Costa Blanca South 26 February – 4 March 2026 Issue 2121

Charity challenge

Ultrahélike endurance race returns to Elche

ELCHE has just hosted the second edition of the Ultrahélike, one of the biggest and most challenging long-distance races of the municipality’s sporting calendar.

The much-anticipated event not only brought together 2,000 participants across its two distances, it also had a strong charitable aspect which saw €5,000 donated to a charity that promotes education for minors in the municipality.

The 100-kilometre race took off from Plaza de Baix at 8.00am, whereas the 50-kilometre race took off at 10.00am. The finish line was located on Paseo de la Estación. Participants had 24 hours to complete the 100-kilometre race and 12 hours for the shorter distance.

The race boasted strong participation; in the 100-kilometre race, 80 per cent of those registered were men and 20 per cent were women, while in the 50-kilometre race, female participation reached 38 per cent, whereas 62 per cent of participants were men.

According to organisers,

the 50-kilometre race tickets sold out in just a few minutes and 1,500 of the 100-kilometre tickets sold in just over a month and a half.

In addition to the thousands of athletes that took part, more than 400 volun-

teers worked to make the event possible. Fifty members of the Local Police force were also active at the event, making sure the participants and their crowds of supporters stayed safe as the race kicked off.

The race was able to allocate €5,000 to the promotion project of the Fundación Secretariado Gitano de Elche, which promotes the continuity of education for minors and works to prevent school absenteeism.

Fast-acting firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS from the Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium have had their hands full lately: from clearing debris due to intense winds to rescuing a horse caught in a well, the region has had its fair share of mishaps in recent weeks.

Fire ghters were called once more on the afternoon of Sunday, February 15 when a climber in his 60s fell ve metres in Redovan, located in the Orihuela municipality.

The climber’s impact caused him severe back pain, though the man’s helmet prevented him from receiving a more serious blow, according to emergency responders.

Fire ghters were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they were able to reach the injured man and stabilise him. They administered pain medication on the spot and also carried out ini-

tial treatment. The man was immobilised and later evacuated to an accessible location, where he was taken to the Orihuela Hospital for further treatment and a more thorough medical evaluation by an ambulance.

The operation took place between 2.11pm and 4.55pm.

Fire ghters stressed the importance of wearing a

helmet while doing strenuous physical activity like climbing; the man’s helmet, in this case, proved essential in preventing more serious injuries. Thanks to that forethought and the quick action of the Alicante Provincial Fire ghter Consortium, the man was not in critical condition. The rst responders wished the climber a quick recovery.

Purple programme

IN honour of International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8, the Pilar de la Horadada Department of Equality has prepared a commemorative programme with a wide variety of activities aimed at all audiences that will take place throughout the month. The agenda aims to promote awareness, education in values and the recognition of the fundamental role of women in society, all through an interactive schedule that allows any resident to participate.

The agenda includes storytelling for preschool and primary school students, gender-focused workshops, theatre performances, workshops revolving around self-care, cultural activities, nature-based experiences and creative proposals like poetry works-

hops. All activities are free of charge and open to all Pilar de la Horadada residents, but some will require prior registration due to limited spaces.

Some of the most anticipated events in the calendar include the ‘Cartagena City Creative Association’ exhibition, which will include a set by local DJ Radha Muss, taking place on Friday, March 6; and the ‘El Legado’ theatre performance with Laura Carvajal, carried out by the theatre company El Telón Negro at the Civic Centre on Friday, March 20.

The Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall is encouraging all local residents and visitors to participate in the programme and re ect, share, and continue moving towards a more equal and discrimination-free society.

Benefits beyond retirement

SAFETY NET EXPLAINED

FOR many workers in Spain, the transition from the workforce to retirement is rarely a straight line. The Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE) has clarified a critical safety net for those approaching the traditional retirement age: unemployed individuals can continue receiving benefits (paro) after age 65, provided they meet specific legal criteria.

The continuation of payments is not a universal right but a measure designed for those caught in a bureaucratic limbo. Under Spanish social security rules, unemployment benefits typically cease the moment a contributory retirement pension begins. However, if an individual reaches retirement age but lacks the necessary years of contributions to qualify for a pen-

sion, SEPE can maintain their payments ‘oficio’.

To maintain these payments, the burden of proof lies with the citizen. Recipients must obtain an official certificate from the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) confirming they are ineligible for a retirement pension. Without this document, SEPE may automatically close the file, assuming the individual has transitioned to pension status.

Even after age 65, the rules of the game remains the same. Beneficiaries must remain registered as job seekers and stay within the established income limits. For those on the subsidy for over-52s, proactive planning is essential to avoid administrative gaps.

RISING CONTRIBUTIONS AHEAD

SPAIN’S pension reform is hitting high earners harder in 2026, with new Social Security figures showing a sharp rise in contributions from top salaries. Revenue from the highest earners is set to jump 42 per cent in a year, as key measures from the 2023 reform take full effect.

Most workers will see only modest increases, but those earning above the maximum contribution base will again bear a disproportionate share of the cost.

Two mechanisms are driving the

rise. The first, the solidarity contribution, applies only to salaries exceeding the maximum base, rising to just over €5,100 per month in 2026. As this ceiling increases, so does the revenue, projected at around €567 million next year, up 42 per cent on 2025.

The second, the intergenerational equity mechanism (MEI), is designed to build a buffer for future pension costs. In 2026, it is expected to raise €5.3 billion, nearly double its first-year intake and 20 per cent more than 2025.

Combined, the two measures will generate about €5.9 billion, one of Social Security’s fastest-growing revenue sources.

Higher contributions do not increase individual pensions. MEI funds feed the pension reserve, unavailable until 2033, while the solidarity contribution supports the system’s redistributive character. Employment growth remains the main driver of Social Security income, with total contributions forecast at €189.8 billion in 2026.

Spain’s tax simulator

Plan ahead now

SPAIN’S 2025 income tax simulator is now live, allowing residents to estimate whether they will owe tax or receive a refund before the official campaign opens on April 8. Provided by the Agencia Tributaria, the tool covers income earned in 2025, with the filing deadline set for June 30.

Called Renta Web Open, the simulator is not the official submission platform. Users manually enter financial details to generate a preview of their likely tax outcome, showing whether they are due a refund, expected to pay Hacienda, required to file a return, or whether joint filing could reduce their bill.

A key advantage is accessibility. Unlike the full filing system, the simulator does not require Cl@ve or a digital certificate. It can be accessed via the Agencia Tributaria website under ‘Simuladores’, with users entering employment income, bank interest, investment returns, self-employment earnings and deductions. The system produces a PDF preview similar to the official draft return.

A negative amount indicates a refund, while a positive figure shows tax payable. Using the simulator early helps taxpayers avoid surprises and provides time to review deductions or consider joint filing options. While it does not automatically access official tax data, it offers a useful snapshot for planning ahead of Spain’s 2025 income tax campaign.

Top earners hit euroweeklynews.com

Pedalling purpose

THE Elche Town Council has brought back its ‘Cycling Without Age’ programme, which provides free rides through the town for elderly people and those who have reduced mobility. The initiative, which seeks to promote inclusion and leisure for the older population, encourages residents to volunteer by driving people around using tricycles and accompanying them through the tour.

The project is instrumental in allowing elderly people, disabled people and people with reduced mobility to enjoy leisurely rides around different points of interest in Elche that they otherwi-

se may not get to enjoy. The programme also allows them to share meaningful conversations with each other and with the volunteers along the way. In this way, ‘Cycling Without Age’ is not just a practical method of helping the elderly and disa-

sales@euroweeklynews.com info@euroweeklynews.com editorial@euroweeklynews.com distribution@euroweeklynews.com

bled get to their destinations; it also strengthens community bonds, combats loneliness and generates social and emotional benefits.

‘Cycling Without Age’ is part of a larger project promoting road safety education and sustainable mobility, carried out by the Pedro Tenza Road Safety Education School. It is also linked to an international movement of the same name, created to promote active ageing and strengthen intergenerational relationships and community bonds through these idyllic and enjoyable bicycle rides through one of Alicante’s most emblematic municipalities.

Charitable culture

AN artistic and charitable event has recently charmed the municipality of Almoradi, in a stunning show performed at the Teatro Cortés that brought a dramatic twist to the evening of Saturday, February 21. ‘Celler Román’, a family drama performed by Dafó Theatrum, was a booming success that shook audiences in Almoradi. Not only this, the proceeds from its ticket sales went directly to the Alicante Against Cancer Association, letting local theatre lovers make a difference while enjoying an enthralling play.

The play centres around a winemaking family marked by a devastating event that unleashes a spiral of anger, revenge, and rivalry in the unique and atmospheric setting of the winery. Directed by Aitor Juan, the play presents a world of dark and intense family secrets in an emotionally explosive plot that moved and captivated the audience.

The Alicante Against Cancer Association, known in Spanish as the Aso -

ciación Alicante para la Lucha Contra el Cáncer, is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to ‘improve the quality of life of people with cancer and their families’.

The Association works to expand teams and local centres across Alicante, providing a personalised and sensitive service to many towns and municipalities across the region. This ensures that no family battling cancer goes without representation and help.

ALICANTE will celebrate its fourth edition of the Prosolia Women’s Race on Sunday, March 8, or International Women’s Day. The race, which will traverse a 4.5-kilometre route, will see participation from women across the province, and the proceeds from the registrations will go towards a

provincial charity in benefit of those affected by breast cancer.

The Prosolia Women’s Race has ‘the aim of supporting, raising awareness of, and championing the role of women in all areas of our society’, according to the event’s official website.

The race will kick off on Sunday at 9.30 in the morning, starting and finishing from the Sergio Melgares Park, an idyllic location in the city of Alicante and passing through the San Juan Beach area.

There will be an open registration for partici-

Purposeful pacing Artichoke affair

IN March, the Costa Blanca town of Almoradi will celebrate a new edition of the Restaurant Association’s Gastronomic Show, fresh off the heels of the 11th National Artichoke Congress of Almoradi. The Gastronomic Show, which will take place from March 9 to March 13, is expected to attract many locals and visitors through its special and appealing menus that place the artichoke from the Vega Baja region at the centre of their dishes.

During the Gastronomic Show, five family-run restaurants in Almoradi - Silvino, Angelín, Los Infantes, El Buey and El Cruce - will participate and offer a different menu each day, with the artichoke starring as the main vegetable in the dishes.

pants to go at any pace, whether running or walking, and there will also

Some of the dishes that will feature during the show will include Silvino’s artichokes

be individual and group participation formats. Pairs including two sisters, mother and daughter, civil partners or married partners, and grandmother, mother, and granddaughter trios will be eligible to participate in the race.

The proceeds from the registration fees will go towards the Provincial Association of Alicante of Women with Breast Cancer, an organisation that focuses on providing resources, workshops, and support for those affected by breast cancer, who are disproportionately women.

with pickled bonito; Angelín’s dishes combining artichokes with prawns, oxtail, clams or cod; Los Infantes’ grilled meats with artichoke sauce and French toast; El Buey’s truffled artichoke pâté; and El Cruce with its artichokes in foie gras cream, among many other delectable offerings.

The Restaurant Association’s Gastronomic Show, due to its popularity (and the deliciousness of the meals offered), is one of the busiest weeks on Almoradi’s local calendar. Reservations are often made up to a year in advance, and due to high demand, restaurants often keep menus available through the rest of the week.

Jaguars celebrate St Valentine’s

A GROUP of members of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club Costa Blanca celebrated St Valentine’s night at the hotel La Laguna on Saturday February 14.

Their Bota nical room had been trimmed with a roman tic theme of red hearts creating a lovely atmosphere and the low lighting added to the romantic effect which they had created.

Mike, the club’s president, gave each lady a beautiful boxed red rose, a very much appreciated touch to the start of the evening, while enjoying a pre-dinner drink in the hotel’s bar.

Once seated in the dining area, a superb special Valentine’s menu was served, with the romantic melody of a

Each lady received a red rose.

live saxophone, which was played by a talented young man throughout the meal.

Some couples stayed the night taking advantage of the newly revamped hotel rooms, and the buffet breakfast, an assortment of many hot and cold choices. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

The spring tour 2026 is to Albecete on Tuesday

May 19, a five-day, fournight event .

June 15 is the celebration of Royal Ascot Ladies Day, which is always an event that is looked forward to, when the ladies who attend dress up in their finery.

If you own a Jaguar and have interest in the club, contact Michael Brook (president) on +34 640 866 711 (Whatsapp) or email mikebikejec@ gmail.com.

Classic cars return

IFA - FIRA ALACANT will host Antic Auto Alicante 2026, the International Exhibition of Automobiles, Motorcycles, and Classic & Vintage Spare Parts, on March 7-8. The event is held in collaboration with the Excma. Diputación de Alicante.

Opening hours are 10.00am to 8.30pm on Saturday, and 10.00am to 7.00pm on Sunday. Attendees can see vehicles owned by private collectors, explore extensive model and toy collections, and browse a dedicated area for collectible spare parts. Several high-quality classic vehicles from across Spain will also be on display.

The programme includes club gatherings from all over the country and presentations of exceptional motorcycle and truck collections.

Owners of classic or unique vehicles can park in a reserved outdoor area and enter the exhibition at a reduced rate of €5 per person, including parking. Tickets must be obtained from an attendant on arrival and redeemed at the entrance. Sales of vehicles are allowed in

Credit: Fira Alacant

this designated zone.

Admission for general visitors is €12, with online advance tickets available for €8. Discounts apply for pensioners, disabled visitors, large or single-parent families, and holders of a Carné Jove (€10). Children under 12 accompanied by an adult enter free.

ANTIC AUTO ALICANTE brings together enthusiasts, collectors, and clubs to celebrate vehicles of every era, offering a weekend of exhibitions and activities for all ages.

Active ageing

THE Santa Pola Museum of the Sea has joined the programme of Senior Cultural Volunteers, a collaboration that will place senior volunteers at the forefront of the museum’s guided visits. The programme, created in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Spanish Confederation of Third Age Classrooms, or CEATE, aims to promote active and healthy ageing in the municipality and beyond.

Through the programme, senior volunteers will provide escorted visits through Santa Pola’s famed Museum of the Sea, located in the Castle-Fortress and which houses many artefacts and pieces that emphasise Santa Pola’s maritime heritage, including an aquarium. The museum is a

popular attraction for visitors to the char ming and idyllic Costa Blanca hub.

CEATE, created in 1983 and based in Madrid, brings together associations, or ganisations and foundations that work to support elderly people through culture, opportunities to learn and activities. The programme will also bring seniors closer to museums as a way to promote active ageing. CEATE works on a national level to bring together groups dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people.

The Santa Pola Museum of the Sea will train the eager volunteers on the different exhibitions in the museum, as well as provide them with all the tools they need to perform the guided tours.

FIREFIGHTERS were called early Monday morning on February 23, responding to a report of a home on fire in Pilar de la Horadada at Calle Maestro Marques. Their response was quick, with emergency service officers arriving on the scene shortly after the 1.01am call was received.

Flames in Pilar

Once on the scene, offi cers found the fire to be contained to a seemin gly uninhabited house. The flames were intense, which created a concern that they would soon spread to neighbouring properties.

In coordination with the Civil Protection of Pilar de la Horadada and the Guardia Civil, nearby homes were evacuated, minimising the risk of human life.

Meanwhile, the Fire

than six hours after the initial 112 emergency call was received.

Thanks to the speedy and effective actions of the emergency services, no injuries were repor ted and damages remai ned minimal.

No cause for what star ted the fire has yet been determined, however emergency services con tinue to investigate the

Palm heritage

ORIHUELA has just unveiled its new ‘Ex perience the Palm Grove’ programme.

The year‑long series of events is designed to encourage peo ple to explore and appreciate the Pal meral de San Antón, a stunning palm gro ve and cultural landscape that is officially protected as a heritage sight.

The initiative will run over an initial two‑year pe riod. It aims to bring residents, visitors, schools, community groups and associations closer to the gro ve’s rich heritage, from its ecological importance to its ethnobotanical traditions.

Activities are expected to take place on the last Sa turday of each month between 10.00am and 2.00pm, combining guided walks, workshops, talks and prac tical demonstrations. Themes range widely, covering biodiversity and botany to sustainable mobility, bird watching and traditional gastronomy, with sessions tailored for all age groups.

The first event, titled ‘Traditional Flavors: The Elixir of the Palm’, is scheduled for February 28 and will explore date‑related culinary traditions through walks, demonstrations and a hands‑on workshop.

In addition to the monthly programme, the Inter pretation Centre will remain open year‑round for group visits, offering an experiential way to learn about this exceptional landscape.

Lagoon landmark

ALICANTE is working on plans for the largest park in the region, which will be developed within the area of Lagunas de Rabasa and will span an impressive 152.3 hectares, larger than the sum of all current urban parks in the city of Alicante. The massive project includes the conservation and improvement of the lagoons in the area and their natural surroundings, and also includes the creation of hiking trails, viewpoints, rest areas and environmental facilities.

The draft for the park plans is still in processing, and it is the most relevant urban planning document for Alicante in recent years. The plan requires careful and diligent planning for the social and economic development of the municipality, as well as

the planning of infrastructure, facilities and open spaces for the next two decades. The park, once completed, will act as a natural link between the urban centre of Alicante and the surrounding countryside, creating a hub that connects neighbourhoods and other green spaces in the municipality.

The project will contemplate restoration and conservation of lagoons, including the indigenous species of the area. It will also encourage educational and recreational use by the citizens and visitors in Alicante; enhance the value of heritage and ethnological elements linked to the area; and consolidate the Rabasa Lagoons Park as a great landscape and natural landmark for Alicante.

Coastal conservation

THE marine surveillance team in the Vega Baja region has won the Environment Award at the eighth edition of the Radio Orihuela Awards, for their imperative work in the protection of flowering plants in the area.

The team, which consists of eight teams deployed along the Valencian coastline, provides essential information about the plants in the region and helps to highlight the necessary steps to conserve and protect them, thus helping the ecosystem.

The work of the marine surveillance team, which is based in the Cabo Roig Marine Site of Community Importance, extends up to three nautical miles from the coast and is especially active during peak boating hours, weekends and holidays.

One of the campaigns that helped the team earn their award involved the

monitoring of seagrass meadows. The team carried out an outreach to anchored vessels to avoid anchoring over these seagrass meadows, an underwater ecosystem formed by flowering marine plants. Thanks to these widespread efforts, a 33 per cent reduction in vessels anchored over ecologically sensitive areas was achieved, and the health of the seagrass meadows and the animals that call them home was improved. The team also worked with lifeguard services and Local Police, assisted boats in distress, and helped to remove illegal fishing gear and floating debris along the coastline.

Popular performance

‘MAMMA MIA!’ has now become the most-watched musical in the history of the Teatro Principal of Alicante after completing 40 shows and selling some 26,000 tickets. The Alicante City Council has described the programme as a ‘box office success’, after just one month of performances, from January 22 to February 22.

This is not the musical’s first time making its rounds in Alicante; the musical has actually broken records with its various productions in the city for the previous three times it has been in circulation. Last year, the musical surpassed €3 million in box office revenue for the first time, and broke an audience record with 108,017 spectators.

The ‘Mamma Mia!’ soundtrack, consisting of 23 of some of ABBA’s

greatest hits, has greatly contributed to the popularity of the musical, with audiences singing and clapping along to the Swedish pop group’s uber-famous songs.

The Teatro Principal of Alicante is scheduled to host dozens of different performances until June of this year, with

high-level artistic shows, with impeccable quality, acting and direction, that tour on a national level. The popular venue is host to theatre performances, music and shows for all audiences, with proposals ranging from classic adult plays to charming children’s performances.

Savoury sustainability

THE long-awaited 16th edition of the Hurchillo Gastronomic Days event was announced by the Orihuela Town Council, and will be taking place in March; some 200 attendees will all gather under the motto ‘See, hear and taste’ in an event dedicated to sustainable food and environmental awareness, including educational activities and tastings focused on promoting responsible consumption habits.

The event, which will be held on Saturday, March 7 at the Hurchillo School from 10.00am to 2.00pm, will bring together students, teachers and organisations in Orihuela to learn about organic production and how the production of food affects the environment.

The 16th Hurchillo Gastronomic Days event will also be held in honour of Ramón

López Cabrera, the former councillor for the Departments of Education, Beaches and Citizen Security in Orihuela, who passed in 2021. The event will feature special guest Jorge Casanova, the winner of the 2026 Murcia Young Chefs Special Award.

A food workshop focused on organic products will also be held, and according to organisers, the experience will be sensory, with a focus on all five senses to educate children and adults about nutritional value and high-quality food and ingredients.

Finally, the end of the day will bring a special treat: a tapa consisting of artichoke purée, caramelised garlic, tempura artichoke and onion in a proposal created to highlight local products and culinary innovation.

Musical milestone

A TALENTED group of passionate musicians from Orihuela will take centre stage in one of the Costa Blanca’s main international events, the presentation of the Óscar Esplá International Award, taking place in November of this year. The Orihuela Town Philharmonic Orchestra has been chosen to represent not only the coastal municipality of Orihuela, but the whole of the Costa Blanca in an event expected to attract composers from all over the Vega Baja and beyond.

The event is the first edition of its kind, an international music composition competition organised by the La Mácula del Tiempo Cultural Foundation in collaboration with the Óscar Esplá Higher Conservatory of Music of Alicante. The award aims to promo-

te contemporary music composition and inspire international recognition for musical greatness right at home in the region of Alicante.

The competition has opened its submission period, which will run until June 30. Works written for solo piano and string orchestras will be awarded, with a first prize of €6,000 and a runner-up prize of €1,500. The works will be judged on various criteria, including innovation and the dialogue between tradition and new sonic languages.

The awards ceremony, as well as the Orihuela Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance, will take place on November 13, in the Chamber Hall of the Alicante Provincial Council Auditorium.

Swift’s botanical impact

TAYLOR SWIFT’S impact can be felt worldwide. Her influence stretches from music and pop-culture to international economies. It seems her influence is so enormous that professors at La Miguel Hernandez University of Elche are using the pop-star to help teach their students Botany. At the beginning of each session, students were presented with a questionnaire to help determine their base knowledge of the subject. A portion of this test presen-

ted Taylor Swift’s music videos as a study tool to represent large plant groups and ecological adaptations.

The moss covered setting of Cardigan (2020), Out of the Woods (2015) depiction of the temperate forest and Wildest Dreams savanna backdrop all helped students visualise their study materials.

This project helps to combat a phenomenon known as ‘botanical blindness’. It can be hard to imagine certain plants in every-

day settings without seeing them in real life. The music videos help to fight that disconnect, allowing students a closer look at the environments they’re studying. According to data, students responded well to this method, blending popular music with their botanical studies. More than 86 per cent of the students correctly identified plant groups, fruits, vegetation and different biomes represented from the music video’s landscapes.

Airlines reject fee hike

MAJOR carriers and industry bodies have launched a fierce counter-offensive against plans to increase airport charges in Spain, warning that the move will inevitably drive up passenger airfares.

Spain’s airport operator, AENA, has proposed an average annual tariff increase of €0.43 per passenger between 2027 and 2031. This 3.8 per cent yearly rise is intended to fund a €13 billion investment in capacity and sustainability. However, the national airline association, ALA, has dismissed the proposal as ‘unjustified’, arguing instead for a 4.9 per cent annual reduction in fees.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) joined the condemnation on Thursday, February 19. IATA’s Rafael Schvartzman accused AENA of “gaming the re-

gulatory system,” claiming the operator has extracted nearly €400 million in overpayments from airlines and passengers in 2024 alone. Industry experts argue that AENA has consistently underestimated traffic growth to secure excessive regulated returns.

In a sharp contrast to the wider industry gloom, budget giant Ryanair has upgraded its own outlook. On Friday, February 20, the carrier forecasted fare increases of up to 9 per cent for the 2025-26 season, citing robust demand and a surge in passenger numbers toward 208 million.

While AENA maintains that its fees remain competitive, airlines warn that any further hikes will stifle economic growth and reduce Spain’s appeal as one of the best travel destinations.

Second-hand takes the lead

A NEW survey from the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU) shows that three out of four Spaniards aged 18-64 purchased at least one second-hand item over the past year, marking a significant shift in consumer behaviour. On average, participants spent €167 annually on pre-owned goods, reflecting both economic and cultural influences. Savings remain a key motivation, with buyers paying roughly 21 per cent less than original prices, often using online platforms like Vinted and Wallapop to negotiate with private sellers.

In-person collection was common, particularly for smaller items, reducing delivery costs. Popular purchases included clothing, footwear, and accessories (49 per cent), books, films, and music (46 per cent), and furniture or home décor (44 per cent), with toys and sports equipment also featuring prominently.

Sellers also benefited, with 41 per cent having sold items in the last year, averaging €137 in earnings. Consumer rights and transparency were highlighted, with the OCU calling for clearer product descriptions, better dispute resolution, and improved warranties. While Spain’s market is informal and largely peerto-peer, participation rates are high. Comparisons with the UK reveal higher spending and more frequent purchases there, indicating Spain’s second-hand sector is still emerging.

Economists and consumer experts note that the trend promotes affordability, sustainability, and mainstream adoption of reuse, suggesting second-hand commerce is transitioning from niche to a regular component of household consumption, with broader implications for online marketplaces, economic savings, and environmental impact.

- Advanced orthopaedic care without the long wait

FOR UK expats, accessing orthopaedic care can be complex. Long waiting times, limited access to specialists, age-related prioritisation, and additional costs for rehabilitation or follow-up care often lead patients to delay treatment.

Nordorthopaedics is a leading orthopaedic clinic in Lithuania, trusted by thousands of international patients - particularly from the UK - who seek high-quality treatment without prolonged waiting times. The clinic specialises in hip and knee replacement surgery, joint arthroscopy, and sports injury treatment. Its medical team includes one of the most experienced orthopaedic surgeons in Europe, Prof. Sarunas Tarasevicius, who has performed 7,000+ joint replacement procedures during over 20 years of clinical practice.

Nordorthopaedics is the only clinic in the Baltic states to offer robotic-assisted knee replacement using the ROSA® system. This technology enables precise implant positioning and personalised sur-

gical planning, supporting improved joint function and potentially faster recovery.

Patient experiences reflect these outcomes. As Jonathan Edward Page, a UK expat living in Spain, who underwent hip replacement surgery, explains:

“In Spain, I was told I would need an older surgical approach at a much higher

cost. At Nordorthopaedics, I received minimally invasive surgery, excellent aftercare, and a rapid recovery - I was out of crutches by day five. The skill of the team exceeded my expectations.”

Patient safety is central to the clinic’s approach. Rehabilitation begins shortly after surgery during their stay in Lithua-

nia. Each patient receives an individual programme designed by Prof. Laimonas Siupsinskas, an experienced physiotherapist who also works with the Lithuanian Men’s National Basketball Team, helping patients regain strength and confidence before returning home.

Recognising that travelling abroad for surgery can feel overwhelming, Nordorthopaedics provides international patient support from the first enquiry through to return home, including medical coordination, travel arrangements, transportation, and accommodation. English-speaking staff ensure clear communication at every stage.

Nordorthopaedics welcomes patients from the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Canada, the USA, and beyond, many through personal recommendations.

For patients seeking expert orthopaedic treatment, shorter waiting times, and excellent value, Nordorthopaedics offers a dependable path back to mobility.

F1 returns to Madrid

FORMULA 1 is set to return to Madrid for the rst time since 1981, with organisers con rming strong early demand for the Spanish Grand Prix scheduled for September this year. Around 80,000 tickets have already been sold, signalling signicant interest in the event, which will take place on a new urban-style circuit known as Madring near the IFEMA exhibition centre and Valdebebas.

Construction of the temporary circuit is currently underway, with organisers stating that works remain on schedule and are expected to be completed by the end of May. This timeline allows for homologation and safety checks required before the race weekend. The circuit will combine existing roads with purpose-built sections, avoiding the need for a permanent

racetrack outside the city.

The Madrid Grand Prix will be held from September 11-13 and will initially coexist with the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix under a long-term agreement. Ticket prices have been released across multiple categories, ranging from general admission passes starting at around €195 to premium hospitality packages exceeding €5,000.

Madrid last hosted Formula 1 at the Jarama circuit in 1981, making the sport’s return after more than four decades a signi cant moment for Spanish motorsport. Organisers expect the event to attract large numbers of international visitors and deliver economic bene ts through tourism, hospitality and global media exposure.

Heineken makes history

HEINEKEN has become the rst major brewer in Spain to produce all its beer using 100 per cent renewable energy, marking a signicant milestone in the country’s sustainability e orts.

The company announced that its four Spanish breweries - located in Sevilla, Madrid, Valencia and Jaen - are now powered entirely by renewable electricity. The move is part of Heineken’s wider strategy to reach net zero carbon emissions across production by 2030 in Europe.

To achieve this, Heineken has invested heavily in solar installations, biomass boilers and long-term renewable electricity agreements. Its Sevilla brewery, for example, uses solar thermal energy, while other sites rely on green electricity sourced from wind and solar farms.

Spain, with its strong solar capacity and growing renewable infrastructure, has played a key role in enabling the transition. The

company says the shift will signi cantly reduce carbon emissions linked to brewing operations.

Heineken España’s leadership described the move as a major step towards decarbonising the industry and supporting Spain’s clean energy ambitions.

The announcement comes amid increasing pressure on global brands to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint. By switching fully to renewable energy in Spain, Heineken positions itself at the forefront of sustainable brewing in Europe.

The company says the focus now turns to further reducing emissions across its supply chain and distribution networks.

Hidden winter rituals

YOU might think you know Spain through its sunshine and tapas, but the mountains in winter reveal a different world.

Away from the beaches, ancient traditions feature men covered in moss, masked figures with whips, and crowds throwing vegetables at costumed heroes. This lesser-known side of Spain thrives in rural regions like Castilla y Leon, Galicia, and Navarra, where communities celebrate festivals rooted in pagan beliefs and medieval customs. These rituals were originally designed to drive away evil spirits or protect livestock, and they remain vital parts of local identity today.

One striking example is the Jarramplas in Extremadura, where a volunteer in armoured clothing is pelted with turnips by the village, a role so prestigious that the waiting list spans

years. In Avila, characters like the Harramachos wear eerie costumes of moss and animal horns to perform purification rites. Further north, the Peliqueiros of Laza patrol streets with masks and whips during carnival to enforce a ritualistic order. In the valleys of Navarra, the Zanpantzar procession uses massive bells and sheepskins to sym -

bolically awaken nature from its winter slumber.

While many European customs have faded, Spain’s fierce regional pride has preserved these unique ceremonies. For travellers willing to venture beyond the big cities, these vibrant, chaotic, and beautiful traditions offer a glimpse into a side of the country most tourists never see.

Lunar adventure hotel

SPAIN could soon host the world’s largest spherical building: a $5 billion megaproject dubbed ‘Moon’. Developed by Canadian firm Moon World Resorts, the ambitious resort aims to replicate the lunar surface, bringing space tourism to Earth.

The centrepiece is a massive 312-metre-high sphere - nearly double the diameter of the Las Vegas Sphere. The structure will house a 4,000-room luxury hotel and a hyper-realistic lunar colony on its upper levels.

Spanning 200 hectares, the site features 20 supporting towers, a convention centre, and infrastructure for future flying taxis.

A major draw is the immersive lunar experience. For approximately £350 (€425), visitors can enjoy a 90-minute tour of the simulated Moon surface, designed to mimic lower gravity. Developers believe the site could attract 10 million annual guests and serve as a training ground for space agencies.

Spain is one of 10 can-

didate nations, alongside the UAE and China. While the project remains conceptual, co-founder Michael R Henderson reports strong interest from private investors. Funding will be driven by the sale of 10,000 luxury residential units integrated into the complex. If a host government provides the land and approvals, construction could move quickly. If plans stay on track, the first Moon resort is expected to open by May 1, 2030.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Imaginative improv

ON the first day of March, the Costa Blanca hub of Torrevieja will have a brilliant comedy and improvisation spectacle to attend: ‘Corta el cable rojo’, or ‘Cut the Red Cable’, arrives to Torrevieja with a vibrant, ingenious and surprise-filled show that is guaranteed to cause side-splitting laughter from the first minute of the show to the very end.

Created by director Carlos Ramos, ‘Cut the Red Cable’ has established itself as a leading example of improvisational comedy in Spain. Its fast-paced energy, freshness, and the talented cast’s ability to transform each performance into something unique have made it a hit wherever it plays.

The show is a combination of improvised scenes, live music and projections that accompany the performers in hilarious situational comedy, created on the spot. The audience will become a fundamental part of the show, as their suggestions and in-

teractions with the dynamic cast guide the story. This means the audience will have a memorable time as they are not only watching a spectacle, but becoming an essential part of it.

‘Cut the Red Cable’ will be performed at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on Sunday, March 1 at 7.00pm. Tickets can be purchased through the theatre’s box office located in Plaza de Miguel Hernández, opposite the theatre.

Circus cyborgs

THROUGHOUT the end of February and until midMarch, families in the Alicante area will have the opportunity to see a show that is described as daring, revolutionary, and bold.

The Raluy Legacy Circus, which has arrived in Alicante with their programme ‘CYBORG’, combines the magic of the classic circus with acrobatics, juggling, trapezes, balancing acts and acts full of sidesplitting humour and intense emotion.

With more than 100 years of history spanning across six generations, the Raluy Legacy Circus is one of the oldest travelling circuses in Europe. Its shows offer a mix of history, circus tradition and modern creativity, creating a unique experience that is suited for all audiences. The

team consists of international artists who excel in both classical and contemporary disciplines.

In addition to its spectacular shows, the circus is known for its travelling circus-museum, boasting restored wagons and historic vehicles that showcase more than a century of circus history.

The Raluy Legacy Circus arrived in Alicante in mid-

February and will be open to the public until Sunday, March 15

The circus tent is installed on Avenida del Doctor Rico, in Alicante. With the traditional magic of the circus, combined with live music and visually stunning shows, ‘CYBORG’ will be an unmissable spectacle in one of the Costa Blanca’s brightest cultural and entertainment hotspots.

Rock ‘n’ Rolling

ROCK fans in Rojales will have the unique opportunity to experience a faithful tribute to the Rolling Stones on the first day of March, performed by an energetic, passionate and fiery tribute band. The Stones of the Coast will offer a show that revives the classic greatness of The Rolling Stones, in a special performance that combines live music and stage presence to bring the spirit and energy of British rock to Rojales locals and visitors.

Stones of the Coast is a four-piece Spanish tribute band made up of passionate local musicians who boast extensive experience in live performances. The band has gained coastwide acclaim for their energetic, authentic and vivacious live renditions of classic The Rolling Stones rock hits.

The Rolling Stones are a British rock band formed in 1962, and are considered one of the most influential in the history of music. Active for more than six decades, the band pio-

neered the gritty and rhythmically driven sound that came to define hard rock in the 1960s.

The Stones of the Coast tribute concert will take place in the Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales on Sunday, March 1 at 12.00pm. Admission will be free, so rock fans of every age can come to enjoy the classic and unforgettable tunes of one of the most popular, influential and enduring bands of the rock genre.

Mediterranean, modernised

RESTAURANT REVIEW

LAID-BACK, avant-garde cuisine in one of the Costa Blanca’s more charming fishing towns: guests and locals in Guardamar del Segura are increasingly choosing La Maka, a modern Mediterranean taberna, for a relaxed and savoury meal, that combines the best of fresh Alicante dishes with the intimacy of a hometown atmosphere.

The menu is a blend of Mediterranean and worldwide influences, with rice dishes being a cornerstone of the offerings and reflecting Guardamar del Segura’s identity as a coastal town.

Starters include the goat cheese salad with mango vinaigrette, creamy prawn croquettes and grilled octopus with a special Canary Islands sauce. Main rice dishes include traditional paellas with accompaniments of blue crab, prawns, tuna, squid and vegetables.

Other hearty meals include the pork taco with guacamole, the stir fry with Japanese mushrooms and hoisin sauce and the cod gratin with honey alioli.

Finally, guests can finish off their delicious meal with some dessert,

with options including cheesecake, mille-feuille of hazelnut ganache and chocolate crazines.

With attentive service, traditional dishes with a creative twist and a laidback setting, La Maka has become a standout destination in Guardamar del Segura’s dining scene, offering a fresh perspective on Mediterranean gastronomy while honouring its local roots in style.

Tel. 865 758 305 lamaka.couchecreativos.com

Melodic melting pot

AS the weather warms up, the Costa Blanca South area is preparing for the arrival of music festivals, events and parties for the springtime. One of the towns preparing for an exciting upcoming festival is Rojales; throughout the month of March, Rojales will be hosting the Music Without Borders festival, with weekly scheduled events beginning on Sunday, March 1 and lasting until Friday, March 27.

On the first day of the festival, Sunday, March 1, the event will kick off with a performance by the Anders Boye Knudsen Quartet, a group of talented bassists. From then on, all the other performances will take place on Fridays.

Friday, March 6 will see a concert by

the Albert Vila Organ Cuartet featuring Perico Sambeat. On March 13, Havana - Madrid Saxs will perform at the centre. March 20 will see a performance by the Al’dam Connection. Finally, March 27 will close out the festival with a tribute to Bebo Valdés, performed by Javier Colina & Cucurucho Valdés.

The price of the ticket per concert is just €10, and the subscription for the five concerts costs €35. Tickets can be purchased through either servientradas. com or agendarojales.com

The festival will be an excellent opportunity for locals in Rojales to enjoy high-quality music, discover diverse artistic proposals and experience a wide array of cultures, right at home on the Costa Blanca.

PRESS RELEASE

The Well-being & Lifestyle Expo proudly supports local charities

THE Well-being & Lifestyle Expo 2026 is not only a celebration of health, beauty and positive living it is also a heartfelt commitment to supporting the local community.

Taking place on Friday 20 and Saturday March 21 at Salones Carrasco, Javea, the Expo is proud to provide a vibrant platform for local charities to share their message, connect with the public and inspire support. As we build this growing well-being community, we believe it’s essential that we also shine a spotlight on the organisations quietly doing incredible work behind the scenes.

This year we are delighted to be supporting MABS Cancer Support Foundation, Help of Marina Alta, Cancer Care Javea, The Javea Feral Cat Association, Maskeraid, and DAADI, who will all be present across the two days.

These organisations provide vital services from cancer support and social care to animal welfare and community aid touching countless lives across the Marina Alta. Events like the Expo give them the opportunity to reach new people, raise awareness of their work, and importantly, connect with potential volunteers. Every one of these charities relies heavily on community involvement, and they are always welco-

ming new volunteers who would like to make a meaningful difference.

A special highlight this year is our uplifting ‘Colour Me

Happy!’ Art Gallery & Competition, proudly sponsored and hosted by the White Doves Group as part of the Expo. This exciting feature not only supports local artists by giving them a professional platform to showcase their work but also gives back with all art competition entry fees being donated directly to Cancer Care Javea. It’s a true winwin-win: promoting creativity, enhancing the visitor experience, and raising funds for a vital local cause.

We are also excited that DAADI will be initiating a clothes swapping concept during the event! Promoting sustainability, conscious living and community sharing, all while supporting charitable awareness.

“The Expo is about connection,” says organiser Gina of GM Promotions. “Well-being is not just about products and therapies it’s about community, compassion and supporting one another. We are incredibly proud to give these charities a strong platform and encourage visitors to discover how they can get involved.”

By attending the Well-being & Lifestyle Expo, visitors are not only investing in their own well-being they are helping strengthen the local community.

Together, we can support, uplift and make a difference. For more information on our chosen charities see

Double standards

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

IN the far reaches of my old songwriter memory I can still remember a time when songs were actually allowed to be dangerous. Not politically, not socially - just creatively. They told stories, invented characters, and occasionally had the nerve to assume the listener possessed a sense of humour and a working brain. Today, that level of trust feels wildly optimistic.

Take Lily the Pink, a gloriously daft piece of exaggeration, written purely to amuse. No disclaimers, no guidance notes, and certainly no apology. It relied on the listener recognising nonsense when they heard it, a skill now treated as borderline reckless. Delilah, based on a story in the public domain for years (Bizet’s Carmen) now banned from the airwaves and terraces. Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. A cheerful melody paired with a dark little story. The contrast was the joke. You weren’t being asked to approve of Maxwell, merely to enjoy the cleverness of the

writing. Today, one suspects the song would be delayed pending meetings, memos, and a request to ‘reconsider the tone’.

Even something as harmless as Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West, would struggle. A comic narrative, a villain, a punchline - all delivered without once checking whether anyone might take offence at milk, horses, or speed. In modern terms, it’s practically revolutionary.

Songwriters once trusted the listeners to understand irony, exaggeration, and character. Now, too many lyrics sound as though they’ve been written with one eye on the rhyme and the other on an imaginary complaints department. Edges are filed off. Mischief is discouraged. Anything risky is quietly removed until the song offends no one, and interests no one either. And yet, here’s the curious part. While gentle humour, narrative songs, and playful storytelling are scrutinised to within an inch of their lives, there is a notable exception to all this caution: Rap ‘music’.

Lyrics containing levels of aggression, obscenity and casual vulgarity;

content that would have older songwriters escorted from the building somehow pass through untouched, celebrated even, while far milder material from other genres is treated as dangerous territory. One set of rules appears to apply to everyone, except when it doesn’t.

The result is a cultural double standard where context, intent, and humour are ignored in favour of selective outrage. Satire is suspect. Storytelling is risky. But explicit material, provided it arrives under the right label, is waved through without comment. The irony is that the songs people still remember are the very ones that weren’t cautious. Music used to reflect life as it was lived, not as it was approved. When songs stop being allowed to surprise us, provoke us, or even mildly irritate us, they don’t become kinder. They become forgettable, and that, surely, is the one thing music should never be I dunno, Sometimes I think I could be losing the plot altogether.

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.

Hacked hotels

SPANISH police have arrested a 20-year-old man for a sophisticated cyber scam that allowed him to book luxury hotel rooms for just one cent per night. This case marks the first known instance of a criminal manipulating an online hotel payment validation system in this manner.

The Spanish national allegedly defrauded at least one high-end Madrid hotel of more than €20,000. Officers detained the suspect on Wednesday, February 18, while he was mid-stay in a suite valued at €4,000.

The scam involved a targeted cyberattack on an electronic payment platform. By altering the validation process, the suspect ensured transactions appeared fully authorised to hotel reception staff, despite only a fraction of the cost being charged. Rooms costing €1,000 per night were secured for almost nothing. The discrepancy was only discovered days later when the payment processor transferred the actual funds to the hotel.

Investigators flagged the suspicious activity earlier this month and tracked the man using the identity provided during his reservations.

Beyond the room costs, the suspect reportedly incurred further losses for the hotels by leaving minibar and service bills unpaid.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Debt refinanced

MERCADONA’S meat supplier, Incarlopsa, has signed a deal to refinance €357 million of debt, reshaping its financial structure and facilitating Alpha Wave’s exit from the pool of creditors. The agreement allows the Spanish meat producer to stabilise operations, reduce financial pressure and focus on growth and expansion plans.

Creative funds

THE UK government is boosting creative businesses with a £45 million investment via the British Business Bank. Announced at The Big Creative UK Investment Summit, this initiative aims to improve funding access, stimulate innovation, and help creative firms scale, reinforcing the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

WOW expansion

WOW Concept is seeking €20 million in fresh capital to finance expansion and digital growth. The funds will establish a first Barcelona location and expand the online European rollout. Led by former El Corte Ingles chairman, the company closed 2025 with revenue exceeding €25 million, up 35 per cent.

Sales abuse

MEASURES have been imposed against Factor Energia for abusive sales methods. Despite contributing only 1 per cent market share in gas and electricity, 61 per cent of complaints filed with the CNMC are attributed to the company. The CNMC seeks to curb fraudulent contracts and protect consumers from misleading practices.

Netomnia sold

TELEFONICA, alongside Liberty Global and InfraVia Capital Partner, has completed the €2.29 billion purchase of Netomnia. The UK network reaches over 3.4 million homes and will be integrated into Nexifibre, strengthening Telefónica’s UK presence.

STAT OF WEEK

The UK unemployment rate for young people aged 16 to 24 rises to 16.1 per cent, the highest in more than 10 years, according to the ONS.

Wine consumption slows

TWO of Spain’s largest wineries, Codorniu and Bodegas Faustino, are currently up for sale. Despite record profits, potential buyers have been scared off by a significant slump in consumption, leaving the deals to stagnate.

Both Codorniu and Bodegas Faustino were in different stages of the sales process, however both fell victim to the uncertain market around the same time.

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, Codorniu achieved record profits. Its EBITDA reached €39 million, representing a 15 per cent increase on the previous year. When the Carlyle fund announced its intent to sell its 68 per cent stake in the wine company following record sales, the move was met with great anticipation. However, the sale is still languishing in corporate purgatory.

The Carlyle fund hoped to double their initial 2018 investment of €390

million, and set the asking price to €700 million. Many experts believe they will not secure a satisfactory deal. Even as Codorniu continues to achieve record profits, firms feel uncomfortable investing when the wine market is so unpredictable.

The sale of Bodega Faustino was commissioned more recently. Again, despite achieving its best results in recent history, with almost

Pet expenses deducted

THE Spanish Tax Agency recently announced a €100 tax deduction for pet owners in Andalucia on their 2026 tax returns. Caring for a pet can be costly, with annual expenses adding up to more than €600 per animal. For the first time, pet-owners will be able to deduct 30 per cent of animal expenses, with a maximum limit of €100 per taxpayer per year. Pet owners will be able to claim the deduction during the first year after acquiring the pet. Additionally, in an effort to promote responsible ownership, taxpayers can claim the deduction for the three years following acquisition, if the pet is adopted. Meanwhile, guide dogs and other therapy animals will be eligible for the deduction for the duration of ownership.

Gender pay gap

ACCORDING to TUC, the UK’s gender pay gap will not shrink until 2056. Currently, the discrepancy between men’s and women’s wage is 12.8 per cent (£2,583), although this gap widens depending on the sector. Even in predominantly female industries, including education and social care, the pay gap reaches 17 per cent.

TUC calculated the disparity and discovered women are effectively working for free for 47 days of the year when compared to their male counterparts.

€240 million in sales and €50 million in EBITDA, there has been little interest in acquisition.

Wine consumption worldwide is slowing year-on-year. A significant decline in viable vineyards is also exasperating the problem. In Spain, vineyards are decreasing by 1.5 per cent annually, while in France, the government plans to uproot 32,500 hectares.

All animals must be microchipped and registered in the Andalucian Animal Identification Registry, with the taxpayer’s name on record. Invoices are essential for supporting claims.

Naturgy profits rise

DESPITE difficulties in the market, Naturgy surpassed its own forecasts, ending the 2025 fiscal year with a net profit of €2.023 billion. This is 6.4 per cent higher than their 2024 €1.901 billion profit. Profits can be attributed to higher average gas and electricity prices, as electricity distribution rose in Spain by 1.5 per cent.

Looking ahead to 2026, Naturgy expects lower gains, predicting a minimum profit of €1.9 billion.

Gambling crisis

THE UK gambling market is in serious danger, as a proposed rise in licence fees puts profits at risk.

A near 30 per cent increase in Gambling Commission licence fees from 2026 was proposed to protect against funding shortages and reinforce security against illegal operators. However, the proposal couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Operators have already been hit with a tax hike as, beginning in April 2026, the remote gaming duty will rise from 21 per cent to 40 per cent. Many worry these rising costs will make operators look elsewhere, leaving the UK market cleaned out.

Spain Grows

AS housing prices are predicted to rise by 7 per cent in 2026, the Spanish government is launching ‘Spain Grows’, a campaign to help provide more affordable housing.

The current problem facing Spain’s property market is a steep imbalance between supply and demand. Industry experts estimate the housing deficit to be approximately 700,000 properties. Continuing at this rate, the deficit will exceed two million by 2036.

To combat the crisis, Spain Grows will offer developers a 30 per cent discount, giving them more capital with which to finance projects. The hope is this will create 15,000 affordable rentals each year.

THREE companies - FCC, OHJLA and Sando - are expected to submit bids to build a new Army Logistics Base in Cordoba. As one of Spain’s major defence projects, the first phase of the project has been allocated a €395 million budget. The winning firm will oversee the construction of the base, along with other necessary facilities and urbanisation. Interested parties have until March 12 to submit their bids, with construction scheduled to begin on April 1.

BANCO SANTANDER has launched a new package, offering preferential banking products and premium services. The initiative includes fee-free current accounts, salary advances and a personal loan at 5.5 per cent interest with repayment terms every seven years. Only a select group of working professionals are eligible, including those in civil service, healthcare and education to name a few. Additionally, advisory support, travel services and well-being benefits are offered as an extra perk to strengthen customer loyalty.

American Tobacco

HBC

3.617,0 3.680,0 3.562,0 4,45M

378,40 384,20 378,00 2,95M

1.219,00 1.227,00 1.216,00 11,67M

4.354,0 4.362,0 4.272,0 219,52K

467,60 477,95 466,95 31,06M

4.598,0 4.480,0 5,4M

203,10 203,90 201,70 10,37M

2.134,0 2.152,0 2.118,0 1,12M

188,25 192,60 185,90 18,22M

4.774,0 4.796,0 4.700,0 865,06K

2.213,00 2.232,00 2.194,00 6,96M

5.180,0 5.215,0 5.125,0 484,11K

1.851,0 1.861,0 1.794,5 6,95M

5.635,00 5.680,00 5.610,00 334,72K

473,90 477,10 470,80 3,06M

581,40

9.146,0 8.978,0 91,36K

706,00 725,50 706,00 144,64K

3.854,00 3.982,00 3.802,00 1,47M

3.934,0 3.976,0 3.906,0 763,63K

1.467,00 1.441,00 812,11K

BUSINESS EXTRA

Lower bills

HOUSEHOLD energy bills in Britain are expected to drop by approximately £117 a year from April 2026 after the government moved green subsidy costs into general taxation. Analysts forecast the price cap for a typical dual-fuel home will fall to £1,641. Despite relief, bills remain roughly one-third higher than before the Ukraine-triggered energy crisis.

VW cuts

WITH China strengthening its hold on the market, Volkswagen is cutting 20 per cent of costs by 2028 in order to keep up. Cutting 35,000 employees from its workforce will save the company €1.5 billion a year. High costs, low sales mean the car manufacturers have no choice but to reshape their business plan.

€10,000 cash cap

MORE than half of the purchases in Spain are made using physical cash. Consumers over the age of 50 are particularly more likely to pay with cash rather than card, according to a study by the Bank of Spain, preferring in person shopping to online transactions.

Cash payments make people feel like they have more control over their spending habits, however there are certain limitations. In Spain, cash payments to a business

Hosting incentives

IN preparation for millions to travel to the 2026 World Cup, Airbnb is offering a $750 incentive (€635) to new hosts in North American cities. FIFA received 500 million ticket requests for the World Cup. Beyond those in the three host countries, a large portion of applicants were from Europe and South America, signifying a significant

influx of international tourists, all of whom will need a place to stay. Airbnb predicts hosts across the USA, Canada and Mexico can earn upwards of $5,000 (€4,222) per stay. High demand for accommodation will provide a much-needed boost to the US tourist industry, but leave international fans paying over the odds.

cannot exceed €1,000, a measure that was implemented to prevent tax fraud.

Now, the EU is looking to implement a similar system, limiting cash payment to €10,000. The proposed regulation would serve to limit money laundering or the financing of terrorism and organised crime. The €10,000 cash cap is expected to begin in a provisional capacity on July 10, 2027.

While each member of the EU will have control over imposing stricter restrictions, they will not be able to set a higher amount as the EU looks to create a unified standard. With Spain already having a €1,000 limit, many won’t feel the effects until they travel.

Importantly, the imposed limit will not affect cash transactions between individuals in a non-business capacity.

Missile development

THE UK government has awarded a £12 million contract to accelerate hypersonic missile development, strengthening sovereign capability. The move supports the largest sustained defence spending increase since the Cold War, reaching 2.6 per cent of GDP from 2027. Engineering firms will design and test systems, boosting national security and NATO deterrence.

Driver shortage

FOOD delivery platforms are losing 7 per cent of restaurant business due to a rider shortage, a stark contrast with the 4 per cent growth in other European countries. The scarcity is disrupting service and affecting restaurants’ bottom line, with some experiencing a 20 per cent drop in sales.

Madrid tops Europe

MADRID has been named Europe’s Best Destination for 2026, attracting more than 1.3 million votes from international travellers.

The Spanish capital secured 127,438 votes, outpacing Nicosia, Verona, and Paris to claim the top spot.

The accolade was awarded by European Best Destinations, an organisation based in Brussels that promotes travel across the continent in collaboration with more than 300 tourism offices and the EDEN network of sustainable destinations. Candidate destinations were selected through data analysis, including Eurostat figures, online search trends, social media growth, and global media coverage, before a worldwide public vote. Participants could not vote for their own country.

City councillor for Tourism, Almudena Maíllo, said the award belongs to the people of Madrid, whose welcoming spirit she credited for making the city ‘unique’. She also praised tourism professionals and local workers for their daily efforts to ensure the city presents its best self.

European Best Destinations praised Madrid for blending significant cultural landmarks with

modern architecture, open spaces, diverse neighbourhoods and a dynamic food scene. The

city’s approach reflects a new urban model: human, cosmopolitan and approachable.

Costa living crisis?

SPAIN’S reputation as an affordable sun-seeker’s paradise is facing a reality check. The 2026 Consumer Spending Report by Roams reveals that essential costs now consume nearly 70 per cent of the average household income, driven by stagnating salaries and rising prices.

Housing remains the primary financial burden. On January 1, 2026, data indicated that renters pay an average of €12,044 annually, roughly 66 per cent of essential outgoings.

In high-demand places like Barcelona, Malaga, and the Balearic Islands, essential costs can exceed 90 per cent of a couple’s net salary.

Conversely, inland regions offer relief; annual expenditure in Extremadura remains approximately 16 per cent below the

national average.

Groceries form the second-largest expense, averaging €4,097 per year. Energy costs have also climbed, with households spending more than €1,200 annually on electricity and gas, a €133 increase from previous years. Poor insulation in older properties often exacerbates these bills during winter.

Fixed costs, including water and local taxes (IBI), average around €700 annually, though regional variations are stark. While Spain remains attractive compared to its Northern European neighbours, the 2026 data confirms a tightening squeeze.

For expats, the ‘Spanish dream’ is still achievable, but success now relies heavily on choosing a location wisely and adopting local spending habits to maintain financial breathing room.

Spanish Life Properties: Guiding you home

FOR many, the dream of owning a home in Spain begins with sunshine and scenery - but it becomes reality through trusted guidance and local expertise. At Spanish Life Properties, based in the heart of Ciudad Quesada, we specialise in turning aspirations into confident, well-informed property decisions.

With years of experience in the Costa Blanca property market, Spanish Life Properties has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity and personalised service. We understand that purchasing a home is not simply a transaction - it is a life decision. Whether clients are searching for a holiday apartment, a permanent family residence, a golf-side villa or an investment opportunity, our role is to provide clarity and reassurance at every step.

Operating from Ciudad Quesada - one of the most established and sought-after residential areas in the region - gives us invaluable insight into local developments, market trends and hidden opportunities. Our carefully curated portfolio includes new-build properties, resale homes and exclusive listings across the surrounding

areas, allowing buyers to explore options that genuinely match their lifestyle and budget.

What truly distinguishes Spanish Life Properties is our commitment to comprehensive support. From the initial consultation and viewing appointments to

negotiations, legal coordination and completion, we guide clients through the entire buying process. We work closely with trusted local solicitors, financial advisers and currency specialists to ensure every aspect of the purchase is handled

smoothly and transparently.

Our multilingual team understands the practical and emotional considerations involved in relocating or investing overseas. We take time to listen, answer questions honestly and provide realistic advice based on first-hand market knowledge. For many clients, the relationship continues long after completion, with assistance ranging from property management recommendations to settling-in support.

In a competitive market, trust and reputation matter. Much of our business comes through repeat clients and personal referrals - a reflection of the confidence placed in our expertise and service standards.

At Spanish Life Properties, we believe buying a home in Spain should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With local knowledge, professional guidance and a genuine passion for helping people begin new chapters, we are proud to help our clients find not just a property - but a place to truly call home.

Effortless isn’t easy

THE ‘clean girl aesthetic’ has become the defining style of the 2020s. The go-to look is now made up of a slicked-back bun, dewy skin and an casually put together outfit. ‘Clean girls’ make it look effortless, like they woke up, applied their skin care and headed out the door to Pilates. But is it really that easy?

At first glance, this fashion trend feels like a refreshing step away. People are embracing sun

However, the aesthetic isn’t quite as low-maintenance as many would have you believe. Expensive serums, regular facials, even subtle cosmetic treatments are the key to achieving that effortless glow and the price soon racks up. In fact, applying less makeup can actually cost more.

Many feel the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ is restricted to those with a certain body type, and way of life. This makes it feel at once aspirational and unrealistic. The real benefit of the ‘clean girl’ trend comes, not from copying the aesthetic, but by internalising its message of gentle care and realistic expectation. The glow should come

A lot of work goes into looking effortless.

MILLIONS suffer pounding headaches, nausea and ‘hangxiety’ after a night of drinking, yet more than 20 per cent of people appear immune, waking upbeat and symptom-free.

Scientists attribute hangovers to alcohol’s breakdown into toxic acetaldehyde, which inflames the brain, disrupts its protective membrane and imbalances neurotransmitters. A 2020 Imperial College London study on mice linked these changes to anxiety-like behaviour. Withdrawal also triggers stress hormones, heightening restlessness.

Symptoms vary widely. Oxford researchers identified 47, from drowsiness to cognitive fog. Boston Uni-

versity’s Jonathan Howland discovered ‘hangover resilience’ in 2008 experiments: about 23 per cent of heavy drinkers showed no effects, suggesting genetic protection.

Contrary to popular belief, hangovers do not intensify with age. Studies from the US National Institutes

of Health in 2015 and 2021 found younger adults report severer symptoms due to lower tolerance, while severity declines over time.

To avoid misery, hydrate by alternating alcohol with water, eat proteins and fats before and during drinking to slow absorption, and pace at one drink per hour.

Sleep armour trends

THE quest for a perfect night’s rest has evolved into a high-tech arms race. Desperate to reclaim eight hours of uninterrupted slumber, people are increasingly investing in a suite of products known as sleep hygiene ‘armour’. No longer content with a simple glass of warm milk, consumers are turning to extreme gear to block out the modern world.

The trend spans from the bizarre to the bespoke. Many have adopted mouth taping, using surgical-grade tape to force nasal breathing, while others swear by weighted eye masks designed to apply calming pressure to the face.

Perhaps the most significant investment is the ‘chilly pad’ - an advanced mattress topper that circulates water to maintain a surface temperature of exactly 18°C, cited by experts as the biolo-

gical sweet spot for deep sleep.

Even skincare has joined the defensive line with stiff, adhesive patches that physically prevent the facial muscles from furrowing during the night to combat stress-induced wrinkles. While critics label these gadgets as ‘sleep hypochondria’, proponents argue they are ne-

cessary defences against blue light and urban noise. As our lives become more caffeinated and screen-reliant, the bedroom has been transformed into a laboratory.

For those tired of tossing and turning, this expensive armour offers more than just comfort; it provides a sense of control in an increasingly restless age.

When the sun returns, life wakes up again

MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE EXPERT MIGUEL FRANCO

YOU can feel it now, almost every day. Temperatures rise, skies turn blue again and when the sun touches your skin it already carries that familiar warmth, the promise of the months ahead. Along the coast, more visitors arrive, all searching for that first taste of summer: sitting outside, slowing down, enjoying life in the open air. They come for the weather but what many are really drawn to is how life feels here. Because when the sun returns in the Mediterranean, life doesn’t just get warmer. It opens.

People walk more. Meals stretch longer. Evenings slow down. Movement becomes natural again and not something scheduled, but something lived. And when you experience this rhythm, you notice a shift: more energy, lighter mood, calmer mind.

This is the Mediterranean way, fresh food, daily movement, daylight and connection. And the important part is this: you don’t need to live in Spain to live this way. The Mediterranean lifestyle is not a place. It’s a rhythm you can create anywhere. When you align your days with light, movement and shared moments, life simply feels better.

To read the full article and explore Mediterranean lifestyle guidance, visit www.casamiguel.life

Valencia: Where history sizzles like a paella!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

nand and Isabella, even boasting Spain’s first printing press. Today, its cathedral, La Seo, showcases a mix of styles and Goya paintings, while the ancient Water Court still doles out irrigation justice every Thursday - orally in the Valencian dialect of Catalan!

It covers everythingexcept the stuff that actually happens

COAST TO COAST

AH, Valencia - not just a city, but a tapas platter of history, culture and mildly alarming papier-mâché giants set on fire! Nestled where the Turia River meets up with the Mediterranean, it’s Spain’s third-largest city and a capital three times over - region, province and former kingdom.

The Romans kicked things off in 138 BCE, when Decimus Junius Brutus (a name only a Roman could love) settled some war-weary soldiers here.

Fast forward through a parade of Visigoths, Moors, El Cid (Spain’s answer to King Arthur) and finally James I of Aragon, who took it in 1238 but kindly let it keep its own laws - like a rebellious teenager with a royal curfew.

Valencia flourished under Ferdi-

From the Gothic splendour of La Lonja de la Seda to the futuristic flair of Calatrava’s City of Arts and Sciences, the city blends old and new like the perfect sangria.

And then, of course, there’s the annual Fallas Festival - involving bonfires, satire and towering effigies that wouldn’t look out of place in a bad dream! Valencia - where the past dazzles, and the statues burn spectacularly. So, put on your walking shoes and get exploring!

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.

WHEN the illusion meets reality (insurance companies, that is)

Just recently, a friend of mine went through exactly the same situation.

Unfortunately, the honeymoon was long over.

After more than a year with her policy, she finally needed coverage.

She was absolutely certain her once-reliable insurance company would provide the much-needed care.

And voilà.

Six months later, they are still requesting reports. Reports, and more reports.

At this point, my friend has practically earned an honorary medical degree from all the terminology she has had to learn - while she continues to endure excruciating pain in her hips.

Yes. The lesson repeats itself. Once again.

It covers everything - except what happens to you.

And those loopholes - microscopic escape routes through which they slither with the most ridiculous excuses imaginable. My friend has been in pain for almost six months, and not a single person at the insurance company has shown even a trace of empathy.

This is private insurance. Paid yearly. In advance.

Part II

And still, the charming insurance whisperers will gently remind you:

“It covers everything… except that.”

It has happened to me many times. Recently, too.

“Oh, you should have read the 400 pages of ultra-thin fine print. Very clearly specified. That particular condition is not covered.”

I mean - it does cover everything. Just not that.

And I cannot help but think of the people affected by severe storms. Families facing real devastation. Will they be covered? Or will they discover, in the midst of tragedy, that it covers everything… except what actually happened?

Hopefully not.

Hopefully they receive the support and resources they need to recover. But experience has taught many of us to brace ourselves.

Because somewhere, in ultra-thin ink, there is always a clause waiting. Yes. We sustain the insurance business.

All those mega, unsustainable networks that keep raiding fares.

While agents on the phone behave disdainfully, as if they were about to inherit the company.

And the fares keep rising.

And our patience grows thin. No, my darlings!

Treat us with respect.

Do your jobs with integrity.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

20 years, countless gates, and one very busy family

TWENTY years ago, Eazy Automations started the same way many good family businesses do: with a toolbox, a lot of determination, and the simple idea that if you do a job properly, people remember you.

Fast-forward two decades, and we’ve helped homeowners, businesses, neighbours, friends-of-friends, and the occasional ‘my cousin said you fixed his gate in 2009’ customer make their homes safer, smarter, and a whole lot more convenient.

We’ve installed gates that open like magic, garage doors that behave themselves (mostly), CCTV systems that keep watch when you can’t, solar panels that love the Spanish sunshine, and electrical systems that quietly get on with the job. Some days it’s a quick repair. Other days it’s a full industrial installation. Either way, the kettle goes on and the problem gets solved.

Because that’s really what we’ve always done best. Not just installing things - figuring things out.

Being family-run means we never lear-

ned how to be pushy salespeople. What we did learn is how to listen, explain things in normal human language, and recommend solutions that actually make sense for how people live or work. Turns out, customers quite like that approach. Who

knew?

Over the years, technology has changed massively. Cameras got smarter. Automation got smoother. Solar got stronger. And yes… gates got much less likely to randomly refuse to open when you’re

Eazy Contrelec SL. Making things work properly since day one.

EU Digital ID Wallet

EU is rolling out a digital identity wallet that could let residents prove who they are across multiple countries using a single app.

THE days of carrying a physical wallet stuffed with plastic cards and paper documents may soon be over. By 2026, the European Union plans to digitise identity for millions of residents through the EU Digital Identity Wallet, a mobile-based system designed to streamline life, travel, and bureaucracy across the bloc.

Backed by legislation adopted in 2024, the initiative allows citizens to store verified versions of national IDs, driving licences, and diplomas on their smartphones. This digital tool will be legally recognised for both online and in-person verification. Whether you are opening a bank account in a new country or checking into a hotel, the wallet aims to eliminate the need for repetitive paperwork.

For expats and frequent travellers, the shift is a potential game-changer. The system is designed for full interoperability; a digital ID issued in Spain must be accepted in every other member state. This could drastically simplify tasks like renting an apartment or registering with local authorities abroad, reducing the friction of moving across borders.

Addressing surveillance concerns, the European Commission emphasises that users will retain control, choosing exactly which data points to share.

While the framework is already in force, member states have until late 2026 to provide at least one official wallet app to their citizens.

already running late. Through it all, we’ve kept learning, adapting, and occasionally scratching our heads before eventually finding the fix.

One thing, however, hasn’t changed: how we treat people. Friendly, honest, and always ready to help when something stops working at the worst possible moment.

And now, after two decades of growth and evolution, we’ve taken the next big step. Eazy Automations has officially become Eazy Contrelec SL.

A new name, a broader vision, and the same family behind every job.

So if you’re anywhere on the Costa Blanca and need security, automation, electrical work, maintenance, or just someone who actually answers the phone and turns up when they say they will, we’re still here.

Twenty years in, still family-run, still problem-solvers, still helping make everyday life a bit easier.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol

Chinese New Year

ON Sunday, February 22, Benalmadena hosted a lively Chinese New Year celebration, drawing Chinese residents from across the Malaga region and turning the Costa del Sol town into a riot of colour.

Organised by the Asociación de Chinos Unidos de la Península Ibérica with support from Benalmadena Town Hall, the event began at 11.30am with a colourful parade from Plaza Adolfo Suárez to Plaza de la Mezquita. Spectators lined the streets to watch traditional dance performances, while cultural workshops, Chinese cuisine stalls and prize draws kept families entertained.

Benalmadena is one of the most diverse towns on the Costa del Sol, home to residents from over 140 nationalities. Alongside large British, Moroccan and Italian communities, the Chinese population plays a vital role in local commerce and tourism - notably through distinctive Chinese junk boat tours in the marina. The town hall reinforces these ties with free Chinese language classes.

Axarquia

Motorhome solution

VELEZ-MALAGA Council has moved to formalise a dedicated motorhome and caravan service area near the A-7 Mediterranean motorway. The project aims to manage the ‘wandering tourism’ boom that has surged across the Axarquia region since the pandemic.

The proposal was admitted for processing on Monday, February 16, following an order signed by Urban Planning councillor Celestino Rivas. Covering 18,000 square metres in the La Fuente area of Cajiz, the site sits on land currently classified as non-urbanisable. Evaluations are now underway to determine the project’s urban and environmental viability.

The initiative follows years of friction between residents and road tourists, mostly from Northern Europe. Unregulated parking has led to overcrowding, litter accumulation, and illegal waste discharges into local rivers. In 2022, authorities dismantled eight illegal campsites, while protesters in Torrox recently highlighted pollution risks.

Mallorca

Mystery ghost ships

ANOTHER sailboat washed ashore in Mallorca on February 19, grounding near Sa Ferradura on the Alcudia coast after gale force winds dragged the 12 metre vessel across the Bay of Pollensa. This latest incident follows a series of winter groundings, including a 30 metre luxury yacht currently stranded near Son Servera. Local authorities believe the Alcudia sailboat broke free from an illegal mooring, highlighting a growing trend where boats are left improperly secured to avoid rising marina costs.

The environmental group Arrels Marines has urged swift action to prevent the wreck from breaking apart on the seabed. If the owner cannot be identified, the financial burden of removal falls on local taxpayers, with costs estimated at €30,000. This follows a pattern from 2025, when the Pollensa Town Hall spent €50,000 clearing similar wrecks. Beyond the fiscal impact, these ghost ships pose severe ecological risks as fibreglass and fuel residues leak into protected waters.

Costa Blanca North Oars in action

CALPE basked in clear skies and mild winter sunshine at the weekend as it welcomed the sixth Regatta of the Liga SUMA Banco Fijo 2025-2026 season at the Real Club Náutico Calpe. With temperatures hovering around 15°C and gentle waves rolling across the bay, conditions were ideal for a fiercely competitive morning of rowing.

Clubs from across the Valencian Community gathered on the Costa Blanca for another key fixture in the Liga SUMA calendar. Crews competed in the traditional fixed-seat ‘llaut’ boats, delivering strong performances on open water under bright Mediterranean sunshine. The slight swell added a technical challenge for rowers but did little to disrupt the smooth running of the event.

Spectators lined the harbour and surrounding coastline, creating a lively atmosphere as races unfolded throughout the morning. The iconic Peñón de Ifach provided a striking natural backdrop to the competition.

Almeria Culinary celebration

ALBOX is preparing to celebrate Andalucia Day on February 28 with its newest and tastiest tradition. The municipality will again host their Traditional Migas Contest as residents from Albox’s rural villages gather to celebrate together.

Migas is a rustic dish that originated in small towns and rural villages. The dish takes day-old bread and breathes new life into it, creating something even more delicious. The stale bread is ripped into little bits, soaked in oil and spices then sautéed.

Each village has their own version, incorporating different ingredients and techniques. Despite its humble beginnings, migas is a classic, hearty meal that many still enjoy.

Albox’s cooking contest is a recent addition to the festive calendar. 2025 was the first time the municipality celebrated Andalucia Day in such a way, and it was a resounding success.

Organisers are expecting the second edition to be even better, building off the success of the first.

Costa Calida

Sporting solidarity

THE Costa Calida hotspot of Cartagena has just celebrated a weekend of inclusive sports with the National Motor Skills Testing Workshop at the city’s Sports Palace. The major event brought together more than 100 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the nation, becoming one of the largest and most important sporting events of the season in the municipality and placing a special focus on unity, community and inclusivity.

Athletes and coaches from Aragon, Asturias, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Catalonia, Madrid, the Valencian Community, and the Region of Murcia attended the National Motor Skills Testing Workshop at the Sports Palace during the weekend. The event included opening and closing ceremonies and a medal presentation.

Sunday also saw the La Huertecica Solidarity Mile take place. The weekend was filled with cultural, leisure and sporting events, with these exciting Motor Skills workshops at the centre of the action.

Vatican mass for everyone

The Vatican has introduced AI-powered translations, allowing Mass to be followed in up to 60 languages.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE has officially stepped into one of the world’s oldest institutions. The Vatican has begun using AI to translate Catholic Mass in real time, allowing visitors inside St Peter’s Basilica to follow services in 60 languages instantly.

For pilgrims and tourists alike, this marks a striking moment where centuries of tradition meet cutting edge technology. The system is being introduced during celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the dedication of the basilica, which was consecrated in 1626.

Each year, millions attend liturgies without understanding Latin or Italian. Now, a simple scan of a QR code inside the basilica allows worshippers to access live translations via their smartphones. Powered by an

AI platform called Lara, the service offers simultaneous audio and text without requiring an app download. The Vatican worked with technology partner Translated to build the system, which uses speech recognition to remove language barriers in this international space. While officials have previously warned about the ethical risks of AI, this initiative focuses on using tools to support human connection. The structure of the Mass remains unchanged, and clergy are not being replaced. Instead, technology is used quietly to bridge cultural gaps. For travellers in places like Italy or Spain, these innovations make attending a service abroad feel far less intimidating, ensuring that the universal vocation of the Church is realised through a digital lens.

Smart protection for home and business

IN a region blessed with year-round sunshine, managing heat, glare and privacy is essential. Costa Blanca Window Tinting provides a modern, cost-effective solution for homeowners and businesses seeking greater comfort, efficiency and protectionwithout compromising natural light or aesthetics.

Specialising in high-performance window films, Costa Blanca Window Tinting helps clients reduce interior heat, minimise glare and protect furnishings from harmful UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can fade furniture, flooring and soft furnishings, but professionally installed window tinting acts as a protective barrier while maintaining clear visibility and style.

Energy efficiency is another major advantage. By limiting solar heat

gain, tinted windows can significantly reduce reliance on air conditioning, helping to lower energy bills and create a more sustainable indoor environment. For commercial properties, this can mean substantial long-term savings and a more comfortable workspace for staff and customers alike.

Privacy and security are equally important. Window films can enhance daytime privacy, strengthen glass against impact, and add an extra layer of protection without altering the appearance of your property. Whether for villas, apartments, offices or shopfronts, each installation is tailored to suit the building’s needs.

Costa Blanca Window Tinting prides itself on professional workmanship, high-quality materials and honest advice.

Helen’s Trucks

HELEN’S TRUCKS have been in business now for 24 years this May and are based in Crevillente. They specialise in Spain to UK and vice versa removals. Moving goods between the UK and Spain, Helen and Kevin make up the team at Helen’s Trucks along with Russell.

At Helen’s Trucks, it is a personal, friendly, quality service their customers get. Helen and Kevin, both believe it is very important to meet their customers face to face even when giving those initial estimates. “That way we can find out what the customer really wants and needs,” said Helen.

If it is not possible to deliver customers’ items straight away, or you just need your items stored temporarily or from another haulier from the UK, then Helen’s Trucks have secure, containerised storage available at very good rates, for both short and long term. The warehouse is alarmed and insured also, for peace of mind. They also store cars, trailers and caravans.

Wrapping and packing can be undertaken by Helen’s Trucks, but if you prefer then they can supply all the necessary cartons, bubble wrap and tape for you, to do the work yourself. All their removals are itemised and an inventory produced and the entire load is kept together and not split.

Helen has moved to larger premises within Crevillente, to deal with the ever growing needs of their customers. They have also acquired, an EORI Number as of 2020.

EORI stands for ‘Economic Operators Registration and Identification number’.

Businesses and people wishing to trade must use the EORI number as an identification number in all customs procedures when exchanging information with Customs administrations. This is imperative now, as there is a lot more paperwork involved in moving to and from Spain and we are on hand to guide you through the paperwork process, including the TOR1 online govern -

ment page (Transfer of Residence, if you are resident in Spain, looking to repatriate your belongings, to the UK).

Having one common type of identification number across the EU is more efficient, both for economic operators and customs authorities. It is also more efficient for statisti -

cal purposes and security purposes Helen’s Trucks offer you the flexibility of being able to pick up at short notice and a personal service bringing that human touch to meeting your needs. Helen summed up the Helen’s Trucks philosophy saying, “It’s all about making moving easy and stress free.”

You can contact Helen’s Trucks on 965 400 616 or 667 815 081 and email at helenstrucks1@yahoo.co.uk. There is also a website at www.helenstrucks.com and on Facebook and Instagram at Helens Trucks.

Population cap

WHILE Spain debates how to bring more migrants into the workforce, Switzerland is heading in the opposite direction.

The Alpine nation will vote this summer on whether to cap its population at 10 million people, a proposal that has sparked debate across Europe about migration, housing, and the future of open borders.

The referendum, expected in June, was triggered by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which argues the country is approaching its limits.

Switzerland currently has around nine million residents, and campaigners warn that continued growth could strain housing, infrastructure, and public services.

Under the proposal, the country would introduce a constitutional ceiling of 10 million inhabitants by 2050, with

Switzerland prepares referendum on population cap and migration debate.

automatic restrictions kicking in if the population rises too quickly.

Supporters say the idea is about quality of life rather than ideology.

Switzerland already has one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in Europe, with roughly a quarter of the population born abroad.

Advocates claim rising demand is pushing up rents and putting pressure on green spaces. However, the proposal is highly controversial

because Switzerland depends heavily on foreign labour.

Business groups warn that limiting migration could create worker shortages in healthcare and construction.

Meanwhile, Spain faces the opposite challenge; employers in tourism and agriculture continue to report labour shortages, leading the government to explore ways to regularise undocumented migrants to sustain economic growth.

Amsterdam tops relocation

AMSTERDAM could be the 2026 hotspot for Britons seeking to relocate. According to the 2026 Feather Relocation Index, which ranks cities on factors such as legal ease, job opportunities and social integration, the Dutch capital is the easiest European city for Britons to move to. With a thriving expatriate community and simpler integration than many European peers, it is attracting record numbers of UK nationals.

A key factor is the city’s English fluency, with nearly 90 per cent of residents

speaking the language. This helps British nationals settle and integrate, particularly post-Brexit. Over the past few years, 34 per cent of Amsterdam’s population has been foreign-born.

The job market is strong, with 42 vacancies per 1,000 people. Many international companies, particularly in technology, finance and creative sectors, are headquartered in the city, offering opportunities to foreign workers.

Tourism also drives economic growth, with business and leisure visits

boosting demand.

Amsterdam’s multicultural environment allows expatriates to find their niche, with diverse restaurants, cafés and cultural events contributing to a vibrant melting pot. Visa and residency processes are notably simple, thanks to a digitised, user-friendly system by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service. The application process is straightforward, relatively fast and streamlined, making relocation easier than in many other European cities.

Stuck on the ground

AROUND 500 passengers were forced to spend a night trapped on grounded aircraft at Munich Airport after heavy snowfall triggered travel chaos on Wednesday, February 19.

The ordeal a ected ve ights operated by Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti, including routes to Singapore, Copenhagen, and Venice. Despite boarding on Wednesday evening, the aircraft were unable to depart due to a combination of runway closures, de-icing delays, and the airport’s strict night- ight curfew. The situation escalated when passengers found they could not return to the terminal. Airport o cials con rmed that all terminal-adjacent gates were occupied, and a shortage of ground sta and buses meant travellers could not be safely ferried from remote parking stands.

TOPTrending

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast

On one Lufthansa ight to Copenhagen, 123 passengers remained con ned to the cabin from 9.30pm until the following morning. Reports emerged of families with children endure the night without pillows, blankets, or hot food. Supplies were limited to a few bottles of water while the plane sat on the freezing apron.

Buses nally arrived on Thursday, February 20, to transport the exhausted travellers back to the terminal for rebooking. Both Lufthansa and Munich Airport expressed regret, citing “extreme weather-related irregularities.” However, the incident has sparked erce criticism regarding ground-handling resources and passenger welfare. A ected travellers may now be eligible for compensation under EU aviation regulations.

brought to you by Revolution Technology

FROM the creator of the sensational comedy Derry Girls, comes a brand new witty and emotional story. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast follows childhood friends who reunite at a funeral. Once a quartet, now a trio, the childhood friends suspect foul play and embark on a journey to solve the case. At once heart-breaking and belly-achingly funny, the limited series explores friendship, womanhood and the existential passing of time.

56 Days

56 DAYS spans, as you might guess, 56 days. However, that’s where the predictability starts and ends. Prime Video’s newest psychological thriller follows a young couple, Clara and Oliver, from their first chance encounter to when it all goes disastrously wrong.

From the very first scene, audiences are left guessing, as we’re first introduced, not to the besotted couple, but a corpse decaying in a bathtub.

Raise the flood gates

VENICE’S MOSE flood barrier system has faced an unprecedented test this winter, activating 30 times in just 23 days. From Wednesday, January 28 to Thursday, February 19, the mobile dams protected the historic city from a relentless series of high tides, incurring operational costs of approximately €6 million.

Experts at Venice’s Tide Monitoring Centre described the period as ‘absolutely exceptional.’ While no single tide reached extreme levels, the frequency of the surges, driven by polar vortex anomalies, meant the city would have faced near-constant flooding without intervention.

Alvise Papa, head of the centre, warned that while the €6.5 billion infrastructure saved the city from being ‘on its knees’, the long-term

outlook is sobering. Due to rising sea levels, the average annual sea level has jumped from 24cm to 68cm.

“In about 30 years, we may need to raise the MOSE every day,” Papa stated, urging policymakers to seek further adaptive solutions.

The 78 movable gates have successfully mitigated damage, but the economic toll is ri-

sing. Each activation costs the port community roughly €200,000. While winter closures have limited ecological impact on the lagoon’s biology, the maritime sector faces significant logistical hurdles. This recent surge confirms the barrier’s vital role in Venice’s survival while highlighting the accelerating challenges posed by the climate crisis.

The series spends its following episodes retracing the couple’s steps, showing how one lie spirals into another until there’s no coming back.

Need house-sitters for your pets? Try HouseSitMatch

HOUSE-SITTERS do more than care for your home

Did you know that house-sitters will also care for your pets while you are away on holiday? They are registered and checked, and won’t charge you a cent. Instead you will offer free accommodation for free home and pet care. It’s an exchange of services that is like old fashioned barter.

Everyone wins, especially the pets because they get to stay home and their routines are maintained, safe and sound. Just register as a homeowner and pet owner and build an advert. It’ll take a few minutes.

How it works

1. Register at HouseSitMatch. com as a homeowner

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

3. Review applications and vi-

deo chat with potential housesitters

4. Match with the perfect petsitter and enjoy your holiday

worry-free

Real savings, real peace of mind

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

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

Join today Register at HouseSitMatch. com and use code WELCOME50 for 50 per cent off your first year.

Lamia Walker, Founder. Call: +44 (0)7772 142742

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot - 4.9/5

Rules for pets

FROM April 22, travelling with companion animals within the European Union will follow a revised legal framework, applying across all member states, including Spain. The European Commission’s Delegated Regulation updates rules governing non-commercial movements of dogs, cats, ferrets, and certain pet birds, replacing the system established in 2013 and based on the 2016 EU Animal Health Law. Core requirements for identification, vaccination and documentation remain largely unchanged for pets moving between EU states: animals must carry a readable microchip or a pre-2011 tattoo and a valid rabies vaccination. Dogs entering countries free from Echinococcus multilocularis must continue to receive documented anti-parasitic treatment. Travel is limited to a maximum of five animals per journey, with larger numbers considered commercial. Entry from non-EU countries requires an official health certificate confirming identification, rabies vaccination, anti-pa-

The changes aim to improve animal welfare.

rasitic treatment and non-commercial status. Pet birds from third countries face a five-bird limit, mandatory individual identification and possible isolation, laboratory testing or a 30-day quarantine to reduce avian influenza risk.

While media reports mention compulsory digital preregistration, the regulation itself does not yet mandate it; however, fu-

ture EU-level systems may require advance notification of travel. For residents and expats in Spain, routine requirements remain familiar, but cross-border travel may involve additional administrative steps once national authorities integrate the updated rules. The changes aim to improve animal welfare, traceability, and combat illegal breeding and trafficking.

Volvo EX30 - Black Edition adds eye-catching new look

VOLVO has launched the Black Edition variant of its all-electric EX30, boasting an eye-catching new look with design enhancements and available with either single or twin motor versions priced from €45,824/£40,060

The Black Edition styling additions include the prominent high gloss black 19-inch wheels and tinted rear windows. The front grille strikethrough, iron mark, rear Volvo script and model name badge are also adorned in high gloss black, alongside the colour coordinated roof spoiler and door mirror covers.

As one might expect being the Black Edition it is available with one exterior colour - Onyx Black - and one interior colour scheme - Indigo. The high metallic Onyx Black paint sparkles in daylight while the deep blue indigo interior with upcycled denim trim is exclusive to the Black Edition.

Priced from €45,824/£40,060 in Single Motor Plus trim, the Black Edition comes with Volvo’s advanced sensing tech -

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

nology with up to five radars, five cameras and 12 ultra-sonic sensors continuously monitoring the car’s surroundings to help ‘assist’ the driver.

Other equipment highlights across all Black Edition models include adaptive cruise control, powered tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, auto dimming mirrors, LED lights and high beam assist, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking assist with rear view camera, wireless phone charging, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Harman Kardon sound system and a 30cm/12-inch centre screen.

Interestingly, for markets where required, there is provision for alcohol lock software which is something discussed in many EU countries with certain types of vehicles requiring them and other voluntary use options. It’s

something discussed but not required at the moment in the UK.

With a potential range of up to 474km/295 miles (combined) and the benchmark 100kph/62 mph passed in 5.3 seconds in Single Motor Extended range form, the EX30 comes as standard with a heat pump to maximise range.

Following the introduction of the Black Edition in 2023 on the XC60, the EX30 becomes the latest model to receive the treatment. The Black Edition is now available across six models: XC90, XC60, XC40, EX40, EC40 and EX30.

The addition of the Black Edition variant adds another level of choice and is available in Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance configurations. The Black Edition will be available on Plus and Ultra trim levels across the Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance Powertrains.