Dep. Legal A 43-2025 - ISSN 2952-3958
Costa Blanca South • No. 2112 • 25 - 31 Dec 2025
FREE
ILMAINEN
GRATIS
GRATIS
GRATIS
VRIJ
FREI
GRATUITO
The Christmas many people don’t talk about
GGRATIS
LIVRE
FFREE
GRATIS
GRATUIT G
D DARMOWY
When the season of joy becomes the loneliest time of the year
CHRISTMAS arrives each year wrapped in expectation - lights in the streets, full tables, busy homes and well-worn traditions. It is spoken of as a season of joy and merriment, a time when families gather and the world feels warmer. Yet for many, Christmas feels anything but joyful. For some people, this will be their first Christmas without a child. For others, it will be the first without a lifelong partner, a business, a home, or the stability that once anchored their lives. The absence is not subtle. It is loud. It fills rooms, memories and long winter evenings. Loneliness at Christmas is not simply about being alone. It is about feeling displaced - unsure of where you fit in a world that seems to have continued without you. It is about disorientation, fear and grief quietly co-existing beneath the noise of celebration. For some, the urge is not to join in, but to retreat, to hide away from reminders of what has been
lost. This is why the festive season can become a time when people feel invisible. When worth is questioned. When relevance feels uncertain. The unspoken thought - what is the point? - can creep in, unnoticed by those who are surrounded by noise and company. And yet, meaning at Christmas has never truly come from excess. It does not live in overflowing fridges, overfilled cupboards or tables groaning under food
that will never be eaten. Around us, in our streets and towns, there are people who are hungry - people who would welcome what we so easily discard. The true value of Christmas has always been human connection. It is found in moments of inclusion, in kindness offered quietly, and in making space for someone who might otherwise feel forgotten. These gestures may appear small, but they carry immense weight
for those who feel adrift. Christmas has the power to remind people that they matter - that they are seen, valued and still a part of the world around them. Sometimes, the greatest gift is not something wrapped, but the reassurance that someone belongs. As this Christmas unfolds, wherever it finds you, we hope it brings warmth, meaning and moments worth holding onto. And for those carrying loss, uncertainty or loneliness, we hope they are met with kindness that reminds them they are not alone.
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Merry Christmas, Michel & Steven and everyone at the Euro Weekly News family
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Seasonal service
THE Alicante City Hall has announced the launch of their free Christmas bus, a service that will help residents of the area visit the many festive holiday attractions. The bus, which will be active until Tuesday, January 6, will travel to Alicante’s Christmas events and attractions from 9.00am to 10.30pm, running every 10 minutes. The bus will follow a circular route through the main streets of Alicante’s historic centre, with stops at La Rambla, Luceros, Estación-Óscar Esplá, Calle Portugal, Federico Soto, and Teatro, before arriving back to La Rambla. If La Rambla is closed due to the events, the bus will head uphill to the upper part of La Rambla and then resume its route along Avenida de Alfonso el Sabio towards Luceros. The service aims to encourage visitors to see all the wonderful and festive things happening around Alicante during the holiday season and into the new year, and includes many idyllic Christmas scenes, including the famed Giant Nativity Scene in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the skating rink in the port, the Royal Postmen’s Camp in Plaza Gabriel Miró, the Christmas tree on Avenida de la Constitución, the social Nativity scene and the lighting in Plaza de la Montañeta, and the Christmas fair in Seneca. Photo Credit: Alicante City Hall
Free Christmas bus connects Alicante’s festive attractions throughout the holiday season.
LOCAL NEWS Let’s Rock, Rock & Pop Choir, recently hosted their fabulous record-breaking Christmas Concert tour in and around Torrevieja; drawing audiences of over 800. Attendees enjoyed a mix of well-known Christmas hits from Paul McCartney, Band Aid, Phil Spector, Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley to name a few; with special guest appearances from a Womble, a Snowman, and a few of Santas Elves! Known as the ‘Feel Good’ choir, Let’s Rock did not disappoint, and c o n c e r t - go e r s left feeling very good indeed. With choir members now taking a well-earned break until the new year, Sarah Bundy, Let’s Rock’s MD will be busy putting together a new programme,
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Let’s Rock! Credit: Sarah Bundy
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Record breaking success.
to be performed in the early part of 2026, when the group will be delighting audiences with their famous ‘Across The Decades’ concerts featuring a host of entertaining rock and pop songs from the 1950s through to the 2000’s. Don’t miss it! If you would you like to be part of this great Rock Choir, please contact Sarah. Rehearsals are Wednesday afternoons in the function room of Los Pinxtos, Quesada from 5pm. Tel or Whatsapp Sarah on 0034 650 054 467, or email sin ginggroup@out look.com. Also find us on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/groups/ 611344271790245/
NEWS
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25 - 31 December 2025
Rents under check Tenant rights strong
THOUSANDS of tenants in Spain facing contract renewals in 2026 may have more control over rent increases than they realise. Over 632,000 rental contracts are set to expire next year, affecting around 1.6 million people. Government data suggests average renewals could add €1,735 a year, with figures exceeding €4,600 in high-pressure markets such as the Balearic Islands. Madrid, Catalonia, Andalucia, and the Valencian Community will see the largest number of contracts ending, raising concerns in already tight rental markets. Spanish law sets clear limits on rent rises. Under the Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), landlords must respect strict conditions and provide at least 30 days’ notice. Missing this deadline allows tenants to refuse the increase and continue paying the existing rent until a valid agreement is reached. Increases are only permitted in specific situations. Annual updates apply if stated in the contract. For agreements signed before May 26, 2023,
rises follow the Consumer Price Index (IPC); for those after, the Housing Lease Reference Index (IRAV) applies. Rents may also change at the end of the mandatory rental period - five years for private landlords, seven for companies - or after agreed improvements or voluntary renegotiation. With rents up more than 34 per cent since 2020 and over a third of tenants spending more than 30 per cent of income on housing, experts advise checking contract dates carefully. Many tenants have more leverage than they realise, and rent hikes are not automatic. Credit : Ink Drop, Shutterstock
Rent pressures continue to climb as lease renewals approach in Spain.
Digital money watch Tax transparency rise ses. Previously, reporting was limited; the new monthly system represents a major expansion of oversight. The measure affects not only businesses and self-employed workers but also private individuals receiving money digitally. Payments for tutoring, home services, or small
Credit : Lek_charoen, Shutterstock
FROM January, Spain will require banks and digital payment platforms to report all incoming electronic payments to Hacienda every month, regardless of amount. Whether €5 or €5,000, card payments, Bizum transfers, and similar methods will now be logged for tax purpo-
Spain tightens control over digital card payments from January.
side activities that once went unnoticed may now be visible to tax authorities. Officials say it closes loopholes and combats undeclared income. Tax advisers warn the pressure on households is rising amid high living costs and administrative burdens. Freelancers and small traders, in particular, may face extra paperwork, closer inspections, and harsher penalties for minor errors. Keeping meticulous records to match digital payments with declared income will become essential. Hacienda will also access annual card-spending summaries for anyone whose transactions exceed €25,000, allowing investigators to spot potential mismatches between lifestyle and reported earnings. Spain is entering an era where digital money is largely transparent to tax authorities. From January, maintaining detailed invoices and separating personal and professional transfers will be crucial, as every card tap leaves a permanent trail.
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Holiday delivery notice Please note that due to the upcoming holiday, our next edition of the newspaper will be delivered on Wednesday, December 31.
Consumer rights boost Stricter service rules
SPAIN’S Congress has given final approval to a groundbreaking Customer Service Law aimed at protecting consumers from abusive practices by large companies. Passed in the last plenary session before the Christmas break, the law sets stricter standards for customer service in essential sectors. It applies to providers of water, electricity, gas, telecommunications, banking, and transport services, as well as any company with more than 250 employees or annual turnover over €50 million. To combat spam calls, companies must use specific prefixes for marketing calls, separate from customer service lines. Telecom operators will block non-compliant calls, with exemptions for small providers (under 5 per cent market share) in electricity, gas, and telephony. Customers gain the right to speak with a real person rather than automated systems. Companies must resolve 95 per cent of calls within an average of three minutes. The law bans hidden fees, ensuring the quoted price matches the final bill. For auto-renewing subscriptions, firms must provide at least 15 days’ notice and enable easy cancellation. Phone contracts initiated by unsolicited calls are invalid unless explicitly confirmed by the customer. Regional authorities will enforce the law, imposing fines up to 5 per cent of annual revenue. Companies must conduct annual service quality audits and publish results online. The law will be published in the Official State Gazette soon and take effect in early 2026.
Tax refund secret Boost visitor savings
New ABTA research shows half of UK adults don’t know they can claim back VAT on EU purchases - and only 13 per cent have ever done it. Since Brexit, UK passport holders are officially non-EU residents, which means one big perk: tax-free shopping. When your UK visitors shop in Spain, they can claim back up to 21 per cent on eligible items - as long as they follow the correct steps before leaving. In Spain, shoppers must spend at least €90.15 in one store to qualify. With a refund rate of 21 per cent, a €500 designer purchase in Palma could return more than €100. How to claim in Spain: Ask if the store offers tax-free shopping. Show a non-EU passport at checkout. Complete the tax-free form and keep the receipt. Validate the form before departing the EU at a customs desk or DIVA kiosk. Choose a refund method - card or cash. Refunds don’t apply to things consumed in-country, like meals or hotel stays. But for clothes, electronics, jewellery and homeware, it’s easy money back.
Team Euroweekly wishes you a very Merry Christmas
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25 - 31 December 2025
Dep. Legal A 43-2025 - ISSN 2952-3958
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Michelin chefs prepare thousands of festive meals for vulnerable communities.
ALICANTE Gastronómica Solidaria, a local non-profit organisation, will cook and distribute more than 9,000 meals during the holiday season for the vulnerable people of Costa Blanca in an act of solidarity. However, the sheer number of meals is not the only thing that makes the campaign special; the meals will be made by Michelin-starred chefs. The chefs have chosen typical dishes for the ho-
liday season, with Christmas classics including a roast lamb, stuffed turkey with apple and sweet potato sauce, and sweets from various towns and areas across Alicante. During the holiday period, the team of world-renowned chefs and kindhearted volunteers has committed to preparing and serving 4,500 meals a week, along with the regular meals that are served during the holidays.
The campaign will continue into New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Three Kings’ Day, providing delicious and nutritious food to the vulnerable people of Alicante and nearby towns, and spreading Christmas cheer along with the Michelin meals. In total, Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria has distributed more than 1,700,000 solidarity menus in 46 municipalities of the Valencian Community.
THE locals of Campoverde have made this Christmas a season for giving back to the community. The local Church in the Community, an English-speaking Anglican church, has once more collaborated with the San Jose Obrero orphanage in Orihuela to provide Christmas gifts for all the children. The Christmas gift drive, an annual event in the community, surpassed expectations this year with 115 gift boxes donated and 122 items of chocolates and sweets for the children. “There were so many donations that they didn’t all fit in the van!” stated the church’s Facebook post announcing the success of the gift drive, thanks to the incredible generosity of the community.
LOCAL NEWS ACTIVITIES, movement, and active participation in Orihuela from some of its beloved senior citizens: the Virgen de Monserrate Senior Citizens’ Centre held its traditional Christmas celebration on Wednesday, December 17, a fun-filled social gathering where older local residents were able to enjoy a variety of festive activities. The celebration included masterclasses, Zumba lessons, music, singing, dancing, and various other activities aimed at promoting active ageing and social participation, as well as combatting loneliness of seniors in the municipality. The Virgen de Monserrate
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Seasonal seniors Photo Credit: Orihuela Town Hall / Facebook
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Orihuela seniors celebrate Christmas with activities promoting wellbeing and social participation.
Senior Citizens’ Centre regularly hosts events in benefit of the seniors, putting their welfare, activity, and socialisation at the forefront of all their decisions.
The event was just one of the events happening in the lively hub of Orihuela for the holiday season. Each year, Orihuela shines as a hotspot for winter celebra-
tions, attracting visitors en masse to the glittering Costa and reminding locals why there is no better place to be during the holidays than on the Costa Blanca.
Christmas in Constitucion WITH light, joy, a festive atmosphere, and a wonderful turnout of neighbors and visitors, Almoradi is celebrating another successful year of its 15th annual Christmas Fair, an event for which hundreds of people gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución. Running from December 19 to December 21, the Fair was a highly-anticipated blowout event that was a major highlight of Almoradi’s most ambitious Christmas programme to date, which included more than 40 events for residents of all ages. The Fair began with the inauguration of the municipal nativity scene, the lighting of Almoradi’s breathtaking Christmas tree, and the arrival of Santa Claus himself,
Photo Credit: Almoradi Town Hall / Facebook
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Hundreds gather as Almoradi’s Christmas Fair brings festive community celebrations.
sparking excitement among the children and giving the day an air of magical merrymaking. Performances by the Youth Band and the
Children’s Choir joined the festivities, symbolising the arrival of Christmas in the shining town of Almoradi and in the hearts of its residents. Music, tradition, community camaraderie, and family front were the beating heart of the Christmas Fair during its wide and varied programme. Events and activities included concerts, children’s workshops, performances by local academies, visits to Santa’s House as well as Santa’s Motorcycle Parade, tastings, sports activities, and charitable initiatives. Together, the community shared moments and enjoyed the Fair, bringing the Plaza de la Constitución to life.
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LOCAL NEWS
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Alicante-Elche Airport surpasses annual passenger records ahead of year end.
lar was a great month for the Alicante Airport. The Costa Blanca hub recorded 1,411,496 passengers, an incredible 10.3 per cent increase compared to November of last year. The rise has been a continuing trend throughout the year, with each month surpassing figures from previous years. The international mar-
ket remained the largest, with visitors from the United Kingdom leading the charge: a total of 453,903 UK travellers passed through Alicante-Elche. These figures were followed by the Netherlands, with 95,642; Germany, with 90,428; Belgium, with 85,778; and Poland, with 83,234.
MEMBERS of the Jaguars Club recently gathered for their Christmas lunch at Stan & Ollies restaurant in Guardamar del Segura, Alicante. Guests were welcomed with a drink on arrival before taking their seats. Christmas crackers were soon pulled, with the traditional jokes providing plenty of laughter around the tables and setting a festive tone for the afternoon. The menu offered a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts, selected at the time of booking to Jaguars Club Christmas celebrations. assist the kitchen. Traditional Christmas dishes proved the The celebrations paused briefly when most popular, and the meal was rounded club president Mike Brook shared the off with a choice of liqueur and coffee, sad news that long-standing member leaving everyone thoroughly satisfied. and friend Bryan Patterson had passed A Christmas-themed raffle followed, away just two days earlier. Members with winners choosing from 15 prizes, raised their glasses in a heartfelt toast including a three-foot-high Santa Claus. to a much-loved gentleman who will be An unexpected highlight was a visit from greatly missed. Santa himself, who handed out sugar For details of future events, contact candy canes and posed for photographs, Mike on 640 866 671 (WhatsApp) or with several ladies happily taking a turn email mikebikejec@gmail.com. seated on his knee. Credit: JEC-Costa Blanca
THE Alicante-Elche Airport has officially surpassed 2024 passenger numbers and broken a record in its November figures. With 18,631,566 passengers recorded by November of 2025, a figure that surpasses the total of passengers recorded in the whole year of 2024, the airport continues its upward trend and cements its status as one of Spain’s leading airports and a major hotspot of the Costa Blanca. According to the published data, between January and November of 2025, the airport experienced an 8.5 per cent growth, compared to the same period of the previous year. Operations also saw a stark increase, with an 8.4 per cent growth compared to 2024 and a total number of 116,924 operations. November in particu-
Photo Credit: Alicante Airport
Passenger powerhouse Jaguars celebrate
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NEWS
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Discussions are already under way to prepare for next year´s pantomime; Oh yes they are!
THE Rojales Pantomime Group recently performed their version of ‘Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs’ at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre from December 11 to 13. The feedback from the audience was extremely positive with comments saying what a fabulous show it was, the vibrant and colourful costumes were mentioned as well as the great singing and dancing and lots of humour from the larger than life characters led by Granny Gertie, the Dame. Under the direction of Julia Parker, cast members, back stage crew, sound
and lighting and the Front of House all played their part and as a team, they created a magical evening of entertainment. While everybody enjoyed the challenge of being involved in a pantomime, the biggest reward is hearing the children responding to the characters on stage as they cheered, warned and encouraged the Goodies and booed the Baddies, especially the Big Bad Wolf! All the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to local charities; the charities and amounts yet to be decided with the donations being presented in the new year.
CRESCENDO International Choir performed two Christmas concerts in December, singing popular songs in English and Spanish, including The Little Drummer Boy, Campana Sobre Campana and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. The concerts took place at Iglesia de Santiago de Apostol in Benijofar and La Siesta Evangelical Church in Torrevieja. At the second concert, Scottish bagpiper Donnie MacDiarmid performed a few carols as the choir joined in. Funds from the Benijofar concert supported the local food bank, while proceeds from La Siesta benefitted church causes, including a girls’ orphanage in Mozambique. In December, the choir also featured on a local TV programme, highlighting the international mix of its singers. Valencian channel A Punt broadcast part of an intercultural concert given in November at Salt Church, which included two traditio-
Credit: Diego van der Hak
Credit: Rojales Pantomime Group
Rojales panto success Crescendo Christmas
Crescendo International Choir performing at La Siesta Evangelical Church in Torrevieja.
nal Valencian songs. Crescendo Choir welcomes new singers. Rehearsals will be held at Rincon de Miguel restaurant in Los Montesinos every Monday from 17.30 to 19.50, starting January 12. The current choir includes singers from England, Scotland, Wales, the US, the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia. Its music director, Irene Oliva, and pianist Carlos Alme-
la, are both accomplished Spanish musicians. Further details, videos of past performances and information on the televised event are available at crescendo-choir.com and https://free-5589720.webadorsite.com/high-profile-events. The choir can also be followed on Facebook at Crescendo Choir or contacted by email at info@crescendo-choir.com.
LOCAL NEWS
Torrevieja recycles big TORREVIEJA residents have shown strong commitment to recycling, with more than 3.15 million kilograms of glass collected in 2024. This equates to an average of 31.4 kilograms of glass recycled per person. The town now has 996 dedicated glass containers, giving a ratio of roughly one container per 100 inhabitants. These measures support efficient recycling and ensure that all glass is processed into new containers without losing its original properties. During the recent Fiestas Patronales, the local council, led by María José Ruiz, partnered with Ecovidrio to launch the ‘Fiestas con eco’ initiative. Environmental educators visited key festival areas, informing residents about the campaign and encouraging them to recycle. Attendees also took part in in-
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Language courses launched Credit: Shutterstock, antoniodiaz
10 25 - 31 December 2025
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja
Learn Spanish, better integrate into daily life.
Sharing eco-friendly moments.
teractive games, earning a special campaign-branded backpack. On December 6, educators engaged with the crowd at Parque Antonio Soria during the popular Concurso de Paellas, raising awareness and promoting sustainable behaviour. Participants could also share their eco-friendly moments on social media using #FiestasConEco.
This effort forms part of a broader network of municipalities aiming to make festivals more environmentally conscious. By recycling glass, Torrevieja avoids landfill growth, saves energy, reduces CO2 emissions, and protects natural resources from extraction. The campaign continues to motivate citizens, setting an example for future local events.
TORREVIEJA City Council has announced new Spanish language courses aimed at international residents. The initiative is designed to improve both spoken and written Spanish, helping foreign residents integrate more easily into daily life. The courses will begin in January and registrations will remain open until December 26. Applications can be submitted in person at the General Registry of Torrevieja Town Hall, located in Plaza de la Constitución, or at La Mata Town Hall in Plaza Gaspar Perelló. Registration is also available online via the town hall’s electronic office for those with a digital signature. A total of six groups will be offered, each with 15 students. Four groups will
cater for beginners, while two will be aimed at intermediate learners. Each group will complete 32 hours of training over an eight-week period. Classes will be scheduled between 9am and 11am, 12pm and 2pm, or 4pm and 6pm, and will be held at the Be Magic Academy. Participants must be registered residents of Torrevieja. Non-EU citizens are required to present a valid residence permit (TIE), while EU and EEA citizens must provide their green residence certificate (CUE) along with photo identification. Although the courses do not offer official certification, the council stresses that their primary objective is to equip international residents with practical Spanish skills for everyday life in the city.
EUROPRESS
Tractor riot
Nokia receives €870m Credit: Viral video on X
THOUSANDS of farmers descended on Brussels on Thursday December 18, blocking roads with hundreds of tractors and clashing with police in protests against the EU’s proposed trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc. The demonstrations coincided with an EU leaders’ summit debating the pact’s fate. Protesters hurled potatoes, eggs and fireworks, while some set fire to tyres. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons near the European Parliament and Luxembourg Square. Farmers argue the agreement would flood the EU market with cheaper beef, poultry, sugar and other products from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. These countries face looser environmental, labour and safety rules, creating unfair competi-
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Photo credit: Michael Vi/Shutterstock
12 25 - 31 December 2025
The loan will support development of hardware and software.
Tractor pushes back riot police lines.
tion and threatening European food security. One banner read: ‘Hungry child, angry adult’. Young Belgian farmers told reporters the policies felt ‘suicidal’ and that politicians had ignored demands since major protests in 2024. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen insists the deal is vital to reduce dependencies on distant suppliers. She defends planned reforms to the Common
Agricultural Policy, safeguarding €300 billion for farmers’ support. Yet opposition grows from nations including France, Italy and Poland. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backs the pact, urging swift approval to bolster exports amid global trade tensions. As leaders deliberated inside, the streets highlighted deepening distrust over Brussels’ agricultural policies.
NOKIA has obtained an €870 million long-term loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to advance research and development of next-generation mobile networks, including 5G‑Advanced and AI-enabled 6G. The funding, part of the EU’s InvestEU programme, aims to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy and competitiveness in telecommunications infrastructure. The loan will support development of hardware and software for radio access networks, enhancing network performance, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and intelligent management of mobile communications. Karl Nehammer, EIB Vice-President, emphasised the importance of research in advanced mobile techno-
logies for Europe’s digital independence. Nokia, headquartered in Espoo, Finland, operates in over 130 countries and has invested heavily in R&D to develop future mobile networks. The financing will support multi-year programmes targeting 5G‑Advanced networks and foundational 6G technology, integrating AI for applications including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and critical infrastructure. Nokia’s Chief Financial Officer, Marco Wiren, stated the loan reinforces the company’s commitment to secure, intelligent networks and strengthens Europe’s position in global digital infrastructure.
EUROPRESS
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Border breakthrough Photo Credit: Ben Dance / FCDO flickr
14 25 - 31 December 2025
EU and UK finalise Gibraltar treaty ending border fence.
AFTER nearly four years of negotiations, the European Union and the United Kingdom have finalised the Treaty on Gibraltar, which will end the historic Fence of Gibraltar. Announced on June 11, 2025, the treaty is now under legal review and is expected to come into effect in early 2026. The legal text, confirmed by the European Commission on December 17, sets out Gibraltar’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU. It must be reviewed by the governing bodies of both the EU and the UK before the agreement can be signed. Negotiations were led by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, with the UK represented by then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Chief Minister Picardo.
The treaty will abolish the 1.2-kilometre Fence of Gibraltar, erected in 1909 as a symbol of sovereignty disputes, and remove all border controls between Gibraltar and La Linea de la Concepcion, including for goods. Dual checks will instead be carried out at Gibraltar’s airport and port by Gibraltar and Schengen authorities. It also covers indirect taxation, labour rights, state aid, environmental protections, trade, sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport. Officials say the main aim is to guarantee the region’s prosperity by eliminating physical barriers, encouraging free movement of people and goods, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market, and the Customs Union.
Erasmus reunion THE European Union has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to rejoin Erasmus+ as a ‘big step forward’, signalling both practical and symbolic progress in post-Brexit relations. The UK left the programme in 2020, replacing it with the domestically focused Turing Scheme, which funds outward student mobility but does not guarantee reciprocal access for European students. Erasmus+, in contrast, is built on reciprocity, with partnerships between universities, vocational colleges and training providers, automatic credit recognition, and tuition fee protections. Its return restores predictability for institutions and affordability for students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds affected by the loss of Erasmus funding. Spain is expected to benefit significantly. Prior to Brexit, it was the most popular Erasmus destination for British students, and the return will revive academic and economic activity in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Valencia and Sevilla. Spanish students also regain access to affordable UK university study, particularly in disciplines such as English, science and creative industries. Beyond education, rejoining Erasmus carries political and cultural weight, reinforcing trust-based cooperation and signalling renewed willingness by the UK to engage with EU institutions. The programme encourages mobility, language learning and cultural exchange, restoring a framework that shaped a generation of students and academics and strengthening longterm EU–UK relations.
SPANISH NEWS
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Photo Credit: La Carrera de Papa Noel
Santa solidarity
Thousands dressed as Santa ran for charity in festive solidarity.
SANTA CLAUS came to town on Sunday, December 21st, for the 14th edition of the Santa Claus Run in Madrid. Some 11,000 participants dressed as Santa, Mrs Claus, and elves filled the city’s Paseo de la Castellana in a charity event supporting the Red Cross. One euro from each registration in the 4.5-kilometre race will go to the Red Cross’ “Early Childhood” initiative, aiding families in vulnerable situations, particularly those with children aged 0 to 6. The programme provides vital support during the holiday season, when expenses rise but donations often fall. The race also honoured athletes Pablo Villalobos and Tamara Sanfabio, who received the Golden Santa Claus award. Villalobos
has competed internationally in track, cross country, road, and trail running, finishing seventh in the 5,000 metres at the 2006 European Championships in Gothenburg and fifth in the 2010 European Marathon Championships in Barcelona. Sanfabio, the 2011 Spanish marathon champion, holds the Spanish record in the 2,000-metre steeplechase, a title she has maintained for 15 years, and won Ibero-American bronze in the 3,000m steeplechase in 2006. Alongside the foot race, motorcyclists dressed as Santa hit Madrid’s streets in solidarity with vulnerable families. Engines revved and bells rang as the city celebrated a spectacular show of community spirit, marking the start of the Christmas week with support for those less privileged.
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SPANISH LIVING
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Bogus beacons FACUA, the Spanish consumer rights group, has criticised the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) over its V16 beacons, which have sparked controversy since their launch. The organisation condemned the DGT for allowing “approved” beacons to be sold, despite many becoming invalid from January 2026 due to lacking connectivity with the Traffic Authority. From January 1, only connected V16 beacons, capable of sending a vehicle’s location to the DGT 3.0 platform via a SIM card, will be legal. FACUA says unconnected beacons are still being sold with the “DGT approved” label, even though they will no longer meet legal requirements. The association argues this misleads consumers, who may buy the devi-
Photo Credit: DGT
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FACUA accuses DGT of allowing misleading sales of soon-illegal V16 beacons.
ces thinking they comply with the law, while in fact risking penalties. FACUA has described the practice as fraudulent and urges buyers to seek refunds for beacons advertised as approved but without DGT connectivity. Consumers can also report misleading sales to the General Directorate of Consumer Affairs. Rubén Sánchez, FACUA’s Secretary General,
criticised the DGT for “extremely serious inaction”, saying it has “done absolutely nothing” to prevent companies profiting from the sale of soon-obsolete beacons. The DGT, however, says responsibility lies with the Supreme Court, which authorised unconnected devices until 2026, though it reiterated opposition to their sale.
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lining the streets. From a distance, the lights reflect along the coast, creating a striking spectacle. Each year, the display expands, making Vigo one of the largest Christmas illuminations in northern Spain. Festive flavours The city’s seasonal markets add to the festive atmosphere. Praza da Independencia and nearby streets host stalls selling turrón (nougat), polvorones (shortbread), and other local products. Cafés and small restaurants serve warming winter dishes such as caldo gallego, a soup of greens, beans, and meat,
and empanadas filled with fish or meat. Sampling local sweets and pastries is a popular activity alongside strolling through the lit streets. Winter walks and highlights Vigo offers historical and cultural points of interest to explore. The old town, Casco Vello, features narrow streets, plazas, and churches such as Santa María. The port area reflects Vigo’s maritime history and offers views of the Ría de Vigo. Even in winter, coastal paths remain accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy sea vistas and views of the nearby Cíes Islands from the mainland.
2 Credit - Jose Luis Vega / Shutterstock
Credit - Luis Pedro Fonseca / Shutterstock
VIGO, on the northwest coast of Spain in Galicia, becomes a lively destination during the Christmas season. The city is particularly known for its extensive Christmas lights, which attract visitors from across the region. For those travelling in campervans, Vigo provides practical access to central areas, making it easy to enjoy festive displays, markets, and local attractions without relying on public transport. Several municipal car parks and designated areas on the outskirts allow overnight stays, though some may require advance booking during the holiday period. City streets are manageable for larger vehicles, and many parking spots are close to public transport links, making it simple to reach markets, squares, and main attractions. Facilities such as water refill points and waste disposal stations are available at select sites. A city illuminated Vigo’s Christmas lights are the highlight of the festive season. Streets including Príncipe, Urzaiz, and the old town are covered with hundreds of thousands of LED lights. Large installations stretch across main squares, with decorative arches, illuminated figures, and themed displays
Credit - Jose Luis Vega / Shutterstock
Christmas in Vigo: A festive coastal getaway with Hispavan Campers
SUMMARY Vigo’s Christmas season combines impressive light displays with seasonal markets, local food, and cultural landmarks. Campervan visitors can access the city easily and enjoy festive streets, winter events, and coastal scenery, making a visit during the holidays both straightforward and memorable.
22 25 - 31 December 2025
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SPANISH NEWS
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Mercadona and Carrefour
Carloss/ Creative Commons
IN an unprecedented spread of avian flu, free-range hens in Spain have been confined to closed sheds to curb the disease. Despite this, the price gap between free-range and conventional eggs remains, with free-range eggs 27 per cent more expensive, according to the Consumers and Users Organisation of Spain (OCU), which has called for transparent information so consumers know what they are paying for. Over the past year, eggs have seen the highest price rise of any food item in the country. A dozen conventional eggs now costs an average of €3.25, while free-range eggs cost €4.13. The bird flu outbreak has forced drastic measures, including culling millions of laying hens and a November decree requiring all outdoor birds to be confined. This affects supply and demand and contributes to higher prices. Locking up free-range hens also undermines the qualities that justify their premium: free outdoor access usually produces richer yolks with more omega-3s and vitamins, while labour-intensive care, higher mortality, and greater feed and space requirements further increase costs. With these hens confined, the name and price of free-range eggs are now difficult to justify.
Photo Credit: Molly Grace
Fake free-range Christmas opening hours:
Hours may be affected during the festive season.
Bird flu confinement exposes questionable pricing of free-range eggs in Spain.
The OCU has urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to review regulations, ensure clear consumer information during crises, and implement mandatory communication on packaging and at points of sale.
THE Christmas period brings several public holidays that will affect normal shopping routines across Spain, and two of the country’s largest supermarket chains, Mercadona and Carrefour, have now confirmed their festive opening hours. Mercadona will maintain its long-standing policy of closing on public holidays, meaning all stores will shut on Christmas Day, Thursday December 25, as well as on Sunday December 28. On Christmas Eve, stores remained open on reduced hours from 9am until 7pm, while normal opening hours of 9am to 9.30pm apply on the surrounding weekdays and Saturdays. Some regional variations may apply, particularly in areas such as the Basque
Country and Catalonia, where stores often close earlier. Carrefour has also announced changes to its schedule over the festive season. In general, its hypermarkets will operate extended hours, typically from 10am to 10pm, although reduced hours applied on Christmas Eve and will be reduced again on New Year’s Eve, when stores will close at 7pm. Carrefour will remain closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Three Kings’ Day. Both chains advise customers to check their websites for local variations. With closures and shorter opening times expected, shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH Photo Credit: The Paris Photographer / Unsplash
Christmas crafts Festive fairgrounds THE children of Gran Alacant are already celebrating the special holiday season, and the community is giving them a creative - and festive - outlet by providing freeof-charge Christmas crafts workshops so the children can have fun, learn, and socialise. The craft sessions, which include making decorations, Free festive workshops give Gran Alacant children creative baubles and festive cards, holiday fun. letter-writing sessions to Papá Noel and the Three Kings, DIY ornament and crown-making nity for families to focus on building comactivities, face painting and light animation munity, providing enrichment during the activities, craft sessions, and Christmas holiday season, and allowing the children colouring and drawing workshops, will be to exercise a creative outlet … and not to held in community centres and main plazas mention, make some special memories. in Gran Alacant and will run during the days The festive children’s workshops will run between Christmas and New Year, making from December 26 until the first days them ideal for younger children on holiday of January. The workshops and events from school. usually take place during the late morning Organised by the Gran Alacant local or early afternoon, aimed at school-holiday council, the events are a perfect opportu- schedules and will be free or low-cost.
CHRISTMAS is a magical time of year on the Costa Blanca, and especially in the charming municipality of Torre de la Horadada, as the local fairgrounds (Recinto Ferial) light up with the magic of the holidays, winter stalls, and sparkling Christmas lights. During the Christmas period leading up to the end of December, and especially during the evenings, families can enjoy all types of activities taking place at the local venue, from live music to delicious seasonal snacks. The activities in the fairgrounds, which will run in the days leading up to Christmas, include seasonal fairground rides and attractions, especially popular with families and children; festive food stalls
Photo credit: Pila
r de la Horadada
Town Hall
Local fairgroun ds bring festive lights, rides and entertainment to Torre. selling seasonal sweets, snacks and winter treats; and live music and entertainment on selected nights, including local pop and cover bands from the Vega Baja region, performing Spanish and international hits, children’s entertainers and animation groups, municipal music groups, and Christmasthemed performers including carol singers.
With ease of access from the town’s centre, the fairgrounds are a perfect place to spend a crisp winter evening in the coastal municipality of Torre de la Horadada; with an informal and local feel, the fairgrounds will be a popular meeting point this year for residents over the holidays, and a fun hub for activity during the holiday season.
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New Year in Torrevieja Credit: Shutterstock, fornStudio
Celebrate the New Year. Select your meal ahead of time, though it’ll be tough to choose from all the delicious options. Grilled chicken supreme or a slow roast sirloin? Food will be served at 7pm, and cost between €70 to €75 per person, with children under 12 eating at half price. This price also covers a class of Cava to ring in the New Year. On the countdown to midnight, Leroy Vickers of X Factor fame will be performing specially, followed by the popular local band Loud Mouth, with a Dave Cherry Disco keeping the party going into the New Year. Both events promise mouth-watering meals and a night of lively celebration.
Ice on the coast RESIDENTS of the Torrevieja area have a new festive treat to enjoy this December: a synthetic ice rink is coming to La Mata, offering a unique seasonal activity right by the sea. Located in Plaza Encarnación Puchol, the rink will transform the square into a winter gathering spot for families and friends. The temporary attraction opens on December 26 and runs until January 1. Best of all, entry is completely free, making it an accessible way to enjoy outdoor fun over the holiday period. Daily sessions start at 11.00, giving visitors plenty of daylight hours to enjoy skating in this beautiful coastal setting. Designed as a lively meeting point, the event provides a fresh alternative to typical holiday activities. If you’re looking to try something different this year, head to La Mata’s main square and test your skills on the ice. This new winter
hub promises a festive atmosphere and plenty of fun for everyone ready to slide into the New Year. La Mata unveils its eagerly awaited ice rink.
Credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock
NOT yet decided on New Year’s plans yet? Torrevieja has plenty of lively parties and delicious dinners to choose from. Head over to the Zenia Garden for exquisite Asian cuisine. They offer a great four-course meal priced between €60 to €65 per person. Nikki G will provide entertainment for the evening, adding to the lively, celebratory atmosphere. Ring in the New Year in style, with a flute of Champagne at midnight, and followed closely by a dazzling firework display. Call 965 992 168 to book your table and avoid disappointment. Alternatively, head to The Emerald Isle for their New Year’s Eve feast.
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Credit: fornStudio / Shutterstock
A festive and memorable end to the year.
RESIDENTS in Torrevieja and La Mata have a busy schedule of events to enjoy as the current year ends and 2026 begins. On December 27, music lovers can enjoy a live performance by local band Oh! Marlene. This concert takes place at 10pm in the Plaza de la Constitución. New Year’s Eve on December 31 provides two opportunities to gather in the main square. Families can attend the Children’s New Year’s Eve at 12.00, while the traditional midnight bells and celebrations start at 00.00. The focus then shifts to the arrival of the Three Kings. On January 3 and 4, children can submit their wish-lists to the Kings between 4.30 and 7.30. These collections
occur at Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata and Plaza de la Constitución in Torrevieja. The festivities culminate on Monday, January 5, with the grand Three Kings Parade starting at 4.30. The procession travels through Paseo Libertad, Paseo Vistalegre, and streets including Clemente Gonsálvez, Ramón Gallud, Apolo, and Caballero de Rodas. It finishes at Plaza Constitución. Following the parade, there is an adoration of the infant Jesus at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and a formal reception at the town hall. These celebrations promise a festive and memorable end to the year and a joyful start to 2026 for residents and visitors alike.
LOCATED in the vibrant province of Alicante, the Sabores la Marquesa International Restaurant has become a local favourite for both residents and visitors of Rojales seeking quality food with a global flair. Located on Calle Quesada Ballester, the welcoming restaurant stands out for its creative menu, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and savoury meals. It is a wonderful choice for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special evening out. The restaurant prides itself on its diverse international menu, which spans a variety of cuisines from different countries. Diners can enjoy Indian foods (like Chicken Tikka or Lamb Biryani), Mexican dishes (like burritos and fajitas), classic Italian foods like pastas and pizzas, or Mediterranean staples and Spanish favourites. The wide
Photo Credit: Sabores la Marquesa International Restaurant
Flavourful fusion
Festive season finale
International restaurant in Rojales offering diverse global cuisine at affordable prices.
range makes it so that any palate or dining preference could be satisfied in this charming international spot. The quality of the food, merged with the pleasant ambience of the restaurant - and in particular its idyllic terrace setting with views over the surrounding area makes the spot a warm and welcoming go-to for
the residents of Rojales. Whether you’re a local resident exploring dining options in the Costa Blanca region or a visitor looking for a memorable meal, Sabores la Marquesa offers a vibrant culinary journey that celebrates flavour, variety and warm hospitality. T. 865 772 999 facebook.com/ saboreslamarquesa
30 25 - 31 December 2025 INDITEX, owner of Zara, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius, has achieved profitability around five times higher than Chinese online retailer Shein. While Shein continues to grow, its net margin stands at 3.3 per cent, compared with 16.4 per cent for Inditex in the first nine months of the fiscal year, according to elEconomista. The figures underline the re-
SPANISH NEWS/FEATURE
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Fashion profit gap silience of Inditex’s business model against ultra-fast fashion rivals. Shein is expected to reach sales of $60 billion (€51.2 billion) this year, with net profit of $2 billion (€1.7 billion), almost doubling its previous
year’s results. Inditex, by contrast, reported a net profit of €4.622 billion over the same period, with growth accelerating notably in the third quarter. The disparity reflects contrasting strategies. Shein prio-
ritises ultra-low prices and rapid production, while Inditex focuses on higher-value clothing. Its Spanish and Swedish chains have moved away from budget ranges, emphasising quality and sustainability. Despite lower margins,
Shein ranks third globally in online fashion sales with a 1.53 per cent market share, followed by Inditex in fourth with 1.24 per cent. The rise of ultra-cheap platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress has raised concerns among European retailers, though Inditex’s results highlight the strength of its longterm, higher-margin strategy.
Spain’s robot professors! NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
CHATGPT arrived in Spanish classrooms at the end of 2022. It represented an educational earthquake, but teachers have reportedly integrated the chatbot into their classes and now don’t want to get rid of it. Yes, the same chatbot that can write essays, stories and even makes a pretty good stab at newspaper columns. But it’s not perfect, our jobs are safe for now! But let’s clear something up. I write this column and all my psychological crime novels. Me! The one with my photo above. Not Metal Mickey Mouse. Just see him handle all the psychological curve balls and plot twists of crime writing! Readers tell me I have a good sense of humour so I asked ChatGPT to
write jokes, but not one was funny. It’s like any other technology: a tool with certain uses we humans can put it to, and many things it can’t do. Presumably the holy grail of AI is the potential ability of a computer to think for itself - and make us humans TOTALLY redundant? Hopefully that doesn’t happen anytime soon, nor that letters addressed to ‘Mr F Christmas, The North Pole’ (spoiler alert) will be opened by an elf. A HAPPY, HEALTHY XMAS & NEW YEAR to all readers - this message coming to you through the Inter-National ’Elf Service! Finally, many thanks above all to Michel for the opportunity to contribute to the greatest people’s newspaper in Spain! Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www. nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
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SPANISH NEWS
Shocking spanish surprises A RECENT poll asked readers: “What has been the biggest surprise about living in Spain?” British residents responses ranged from heart-warming observations to honest frustrations. One of the most striking themes was expatriate identity. Several expected the label to feel natural, only to find it uncomfortable. Ken J Brooks said his biggest surprise was, “Being called an expat. I am an immigrant. I have never called myself an expat.” Said Chabane summed up the unease by asking, “Why do you call foreigners residents in the UK immigrants and call yourselves expats when you live abroad?” Other surprises were gentler. Many praised everyday courtesy. Jeremy Newman said what struck him most was “The everyday old-fashioned politeness”, from
Credit: Shutterstock, Sven Hansche
The food, the people, the paperwork? What surprised you?
greetings in the street to chats while waiting in line. A significant number of residents were taken aback by the volume of paperwork involved in the simplest tasks. Stuart Coulthurst said, “The amount of paper that is produced to do anything at all is astounding.” Several people remarked on Spain’s slower
pace of life. Stephen Meade said he moved with “an unbiased opinion” and wanted to “take life as it comes”, finding that Spain’s rhythm suited him well. Together, the responses show that the biggest surprises are rarely about food or weather, but about identity, pace and the small realities of daily life.
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FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
Perks of getting older LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT AT eighty-six, I can assure all I’ve collected more wrinkles than royalties. However, this week I’m pleased to report that growing old does occasionally come with a few unexpected perks. One of them revealed itself rather grandly on my recent trip, from my home in Mallorca to mainland Spain, for a couple of (splendidly arranged) cabaret bookings. My much-appreciated regular readers will know full well, that flying and I have never been close friends. I don’t actually grip the armrests until my knuckles turn white, but I do offer up the occasional silent prayer to the patron saint of nervous flyers. This particular journey wasn’t too bad however, apart from a thick blanket of cloud on the descent that did give us a bit of a jiggle on landing. Nothing dramatic, mind you - just enough turbulence to remind me that I prefer my dancing done on stage than at 30,000 feet! Before any of that, however, I had
naturally experienced the modern airport ritual when passengers’ dignity is briefly misplaced by the obligatory Geiger counter frisk and body search. However, it was after this final security check the ol’ boy’s years suddenly became an advantage; I was for the first time traveling under the calming influence of ‘special assistance’. From that point on the staff could not have been more helpful. No barking orders, no sighs of impatience - just warm smiles and reassuring voices. Considerate employees who’d clearly chosen to help rather than hurry. Instead of the usual long shuffle through terminals that seem to stretch for miles, I was calmly assisted onto one of those electric vehicle transports and subsequently transferred to a chair which then wheeled me smoothly across the tarmac like visiting royalty. There I was, first to board, escorted right to the door of the plane. No queues, no elbows, no one clouting me with an oversized backpack. For once in my life, I was ahead of the parade. I can safely assure all, that growing old may take away the spring in your step, but
it does replace it with a certain grace from others. There’s something rather touching about being helped simply because you’ve earned a few years. The ol’ boy truly did feel genuinely grateful. On the return journey, one small moment did actually make me chuckle. The young lady pushing my wheelchair glanced at my surname and asked, very earnestly, “Are you Rebecca’s father?” Yes, I replied, slightly puzzled. Apparently, Rebecca, my youngest daughter, has become something of a star on TikTok and Instagram. The young helper’s eyes widened. “Oh… you’re famous!” Now there’s irony for you. Chances are they’d never heard of Leapy Lee, the sixties singer who once graced the venues and charts. But Lee Graham Rebecca’s dad! That, apparently, was fame enough. Ain’t life interesting. And if growing old means being wheeled kindly through airports and rediscovered by a new generation - well, I’ll take that as a win. Have a great Christmas all - soon comes around dunnit? Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
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Spain’s €30 gifts IN Spain, Christmas gift-giving has never been about excess. Between Amigo Invisible exchanges and inforCredit : Alfonso Soler, Shutterstock mal family agreements, Friends enjoying most people shop with Christmas gift shopping a clear budget in mind in Spain. - usually between €20 and €30. Far from being restrictive, that price limit has shaped a very specific Christmas culture, focused on practicality, comfort and small pleasures that people actually use. Shops across Spain are well aware of this. Every December, both physical stores and online platforms highlight ranges of ‘regalos por menos de €30’, making it easy to find presents that feel thoughtful without tipping into extravagance. Popular choices are items that add warmth or comfort during winter, such as candles, home fragrances and mugs. Small board games and card games also see a surge in popularity at Christmas. Beauty mini-sets and skincare kits continue to sell well, especially for colleagues or distant relatives. Decorative home accessories, books, planners and personalised items like customised mugs or keychains also fit neatly into the under-€30 category. Food gifts remain a classic option too, with chocolate boxes, turrón and gourmet treats widely used as host gifts or safe last-minute choices. Wherever the gift comes from, presentation still matters. Good wrapping or a handwritten note can elevate even the simplest present. In Spain, the rule is clear: within a €30 limit, it’s not the price that counts, but choosing something that feels considered and genuinely welcome.
Lessons from abroad A RECENT social media post asking, ‘What advice would you give someone moving to Spain?’ drew a wave of responses from long-term residents and recent arrivals. The overall message was that success depends less on sunshine than on preparation, patience and attitude. Learning the language dominated the discussion. Orla Tierney advised, “Learn Spanish and don’t get stuck in a totaWant to move to Spain? Here’s what residents lly expat enclave,” while Sandy Corbett added, recommend. “Learn Spanish and join in Stephen Chatt Milne noted, “Always with the locals, they will love you for keep in your mind that it is somewhetrying.” For many, language is the key re you will be living and possibly worto everyday life, work and friendships. king.” Closely linked was the need to intePracticalities featured strongly. Tolo grate. Steve Copeland, who has lived in Amador urged newcomers to “Bring Spain for 18 years, said, “Don’t expect money, lots of it,” and Lesley Davies the Spanish to adapt to you. Adapt to warned that official processes can be them.” Others stressed that eating, slow. Legal and financial preparation shopping and socialising locally brings was also advised. greater rewards than staying within an Overall, Spain emerged as a country expat bubble. that rewards those willing to adapt, inSeveral contributors warned against tegrate and arrive with realistic expecseeing Spain as a permanent holiday. tations. Credit: Shutterstock, FTiare
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Credit: Shutterstock, Gorodenkoff
r VOICE u o Y A joyful celebration no matter the day
Do you celebrate Christmas on the 24th or 25th? A RECENT poll asked a simple but revealing question: do you celebrate Christmas on December 24 or 25? The responses showed that while traditions vary widely, many people feel Christmas is less about a single date and more about a whole season of celebration shaped by culture, country and family custom. Several respondents highlighted how Christmas stretches well beyond one day. Brian Francis summed this up by saying, “From the 24th to the 6th,” suggesting a festive period that lasts nearly two weeks. A similar view came from Peter John Colin, who wrote, “December 25th - January 6th,” again pointing to a longer celebration that includes Epiphany. This sense of an extended Christmas was echoed by those living in or influenced by southern European traditions. Spain featured strongly in the responses. Jeanette Lowe explained, “Here in Spain, Christmas fun starts with a traditional family evening meal on Christmas Eve and we don’t stop partying until January 7th, with January 6th being our Christmas Day and National Bank holiday.” H.G. McLean kept it simple with,
“In Spain, 24th.” Meanwhile, Susana Maria Clark Parnell shared a similar custom, saying, “25th, and January 6th Kings Day where l live,” highlighting the importance of Three Kings Day. Angela Edgley added a community element, noting, “25th December and the night of 5th January when our town has the 3 Kings parade.” Others were less inclined to choose at all. Mari Fairley asked, “Why choose? We celebrate both.” Tracey Lewis agreed with a brief, “both,” reflecting a flexible approach that blends Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions. On the other hand, a few respondents did favour one specific date. Kenneth Faktor Carslund opted for “24th,” while Nichola Cunningham simply said, “25th,” showing that for some, a single day still holds clear importance. Overall, the poll suggests that most people do not limit Christmas to just the 24th or the 25th. Instead, most people said they celebrate both days or enjoy an extended festive period that runs through to early January, proving that Christmas means different things in different places, but is always about making the most of the time.
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FINANCE UK private equity firm Continuance Capital has acquired West Midlands-based carton packaging specialist Quantum Print and Packaging. Operating partner Owen Newton-Hill was appointed managing director following the August deal, while the existing management team remains in place.
Conveyd’s £2.5m
LONDON-based AI conveyancing platform Conveyd has raised £2.5 million in seed funding, led by Eka Ventures. The company aims to speed up UK home-buying by automating large parts of the conveyancing process using artificial intelligence.
Chip research
GOOGLE has announced a partnership with the UK to give researchers access to its Willow quantum chip, inviting proposals for new scientific uses. The collaboration aims to accelerate research in areas such as chemistry, medicine and materials science.
Illegal rentals
SPAIN has fined Airbnb €64 million for advertising more than 65,000 unlicensed rental properties, ordering the platform to remove the listings. The government says illegal short-term lets fuel housing shortages, while Airbnb says it will challenge the penalty and argues the action breaches regulations.
Crypto rules
THE UK government has unveiled new crypto regulations due from 2027, bringing cryptoassets under Financial Conduct Authority oversight. Ministers say the rules will boost investment and innovation while strengthening consumer protection, aligning crypto firms with standards already applied to shares and other regulated financial products.
4.3%
In October, 221,889 properties were registered in the property registries, 4.3 per cent less than in the same month of the previous year.
Offices searched SPAIN’S National Police searched the Madrid offices of airline Plus Ultra on December 11, seizing financial documentation as part of a money-laundering investigation led by Madrid Investigative Court No. 15, according to Spanish media. Public broadcaster RTVE reports the case is under ‘secreto de sumario’ (judicial secrecy), meaning investigators and the court are limiting what information can be made public while inquiries continue. Several outlets also report that Plus Ultra’s president Julio Martínez and CEO Roberto Roselli were detained in connection with the operation.
Much of the coverage links the investigation to the €53 million public bailout Plus Ultra received in 2021 through SEPI, Spain’s state holding company. RTVE reports that the same Madrid court examined the rescue previously and ordered the earlier case closed
SPANISH sunglasses brand Hawkers faced serious financial pressure in 2016, despite rapid early growth. The company projected €70 million in revenue that year but recorded around €60 million, while losses at a key subsidiary rose by 500 per cent, according to London Loves Business. In October 2016, investor Alejandro Betancourt López led a €50 million funding round through O’Hara Administration and became Hawkers’ largest shareholder. He was appointed president the following month. At the time, the business relied heavily on Facebook advertising, which had become more expensive, and was under pressure from discounting and
BRITAIN’S economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1 per cent in the three months to October, according to the Office for National Statistics, defying forecasts for flat growth. GDP also fell 0.1 per cent in October alone, meaning the economy has not grown since June, Reuters reported. The data increased expectations that the Bank of England would cut interest rates soon, with markets pricing in a roughly 90 per cent probability.
NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY chief executive Dame Debbie Crosbie has been appointed the UK’s new Women in Finance Champion. She succeeds Dame Amanda Blanc, who steps down after five years in the role, during which senior female representation in finance rose from 32 per cent to 36 per cent. Dame Debbie will lead the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, which now includes more than 440 firms, from January 2026, according to the UK government.
Plus Ultra plane.
in January 2023, concluding that the alleged offences raised at the time were not sufficiently justified. The rescue itself was approved on March 9, 2021, via SEPI’s Solvency Support Fund for Strategic Companies, which was created during the Covid-19 pandemic to
protect businesses considered essential to the economy. However, the decision proved controversial. Onda Cero reported that in 2019 Plus Ultra operated 823 flights, representing just 0.03 per cent of total operations across Spain’s Aena airport network.
How Hawkers stabilised
UK economy
Women in Finance Credit: Instagram @plusultralineasaereas
Carton packaging
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US criticises Spain Credit: Instagram @hawkersco
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Hawkers sunglasses.
weaker consumer spending in Spain. Between 2016 and 2018, Hawkers expanded into physical retail, opening more than 80 stores in Spain and Portugal, and increased sales through online marketplaces such as Amazon. The company also restructured management. Hawkers now operates in more than 20 countries, runs over 60 stores and reports annual revenues exceeding €100 million.
Emission goals
SPAIN’S Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has asked the European Commission to maintain existing CO2 emissions targets for the automotive industry, as Brussels prepares to review the policy. According to Europa Press, Sánchez called on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to preserve the current level of ambition. He also urged the EU not to weaken the planned 2035 ban on new CO2-emitting cars, despite pressure from countries including Germany and Italy to ease the rules amid global competition concerns.
Vigo Airport tower SPAIN has brought its first fully digital air traffic control tower into operation at Vigo Airport, following certification by Spanish aviation regulators. The system, delivered by Searidge Technologies in partnership with Skyway, replaces the traditional tower view with a 360-degree, high-resolution digital display using cameras and sensors. Initial operations will run during low-traffic hours, with a conventional controller on standby, as part of Aena’s wider strategy to digitise airport operations across Spain.
SPAIN’S Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo has called on EU member states to remain united and push ahead with deeper integration following sharp criticism from the Trump administration. Speaking to Euronews, Cuerpo said Europe should move from reacting to external pressure to taking action. He argued Spain’s experience shows the benefits of EU membership, as the government forecasts 2.9 per cent economic growth this year, outperforming several major eurozone economies.
Madrid headquarters COLONIAL SFL, alongside investors led by Andbank España, has acquired Naturgy’s headquarters in Madrid for more than €80 million, according to Spanish REIT. The 13,000-square-metre office building was fully renovated in 2021 and is let to Naturgy on a long-term lease. The deal strengthens Colonial SFL’s portfolio of prime, sustainable office assets in central Madrid, reflecting continued investor confidence in Spain’s commercial real estate market.
FINANCE
36 25 - 31 December 2025
euroweeklynews.com
LONDON - FTSE 100
Closing Prices 15 December
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3I Group.....................................3.270,00............3.272,00......... 3.201,00...........1,12M Admiral Group.............................3.138,0..............3.150,0........... 3.120,0.......... 583,76K Airtel Africa................................. 320,20...............321,40............317,00.......... 328,87K Anglo American...........................2.892,0..............2.924,0........... 2.869,0............1,14M Antofagasta................................3.099,00............3.123,00......... 3.079,00......... 169,54K Ashtead Group............................5.368,0..............5.368,0........... 5.266,0.......... 236,52K Associated British Foods.............2.125,0..............2.132,0........... 2.111,0.......... 103,38K AstraZeneca...............................13.496,0............13.536,0......... 13.376,0............. 2M Auto Trader Group Plc................ 607,20...............616,00............605,60............1,31M Aviva........................................... 670,80...............676,40............667,40............1,34M B&M European Value Retail SA... 166,40...............172,75............165,65............1,74M BAE Systems..............................1.691,25............1.694,50......... 1.681,00...........4,72M Barclays...................................... 461,80...............463,35............457,25............8,77M Barratt Redrow............................ 377,80...............380,00............374,30............1,26M Beazley........................................ 832,50...............833,50............828,00.......... 196,01K Berkeley......................................3.944,0..............3.950,0........... 3.828,0.......... 139,29K BP............................................... 423,55...............431,80............421,35...........13,85M British American Tobacco...........4.260,0..............4.293,0........... 4.236,0............5,01M BT Group.................................... 184,60...............187,21............184,16............1,96M Bunzl...........................................2.150,0..............2.190,0........... 2.130,0.............1,2M Centrica....................................... 166,90...............167,35............165,65............2,55M Coca Cola HBC AG......................3.784,0..............3.820,0........... 3.778,0.......... 134,34K Compass....................................2.375,00............2.403,00......... 2.365,00...........2,82M ConvaTec Group......................... 239,40...............244,00............237,80.......... 848,29K Croda Intl....................................2.770,0..............2.788,0........... 2.738,0.......... 314,83K DCC.............................................4.867,8..............4.932,0........... 4.812,0.......... 155,23K Diageo.........................................1.670,5..............1.694,5........... 1.662,5............1,11M Diploma.....................................5.305,00............5.330,00......... 5.270,00......... 110,06K EasyJet........................................ 513,60...............515,60............508,80............1,21M Entain.......................................... 745,70...............749,00............735,60.......... 444,06K Experian......................................3.366,0..............3.394,0........... 3.337,0.......... 449,59K F&C Invest.................................1.229,95............1.237,00......... 1.227,00......... 124,45K Flutter Entertainment..................16.345,0............16.400,0......... 16.265,0........... 5,65K Frasers........................................ 699,50...............707,00............680,00.......... 145,04K Fresnillo.....................................3.004,00............3.004,00......... 2.916,00......... 188,65K Glencore...................................... 383,95...............384,65............380,15............6,98M GSK plc......................................1.810,00............1.824,00......... 1.797,50...........4,29M HALEON...................................... 368,30...............370,70............366,20............1,94M Halma..........................................3.518,0..............3.534,0........... 3.492,0.......... 151,88K Hikma Pharma...........................1.503,00............1.519,00......... 1.498,00......... 339,96K Hiscox........................................1.417,00............1.421,00......... 1.411,00......... 394,49K Howden Joinery.......................... 833,00...............836,50............822,50.......... 467,49K HSBC.........................................1.142,60............1.147,70......... 1.133,60...........4,82M IAG.............................................. 418,70...............421,00............416,00.............9,4M ICG PLC.....................................2.026,00............2.030,00......... 2.014,00......... 194,09K IMI PLC......................................2.440,00............2.440,00......... 2.421,05......... 111,58K Imperial Brands..........................3.173,00............3.195,00......... 3.162,00...........3,21M Informa....................................... 865,60...............874,20............861,80............3,34M InterContinental.........................10.485,0............10.550,0......... 10.440,0.......... 37,48K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
Intertek........................................4.588,0..............4.594,0........... 4.546,0............ 71,7K J Sainsbury................................. 322,20...............327,50............320,20............6,36M JD Sports Fashion........................ 84,88.................85,56..............84,54.............2,52M Kingfisher.................................... 308,30...............312,40............306,30............1,15M Land Securities........................... 598,50...............603,50............593,50............2,43M Legal & General.......................... 253,90...............257,12............252,20............9,99M Lloyds Banking............................ 95,92.................96,20..............95,08............34,35M London Stock Exchange..............8.908,0..............8.920,0........... 8.780,0........... 399,2K Londonmetric Property............... 185,70...............187,90............185,00............5,76M M&G........................................... 281,50...............282,50............277,10............1,96M Marks & Spencer........................ 330,10...............333,60............328,45............3,02M Melrose Industries...................... 552,00...............554,60............548,00............1,72M Mondi.......................................... 881,40...............888,20............879,00.......... 354,31K National Grid..............................1.141,00............1.152,00......... 1.135,50...........1,84M NatWest Group........................... 635,80...............639,20............625,60............5,16M Next...........................................13.535,0............13.655,0......... 13.435,0.......... 25,07K Pearson......................................1.048,50............1.056,00......... 1.045,00...........1,66M Pershing Square........................4.936,00............5.000,00......... 4.932,00......... 162,85K Persimmon.................................1.337,0..............1.349,0........... 1.320,0.......... 964,41K Phoenix....................................... 723,00...............728,50............717,50............1,78M Prudential...................................1.120,30............1.121,00......... 1.113,00......... 879,15K Reckitt Benckiser........................6.014,0..............6.016,0........... 5.952,0.......... 337,37K Relx............................................3.032,00............3.062,00......... 3.022,00......... 588,04K Rentokil....................................... 444,35...............449,70............442,30............3,26M Rightmove.................................. 525,20...............525,80............521,40............1,28M Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.764,0..............5.779,0........... 5.733,6........... 519,5K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.121,50............1.123,50......... 1.104,00...........2,24M Sage...........................................1.091,00............1.095,00......... 1.081,50......... 918,33K Schroders.................................... 393,2.................394,2..............391,0........... 799,96K Scottish Mortgage......................1.161,50............1.162,50......... 1.148,00......... 803,63K Segro.......................................... 702,40...............707,20............699,00.......... 871,39K Severn Trent...............................2.765,0..............2.782,0........... 2.754,0........... 505,4K Shell............................................2.657,5..............2.684,0........... 2.655,0............4,16M Smith & Nephew........................1.220,50............1.229,00......... 1.218,00......... 160,77K Smiths Group.............................2.348,00............2.350,00......... 2.330,00.......... 149,1K Smurfit Westrock........................2.844,1..............2.853,0........... 2.833,0........... 26,59K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.665,0..............6.680,0........... 6.595,0.......... 177,16K SSE............................................2.157,00............2.173,00......... 2.149,00......... 476,26K Standard Chartered....................1.761,50............1.779,50......... 1.750,50......... 924,11K Taylor Wimpey............................ 104,15...............104,80............103,45............8,79M Tesco.......................................... 438,60...............442,10............437,00............2,06M Unilever.......................................4.871,0..............4.930,0........... 4.845,5............5,04M Unite........................................... 545,00...............547,00............539,50.......... 971,21K United Utilities............................1.185,00............1.192,00......... 1.179,00...........1,32M Vistry Group................................ 635,20...............642,00............624,00.......... 299,25K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 96,060...............97,042............95,480...........80,57M Weir Group................................2.840,00............2.846,00......... 2.810,00......... 365,19K Whitbread...................................2.581,0..............2.604,0........... 2.432,0.......... 913,18K WPP............................................ 337,90...............341,00............333,10.............1,5M
0.87463 1.17360
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0.9319 7.4691 11.893 10.866 Contact our team of currency experts
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DOW JONES
Closing Prices 15 December
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 163,75...............164,07............162,98............ 44,5K Amazon.com............................... 225,31...............226,50............225,31............2,85M American Express....................... 379,05...............380,44............378,51........... 49,68K Amgen........................................ 327,87...............328,24............325,02.......... 187,62K Apple........................................... 270,43...............273,62............270,11............1,83M Boeing......................................... 209,20...............209,38............207,91.......... 158,46K Caterpillar.................................... 571,89...............574,48............568,65.......... 112,18K Chevron...................................... 148,13...............149,00............148,08.......... 302,62K Cisco............................................ 76,78.................76,96..............76,26............ 505,3K Citigroup..................................... 112,41...............112,64............112,15.......... 246,89K Coca-Cola..................................... 70,58.................70,58..............70,23........... 459,57K Goldman Sachs........................... 885,09...............887,78............880,29........... 89,52K Home Depot................................ 365,00...............365,98............362,39.......... 383,45K Honeywell................................... 201,00...............201,33............199,88........... 65,24K IBM............................................. 301,84...............304,33............301,84.......... 119,94K J&J............................................. 210,30...............210,52............209,62.......... 240,87K JPMorgan................................... 314,79...............316,24............314,23.......... 304,32K McDonald’s................................. 320,67...............321,60............319,15.............181K Merck&Co.................................... 99,98................100,09.............98,86........... 690,28K Microsoft.................................... 480,07...............480,25............477,89.............880K Nike.............................................. 66,60.................66,65..............65,80.............1,02M NVIDIA........................................ 173,79...............174,89............173,73...........10,72M P&G............................................ 146,97...............147,47............146,62.......... 406,82K Salesforce Inc............................. 258,85...............260,00............258,30.......... 265,27K Sherwin-Williams........................ 333,55...............334,00............331,45............ 41,6K The Travelers.............................. 290,26...............290,90............289,74........... 15,68K UnitedHealth............................... 328,68...............329,78............327,68.......... 271,58K Verizon......................................... 40,83.................40,83..............40,75........... 588,71K Visa A.......................................... 346,51...............346,74............344,62.......... 187,61K Walmart...................................... 115,62...............115,62............114,79.......... 524,85K Walt Disney................................. 111,52...............111,53............110,52........... 739,8K M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 15 December
Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Mega Fortune.................................................. 143,93 %.........................3,76M Athira Pharma.................................................. 86,47 %.........................26,54M UrbanGro......................................................... 32,57 %.........................58,78M FuelCell Energy................................................ 33,29 %..........................1,84M Paranovus Entertainment Tech........................ 28,14 %..........................4,65M Trump Media & Technology Group.................. 23,45 %.........................20,94M Akanda............................................................. 23,27 %..........................3,22M Innovative Solutions........................................ 23,13 %........................473,31K eHealth............................................................. 22,43 %.........................255,2K ClearSign......................................................... 17,82 %.........................37,41K M - Million Dollars
Most Declined Pyxis Oncology................................................-51,63 %..........................1,41M Actelis Networks..............................................-45,75 %..........................7,45M Vision Marine Technologies.............................-40,45 %..........................9,59M Inno Holdings..................................................-39,56 %.........................20,17M Werewolf Therapeutics....................................-34,58 %........................656,17K Processa Pharmaceuticals...............................-26,80 %........................554,81K Optical Cable....................................................-23,87 %.........................46,29K Envirotech Vehicles..........................................-22,91 %.........................28,82M Ryvyl................................................................-20,98 %.........................985,5K Biodexa Pharmaceuticals DRC.........................-19,75 %........................745,92K Datacentrex......................................................-18,20 %........................253,99K M - Million Dollars
FINANCE
euroweeklynews.com
Construction management
FERROVIAL will join the Nasdaq 100 before markets open on December 22, becoming the first Ibex 35 company with ordinary shares on Nasdaq. Index inclusion is expected to trigger more than €1 billion in inflows as passive funds track the benchmark global equity index.
Biomethane investment
SPAIN’S renewables group Solarig plans to invest €355 million in Poland through its biomethane unit, Biorig, developing more than 20 plants over five years. The facilities are expected to generate 1 TWh of green energy annually, supported by favourable Polish regulation and agricultural capacity.
P2P payments SPAIN is consolidating its position as a European leader in instant person-to-person (P2P) payments, driven by the widespread adoption of Bizum and new cross-border interoperability with Portugal and Italy. The findings come from a 2025 report published by Nuek, the payment infrastructure technology company of Minsait, part of the Indra Group, and produced in collaboration with Analistas Financieros Internacio-
Credit: Jack_the_sparow, Shutterstock.
BUSINESS EXTRA
25 - 31 December 2025
P2P payment.
nales (Afi). According to the report, P2P payments have pro-
gressed from early adoption into a phase of scaling, functional convergence and
UK savers
SAVERS who kept their money in cash ISAs have missed out on much stronger growth compared with stocks and shares ISAs over the past 15 years. Data from Moneyfacts shows investors made an average £133 for every £100 put into a stocks and shares ISA. Cash ISA savers made just £30 per £100.
A £10,000 investment would have grown to £23,300 in stocks and shares, compared with £13,000 in cash. Moneyfacts said average annual returns were 6.79 per cent for stocks and shares ISAs and 1.79 per cent for cash. While investments can rise and fall, experts say they are better suited to long-term saving.
internationalisation, becoming a genuine alternative to cash in several markets. A survey of the banked population cited in the study shows that 25 per cent of users already use instant transfers to pay other individuals, reflecting the growing normalisation of digital P2P payments, according to Nuek. In Spain, instant P2P payments are dominated by Bizum, which has reached levels of penetration comparable to Pix in Brazil and MB Way in Portugal, systems that have already displaced cash as the preferred method for payments between individuals. While cash remains relevant in Spain, the report notes that Bizum is ‘rapidly moving’ towards becoming a mainstream alternative, placing Spain among Europe’s leading markets for instant P2P payments.
37
Money talks
MONEY talk is still a relationship red flag in Britain, with couples three times more likely to get ‘the ick’ from discussing finances than marriage on a first date, Starling Bank research shows. Two thirds of couples say clashing money habits cause stress, delaying home ownership and family plans.
Slang speak GOOGLE has upgraded Google Translate with its Gemini AI, promising smarter, more natural translations that better capture tone, idioms and slang. A new beta feature also offers live speech-to-speech translation through headphones, while expanded language tools aim to help users practise and improve fluency when travelling or living abroad.
FEATURE
INTERVIEW
Speaking European:
Prim
ar
ta eri gh
Ba
ndin
i
OH. What. Fun. serves as a reminder that it’s not elves in the North Pole bringing Christmas magic to life, it’s mothers. When matriarch Claire is unceremoniously left behind by her kids for a Christmas Eve concert she organised, she sets off on a Christmas adventure of her own. Despite a star-studded cast with Michelle Pfeiffer steering the sleigh as Claire, the movie’s low budget feel lets it down. Oftentimes it feels like a hollow imitation of Christmas movies past. A good Boxing Day binge rather than a Christmas classic.
e Video
P
Season 2
Fallout FALLOUT finally returned to screens on December 17, with new episodes releasing weekly on Prime Video. Ella Purnell leads the show, embodying the wide-eyed lead character Lucy who leaves her underground vault to find a horrifying wasteland. The audience experiences this fictional world through her eyes and experiences. The post-apocalyptic thriller’s first season was hailed as the perfect videogame adaptation, com-
dit: Prime V Cre ide
hot o C challenges. Margherita found Professionally, Margherita red it: works as an English teaM the local timetable difficult, noting that dinners cher, helping students often begin around improve language 10.30pm, a sharp skills while navigacontrast to her acting the Spanish customed 8.30pm. education sysBuilding friendstem. Beyond her hips in Catalonia teaching, she is also required padeeply involved in tience. Despite these volunteer work. She hurdles, she highlights contributes remotely the positives: the Mediteto the IUCN SSC Otter Margherita advises rranean climate, accessible Specialist Group, mananewcomers to embrace lifestyle, and welcoming ging media and networlocal cuisine, learn the communities. She has reking efforts, and locally language, and engage mained in Spain for comsupports Los Angeles del with older residents. fort and stability, advising Raval, an exotic animal newcomers to embrace lorescue centre that cares for abandoned pets and non-protected spe- cal cuisine, learn the language, and engage cies. “Helping the animals and connecting with older residents. Her experience exemplifies the blend of with the local community has become a personal, professional, and cultural faccentral part of my life,” she says. Adapting to Spanish culture presented tors influencing European mobility.
Oh. What. Fun - Movie
Cr e t:
MARGHERITA, originally from Ravenna, Italy, relocated to Spain between 2010 and 2011 after spending time in Rome, Norway and Portugal. Her move was prompted by a longdistance relationship, aiming to test cohabitation with her partner after a year apart. She lived in several Spanish cities, including Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, and now Barcelona, gradually integrating into local life while exploring diverse regional cultures and lifestyles.
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di
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plete with the wicked sense of humour and wild-west violence fans love from the original games. Season 2 promises to be just as gripping, gruesome and goofy as the first. o
38 25 - 31 December 2025
euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY
40 EWN 25 - 31 December 2025
Credit: Shutterstock, maxbelchenko
AS the Christmas celebrations ramp up, so do our drinking habits. A pint down the pub, a Baileys before bed, a cheeky glass of cava at the Christmas party, don’t forget sneaking a sip of brandy the kids left out for Santa Clause. It all adds up. Almost 64 per cent of British drinkers say they consume more alcohol over Christmas, than they do the rest of the year, with Christmas Day being the main binge-drinking event of the season. ZAVA’s latest analysis shines a light on just how many calories are in the nation’s favourite festive beverages. Energy drinks are an essential part of Christmas, the only way to make it through early morning family events after a long ni-
Credit: Shutterstock, Dean Drobot
Festive drinks unwrapped
Glitter is for all ages.
Cheers!
ght wrapping presents. Piña Coladas topped the list of alcoholic drinks with 320 calories, for those of you celebrating Christmas in the sun. Your classic lager and Guinness land in the middle range, with 210 to 220 calories, though they have low sugar levels. The drink with the
lowest calorie count is red wine, only 123 calories per serving, so if you’re wanting to get a head start on your New Year’s diet, stick to sipping the Merlot. Christmas only comes around once a year so make the most of it, but remember, a little awareness goes a long way.
Glitter, a girl’s best friend WHOEVER said diamonds were a girl’s best friend was sorely mistaken. Glitter is a girl’s best friend, and there’s no better time than Christmas and New Years to cover yourself head to toe in the stuff. Don’t shy away from your most glitzy eyeshadows and sparkly nail varnishes. Wear the sequined dress and the jacket covered in rhinestones. ‘Tis the season after all. A recent cosmetic accessory making the rounds are glitter freckles. Applied like a temporary tattoo across your cheeks, they’re an easy addition to make an outfit pop. Perfect for a night out or your Christmas work do.
Tinsel in your hair is a nice touch too. No, not the thick ribbons you wrap around your Christmas tree, but thin individual extensions you can thread through your hair to make your luscious locks sparkle. Bejewelling your hair has regained popularity recently too. You can buy ‘bedazzler’ kits online. Don’t mind the fact you’ll find these in the kids’ toy aisle, glitter knows no bounds. Clamp the plastic contraption between strands of hair, and you are part way to transforming your hair into a dazzling delight. Add a few more and you’re ready to party! Don’t hide your sparkle this holiday season, let it shine.
HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com
25 - 31 December 2025
Avoid holiday burnout Credit: Shutterstock, Drazen Zigic
Credit: Shutterstock, LightField Studios
Look cute in the cold EVEN those lucky enough to live in sunny Spain can’t avoid the bitter cold forever. Whether you’re heading back to the UK or the Spanish winter is frostier than you thought, here’s how to look cute in the cold. The key to keeping warm in winter is wearing thermals. If you live somewhere that doesn’t exactly drop below zero, you could wear thermals under your every day winter outfits and still stay toasty warm. A great option if you don’t want to be weighed down by coats. Although, prepare to be asked ‘are you not cold?’ a million times a day. Don’t be scared of layers, wear them right and they can be a fashion-forward accessory. Tights and turtle necks are an easy addition to any dress. Scarves, gloves and hats will keep you warmer than you think. When you were packing to move to Spain, you might have left your coat behind, not thinking you’d need it on the Mediterranean coast. You might be thinking different since acclimatising and be in the market for a new coat. If that’s the case. pick something versatile, something you can easily
EWN 41
The most overwhelming time of the year.
Wrap up warm this winter.
mix and match, dress up or down. Long wool coats are currently in style, and they really do go with anything, from dresses to jogger bottoms.
THE holidays can be a lot. Gifts to buy, turkey to defrost, family to put up with. If you feel yourself heading down a slippery slope this Christmas, here’s some tips to get you back on track. 1. Eat well. Christmas is a gastronomical delight, but just because its good food doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Food affects our mood. If you find yourself feeling down, try eating a well-ba-
lanced meal to help clear your head and fuel you through the rest of the holidays. 2. Drink less. The same sentiment applies to alcohol. It’s socially acceptable to crack open a can first thing Christmas morning and you should make the most of that. As much as alcohol can make you jolly, it can bring you crashing right back down. If that’s the case, swap the bubbly for something chocolatey or
fruity. 3. Make a list, check it twice. The real hero of Christmas is not Santa, it’s your To-Do list. Planning everything out and allowing plenty of time to get stuff down will help you out a lot. 4. Take time for yourself. Sure, Christmas is the season of giving, but that’s hard to do if you have no energy left. Stepping away and taking some well-deserved ‘me time’ isn’t selfish, it’s essential.
euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY
42 EWN 25 - 31 December 2025
Self-caring Foods to fight the flu steps will get you a lot further than standing still. Experts say it takes about 66 days to form new habits. If you stay persistent with your simple routine, it’ll soon become second nature and from there you can develop it further, adding extra steps to your skin-care or focusing on other areas of healthy eating, for example. Understanding ‘why’ will go a long way in
getting yourself used to a new routine. It’s easier to motivate yourself to drink water, for example, if you know what you’re getting out of it besides more bathroom breaks. Being healthy in body and mind can look different for everyone, and regular life is of course going to disrupt your routine at times. Don’t be hard on yourself if and when you falter.
FLU season has arrived early this year with cases, evident by the amount of people in the streets with noses redder than Rudolph as they fight against the flu. To help keep the flu at bay, fitness experts recommend ‘superfoods’ you can add to your diet to naturally boost your immune system. Black garlic, a rich, sweet flavour perfect for spreading on toast. With more antioxidants and the added benefit of helping to stimulate white blood cell production, it’s beneficial in fighting winter illness. Turmeric milk, a traditional remedy for boosting immunity, and becomes extra effective when combined with black pepper. Add honey for a delicious bedtime drink. Raw honey has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Its natural enzymes help soothe sore throats and make for a tasty mouthful. Drizzle over
Credit: Shutterstock, Drazen Zigic
THERE’S no time like the start of a brandnew year to start adopting better habits and taking care of yourself. A great way to do that is by building a self-care routine, but the trick is finding a routine that lasts. Start small. Don’t overwhelm yourself with getting your whole life in order immediately. Pick one area you want to improve upon and go from there. Simple, manageable tasks are so much easier to accomplish, and will motivate you to keep going. Baby
Honey, a tasty treat to help your immunity.
your breakfast or mix into teas for a versatile remedy. Shiitake mushrooms, the perfect edition to any stir-fry to help boost your immunity during flu season. Citrus fuits are at their best in winter. Rich in vitamin C, citrus fruits enhance white blood cells,
the perfect weapon to aid your body’s defence. Add to water, eat as a snack or use as a garnish. Matcha’s high dose of nutrients and antioxidants help keep the body strong through the colder months. A delicious defence you can find in many coffeeshops.
Why the Mediterranean lifestyle beats every diet MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE EXPERT MIGUEL FRANCO MOST diets fail for one simple reason: they don’t fit real life. They rely on restriction, calorie counting and willpower. They work for a few weeks… until life gets busy, stress kicks in and everything falls apart. I know this, because I’ve been there. Before I changed my lifestyle, my health controlled my life. I was tired, overweight and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I tried diets. I followed rules. And I kept starting over. What finally worked wasn’t another diet, it was structure. The Mediterranean lifestyle isn’t something you ‘do for a while’. It’s a way of living that has existed for more than 1,000 years and is still recognised today as one of the healthiest lifestyles in the world, especially for balanced blood sugar, sustainable weight loss and long-term health.
Instead of cutting foods out, it focuses on: real food, regular meals, natural movement, rest, lower stress and actually enjoying life. When I adopted this lifestyle, my blood sugar stabilised, the excess weight came off naturally, and most importantly I stopped worrying about my health all day. I felt free again. This is exactly what I teach today. Not diets. Not calorie counting. But a simple, realistic structure that fits real life anywhere in the world. I share my full personal transformation in my book The No-Diet Fix, where I explain how I went from feeling my worst to living a healthy, happy life without restriction. If this resonates with you, make sure to read the full article online, where I share practical Mediterranean tips you can start today. Click on Personal Coaching to learn how I can help you live healthier without diets. Stop dieting. Start living well.
You find the book on my website and if you want personal guidance, you can book a 100 per cent free intake call via www.casamiguel.life.
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FEATURE
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• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers • Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca North
HUNDREDS of motorcyclists brought festive cheer to Marbella on Thursday, December 18, during the annual Papanoelada toy run organised by Motoclub Los Mentirosos. Dressed in Santa suits, elf costumes, and white beards, the riders formed a colourful convoy to collect new toys for underprivileged children. The event, in partnership with Marbella Town Hall, began at 6pm from the Bulevar de Pablo Ráez. The procession passed along Avenida Ricardo Soriano and Avenida Severo Ochoa, finishing at the Marbella Arch, with residents cheering and handing over donations. Numbers are still being tallied, but organisers expect thousands of toys will be distributed through local charities to ensure children receive presents on Christmas morning. Known for year-round charity rides, Los Mentirosos once again showcased Marbella’s generous community spirit, delighting spectators with the thundering motorcycles and sea of red suits.
Denia celebrated the tenth anniversary of its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation on Saturday with a public event that drew over 4,000 people to the city centre. The celebrations honoured individuals, organisations, and institutions that have helped establish Denia as a centre of culinary culture, innovation, and sustainability. The ceremony in Plaza del Consell saw commemorative aprons presented to representatives from the gastronomic sector, local producers, collaborating organisations, and public and private institutions involved in the project. Mayor Vicent Grimalt described the anniversary as a shared celebration and highlighted initiatives such as Menja’t la Marina, the Bancalet brand, GASTERRA, and the D*na festival as examples of Denia’s culinary prominence. AEHTMA president Amor Lidia López noted the city and Marina Alta remain a benchmark for blending tradition, innovation, and civic commitment.
Marbella bikers
UNESCO, creativity and gastronomy
Axarquia
Almeria
THE Axarquia village of Macharaviaya, birthplace of Spanish hero Bernardo de Gálvez, is strengthening historic ties with the United States ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The council recently met in Malaga with US Embassy representatives to plan joint events and promote a new exhibition, “Macharaviaya Universal”, which opened on November 7 at the Gálvez Museum and runs until January 4. It features artefacts, recreations and documents highlighting the Gálvez family’s transatlantic links. US officials showed strong interest in the village’s 2026 programme and explored opportunities for cultural collaboration. Bernardo de Gálvez (1746–1786) played a decisive role in the American Revolutionary War and received honorary US citizenship in 2014. Macharaviaya annually marks Independence Day with Battle of Pensacola reenactments and is twinned with Pensacola, Florida.
LUCK struck in Turre on Friday, December 19, when a local resident won the Millionaire Maker prize. The winning ticket was validated at a local shop, whose owner, María Caparrós, expressed delight at handing over such a substantial prize. Caparrós, nearing retirement, said it was the first major prize she had ever given out. The Millionaire Maker is an additional draw held on every EuroMillions day, Tuesday and Friday. Players automatically receive an alphanumeric code for each bet, with a single winner claiming the grand prize. The winner’s identity remains unknown, even to Caparrós, who sells tickets to many customers. The news has sparked excitement in the town as residents await the winner to come forward.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
THE Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has launched the tender for Palma Port’s Master Plan, a €240 million project set to transform the port between 2026 and 2035. Covering 400,000 square metres, the plan follows consultation with over 60 stakeholders and aims to modernise operations while better integrating the port with the city. The redevelopment focuses on cargo and passenger traffic, centralising the nautical industry at the West Dock, and streamlining cruise operations at Poniente Quay. Palma Port handles around 18 million tonnes of cargo and seven million passengers annually, supporting 800 companies, generating €1.1 billion in turnover, and employing roughly 5,000 people. Public spaces will expand along the Commercial Quays, Old Quay, and Contramuelle-Mollet, with green areas, recreational facilities, and educational and innovation hubs, while historical features such as the Paseo de la Riba and Riba lighthouse will be preserved.
MURCIA has once again proved to be a top Spanish travel destination, with new data from travel website Jetcost highlighting its popularity for New Year holidays. Many European tourists are heading to the region for its mild weather, coastline, rich culture, festivals, and cuisine. Spain’s relatively affordable prices also give it an edge over Italy, France, and Portugal. For travel between December 26 and January 4, Murcia ranks among the top 15 destinations requested by Britons (11th) and by Germans and Dutch tourists (15th). According to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics, nearly 120,000 British visitors arrived in Murcia in 2025, staying an average of nine days. June was the busiest month, with over 24,000 arrivals. Longer stays and off-season tourism continue to boost the local economy, cementing Murcia as a yearround destination.
From Texas to Axarquia
Palma redevelopment
Luck is in the air
Winter winners
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47
PETS
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AT first glance, Daisy appears serene, and well-behaved. Look closer, to find a dog with a specific agenda, an unshakeable sense of purpose. New dog-sitters encounter their first ‘Daisy moment’ mid-walk. Everything is fine until - plonk - she parks herself the instant she finds an acceptable patch of sunshine. Tugging the lead? Pointless. Treats? Offensive. Daisy has found her sunspot and will now be observing a mandatory 15-minute basking session. This dog will not move. On grey days, Daisy is different. She’ll walk for miles, chase pigeons and pretend squirrels are public enemy number one. But the moment the sun appears and paints a golden square on the pavement Daisy locks on like a heat-seeking missile, lowering herself with intent and sits stubbornly still - charging her batteries while the world waits. Daisy isn’t unusual. Many pets are quirky like this, and that’s exactly what makes house and pet-sitting such fun. You don’t just care for homes - you get front-row seats to the hilarious routines of the animals who
Photo credit – Dave Brown
Dog-sitters soon learn that Daisy worships the sun
Daisy conducting her daily solar recharge at the beach.
live there, all while discovering new locations along the way. Could you care for a dog like Daisy? HouseSitMatch: Humans help pets thrive This is where HouseSitMatch comes in - quietly effective, with a big impact. Homeowners find trusted sitters to secure their homes, water plants, and provide five-star care for pets. Sitters, in return, enjoy free accommodation and daily pet entertainment. Everyone wins. NO money changes hands; pets are pampered; property protected. Travelling in 2026? Join now:
1. Visit HouseSitMatch.com and register as a homeowner or sitter 2. Join for just £89 / €99 per year (approx.) 3. Create your profile and upload photos 4. Sitters apply, you chat via video - and bam - matchmaking success Reader Discount: Enjoy 20 per cent OFF your first year with code 20EUROWEEKLY The Fair Exchange: Homes, pets and happy hearts If you fancy a house-sitting adventure - or need trusted sitters of your own - visit HouseSitMatch.com and join our growing community of pet lovers. Rated on Trustpilot: 4.8 / 5 - Excellent “I can highly recommend House sitmatch.com as a very trustworthy house-sitter site. I have had some lovely people come and stay at my house and look after my cats from as far away as Canada. They are always checked.” - Client, 9 May 2025 Register online at HouseSit Match.com
Lamia Walker - Founder. Get in touch: +44 (0)7772 142742
Xmas playlist on paws I START listening to my Christmas playlist the moment the clock strikes midnight on December 1. By that point in the year, I need the pick me up only the jolly melody of ‘Jingle Bells’ can bring. While I was having a grand ole time, turns out I was turning my dogs into certified Scrooges. Studies suggest dogs relax best to slow, simple music made up of no more than 50 to 60 beats per minute. The high-tempo Christmas classics we all love this time of the year don’t really fit the bill. Dogs want less ‘Step into Christmas’, more ‘step outside and leave me alone’. Topping the list for stress-inducing songs is Wham!’s Last Christmas, with 206 BPM.
Credit: shutterstock, Masarik
Swap the Christmas bobs for Christmas carols.
Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens’ comes in a close second with 203 BPM: Even Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas drives your dog mad with 180 BPM. All absolute classics for humans, but a panic attack waiting to happen for your four-legged friends. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to ditch the December playlist completely. There are some Christmas classics you can still listen to guilt free, without fear you’re driving your dog up the wall. Favourites like Frosty the snowman and Here Comes Santa Clause have relatively low tempos, making for the perfect seasonal soundtrack.
FACT
Right or left-pawed!
LIKE humans with hands, most dogs have a dominant paw! To figure out which one it is, you can conduct a simple experiment… Watch a dog moving from standing still to walking forwards. Do they start walking with their left leg, or their right? Watch several times, noting down the starting leg each time, and see if there’s a pattern. Many dogs will often lead with the same leg - their dominant one!
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MOTORING
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SPAIN will introduce a national helpline for people affected by road accidents, offering support long after emergency services have left the scene. From early 2026, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) will launch a freephone number, 018, dedicated to road traffic victims and their families. Until now, victims have had to rely on the general government helpline 060, which covers a wide range of issues and is not tailored to the emotional and legal challenges following serious collisions. The new line will provide a single, confidential point of contact focused exclusively on the aftermath of road accidents. It will be available to those injured or killed in crashes and their relatives, and indirect victims seeking information or support. Calls will be free, confidential and
Credit : Bilanol, Shutterstock
s New helpline launch Breath test campaign Gibraltar’ MOT
Spain launches 018 helpline to support road accident victims.
will not appear on phone bills. The helpline is expected to operate daily from 8am to 9pm, extending access beyond normal office hours. The DGT says the service will offer guidance on administrative procedures, victims’ rights, compensation and access to psychological, social and legal support. It is not a replacement for emergency services, but a resource during the
difficult period that follows. Run by Servicios de Teleasistencia under a €579,590 contract to September 2027, the line will prohibit commercial activity and include options for people with hearing or speech impairments. The helpline forms part of Spain’s Road Safety Strategy 2030, aiming to halve road deaths and serious injuries compared with 2019.
SPAIN’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has launched a major crackdown on dangerous driving for the festive season. The intensified control campaign, run in partnership with the Guardia Civil, began on Monday, December 15, targeting drunk and drugged drivers during the Christmas party period. Traffic experts warn that increased fatigue, congestion, speeding, and high alcohol consumption make roads significantly more perilous this month. DGT data from 2024 revealed that nearly half of all drivers killed in Spanish road accidents had consumed either alcohol or illegal drugs. Drivers must be aware of the low legal limits. For general licence holders, the maximum legal threshold is 0.25
mg/l in breath (or 0.5 g/l in blood). This means that for an average man, roughly one standard bottle of beer consumed with a meal can put them near the limit. Novice and professional drivers face even stricter rules. The DGT also cautions against driving the morning after a party, as alcohol elimination slows significantly during sleep. Penalties are severe. Fines for excessive speeding range from €100 to €600, depending on the severity of the offence. Penalties for improper parking, common during the Christmas rush, cost drivers between €80 and €200. For a safe and fine-free holiday, authorities urge all motorists to plan journeys in advance, adhere to limits, and, crucially, never drive after consuming alcohol.
surprise
GIBRALTAR authorities have identified around 16,000 vehicles without valid ITV/MOT-style certificates, prompting an enforcement drive to improve road safety and reduce congestion. The vehicles include cars and motorcycles, raising concerns over mechanical safety, insurance compliance, and abandoned vehicles in the territory’s limited urban space. Officials stress that inspections are legal requirements, not formalities, and unroadworthy vehicles can compromise safety and insurance coverage. Sanctions include fines, immobilisation, and removal of non-compliant vehicles, focusing on those on public roads rather than off-road storage. The campaign affects Spain-based residents who own Gibraltar-registered vehicles and cross-border commuters, who must ensure inspections are current before entering Gibraltar. Authorities clarify that no new laws have been introduced; the initiative reflects stricter enforcement of existing regulations to enhance safety, environmental standards, and efficient use of space. Drivers are advised to regularise documents promptly to avoid penalties. The move is a proactive approach to road management, signalling that compliance will be actively monitored. Vehicles kept or driven on public roads without valid certification may face escalating enforcement, while authorities continue removing unsafe or abandoned cars, aiming to maintain safety standards and address congestion concerns effectively.
MOTORING
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Audi Q5 SUV - practical, comfortable and very efficient ROAD TEST By Mark Slack THERE are some cars, when they’re due on my driveway, that herald a certain expectation, driveability, comfort and premium style. Audi is one such brand and in their latest Q5 there’s much to like but does it meet those expectations? Q5 comes in SUV and Sportback along with similarly named models but with e-hybrid plug-in power and there’s the SQ5 performance version. Prices start from €60,483/£53,101 for the leadin SUV model with mild-hybrid power whether you choose the 2.0-litre petrol or diesel. My test car was the €71,826/£63,060 Launch Edition powered by the 204PS 2.0-litre TDI engine and comes as standard with adaptive air suspension (usually a €1964/£1725 option), matrix LED headlights, adaptive
cruise control, head up display, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, power seats, auto dimming rear view mirrors, wireless phone charging, heated, powered and folding door mirrors, keyless entry and start and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. The interior is the usual efficient Audi affair with an impressive curved OLED display screen but sadly lacking in bu-
ttons! However, it’s a system that works well and as ever with such things familiarity makes life easier. With quattro all-wheel-drive along with other drive modes, a seven-speed automatic gearbox and a torquey 204PS diesels engine with 48-volt mild hybrid power unit the Q5 is a refined and smooth performer. With the benchmark 100kph/62mph passed in a whisker under 7.5 seconds,
and 5.3l per 100km/44mpg in combined driving it’s also an efficient performer too. The ride quality is excellent, no mean feat given the state of the roads here in the UK, and thanks to extremely comfortable sports seats long journeys are completed in a very relaxing environment. Passengers are treated to plenty of legroom both front and rear, there’s admirable amounts of space for luggage, not always a given for an SUV, and unlike the Sportback the SUV has a less streamlined roofline to provide a more versatile and practical load area. Does the Q5 meet those expectations mentioned at the start of this piece? In many respects it certainly does, the way it drives is pure premium, likewise the technology, but the interior is rather plain and ordinary, not helped by the overly dark tones of black and grey from the headlining to the seats, door cards and dash-
Facts at a Glance Model: Audi Q5 Launch Edition Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel with 48volt mild hybrid assistance Gears: 7-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive Price: €71,826/£63,060 Performance: 0 – 100kph/62 mph 7.4 seconds Economy: 5.3l per 100km/44mpg Emissions: 167 g/km Co2 Euro 6e Model tested was UKspecification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets board. It just doesn’t feel special enough, as an Audi should feel. Subjective comments apart for those who like the dark then the Q5 is a practical, comfortable and very efficient choice.
SPORT
56 25 - 31 December 2025
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TORREVIEJA Town Hall has strengthened its support for federated sport and elite competition with a €400,000 funding package allocated during 2025. The investment is aimed at local sports clubs and individual athletes, reinforcing the city’s commitment to organised sport and competitive development. The funding has been designed to help athletes from Torrevieja take part in official competitions at regional, national and international level. By doing so, the council seeks to boost sporting standards across the municipality while giving visibility to the depth of talent across many disciplines. A total of 30 sports clubs have benefited from the grants. They include Balonmano Mare Nostrum, Torrevieja Club de Fútbol,
THE annual Carrera Popular de Reyes returns to San Fulgencio for its 10th anniversary on Sunday, January 4. This sporting tradition gathers residents and visitors in the town centre to kick off the new year with physical activity. Starting at 10.00am from the Plaza Constitución, the event features a 5km run and a 5km Nordic walking category. Both routes begin and end at the main square, providing an accessible distance for seasoned runners and casual walkers alike. Younger participants can join the children’s races, with registration managed separately on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning before the main start. The entry fee for the adult categories is €8, plus small administrative and banking fees. Those wishing to compete must sign up
Tavi and Carmona Sports Palace in Torrevieja. Club de Hockey Halcones, Real Club Náutico Torrevieja, Club Atletismo Torrevieja, Club de Remo Torrevieja, Club Natación Torrevieja, Gimnasia Rítmica Torrevieja, Judo Club Nozomi and Club Ciclista Torrevieja, among many others. The subsidies have helped clubs meet key costs linked to federated competition, such as registration fees, travel expenses, sports kit and
specialist equipment. This financial backing ensures athletes can train and compete under proper conditions. The Sports Department, led by councillor Diana Box Alonso, has confirmed that the council intends to continue and strengthen this funding programme in coming years, recognising sport as an essential pillar of health, social cohesion and community life in Torrevieja.
Credit: Carrera de Reyes de San Fulgen cio / Facebook
San Fulgencio’s Three Kings Run Credit: Marco Gallo / Shutterstock
Torrevieja backs sport
Participants are welcome to wear costumes. through www.chiplevante.com. The local town hall organises the morning, ensuring all logistical needs are met for the hundreds of expected entrants. With the Three Kings holiday approaching just days later, the event maintains a festive spirit. It serves as a key date in the local calendar, encouraging a healthy start to 2026 within the community. Whether you aim for a personal best or a brisk stroll with friends, the morning promises a focused, active environment for all involved.