Costa Calida 17 - 23 September 2026 Issue 2150

Costa Cálida I No. 2150 I 17 - 23 September 2026 I FREE Newspaper D.L. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703

History comes alive OVER the weekend, the centre of the regional capital of Murcia was alive with colour, festivities, and thousands of visitors, as one of the most anticipated events in its Murcia Fair took place: the Grand Parade of the Moors and Christians. The event, which formed part of the fair programme and has been a long-standing traditional and cultural celebration on the Costa Calida, was a central draw of the festival, and has been recognised as an event of International Tourist Interest. The streets of the city transformed into a historical stage complete with bright costumes in-

Photo Credit: Murcia City Hall

THOUSANDS GATHER AT MURCIA FAIR FOR MOORS AND CHRISTIANS SPECTACLE

Thousands celebrated history at Murcia’s vibrant Moors and Christians parade.

spired by period wear, talented and dynamic actors, and loud, energetic music that thrilled attendees. Inspired by both the founding of Murcia in 825 and the handing over of the city’s keys to Prince

Alfonso of Castile, the spectacle was a thrilling combination of history and theatrics. The parade showcased the painstaking work carried out by festival groups over months, combin-

ing intricate costumes, choreography, and stage design to make audiences feel immersed in the Moors and Christians spirit that shaped the city’s past. The Grand Parade be-

Shoreline showdown THE Costa Calida town of Puerto de Mazarron hosted an action-packed weekend of competitive water sports and endurance racing, with the second edition of the Phoenician Shipwreck Challenge taking place at Playa del Puerto. The major sporting event gathered athletes of all age groups along the scenic Murcian coastline for two days of open-water swimming and thrilling aquathlon championships. The action kicked off with the sixth stage of the Regional Open Water League, the Phoenician Shipwreck Challenge Open Water Swim. The event offered a 1-kilometre youth race as well as a 3-kilometre adult race. During the event, the swimmers bul-

Credit: @desafiopeciofenicio / Instagram

PUERTO DE MAZARRON CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL WATER SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Puerto de Mazarron successfully hosted regional swimming and aquathlon championships.

leted through the water in a thrilling display of sport,

with friends and loved ones cheering them on

from the sidelines. On the second day, the focus shifted to the Regional Aquathlon Championship, where athletes took on a 1,000-metre open-water swim, followed by a 5-kilometre run along the promenade. Athletes began competing from 9.30am, and showcased an incredible amount of grit, talent, and determination as they tackled this challenging, but rewarding, race.

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gan at the Alameda de Colon, and continued through Plaza Camachos, Calle Canalejas, and over the Puente de los Peligros, before entering the Gran Via Escultor Francisco Salzillo, and finally ending at Plaza de la Fuensanta. It is one of the most memorable and anticipated moments of the Moors and Christians festival, and has also coincided with the 2026 edition of the Murcia Fair, which this year included six new venues, a new beer garden, and an enormous Ferris wheel.

The Grand Parade of the Moors and Christians, for the thousands of residents and visitors that flocked to Murcia City to witness it, became one of the highlights of the fair. With a packed festive programme, a joyful community spirit, and food offerings that were worth the wait, the festivities in the regional capital reached their peak over the weekend, and visitors were left charmed and even more excited for next year’s edition.

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17 - 23 September 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Dazzling the Dutch Rescue raffle THE Region of Murcia International Airport is expanding its international route network with a brand new direct flight connecting the Spanish region to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Operated by airline Transavia, the service will officially launch on March 30, 2027, offering three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, in an effort to boost connectivity and convenient travel for residents and visitors in the region. This connection will not only facilitate convenient travel for local residents, but will also significantly boost inbound visitors from the Netherlands, a primary tourism market for the region. Recent data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute, or INE, highlighted the importance of appealing to Dutch tourists. Between

Photo Credit: Azhar J / Unsplash

Photo Credit: Andrea’s Animal Rescue / Facebook

Murcia airport launches new direct Transavia flights to Amsterdam Schiphol.

January and July, the Netherlands ranked as the fourth-largest source of foreign tourists to the Region of Murcia, accounting for a whopping 54,796 visitors, or 7.4 per cent of all international tourists. Those in the Region of Murcia who are itching to explore the Netherlands, or vice versa, will not have to wait to take

advantage of this deal: tickets for this new route are up for sale through Transavia’s official website. With this new connection, the Region of Murcia will establish a deeper relationship with the Netherlands and its visitors, in preparation for a fantastic winter holiday season and a booming 2027 for tourism.

Local community fundraiser raises €1,000 for Andrea’s Animal Rescue sanctuary.

A LOCAL community is celebrating a successful fundraiser event, for the benefit of adorable rescue donkeys at a sanctuary: Andrea’s Animal Rescue, an animal welfare charity based

in Mazarron, raised an incredible €1,000 during a fun-filled event at Cats Bar and Tels Bar in Camposol. The event included a raffle, whose prizes were donated by sev-

eral members of the community, including local residents Lynda, Susan, Janet and Maureen. In a Facebook post celebrating the event, Andrea’s Animal Rescue stated, “The difference that €1,000 can make to our sanctuary is INCREDIBLE. It will help us continue caring for the donkeys who need us most.” Among the list of people who made the event not only possible, but fun as well, were: Sara, Debbie, and the rest of the staff at Cats Bar, as well as Lieanne and the team at Tels Bar; the DJ of the evening, Sean Bodie; Damian from Costa Calida Radio, who helped spread the word about the event; Paul Dark, who performed at the event and made a generous donation to the cause; and the rest of the Andrea’s Animal Rescue team members, Andrea, June, Andrea (affectionately called Andrea No. 2), Mark and Gill. “You’ve helped make a real difference to our sanctuary and to the donkeys in our care. We are so incredibly grateful,” the Facebook post concluded.

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NEWS

17 - 23 September 2026

Classroom safety

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Pay trends shift

Spain adjusts base salary

Credit: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock

Photo credit: Kittyfly/Shutterstock

SPAIN TOUGHENS BULLYING RULES

The rise places Spain towards the lower end of the rankings.

Spain’s schools are under new pressure to respond to bullying faster than ever before.

CHILDREN across Spain have returned to school under tougher bullying rules that give teachers just 24 hours to tell parents about any reported case. The new national rules, finalised by the Education Ministry in August, also require every alleged bullying case to be investigated within 10 school days and monitored for six months afterwards, replacing a patchwork of different regional timetables. For the first time, the rules single

out deepfakes and doctored photos as a specific concern, meaning schools must now treat a manipulated video shared in a group chat with the same seriousness as bullying that happens face to face. Moving the bully to another school, rather than the victim, is becoming the standard punishment in several regions, alongside immediate psychological support for the child affected. Different areas across Spain are

also introducing their own set of individual rules. In Baleares, schools have introduced an anonymous way for pupils to report concerns, while Castilla y Leon has gone further still, cutting its family-notification window down to a single day. The changes affect more than eight million children in Spanish schools, with parents now able to expect a faster response if their child reports being bullied, whether online or in the playground.

SPAIN’S minimum wage increased by 3.1 per cent in 2026, reaching €1,221 gross per month in 14 payments, an increase of €37 a month. The rise places Spain towards the lower end of the EU rankings for minimum wage increases this year, despite the country having substantially increased its minimum wage since 2018. Eurofound data shows particularly large increases elsewhere, with Slovenia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lithuania and Hungary all recording rises above 10 per cent. Luxembourg increased its minimum wage by 2.5 per cent and Poland by 3 per cent, while France also recorded a modest increase. Spain’s relatively small percentage increase reflects its higher starting point. The minimum wage has risen from €735 a month in 2018 to €1,221 in 2026, an increase of more than 66 per cent. The 2026 rise adds €518 to the annual gross salary, taking it to €17,094, with around 2.5 million workers expected to benefit. The increase applies from January 1 and remains below the personal income tax threshold. Eurofound found that minimum-wage purchasing power increased in nearly every EU country in 2026 because wage increases generally exceeded inflation.

Credit: iamzerofighter / shutterstock

Get your home autumn-ready PROTECTING YOUR SPANISH INVESTMENT SEPTEMBER is the month to give a Spanish home a proper going-over before the weather turns. The heat may not be finished, but summer dust, salt air and months of hard use are starting to show, and a sudden storm can expose a blocked drain or a broken air conditioning unit. What needs to be done first depends on where the property is. Coastal homes should watch for damp, mould and rust in metal fittings, since humidity does as much damage near the sea as heat. Inland, the priority is bigger temperature swings: check heaters, hot water systems and any wood burner or gas appliance before the

cooler evenings arrive. Everywhere, gutters and drains need clearing before the first heavy rain, air-conditioning units deserve a proper service rather than simply being switched off, and pools should keep running on a reduced schedule rather than being abandoned. Anyone returning after time away should also walk the property properly, checking taps, pipes and cupboards for leaks or mould. September is one of the easier months to book a contractor, and fixing small problems now is far cheaper than facing a large bill once the rain and cooler nights set in.

September is one of the best months to get on top of home maintenance in Spain.

euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.

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Feathered flight

LOCAL NEWS

Mindful mobility Photo Credit: European Mobility Week

17 - 23 September 2026

Photo Credit: Frank / Unsplash

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Thousands of migratory birds fill Murcia’s skies heading to Africa.

ONE of the most extraordinary seasonal spectacles in Spain can currently be seen across the Region of Murcia: thousands of migratory birds are taking to the skies, embarking on their annual journey towards Africa. The birds can be seen over the fields of the Al-

tiplano, the rice paddies of the northwest, and the dry slopes of the Guadalentín. Both adult birds and young juveniles born during the spring and summer join this massive movement across the Iberian Peninsula, and rather than flying in

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a straight line towards Africa, the birds travel along established aerial routes, following warm air currents rising from the mountains, which happen to largely pass over areas in the Region of Murcia. To be specific, the birds that are migrating are white storks, colourful European bee-eaters, black kites, European honey buzzards, shorttoed eagles, house martins, and swallows. The Region of Murcia is an essential pit stop for the incredible animals, where they can feed, rest, and rebuild energy before attempting their exhausting and hazardous crossing into Africa.

Mazarron celebrates European Mobility Week with diverse inclusive community events.

THE Costa Calida municipality of Mazarron is gearing up to celebrate its third European Mobility Week from Saturday, September 19 to Thursday, September 24, offering a programme that will blend sport, health education, and solidarity. This year’s events fall under the motto ‘Mobility for All’, and will encourage healthier habits throughout the entire municipality. Activities will kick off on Saturday, September 19, with the free 5K Bahía de Mazarron race. Starting at 10.00am from Plaza de las Comunidades Autonomas, runners will follow a 5-kilometre route along the seaside promenade to El Alamillo and back. Later that morning at 11.30am, visitors can participate in the solidarity Zumba masterclass, charging a €3 entrance fee to benefit

local animal protection charity APROAMA and support its shelter work. On Sunday, September 20, Mazarron will mark Car-Free Day by closing Avenida Constitucion to motor vehicles between San José and San Pascual streets from 10.00am to 1.00pm. From September 21 to 23, the focus turns towards local youth through the Caminando en Verde, or Walking in Green, initiative. Students from local secondary schools will join guided walking tours exploring historic mining landscapes and the coastal coves of Bolnuevo. Finally, on September 24, the programme will wrap up with specialised mobility and wellness sessions for Day Centre users, alongside local nurses and physiotherapy staff.

LOCAL NEWS

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Creative connections THE landscape for digital creators in southeastern Spain marked a major milestone with a successful edition of the Influencer Zone, a gathering point where content creators, digital influencers, and creative talent from across the Region of Murcia met to discuss ideas, projects, and networking. The meeting, held at the Munashi sushi restaurant in Molina de Segura, brought together more than 20 influencers who exchanged ideas, knowledge, and experiences in social media and new technologies. The meeting brought together a diverse mix of online personalities and digital entrepreneurs, specialising in sectors including lifestyle, travel, gastronomy, fashion, and local entertainment. The event, a dedicated space for content creators to share insights, discuss brand partnerships, and exchange strategies, ele-

Photo Credit: The Influencer Zone / Munashi

Murcian content creators gathered to network, collaborate, and share ideas.

vated the profile of Murcian talent on both national and international stages. Combining gastronomy and social meetings, the Influencer Zone included structured workshops and collaborative round tables where attendees discussed emerging trends in short-form video production, audience engagement algorithms, and monetisation strategies, focused on regional markets.

During the event, attendees were able to sample a wide variety of dishes and learn about the options available this season. New additions included poké bowls, T-bone steaks, ribeye steaks, and other mouth-watering meals. Thanks to the success of this edition, organisers confirmed plans to continue hosting regular industry meetups, skill-sharing sessions, and collaborative brand events throughout the year.

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LOCAL NEWS

Remote rescue Sustainable shores MURCIA emergency services leapt into action on Saturday, September 12, after a 58-year-old paraglider was injured and stranded in a difficult-to-access area of the Sierra del Buey, a mountain range located between the municipalities of Jumilla and Yecla. The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Region of Murcia received a call from the man himself about the incident at 2.33pm. As emergency services could not determine the exact location of the accident, the Jumilla Local Police deployed a drone to search for the injured paraglider. Emergency responders, including the Guardia Civil, Local Police, and paramedics from the 061 emergency service were dis-

Photo Credit: Jumilla Department of Tourism

Photo Credit: Diego Delso

Emergency services rescue injured paraglider from remote Murcia mountain range.

patched to the scene. A Guardia Civil patrol was the first emergency resource to locate the man and successfully reach him. The man’s condition was assessed, and the teams determined that an aerial rescue was not necessary. Once they finally reached him, paramedics treated him on the scene. He was then moved to the local police’s SUV, where he was trans-

ferred with the paramedics to a point where he could be transferred to an ambulance. He was evacuated to the Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital in Murcia to receive medical care. Thanks to the quick actions of the emergency services, the man was swiftly located and transferred to a hospital where medical staff could treat his injuries.

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Citizen proposal aims for year-round sustainable ecotourism in La Manga.

LOCAL residents in La Manga have unveiled a new initiative, La Manga Crucero, a citizen-led effort that will transform the iconic 22-kilometre coastal stretch into a year-round, sustainable attraction for tourists. The proposal treats La Manga as an extended cruise on land and sea, between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean. The proposal includes an 8-10 day itinerary packed with environmental, athletic, and historical experiences. Marine enthusiasts can take part in scuba diving within the protected Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve, introductory sailing, and guided coastal interpretation focusing on traditional fishing heritage around the Encañizadas.

On land, on the other hand, the initiative proposes excursions that highlight the region’s rich history and culture through guided hikes to archaeological landmarks. Complementary programming is also part of the plan, with maritime craft workshops, astrotourism, local gastronomy showcases, and family-oriented environmental education forming part of the proposal. Protection of the environment will be at the heart of the initiative and is kept in mind for all activities. The project prioritises dune recovery, native flora restoration, light pollution reduction, raised boardwalks over sensitive habitats, and safeguards for loggerhead turtle nesting sites, seagrass meadows, and endangered noble pen shell populations.

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17 - 23 September 2026

New online shop

SPANISH shoppers are getting another major online marketplace to compare prices with Amazon, AliExpress, Temu and specialist retailers. German supermarket giant Kaufland, owned by the Schwarz Group which also owns Lidl, is launching its online marketplace in Spain. The platform offers products across more than 6,400 categories, including electronics, fashion, household goods, gardening, DIY and sports equipment. Third-party sellers list and fulfil orders, while Kaufland handles the marketplace, payments and customer service, making the operation closer to Amazon than a traditional supermarket website. Kaufland already has more than 15,000 international sellers offering over 45 million products in Germany and attracts up to 32 million monthly

SPANISH NEWS

Oasis returns

Photo credit: Katarzyna Ledwon/Shutterstock

Kaufland is owned by the same group that owns Lidl.

visitors. Spain and the Netherlands bring its marketplace network to nine European markets, potentially reaching around 220 million online consumers. The launch does not mean Kaufland is opening supermarkets across Spain. Its online operation already operates in countries without physical stores, including France, Italy and Austria. Whether it will actually be cheaper depends on the individual seller, product and delivery

cost, so shoppers will still need to compare the final price. For Spanish businesses, the platform also creates another route into European markets. More than 500 Spanish sellers are already active on Kaufland marketplaces elsewhere in Europe. The real test will be whether Spanish shoppers find enough competitive prices, products and delivery options to make Kaufland another regular stop when buying online.

Photo credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock

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Barcelona is among 38 concerts planned.

OASIS has officially announced its Oasis Live ’27 tour, confirming two concerts in Barcelona on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, 2027, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The shows will mark the Gallagher brothers’ return to Spain after 18 years. Their last Spanish performances were in 2009. Barcelona is among 38 concerts planned across the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and the United States. The tour begins in Glasgow on May 21 and includes cities such as Manchester, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris and Rome. Richard Ashcroft will appear as a special guest throughout the tour. Fans hoping to attend the Barcelona concerts must register through the official Oasis website by 05.00pm CEST on Thursday, September 17. Registration does not

guarantee a ticket. Those selected will receive a unique code giving them access to an allocated ticket-sale window. There will be no general sale or additional public presale, and fans will need a Ticketmaster account. Barcelona ticket sales will take place across September 25, 26 and 27. Reported prices range from approximately €85 to €255, depending on the ticket category, with an additional €2 Ticketmaster transaction fee. The registration system follows the controversy surrounding the band’s 2025 ticket sales, when fans faced huge queues and pricing complaints. For international fans, Barcelona now offers two opportunities to see Oasis in Spain after an 18-year wait, but registering before September 17 is essential for anyone hoping to buy tickets.

Butane gas rise HOUSEHOLDS in Spain using traditional orange butane gas bottles face higher energy costs following the government’s latest bimonthly price review. The maximum price for a

standard 12.5kg bombona de butano rose to €18.84 on September 15. The €1.01 increase, representing a 4.96 per cent jump from the previous €17.83 limit, lifts the cost to its highest

point in four years. International market dynamics drove the official revision. Rising global costs for raw materials, increased freight charges, and fluctuations in the euro-dollar exchange rate contributed to the higher rate. Legal caps prevent the Ministry for Ecological Transition from adjusting regulated prices by more than five per cent during any single review, with additional calculation differences rolled into future adjustments. The change caps off months of price volatility. A bottle cost €15.58 in January, rising to €16.35 in March, falling to €15.39 in May, and climbing to €17.83 in July. Consequently, prices have risen more than 22 per cent since May. The cap applies to standard 8kg to 20kg regulated containers, affecting millions of households without mains gas.

SCENE

Vintage vibes

Retro relics

Photo Credit: Estudio 54 / Facebook

The Atomic Cure plays classic Pretenders, Blondie, and Cure hits in Puerto de Mazarron. is strongly recommended, due to the expected popularity of the event. Attendees can easily reserve tickets or request further event details by calling or sending a WhatsApp message directly to T. 603 304 121. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and head down to Estudio 54 on Saturday, September 19 for an unforgettable celebration of alternative rock history on the Costa Calida.

RESIDENTS in Mazarron can prepare to dust off their dance shoes and clear their schedules for an extraordinary night of nostalgia as Colina Roja presents Dirty Grease: The Ultimate Sing-A-Long Dance Party. Taking place on Saturday, September 19 at 8.00pm, this spectacular evening promises an electrifying journey of music, romance, and dance under the open sky in Mazarron. This dynamic show will bring iconic film soundtracks to life, blending the unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll charm of Grease with the rhythm and passion of Dirty Dancing. The celebration does not stop there; audience members will also enjoy timeless hits featured in popular retro films including Footloose, Mannequin, and Back to the Future.

Photo Credit: Colina Roja / Facebook

Greaser gathering

Colina Roja presents a retro movie dance party in Mazarron. Immersion and fun are at the centre of the event, with fancy dress strongly encouraged. Whether you want to channel your inner Pink Lady, pull on a sleek leather jacket, or show up in full retro glam, attendees are invited to dress up and become a part of the show.

Tickets will be available for just €10, and entry passes can be secured in advance directly through Compusurf. With colourful costumes and an irresistible playlist of nostalgic favourites, Dirty Grease will offer an unmissable and unique outdoor party experience.

ANTIQUE collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and classic car aficionados are in for a treat as the IFEPA Exhibition Centre in Torre Pacheco prepares to host its annual flagship event from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27. Merging the 23rd Antiques, Collectables, Retro and Vintage Fair alongside the RetroAuto Classic Vehicle Show, this threeday event transforms the venue into a time machine celebrating craftsmanship and automotive history. Gathering more than 100 international exhibitors from across Europe, including Spain, France, and the UK, the event will offer an astonishing collection of over 40,000 memorabilia items. Running parallel to the antiques fair, the RetroAuto

Photo Credit: IFEPA

GET ready for an electric night of classic post-punk and new wave anthems as The Atomic Cure takes the stage at Estudio 54 in Puerto de Mazarron on Saturday, September 19. Starting at 9.00pm, this powerhouse live tribute event promises to deliver an unforgettable evening packed with raw energy, nostalgia, and timeless hits from three of the most influential bands in rock history. The Atomic Cure will bring together a skilled five-piece group dedicated to recreating the sharp, melodic edge and unmistakable vibe of the late 1970s and 1980s alternative rock scene. Music lovers in attendance can look forward to a dynamic, action-packed setlist celebrating the legendary catalogue of three defining acts. The performance will showcase the gritty rock riffs and raw emotion of The Pretenders, bringing iconic hooks to life alongside the glamorous swagger and high-energy disco-punk grooves of Blondie. Tickets will be €10 at the door. Early arrival or securing your spot in advance

COSTA CALIDA

Explore 40,000 vintage treasures and classic cars in Torre Pacheco. exhibition will bring together more than 200 classic cars and motorcycles. Organised in collaboration with the Club Ruta del Sol and supported by the Santa Rosalía Classic Vehicles Club, the motoring section highlights decades of engineering, design, and style. A specialised section will also be open for classic vehicle owners, stocked with thousands of original

Festive farewell AS the summer draws to a close, residents and visitors of Camposol have an unmissable gathering to pencil into their calendars. The End of Summer Party at Casa Club Camposol promises a lively afternoon filled with delicious food, flowing drinks, and incredible live entertainment on Wednesday, September 23. Music lovers are in for a treat as the stage comes alive with two standout performances throughout the afternoon. Setting the vibrant energy in motion at 2.00pm, the live band Funk My Life will take over the stage, bringing high-energy grooves and infectious rhythms guaranteed to get everyone moving. As the afternoon unfolds, the musical journey will continue at 5.00pm with a performance by Quality Street, delivering an eclectic set of crowd-pleasing tunes

spare parts, accessories, manuals, and restoration tools. Opening hours for the event will be from 10.30am to 9.00pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 10.30am to 8.00pm on Sunday. Fans of vehicles, history, or even curious passers-by should not miss the opportunity to take part in this spectacular glimpse into the history of technology. Photo Credit: Luca

Iaconelli / Unsplash

Casa Club Camposol hosts a festive end of summer celebration. to keep the festive atmosphere going strong into the early evening. Guests can indulge in a hearty serving of free paella, rich with authentic regional flavours and prepared just for the occasion. To complement the feast, Casa Club is serving up an irresistible 2-for-1 deal on bottles of wine, giving attendees something to toast to. Table reservations can be made by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to T. 602 420 167. Mark your diaries now and prepare for an unforgettable afternoon to bid farewell to summer in style.

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SPANISH NEWS - FEATURE

DOCTORS across Spain are preparing for an indefinite nationwide strike expected to begin around mid-October after failing to reach an agreement with the government over proposed reforms to their em-

ployment framework. The action brings together the newly formed Unión Médica y Facultativa (UMYF), the Confederación Estatal de Sindicatos Médicos (CESM) and other medical unions. UMYF’s seven founding

unions represent around 97,000 doctors, approximately 54 per cent of physicians in Spain’s National Health System. The precise starting date has not yet been confirmed, although October 14 or 15 are being considered. Patients with non-urgent appointments could face postponed consultations, diagnostic tests, specialist appointments and planned operations. However, emergency treatment and essential services will continue under minimum-service arrangements. The dispute centres on proposed reforms to Spain’s Estatuto Marco. Doctors are demanding a specific professional framework, a 35-hour working week, recognition and payment of additional hours, changes to professional classification and more flexible retirement arrangements. Patients are advised to monitor communications from their hospital or health centre.

RARE red flashes appeared above Spain during the early hours of Thursday, September 10, as mysterious electrical events lit up the sky over Mediterranean thunderstorms. Known as red sprites, the fleeting phenomena were photographed from the Almeria coast and Ayora in Valencia. AEMET, Spain’s state meteorological agency, shared images captured from the Ayora observatory, while storm chaser David Mancebo recorded the event from the Almeria coastline. Images taken from Ayora between 2.19am and 2.52am showed the flashes to the south over the sea. Red sprites are large-scale electrical discharges produced roughly 50 to 90 kilometres above the ground, far above ordinary lightning. Classi-

Credit: Oberservatorio Ayora X

Indefinite doctor strike Sky sprites wow

Red sprites over Valencia.

fied by NASA as Transient Luminous Events, they last just a few milliseconds and often resemble giant flying jellyfish. AEMET reported that a powerful positive lightning strike of +129.2 kiloamps hit the sea roughly 220 kilometres south of Ayora at 2.52am, triggering the sprites photographed shortly after. Mr Mancebo recorded

around 14 sprites during the same episode as the storm system moved away from the coast. Although sprites are almost impossible to see with the naked eye, observers can capture them by looking towards distant storms 60 to 250 miles away from areas with dark, clear skies. High-quality cameras remain essential to record these brief, spectacular displays.

FINANCE IN Spain, 57 per cent of shoppers now buy supermarket own-brand alternatives over name brands. Most major supermarkets offer near-identical inhouse products for less. Aldi’s own-brand products, for example, are priced 14 per cent lower than market value.

Labour costs up

SPAIN’S labour cost per hour rose 4.8 per cent in Q2, its 20th consecutive quarterly increase. Wages climbed 4.7 per cent, while other employment costs rose 4.8 per cent. The sustained rise means businesses are paying more to employ staff, potentially increasing prices.

Shipping costs climb

A GLOBAL ship-fuel shortage is looming as wars disrupt refineries and oil transport. Refiners are prioritising more profitable diesel and petrol, reducing fuel-oil production. The shortfall could reach 218,000 barrels a day in Q3, while stocks are already 30 per cent below seasonal norms.

Grocery bill grows

UK FOOD inflation is expected to reach 4 per cent by the end of 2026 and peak at 6.4 per cent in July 2027. The Food and Drink Federation blames war, drought, and rising energy and transport costs.

McLaren invest

MCLAREN is giving the UK automotive industry a major lift with a £450 million investment in its technology centre, creating 1,000 new jobs. The expansion strengthens Britain’s position in high-value car manufacturing, supporting skills, innovation and investment at a challenging time for the sector.

STAT OF WEEK

0.9%

In the second quarter of 2026, labour productivity in the EU increased by 0.9 per cent based on persons and by 0.8 per cent based on hours worked, compared with the same quarter of the previous year.

Brazilian meat ban AS of September 3, the EU has seized trading animal products from Brazil until the country can prove they meet EU food standards. Member states agreed to the ban in May, citing safety concerns around antimicrobial use in farmed animals - a substance banned in the EU for promoting irregular animal growth. Restrictions apply to chicken, eggs, horse, beef, fish and honey, potentially causing food prices to rise across Europe. Brazil is a large supplier of meat and poultry to the EU. Approximately 25 per cent of the EU’s imported chicken and beef products are imported from Brazil each year - around 211,000 tonnes of chicken and 92,000 tonnes of beef. The newly implemented export restrictions will have major consequences for all parties. Brazil could lose around €1.58 billion annually if the export embargo is in place long-term. Meanwhile in

Ceuta GDP crisis

Credit: Vitalii Biliak, Shutterstock

Big brands ditched

euroweeklynews.com • 17 - 23 September 2026

Meat to get more expensive.

Europe, consumers will feel the impact on their weekly shopping. While stocks won’t dip immediately, the market pressure will lead to gradual price increases on key items. Brazil mostly exports premium cuts of beef, so the price hike won’t be as noticeable for average consumers. Chicken, however, is a more economical protein

bought in bulk. RaboResearch expects European chicken prices to rise as a direct result of the Brazilian meat ban. In an attempt to amend the situation, Brazil has allowed EU inspectors to review its production system. The hope is that a solution will be found in poultry exports, which has only a 42-day production cycle compared to beef’s two-year cycle.

Self-employed pressures

Credit: Mongta Studio, Shutterstock

BUSINESS EXTRA

13

TIMES are tough for self-employed workers and small businesses across Spain who, as determined by UPTA, lose €125 just by opening the doors to the public each day. The cost of running a business has risen to €2,980 a month, €35,760 annually. Comparatively, the average contracted worker in Spain earns less than €25,000 a year, according to the INE. In addition to salaries and tax, rent is the biggest business ex-

pense, often accounting for 50 per cent of costs. Many self-employed people with businesses requiring a physical store-front also face a ‘double-rent’ situation, meaning they are responsible not only for their rented premises, but also their home mortgage or rent. Close to €3,000 is needed each month. In order to cover those expenses, a self-employed person must work 10 hours a day, or 217 hours per month, to earn between €2,500 and €3,500 euros.

Small-businesses spend before they open.

Billionaire exit

Inditex profits

Oil up again

INDITEX posted a record firsthalf profit of €2.98 billion, as sales rose 7.6 per cent to €19.76 billion. Growth was driven by strong performance across its brands including both physical shops and online channels. Zara remains the group’s main revenue generator, while Europe accounts for more than two-thirds of sales. Despite the strong results, shares fell as profits came in slightly below analysts’ expectations. Inditex expects sales momentum to continue into autumn.

OIL has again hit $100 (€85,94) a barrel due to escalation in the Middle East and household budgets will quickly feel the effects. Higher crude prices push up petrol and diesel costs, making commuting and travel more expensive. They can also raise the cost of growing, transporting and producing food and everyday goods, adding to inflation. Meanwhile, persistent inflation could keep interest rates higher for longer, increasing borrowing costs for mortgages and loans.

ANOTHER billionaire has left Britain for greener, cheaper pastures with hedge fund tycoon Chris Rokos becoming the latest highnet-worth exit. Many cite higher tax thresholds and the abolition of the non-dom regime - a scheme that allowed the rich to live in Britain but hold residency in a second location to avoid higher tax bills - as reasons for the high-profile exits. Rokos was one of the highest tax contributors in 2025, paying an estimated £330 million. With a net worth of £2.96 billion, according to Bloomberg’s billionaire index, Rokos is now set to establish residency in Greece.

SINCE the mass migrant crossing on July 30, businesses in Ceuta have suffered direct losses of over €33 million. That’s in addition to €170.01 million in indirect damages associated with the city’s deteriorating reputation and public image, which Ceuta’s Chamber of Commerce believes will negatively impact tourism and future investment. As such, Ceuta is bracing for a more than 10 per cent cut to its GDP, a major blow to the already small economy.

Poundland sale LAST June, Poundland was bought by Gordon Brothers for just £1, but now the private equity firm has put the high-street’s cheapest chain back on the market. Following the acquisition, Gordon Brothers restructured to cover accrued debt. Over 100 stores were closed, and the brand reverted to prices rounded to the nearest pound, the chain’s signature. Having received multiple unsolicited offers, the firm hopes to finalise a deal before the crucial Christmas trading period.

Pension problem THE ratio of workers to pensioners in Spain stood at 2.35 by the end of August, the highest level since 2009. An increase in employment during summer ensured that, for every contributory pension, there was more than double the number of contributing members. However, this increase still is not sufficient to support the public pension system, which has been impacted by a sustained decline in the labour market over the last two decades. According to a report by Foment del Trebal, 685,786 more contributors would need to be added to offset the existing deficit of €5.6 billion.

14 17 - 23 September 2026

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 14 September

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Closing Prices 14 September

Net

3I Group.....................................2.664,00............2.677,00......... 2.640,00.......... 51,53K Admiral Group.............................3.839,4..............3.839,4........... 3.782,4........... 10,26K Airtel Africa................................. 343,20...............345,60............342,80............ 51,1K Anglo American...........................3.936,0..............3.953,0........... 3.905,0.......... 127,66K Antofagasta................................3.700,00............3.754,00......... 3.699,00.......... 60,41K Associated British Foods.............1.858,5..............1.864,0........... 1.843,5........... 42,99K AstraZeneca...............................11.896,0............11.926,0......... 11.692,0......... 239,25K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 493,70...............498,30............492,60.......... 255,22K Aviva........................................... 711,80...............712,80............706,40.......... 155,61K B M European Value Retail.......... 226,00...............227,00............222,80.......... 105,92K BAE Systems..............................1.928,00............1.935,50......... 1.900,00......... 194,79K Barclays...................................... 491,40...............493,00............490,05.......... 651,44K Barratt Redrow............................ 283,10...............284,30............281,90.......... 220,91K Beazley.......................................1.305,00............1.305,50......... 1.304,50.......... 29,02K Berkeley......................................3.278,0..............3.293,0........... 3.266,0............ 3,96K BP............................................... 569,76...............574,30............569,70............1,43M British American Tobacco...........4.160,0..............4.162,0........... 4.111,0........... 88,53K BT Group.................................... 203,40...............204,60............201,50.......... 379,11K Bunzl...........................................2.594,0..............2.594,0........... 2.568,0............ 39,5K Centrica....................................... 151,30...............152,10............151,08.......... 477,76K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.560,0..............4.560,0........... 4.510,0........... 14,12K Compass...................................... 31,14.................31,36..............30,92............ 76,16K ConvaTec Group......................... 217,60...............218,80............216,80.......... 195,45K Croda Intl....................................3.166,0..............3.177,0........... 3.144,0........... 12,61K DCC.............................................6.335,0..............6.350,0........... 6.325,0........... 36,94K Diageo.........................................1.622,5..............1.626,0........... 1.600,2.......... 125,12K Diploma.....................................7.065,00............7.065,00......... 7.010,00........... 10,8K EasyJet........................................ 666,80...............668,80............666,60........... 46,34K Entain.......................................... 503,20...............505,90............500,00........... 84,53K Experian......................................2.882,0..............2.885,0........... 2.807,0.......... 148,69K F&C Invest.................................. 339,20...............340,40............338,20........... 93,77K Frasers........................................ 793,00...............796,50............784,00............ 6,13K Fresnillo.....................................2.957,00............2.967,00......... 2.927,00.......... 34,99K Glencore...................................... 593,20...............598,60............592,32............2,23M GSK plc......................................1.817,00............1.820,50......... 1.789,50............328K HALEON...................................... 339,14...............339,90............336,80............1,56M Halma..........................................3.516,7..............3.592,0........... 3.510,0............ 41,5K Hikma Pharma...........................1.538,00............1.544,00......... 1.518,00........... 7,84K Hiscox........................................1.887,00............1.892,00......... 1.880,00.......... 34,45K Howden Joinery.......................... 741,50...............744,50............739,50........... 40,59K HSBC.........................................1.557,00............1.560,08......... 1.545,00...........1,74M IAG.............................................. 410,50...............413,40............410,10.......... 695,39K ICG PLC.....................................1.903,00............1.908,00......... 1.884,00.......... 15,97K IMI PLC......................................3.006,00............3.020,00......... 2.992,00.......... 10,15K Imperial Brands..........................2.514,00............2.523,65......... 2.501,00.......... 88,72K Informa....................................... 893,40...............895,00............884,60........... 39,76K InterContinental........................... 153,4.................153,4..............152,5............. 3,76K Intertek........................................5.850,0..............5.855,0........... 5.850,0........... 15,67K

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

J Sainsbury................................. 337,70...............338,30............333,90.......... 366,52K JD Sports Fashion........................ 78,34.................78,74..............78,00........... 402,59K Kingfisher.................................... 290,53...............292,00............289,00........... 99,67K Land Securities........................... 629,50...............632,00............626,57........... 36,73K Legal & General.......................... 291,00...............292,00............287,70.......... 905,94K Lloyds Banking........................... 111,15...............111,50............110,35.............3,2M London Stock Exchange..............8.464,0..............8.466,0........... 8.332,0.......... 122,61K Londonmetric Property............... 176,90...............177,76............176,10........... 475,1K M&G........................................... 332,57...............333,20............331,00.......... 147,25K Marks & Spencer........................ 384,00...............384,50............375,80.......... 239,35K Melrose Industries...................... 475,00...............476,80............468,20........... 72,18K Mondi.......................................... 823,40...............827,20............814,40........... 15,18K National Grid..............................1.127,00............1.131,50......... 1.126,50.......... 135,2K NatWest Group........................... 696,46...............697,40............693,80.......... 402,46K Next...........................................14.700,0............14.725,0......... 14.615,0........... 4,56K Pearson......................................1.178,50............1.178,50......... 1.163,00.......... 29,36K Pershing Square........................3.790,00............3.850,00......... 3.752,00............ 4,9K Persimmon.................................1.113,0..............1.114,5........... 1.102,5........... 58,24K Prudential.................................... 982,00...............983,60............976,80.......... 191,66K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.080,0..............5.080,0........... 5.018,0........... 21,56K Relx............................................2.583,00............2.588,00......... 2.543,40......... 200,03K Rentokil....................................... 332,90...............332,90............329,30.......... 131,09K Rightmove.................................. 486,20...............486,50............479,10........... 96,16K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.255,0..............7.301,0........... 7.254,0........... 88,46K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.441,00............1.447,80......... 1.433,60......... 396,76K Sage...........................................1.001,50............1.003,00...........985,40.......... 123,68K Schroders.................................... 585,5.................586,0..............585,0........... 198,49K Scottish Mortgage......................1.468,50............1.473,00......... 1.455,75.......... 85,98K Segro.......................................... 933,00...............934,20............929,80.......... 172,54K Severn Trent...............................2.940,0..............2.950,0........... 2.930,0............ 9,74K Shell............................................3.581,5..............3.596,5........... 3.575,0.......... 332,25K Smith & Nephew........................1.044,50............1.044,50......... 1.026,50......... 176,84K Smiths Group.............................2.545,00............2.549,00......... 2.526,00.............34K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.775,0..............6.855,0........... 6.755,0............ 2,37K SSE............................................2.348,00............2.368,00......... 2.348,00.......... 51,48K Standard Chartered....................2.325,00............2.330,00......... 2.303,00......... 268,48K Standard Life............................... 922,50...............924,50............913,50.......... 108,96K Taylor Wimpey............................. 77,50.................77,76..............77,06........... 872,39K Tesco.......................................... 474,70...............475,30............468,01.......... 418,22K Unilever.......................................4.636,0..............4.638,0........... 4.586,0........... 72,21K Unite........................................... 475,20...............475,20............468,80........... 22,61K United Utilities............................1.329,00............1.334,00......... 1.323,00.......... 40,16K Vistry Group................................ 267,20...............268,36............265,20........... 30,67K Vodafone Group PLC................. 129,950.............130,050..........128,350...........3,17M Weir Group................................2.688,00............2.702,00......... 2.680,00.......... 25,72K Whitbread...................................2.341,0..............2.393,0........... 2.340,0............ 9,68K WPP............................................ 379,50...............379,65............373,50.......... 429,03K

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3M.............................................. 164,97...............165,37............162,55............3,29M Amazon.com............................... 256,78...............257,59............253,14...........26,72M American Express....................... 324,69...............326,26............322,21............1,93M Amgen........................................ 377,35...............386,99............377,22............2,27M Apple........................................... 332,27...............336,22............326,30...........50,72M Boeing......................................... 210,45...............211,62............207,22............4,14M Caterpillar.................................... 818,57...............826,00............813,51............1,83M Chevron...................................... 214,06...............215,55............212,02............6,57M Cisco........................................... 112,13...............112,22............108,36...........14,16M Coca-Cola..................................... 88,29.................88,65..............87,81.............9,99M Goldman Sachs..........................1.029,18............1.042,99......... 1.018,59...........1,16M Home Depot................................ 308,74...............311,21............307,90............3,49M Honeywell................................... 202,36...............204,20............201,54............2,75M IBM............................................. 243,29...............243,63............235,00............4,92M J&J............................................. 265,58...............270,40............265,25............4,71M JPMorgan................................... 356,23...............360,05............354,79............5,36M McDonald’s................................. 252,53...............254,73............252,15.............4,1M Merck&Co................................... 143,93...............145,90............143,68............8,68M Microsoft.................................... 495,63...............498,97............492,58...........14,52M Nike.............................................. 36,80.................37,05..............36,62............19,97M NVIDIA........................................ 218,29...............222,00............218,15...........89,06M P&G............................................ 145,27...............145,49............143,55...........11,53M Salesforce Inc............................. 247,72...............250,55............242,02............9,74M Sherwin-Williams........................ 323,31...............324,91............317,55............2,17M The Travelers.............................. 375,20...............375,30............369,60............1,62M UnitedHealth............................... 379,09...............391,73............375,90............7,48M Verizon......................................... 50,61.................50,82..............50,22............16,46M Visa A.......................................... 370,45...............371,81............367,98............3,49M Walmart...................................... 107,15...............107,21............105,72...........17,07M Walt Disney................................. 106,55...............107,36............105,64............7,26M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 14 September

Company

Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Biodexa Pharmaceuticals DRC......................... 96,96 %........................142,44M Trugolf Holdings.............................................. 76,03 %.........................434,8M MKDWELL Tech............................................... 51,96 %..........................1,46M Frequency Electronics...................................... 42,40 %..........................1,55M Future Fintech.................................................. 40,49 %.........................53,28M GT Biopharma.................................................. 39,32 %........................544,27K China SXT Pharma........................................... 32,64 %.........................14,16M Korsana............................................................ 29,91 %........................114,12K Columbus Acquisition...................................... 27,83 %.........................91,71K New Fortress Energy........................................ 22,00 %.........................18,93M Aixcrypto Holdings........................................... 21,08 %........................624,14K Cheche Group.................................................. 20,93 %.........................39,79K Nocera............................................................. 19,89 %........................610,78K Alphatecs......................................................... 19,68 %..........................6,46M Global Engine Holding...................................... 19,51 %........................263,77K Americas Car-Mart........................................... 19,50 %..........................2,98M OIO................................................................... 18,45 %........................154,52K Reading Int B................................................... 18,19 %.........................41,18K Veritone........................................................... 18,18 %..........................5,27M M - Million Dollars

Company

Change Net / % Volume Most Declined U Power...........................................................-32,84 %........................171,79K CDT Equity.......................................................-27,55 %.........................10,19M Lianhe Sowell...................................................-26,15 %..........................2,88M Advasa Holdings..............................................-25,89 %.........................20,78M CVD Equipment................................................-25,36 %........................844,36K GlucoTrack.......................................................-21,05 %........................744,25K Singularity Future Tech....................................-18,88 %........................659,65K Adial Pharma....................................................-18,27 %........................108,47K Hub Cyber Security..........................................-18,21 %........................634,55K Greenland Mines..............................................-17,54 %........................869,62K CPI Card...........................................................-16,48 %..........................1,55M Stardust Power................................................-15,88 %.........................10,53M Ambitions Enterprise Management Co LLC......-15,82 %.........................833,3K Greenwave Tech Solutions...............................-15,74 %.........................35,69K Telos................................................................-15,60 %..........................1,32M Silexion Therapeutics.......................................-15,38 %..........................2,58M bioAffinity Technologies...................................-15,34 %........................827,86K Sellas Life Sciences.........................................-14,42 %.........................14,71M Nomadar..........................................................-14,20 %..........................14,3K M - Million Dollars

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE

Watermelon woes

SPAIN’S watermelon sector is in crisis as foreign competition puts pressure on prices. While Brazil remains the EU’s top supplier, Morocco’s exports surged 14 per cent in the first half of 2026. For Spain, a tough summer, overlapping seasons, and a saturated market are raising concerns.

Employment shortfall

UK DATA centres have fallen short of predicted job creation, despite being the main defence for their rapid rollout. The tech centre predicted datacentres would generate 40,000 jobs, but new projections amended that figure to 10,400. So far, only 4,400 direct jobs have been created.

Gold on the move EUROPEAN banks are moving gold out of North America, motivated by the geopolitical unrest that has defined President Trump’s second term. With trade and military wars escalating, many countries are taking precautions by moving reserves closer to home. The Netherlands was the most recent bank to act. In a secret operation, the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) removed some 86 tonnes of gold from the US and Canada. Approximately 27

Credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB, Shutterstock

BUSINESS EXTRA

17 - 23 September 2026

European banks move gold out of North America.

Sponsors in jeopardy THE new government under Andy Burnham is looking to restrict unlicensed betting operations after UK consumers spent over £379 million on unregulated sites in the first half of 2025. New regulations wouldn’t only affect gamblers, but several premiere league clubs who hold multi-million-pound deals with such firms. Over the summer, commercial deals

between football clubs and unlicensed operators rose from six to 10. Everton’s deal with the Stake.com crypto casino is under special scrutiny, given it is the club the Prime Minister publicly supports. The Premier League is lobbying against such restrictions, citing that most of the clubs’ casino sponsors aren’t readily available in the UK, except with a VPN.

gold bars were transferred across the Atlantic, the remainder was moved by selling and buying the equivalent amount in London. London’s Bank of England in London is a prestigious institution. As one of the largest custodians of gold, it holds an estimated 400,000 gold bars worth more than £200 billion. DNB officials reportedly feel Dutch gold can be more easily traded if held at the Bank of England, especially in the event of a “crisis situation”. The Bank of Spain remains secretive about its gold. On last count Spain managed 281 tons of gold, an unknown portion of which is confirmed to be held in the United States. With tensions worsening between the two countries, experts suspect Spain could be the next to move its reserves, if it hasn’t already.

15

No rooms FOR many in Spain, shared rentals are their only hope for independent living. But even that could be taken away. A new Fotocasa study finds that, for the first time, 53 per cent of those looking for a room to rent are unsuccessful, the demand having grown so considerably.

Service sector THE UK’s service sector strengthened in August, reaching a four-month high as business and consumer spending picked up. The services PMI rose to 52.5 from 52.1, signalling continued expansion. However, rising costs and stronger price pressures remain a concern, adding to inflation worries for the Bank of England.

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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS

Going free range

LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT

Photo credit: AlbHen/Shutterstock

16 17 - 23 September 2026

When comedy was funny AS someone who earns most of his living after dark, daytime television is often a major contributor to my psyche of amusement and entertainment. In a stroke of probably financially instigated genius, some channels have recently decided to present reruns of some classic comedies of yesteryear and what a treat they are. Open All Hours, with the wonderful Ronnie Barker; Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, starring the amazing talents of Michael Crawford; Only Fools and Horses, with David Jason; plus the antics of the zany cast of Hi- de-Hi!, are just a few of a whole host of sitcoms gracing the box this year. Of course, ITV did it for some time with programmes like Rising Damp. Another great series of days gone by. Containing marvellous dialogue, completely innocuous non-PC statements, wonderful pathos and hysterical situations, these classics of comedy are a pure joy to watch. And do you know the most gratifying aspect of them all? Not a swear word or statement of filth in sight. To me, acceptable comedy on TV died at the end of the ’80s. Since then, it has sunk into a desperate morass of sleaze and slimy stagnation, its success being measured by just how low its writers and performers can take it. And do you know why? These days there are no proper comedy writers around. The morons who churn out

the modern-day rubbish, whose success is generally judged by how often you can swear in any given minute, should hang their heads in humiliated shame. Talk about taking money under false pretences. They should all be weeded out and sent back to the gutter where they unquestionably belong. Alternative comedy? I’m sorry, in my book, today’s alternative comedies are the unforgettable, utterly unmissable ghosts of comedy past. Long may they shine as examples of the presentations that should really be making us forget our worries and delivering us a real good laugh. Come back the likes of Galton and Simpson, Roy Clarke and Ray Allen all is forgiven! Hope your all enjoying the end days of what has been a truly hot season. To me September and October have always been the best months of the year. The hordes have disappeared and are being replaced by the far more tranquil visitors who instigate a far calmer atmosphere during their late summer sojourn. I see the Christmas ads have already begun, let’s hope the mild temperatures hold out till then and the locals enjoy their chance to at last spend some time together. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.cvom

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

The company aims to reach 10 million laying hens.

HUEVOS GUILLÉN, one of Spain’s largest egg producers and a major supplier to Mercadona, is investing €200 million over the next four years as it moves towards producing eggs entirely through cage-free systems. The company aims to reach 10 million laying hens by 2030. By the end of 2026, it expects 80 per cent of its 6.13 million hens to be housed in cagefree systems, up from 73 per cent in 2025 and 60 per cent in 2024. It is also targeting almost 100 million dozen cage-free eggs this year, a 28.6 per cent increase. Huevos Guillén hopes all its fresh consumer eggs will come from cage-free systems by 2028, subject to administrative approvals. The investment includes new farms designed specifically for alternative production. A €14.5 million free-range facility in Ribera del Fresno, Badajoz, will eventually house 320,000 hens across eight sheds, with outdoor areas providing at least four square metres per bird. It is expected to produce almost 97 million eggs annually. The Spanish egg sector is also moving towards cage-free production, with alternative systems accounting for around 40 per cent of production.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

22

20 17 - 23 September 2026

www.euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol

Costa Blanca South

Disney explodes into Malaga

Golfing Glory

DISNEY has moved cameras, cranes and controlled explosives into Malaga’s old provincial prison to film scenes for its new Far Cry television series. The production, based on Ubisoft’s long-running video game franchise, has already begun filming inside the disused Cruz de Humilladero building, with around 350 crew rehearsing action sequences ahead of the main shoot later this month. Residents nearby have been sent letters warning them of controlled detonations and dense smoke, timed to a three-tone acoustic signal before each blast so nobody mistakes the noise for a real emergency. Calle Valderaduey has been closed to traffic for the length of the shoot, while nearby streets face restrictions until September 25. Familiar Hollywood faces Steve Buscemi and Lizzy Caplan are among the cast, alongside creator and star Rob Mac, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

COSTA BLANCA golf is set to receive recognition, with the region’s golf course association named among the winners of the 2026 UEPAL Awards. The Association of Golf Courses of the Costa Blanca and Valencian Community will receive the Award for Promotion of the Local Economy at the eighth UEPAL Awards in Elda on September 18. The honour recognises the association’s contribution to economic development through sports tourism, generating employment, attracting visitors and strengthening the region’s international profile. For the southern Costa Blanca, where golf is popular with international residents and visitors, the award has a strong local connection. Association members in the south include La Finca, La Marquesa, Las Ramblas, Lo Romero, Campoamor, Villamartin and Vistabella, placing some of the area’s best-known courses within the organisation.

Axarquia

Almeria

Lottery lucky charm

Going the extra mile

A VENDOR in Torrox Costa has delivered a life-changing payout after just six months in his role. Francisco Lucia sold the winning Sueldazo lottery coupon at his regular pitch in La Carraca, handing a local resident €2,000 every month for the next 10 years. The total prize of €240,000 formed part of the Sunday weekend draw, which carried a theme celebrating the launch of Madrid’s Formula 1 Grand Prix. The win comes shortly after the same town collected €20,000 from a separate ONCE draw the previous month. Lucia, who previously worked in a fruit warehouse, expressed delight at his new career path and the positive reaction from his regular customers. The same draw brought further fortune across Andalucia, with another €240,000 Sueldazo prize landing in Sevilla. Additional payouts of €20,000 were awarded to ticket holders in Motril, Cadiz, Malaga, and Marbella.

SHAUN GARNER from Channel 4’s Sun, Sea and Selling Houses and his best friend Emily Cornwell recently completed the 131-kilometre Camino Ingles up through the North of Spain, raising money for PAWS-PATAS Animal Shelter along the way. Beginning in Ferrol, the best-friends trekked through towns, villages and rural countryside, soaking up the beautiful views along the way. By the time the pair reached their final destination in Santiago, their fundraiser had reached €4,354. Before they’d even set foot on the trail, they had raised upwards of €1,000. Over 150 donations were collected. Every single one - whether a €10 pledge or €100 - will make a huge difference for the cats and dogs at PAWS-PATAS. PAWS-PATAS will put this money to good use, covering the cost of food, veterinary care, and shelter maintenance. It also means the animals in their care will enjoy a few more treats over the coming months.

Mallorca

Costa Blanca North

Mallorca’s cycling hero THE island has a new reason to celebrate after local cycling star Enric Mas finally achieved the victory that has eluded him for more than a decade. The 31-year-old Movistar rider has won the Vuelta a España, becoming the first Spaniard to take the prestigious Grand Tour since Alberto Contador in 2014. For Mas, the triumph marks the culmination of years of near misses at the race. He had previously finished second three times, in 2018, 2021 and 2022, before adding a third-place finish in 2024. This time, however, the Mallorcan held his nerve to secure the red jersey and write his name into Spanish cycling history. Mas, who was born in Arta, had to survive a demanding final weekend before heading into the final stage in Granada with the overall lead. Norwegian Tobias Halland Johannessen claimed victory on the final stage, but the attention was firmly on Mas as he crossed the finish line with his Movistar teammates.

National honour

CALPE’S famous Moors and Christians celebrations have received a major national boost after being officially declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest by Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism. The prestigious recognition celebrates the cultural importance of one of Calpe’s best-loved annual traditions, famous for its colourful costumes, parades, and dramatic historic reenactments. The award comes at a particularly significant time, as the celebrations mark their 50th anniversary, making the national recognition an especially fitting tribute to the generations of residents who have helped keep the tradition alive. What began five decades ago has grown into one of the most anticipated events on Calpe’s calendar. Months of preparation go into the elaborate costumes, performances, music and parades, with families and festive groups playing a central role in preserving the tradition.

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PETS

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KEEPING your dog’s joints healthy can help them stay active, comfortable and ready for their next adventure. While joint problems can become more common with age, there are simple steps you can take to support mobility throughout their life. A healthy weight is a great place to start. Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on the joints, so keeping portions appropriate can make a real difference. Regular, gentle exercise is important too. Daily walks and low-impact activities help maintain muscle strength without putting unnecessary strain on the body. Nutrition can also

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Fat cat Signs your cat may be overweight.

Gentle exercise supports healthy joints.

play a role. A complete, balanced diet provides essential nutrients for overall health, while ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids may support healthy joints. Some joint supplements

contain ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect cartilage and support mobility, but it is best to speak to your vet before adding supplements to your

dog’s routine. Keep an eye out for changes in movement. Stiffness, reluctance to climb stairs, difficulty getting up or a reduced interest in walks could indicate discomfort.

Dog park dos and don’ts TAKING your dog to the park for the first time can be exciting, but it is worth doing a little preparation before you unleash the fun. A busy dog park can be overwhelming, particularly for a nervous or inexperienced dog. Start by choosing a quiet time to visit. Before you go, make sure your dog is comfortable with basic commands such as ‘come’, ‘sit’ and ‘leave it’. Check that their vaccinations are up to date, and pack fresh water, poo bags and a few treats. When you arrive, don’t rush straight through the gate. Let your dog watch the other dogs from a distance and get used to the sights, sounds and smells. Once they seem relaxed, head inside and keep a close eye on their body language. Play should look loose, friendly and balanced.

Credit: CHUANGXIN ZHOU, Shutterstock

Joint health

Credit: lightman_pic, Shutterstock

A LITTLE extra weight might seem harmless, but carrying excess body fat can affect your cat’s health and quality of life. The tricky part? It is not always easy to spot gradual weight gain, especially when you see your cat every day. One of the simplest checks is to look at your cat from above. Ideally, you should see a gentle waist behind the ribs. From the side, their tummy should slope upwards towards the hind legs rather than hanging noticeably low. You should also be able to feel their ribs beneath a thin layer of fat without pressing firmly. Changes in behaviour can offer clues, too. Is your cat less interested in playing, jumping or exploring? Do they tire more quickly or spend even more time sleeping? These changes can sometimes be linked to carrying excess weight. An overweight cat may also struggle to groom properly, particularly around their back and hindquarters. This can lead to a greasy, matted or unkempt coat. If you think your cat is carrying too much weight, speak to your vet before changing their diet. A gradual, carefully managed weight-loss plan can help your cat become fitter while protecting their health.

FACT

Hemingway’s cats

AUTHOR Ernest Hemingway was gifted a white sixtoed (polydactyl) cat named Snow White by a ship’s captain in the 1930s. Today, around 60 descendants of that original feline - most possessing six toes instead of the usual five - freely roam and live at the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, USA.

How to introduce your dog to the dog park.

Wagging tails, relaxed bodies and playful bows are good signs. If your dog becomes tense, hides, growls repeatedly or tries to escape, calmly lead them away and give

them space. Finally, keep the first visit short and positive. Around 10 or 15 enjoyable minutes is plenty. As your dog gains confidence, you

can gradually stay longer. The goal is simple: help your dog discover that the park is a safe, happy place to socialise, explore and have fun.

CLASSIFIEDS CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

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ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK

Hyundai i20 – a must-drive entry on your shortlist UNTIL recently, as there’s been a rash of new superminis, smaller cars were becoming an endangered species. One of the most long lived is Hyundai’s i20, which in its latest guise offers a redesigned line-up with generous standard equipment and an enjoyable drive. The range starts from just €23,286/£20,010 for the lead-in Element model that comes with air conditioning, auto lights, high beam assist, power windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, navigation, 25cm/10” display screen, Android Auto and Apple Car Play and 40cm/16” alloy wheels. Black Line and Tech Line models are priced at €27,010/£23,210 and €28,529/£24,515 respectively. Power comes from a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 90PS, with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gears. It’s a perky engine, despite a leisurely 11.5 seconds to the benchmark 100kph/62 mph. Allied to a smooth gear change, this makes it a surprisingly entertaining drive on cross-country roads. For a small car there’s an admirable amount of space inside and it’s practical too. In addition to passenger space, the storage for in-car bits-n-bobs is good,

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Hyundai i20 Element Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, 90PS Gears: 6-speed manual (optional 7 -speed automatic) Price: €23,286/£20,010 Performance: 11.5 secs to 100kph/62 mph - 180kph/112 mph maximum speed Economy: 5.7 l/100km 49.6mpg Emissions: 130 g/km Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets with decent door pockets, a good size glovebox and cubby trays in the centre console. The central tray on the dash-

board is also plenty big enough for a smartphone - and, on higher-spec models, it comes equipped with a wireless

phone charging pad. Build quality is largely excellent for, by today’s standards, a cheaper car, although there are some less tactile plastics inside the car. On the road the i20 deals with the worst excesses of our potholed tarmac admirably and through twisting cross-country roads it’s possessed of sharp handling. Style is very subjective but along with some lively colour options - Mangrove Green Pearl, Lucid Lime Metallic, Vibrant Blue Pearl and Lumen Grey Pearl - there’s a mix of slim, sharp lines. It’s far from the generic styling so often seen on our roads. While newcomers including Renault’s 4 and 5 and Nissan’s Micra may be grabbing the headlines with their retro inspired lines, neither offer the space and practicality of the i20. Hyundai has managed to combine the best of a practical, downto-earth transport choice with a style that wouldn’t look out of place parked adjacent a trendy café bar. If you’re looking for an all-rounder small car that is equally at home in the city or on longer runs, then the i20, especially the well-equipped lead-in model, is a mustdrive entry on your shortlist.