More walking. More time outdoors. Less forcing, more flow.

This isn’t the time for diets or pressure. It’s the moment to gently adjust your rhythm, so when spring fully arrives, your body is already moving with it.

You don’t prepare for spring.

You feel it and you move with it.

From freezer to oven:

Surviving life’s extremes

COAST TO COAST

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA FROM

DO you ever feel like a frozen meal tossed straight from the freezer into the oven? That’s how extreme weather makes me feel.

I don’t know if you agree, but my friends and I have noticed the same thing: in the past three years, it’s never been this humid, windy, rainy, cold, or downright freezing. Sure, people always say, ‘That already happened last year’. But some things aren’t remembered by the mindthey’re remembered by the skin (and the electricity bill). Honestly, the weather isn’t the same anymore. It’s like Mother Nature opened the fridge, stepped into an oven, checked her TikTok, shrugged, and said, ‘Yep, this feels about right. Let’s add a hurricane for seasoning’.

What used to be a mild winter or a pleasant summer is now the opposite. Summer? A full-on oven with extra garlic. Winter? A freezer with leftover lasagna from 2017. No middle ground. Fridge to oven, like a ready-made meal. The extremes skipped the intermission, just like I skip my diet on weekends.

Rain is called a blessing - and it is, but only when the ground can drink it. Not when the soil is desertified, like in many parts of the world, where water has turned into destruction. That’s when floods arrive. Floods. Leaving behind loss, death, despair… and puddles that make your shoes float like tiny canoes.

And yet, when I see trees toppled by a storm, one word comes to mind: windfall. In medieval times, windfall didn’t mean disaster. For the poorest - the ones paying tithes to feudal lords - those wind-thrown trees were an unexpected gift: wood to build, to heat, to survive.

Excess became sustenance. Chaos into hope. They were the original influencers: everything they touched became useful. I can almost hear them posting, ‘Just a casual storm… turning disaster into firewood. #Blessed #TreeTok’.

Thinking of that brings me to today’s windfalls.

Spain is debating the legalisation of over half a million undocumented people. Some speak of collapse, of a ‘magnet effect’. I, coming from a country of emigrants, see it differently: immigration has always been a blessing.

It’s a blessing for those finally gaining basic rights: a legal identity, a bank account, a utility contract, the chance to exist without fear. And it’s a blessing for the country receiving them, because these people can fully contribute - Social Security, local economies, work, talent, initiative. A political party doesn’t define a human being. Being human defines the best of humanity. Extremes aren’t just climate-related - they’re political too. Honestly… do you really think conquering Mars is more important than helping people and improving our humanity here on Earth? Mars sounds impressive, but can it give someone a legal identity or keep a family safe?

From black to white, the beauty of the shades in between is lost. True beauty lies in the middle, in the rainbow’s colours. And maybe in the slightly offbeat shades - the ones that make life spicy, like accidentally sending a text meant for your crush to your boss.

That’s why, when I see a fallen tree - well, as long as it’s not on my car - I don’t just see the storm. I feel a little joy. I think windfall. Something wonderful that happens suddenly, or seemingly out of nowhere.

Like finding free Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere… or discovering your frozen meal somehow tastes better than expected… especially with hot sauce and a prayer.

Europe pushes back

EUROPE’S most visited cities are no longer quietly absorbing mass tourism. After years of overcrowding, rising rents and residents being pushed out, many destinations are taking firm action to limit visitor numbers and regain control. The shift accelerated after Covid, when tourism returned faster and heavier than before.

Venice has gone furthest. Faced with overwhelming day-trippers, it now charges an entry fee of €5–€10 for visitors not staying overnight, payable in advance and varying with demand. This follows earlier measures, including banning large cruise ships, shrinking tour groups and outlawing loudspeakers.

Ibiza is tackling congestion, capping non-resident vehicles at 20,000 per day from January to September, including

rental cars, with registration required in advance.

Dubrovnik limits cruise arrivals to two ships a day, imposes strict time limits, and requires advance booking for some attractions, controlling tour buses to protect the historic centre.

Amsterdam targets the system behind mass tourism, raising tourist tax to 12.5 per cent, freezing new hotels and restricting short-term rentals to

Credit : Dejan-Milosavljevic, Shutterstock

15 nights a year in some areas. Bruges has taken a quieter approach, limiting cruise ships, banning new hotels and holiday lets, and capping guided tour groups. For travellers, spontaneous access is ending; planning ahead is essential. For residents, these measures signal a long-overdue rebalancing and may help Europe’s most famous cities survive their own success.

Tragic bus crash

A TRAGIC road traffic collision in Dublin city centre claimed one life and left three others hospitalised on Thursday, February 5. The incident occurred shortly after 12.30pm when an out-of-service Bus Éireann double-decker mounted a pavement and struck several pedestrians. The vehicle was travelling along Talbot Street but failed to negotiate a left turn onto Marlborough Street. Instead, it veered across the road into the pedestrianised zone of North Earl Street. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. Three others, including the bus driver, were taken to hospital; their conditions remain unconfirmed. Dublin Fire Brigade deployed over 20 per-

sonnel and heavy rescue equipment to the site. An emergency medical tent was erected as Gardaí established a wide cordon, closing Talbot Street and Marlborough Street. The collision caused significant infrastructure damage, forcing the suspension of Luas Green Line services and local power shutdowns. Addressing the Dáil, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and wished the injured a full recovery. Bus Éireann confirmed the vehicle was not in service and is assisting the ongoing Garda investigation into whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure or driver error.

Italian highway assault

ITALIAN authorities prevented a violent robbery attempt targeting an armoured cash transit vehicle on the Lecce–Brindisi motorway in Puglia.

The attackers used explosives, firearms, and blocked lanes to halt the van, creating a dangerous scenario for passing motorists. Eyewitnesses reported vehicles on fire, thick smoke, and masked assailants attempting to seize valuables. The swift response of Carabinieri forces led to an exchange of gunfire, but no injuries occurred among officers, civilians, or van personnel.

Two suspects were arrested near the scene, while others fled, prompting an ongoing manhunt. Police continue to investigate, reviewing surveillance footage and examining firearms and explosives used in the attack. Authorities have not confirmed whether

any valuables were seized, but the incident underscores the risks faced by cash-in-transit operations. Motorists praised the rapid police intervention, which ensured safety and prevented theft.

The event has sparked renewed discussion on road security for high-value transport, highlighting the need for vigilance, rapid response, and coordination along major transport routes.

Italian law enforcement

emphasised professionalism in containing the situation and maintaining public safety, demonstrating preparedness against organised armed assaults on public highways. The highway reopened after several hours, with authorities pursuing leads to apprehend all suspects.

The case illustrates ongoing security challenges in protecting cash transit operations in densely trafficked areas.

Red for the bats

IN Gladsaxe Municipality near Copenhagen, Danish planners have replaced conventional white streetlights with red LEDs along a road bordering woodland, aiming to protect nocturnal wildlife, particularly bats, while maintaining public safety. Research shows white and blue light disrupt bat navigation and feeding, while red light minimally interferes with activity, preserving both ecological function and visibility for drivers and cyclists.

The trial reflects a broader urban planning shift, prioritising biodiversity alongside infrastructure needs. Red LEDs are installed selectively, with conventional lighting maintained at junctions and crossings, balancing ecological protection with human safety.

Early public feedback has been neutral to positive, with no reported increase in traffic incidents. The project forms part of Glad-

saxe’s environmental sustainability goals, integrating wildlife considerations into routine infrastructure upgrades.

Long-term monitoring will assess ecological and safety impacts, informing potential expansion of the approach near parks, forests, and wildlife corridors.

The initiative aligns with global efforts to mitigate light pollution, demonstrating a pragmatic middle ground between darkness and excessive illumination. Denmark’s experiment shows how urban design can be adapted to support both human activity and ecological resilience, highlighting the potential for responsible lighting strategies in cities worldwide. By altering light spectra rather than simply dimming or increasing brightness, planners aim to minimise wildlife disruption while maintaining functionality and safety.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Mijas justice

MIJAS has been selected by the Junta de Andalucia as the flagship location for Malaga’s new Municipal Justice Offices (OJM). This initiative replaces traditional peace courts with expanded facilities, aiming to decentralise legal services across the region.

On Monday, February 9, Justice Minister José Antonio Nieto visited Mijas to meet Mayor Ana Mata and confirm the town’s leading role in the project. The upgrade ensures that Mijas’s 90,000 residents no longer need to travel to Fuengirola for routine legal matters. The municipality currently accounts for half of the judicial district’s population and 40 per cent of its total cases.

The new office, situated in the former Acosol premises in Las Lagunas, will offer services including civil registration, legal aid applications, victim assistance, and mediation. Residents will also be able to testify in court hearings via videoconference.

Axarquia

Art and marine life merge

ALMUÑECAR Aquarium has reopened with a bold new identity, transforming its corridors into a fully immersive ‘underwater stage’ that blends Mediterranean marine life with contemporary urban art.

The transformation has already captured the attention of the local community, including arts students from IES Al-Ándalus, who have been studying the site’s evolution. The project aims to turn the entire visitor route into a singular work of art, enhancing the venue’s appeal beyond its traditional biological exhibits.

Visitors are greeted at the entrance by a striking installation by renowned Granada artist Raúl Ruiz, known as ‘El Niño de las Pinturas’. This is followed by an expansive mural by acclaimed Belgian artist Kevin of Kiwi Wall Art. On Tuesday, February 10, the facility confirmed that Kevin is currently completing a final, large-scale piece expected to be finished within days.

Beyond the visuals, the venue is set to host a series of educational events and leisure activities.

Mallorca

Kids carnival celebrations

DESPITE a spell of morning rain, Palma’s streets were bursting with colour on Sunday February 8 as families gathered for the children’s carnival, Sa Rueta. The grey skies did little to dampen spirits; instead, youngsters in imaginative costumes transformed the city centre into a lively celebration of creativity and fun.

A family dressed as strawberries passed by, complete with a tiny fresa just a few months old tucked up in a pram. Nearby, a towering dinosaur delighted onlookers, while a stealthy ninja and the ever-popular Pikachu drew smiles from children and parents alike.

Plaza Mayor quickly emerged as a hub of excitement, with a swinging fairground ride attracting long queues of eager riders. Circus entertainers kept crowds captivated, while two performers on stilts wandered through the square waving at children and stopping for photos.

Costa Blanca North Carnival joy

LARGE crowds and a lively carnival atmosphere marked this year’s Baixada del riu Bullent, the traditional event that opens Carnestoltes in Pego and is widely regarded as one of the town’s most entertaining and irreverent festivities. On February 7, the riverbanks filled with spectators enjoying music, colour and laughter, while a small but enthusiastic group of participants braved the fresh waters of the Bullent aboard four handcrafted rafts. Once again, the event showcased creativity, humour and the strong community spirit that defines this much-loved local tradition.

The Baixada stands out for its originality and environmental awareness. The rafts are built using recycled and ecological materials, and participants also help collect plastics and remove waste found along the route, combining celebration with respect for nature. All this takes place in a spectacular setting, as the Bullent river runs through the Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park.

Almeria Bisbal’s homecoming

DAVID BISBAL is returning to his hometown stage as the singer is set to join the star-studded line-up for Almeria’s Cooltural Fest 2026 in August. Stepping away from production on his 10th studio album, Bisbal is determined to return to his musical roots, performing in front of a hometown crowd on one of Almeria’s biggest stages. Mayor of Almeria, Maria del Mar Vazquez, spoke on Bisbal’s upcoming Cooltural Fest 2026 appearance with pride and admiration, “our most internationally renowned artist will be coming, a true Almerian, who always carries Almeria in his heart and in his songs when he goes out to sing around the rest of the world, as is David Bisbal.” Vazquez’s comments echo the sentiments of many Almerians, who see Bisbal as a local hero. The world-famous singer is said to use his festival set as a way to take the audience on a musical journey, revisiting the classic hits that turned him into a global star and a hometown hero.

Sa Rueta offers a family-friendly counterpart to the island’s larger parades. Costa Calida

CARNAVAL celebrations are lighting up all over Spain, and the Costa Calida is no exception to the spectacular rule. The shining hub of the coastline, Cartagena, has been one of the main attractions for the 2026 edition of the Carnaval, and its celebrations are already in full swing. In fact, the city has already chosen its Queens for 2026, two locals that will be figureheads for the celebrations and signal the beginning of the most exciting Carnaval festivities.

Cartagena’s Carnaval kicked off on Friday, February 6 with an enormous and colourful parade, full of over-the-top costumes, feathers, glitter, make-up and music. The event has been a huge draw for visitors to the municipality.

The two Queens were chosen at the massive Gala held at the Wssell de Guimbarda Municipal Sports Hall in Cartagena on Saturday, February 7. The selection of the Queens signals Cartagena’s entry into the biggest and most exciting days of its Carnaval festive programme.

Confused pilot

AN SAS Airbus A320neo narrowly averted disaster at Brussels Airport after attempting to take o from a taxiway instead of the assigned runway. The incident occurred on Thursday February 5, involving ight SK2590 bound for Copenhagen with 145 passengers and crew on board.

Data from Flightradar24 reveals the aircraft, registered SE-ROM, mistakenly entered taxiway E1 - a route reserved for arriving planes. The crew initiated a takeo roll, reaching speeds of 107 knots (123mph) before realising the error and performing an emergency brake. The plane came to a halt partially on the grass with overheated brakes, stopping near the airport’s fuel storage tanks.

Emergency services, including the federal police and re brigade, attended the scene im-

TOPTrending

The Muppet Show

THE Muppets have returned with a one-o special now streaming on Disney+.

mediately. While no injuries were reported, passengers remained on the aircraft for several hours because stairs could not reach the plane’s position. They were eventually evacuated by bus and provided with psychological support and overnight accommodation.

Belgian civil aviation authorities have launched a full investigation into the ‘irregularity’.

Investigators are currently examining whether the near-miss resulted from pilot navigation errors, air tra c control miscommunication, or a combination of factors during the night operation. Brussels Airport con rmed that while the ight was cancelled, overall operations remained una ected.

Aviation experts have described the event as highly unusual and a signi cant breach of safety protocols.

brought to you by Revolution Technology

The show has all the classic attributes of The Muppets that fans have come to love. Classic characters, silly slapstick comedy and earnest musical numbers invoke nostalgia, as the Muppets are introduced to a new generation of viewers.

Celebrity guests join the cast, including Sabrina Carpenter who performed her hit song Manchild, backed up on vocals by a ock of felt chickens. Another highlight included her duet with Kermit, before Miss Piggy predictably stole the show.

Finding Her Edge

WITH the Winter Olympics around the corner, Net ix’s new gure skating show, Finding Her Edge feels like mandatory viewing. The story follows teenager Adriana who hung up her skates to instead focus on helping run the family ice-rink following her mother’s passing. With the rink haemorrhaging money, and her elder sister unable to compete, Adriana must step

back on the ice, competing against her ex ice dance partner and the girl who replaced her.

Pretty costumes and petty con icts make this an easy, if not all that engrossing watch.

TikTok under scrutiny

FOLLOWING Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez’s announcement of plans for stricter social media laws for children under 16, European Union regulators have released preliminary ndings that TikTok’s design is overly addictive.

Published on Friday, February 6, the report claims the app’s design may harm children and breach European law, potentially exposing the company to nes of up to 6 per cent of its global revenue.

The ndings stem from a European Commission investigation launched in February 2024 into the Chinese-owned app. Regulators argue TikTok is designed to place users into an ‘autopilot’ state. Features such as in nite scrolling, autoplay, push noti cations and a highly personalised algorithm are cited as addictive design choices that may harm users’ physical and mental well-being, including minors and vulnerable adults.

To comply with EU law, the Commission said TikTok would need to change the basic design of its service. Suggested measures include introducing screen time breaks, including overnight, and adapting the algorithm.

European Commission vice president Henna Virkkunen said social media addiction could have detrimental e ects on children and teenagers, adding that the ndings aim to enforce legislation protecting citizens online.

TikTok rejected the conclusions, describing them as false and without merit. The company will be able to respond formally, but if the ndings are upheld, it could face nes based on ByteDance’s global annual revenue, estimated at tens of billions of euros.

Save money on pet care this holiday season with house-sitting

House-sitters who save you money

Planning a holiday but worried about expensive pet care costs?

House-sitting could be your answer. HouseSitMatch connects you with experienced house and pet-sitters who don’t charge for their services - they care for your property and pets in exchange for free accommodation. No money changes hands for the actual pet-sitting.

These passionate animal lovers enjoy travelling across Europe while providing homeowners with significant savings on pet care and complete peace of mind. Your pets stay comfortable at home while your property remains secure. How it works

1. Register at HouseSitMatch. com as a homeowner

2. Create your profile with photos of your home and pets

3. Review applications and vi-

Meet Thomas - a friendly cat who loves a cuddle and hates kennels. Like thousands of pets across Europe, Thomas would rather stay home with a trusted housesitter than spend time in unfamiliar surroundings.

deo chat with potential house-sitters

4. Match with the perfect petsitter and enjoy your holiday worry-free

Real savings, real peace of mind

Every house-sit benefits everyone. Your pets receive one-onone attention at home, your property stays protected, and you avoid expensive kennel fees. Take Lucy - she saves over €1,500 annually using house-sitters instead of boarding kennels.

For a small annual registration fee, you can connect with verified house-sitters willing to provide free pet care and home security. Your pets deserve the comfort of their own home, and you deserve an affordable holiday.

Join today Register at HouseSitMatch. com and use code WELCOME50 for 50 per cent off your first year. Lamia Walker, Founder. Call: +44 (0)7772 142742

Excellent on Trustpilot - 4.9/5

Benefits of a buddy

EMOTIONAL support pets help calm anxious humans. But what about when an anxious dog needs an emotional support pet? It might sound silly, but actually many animal experts suggest companionship can be a powerful tool in helping stressed dogs feel safe.

Pets support each other. Dogs, in particular, are social animals that struggle being alone for long periods. Introducing a companion can provide comfort, routine and a reassuring presence.

Many pet owners report noticeable changes after bringing home a second dog, or a new feline friend. Dogs who once barked or howled when left alone became much calmer. They were too preoccupied with playing with their new four-legged friend

to notice the human’s absence, or simply felt comforted by not being alone.

Of course, getting a second dog isn’t a simple fix. There are underlying issues to why a dog might be anxious: not stimulated enough, lack of training, past

trauma, medical issues. Addressing anxiety requires patience and consistency rather than another dog. What’s more, your dog won’t be responsible for caring for the new pet. You will.

While welcoming in a new friend might sound

like a good idea, the day to day practicalities and financial cost must be considered. In the right circumstances, however, companionship can be incredibly beneficial. Even dogs need an emotional support buddy of their own.

New premium specification Black Edition joins Grenadier line-up

IT began life as a sketch on a British £5 note over a drink at the Grenadier pub in London, INEOS Founder and Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, miffed that Land Rover had decided to cease production of the original Defender decided to build his own version and the Grenadier was born. You can find that note stapled to the ceiling inside the very pub in which the Grenadier was conceived.

As it enters its third full year of production, INEOS has enhanced the Grenadier for the 2026 model year. The company’s engineers have significantly upgraded the steering setup that results in a more positive on-road feel. A new steering box features a variable ratio for the first time and a lower ratio around the central steering position results in a tighter, firmer feel to deliver more precision and greater responsiveness.

These changes increase confidence in high-speed straight-line driving, lane changing and overtaking, as well as more assured

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

handling on sweeping A- and B-roads. The ratio at each end of the steering gear remains unchanged, ensuring the Grenadier - in both station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up guisesretains its off-road capability and performance.

Further steering improvements have resulted in a reduction in the turning circle by around 5 per cent. Extending the steering stops means the 2026 vehicle is more manoeuvrable on- and offroad, and easier to use in town and on tight off-road trails.

The 2026 Grenadier also benefits from upgraded climate control components to improve the performance and predictability of heating and cooling within the cabin. A new homescreen shortcut enables one-touch deactivation of the audible alert for the now compulsory Intelligent

Speed Assist, helping drivers to minimise unwanted distractions.

The Black Edition is a new addition to the Grenadier line-up for 2026 and is based on the Fieldmaster trim, and is available as both a station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up. It’s identifiable by new and exclusive all-black aesthetic body and trim finishes the sole Inky Black paint option. Gloss black 18-inch alloys, a dark exterior pack, privacy glass and lockable spare wheel storage box complete the look, while dark interior headlining and carpet set the interior scene.

Prices for the Black Edition start from €83,063/£71,995 and while there is no limit to volume, it will have a limited production window. For all other 2026 models, pricing is unchanged, starting from €59,913/£51,930 exVAT for the Grenadier Commercial, €72,103/£62,495 for the Quartermaster pick-up and the base model Grenadier and €80,756/£69,995 for the Trialmaster and Fieldmaster editions.

Alicante running boom

ALICANTE’S international half marathon has reached a record 7,200 registered runners, marking an increase of 2,000 compared with 2025. Registration has now closed for the Meridiano Media Maratón Internacional & 10k Aguas de Alicante, which takes place on Sunday February 22.

The race, organised by Club Atlético Montemar, includes both a half marathon and a 10-kilometre event. The start and finish will be located in the Ocean Race area of Alicante port, with the starting gun set for 9.30am.

Competitors will run on a course certified by the Spanish Athletics Federation until 2032. The route passes through some of the city’s best-known streets and squares, including Paseo de Gómiz, the Explanada, Avenida de la Constitución and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Before the race begins, tenor Mario González, accompanied by pianist Héctor Plácido, will perform the Hymn of Ali-

cante, written by Juan Latorre.

Men account for 65 per cent of entrants and women 35 per cent, an eight-point rise in female participation compared with last year. International runners represent 45 per cent of the field, with more than 3,000 athletes arriving from 50 countries.

Mayor Luis Barcala said the event places Alicante at the centre of the national running calendar and brings people onto the streets to share in a sporting celebration. Organisers also confirmed free entry for runners with disabilities and a charity bib initiative supporting Cruz Roja, the Spanish Cancer Association and Adiem.