Costa de Almería I No. 2149 I 10 - 16 September 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal MA 76-2025 - ISSN 2488-1732
Vera welcomes La Vuelta VERA HOSTS THE MOST GRUELLING STAGE OF THE GREAT SPANISH CYCLING RACE SINCE it was announced that La Vuelta, the great Spanish cycling race, would be returning to Vera, anticipation has been steadily building. Finally, race day arrived in Vera and hundreds gathered to watch the action unfold. Riders arrived at the start line at the historic Vera bullring to massive applause and loud cheers from supporters who had filled the streets. Just after 1pm, the peloton departed on what was set to be the most gruelling stage of the whole race. Cyclists would need speed and stamina to conquer the 167 kilometre stretch and 4,530 metres of accumulated elevation gain that laid ahead. Most difficult of all, five high mountain passes stood between the Vera start and Calar Alto finish
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Vera
Excitement builds as the La Vuelta peloton lines up at the Vera start line.
line: Alto de Cabecico, Alto de Cobdar, Collado Garcia, and Alto de Velefique and Calar Alto, the most demanding of the lot with over 1,000 metres of continuous elevation gain. The peloton powered through every obsta-
cle, making for a thrilling watch for all those following along in person or at home. During La Vuelta Stage 12, Vera’s passion for sport and stunning natural scenery was on full display to millions of
viewers worldwide. The 2025 edition drew an audience of nearly 17 million across its 23 days, making La Vuelta not only an exciting event but a great promotional op-
portunity for host towns across the country. Slovakian cyclist Jakob Omrzel of Bahrain Victorious team was ultimately crowned the Stage 12 winner, completing the sprint with a one minute 56 second advantage. And after a nail-biting battle with his closest rival, Enric Mas extended his tournament lead by 27 seconds. Even more excitingly, one of Almeria’s own raced as part of the peloton. El Ejido native Cristian Rodriguez Martin rides for XDS Astana team and entered this most recent stage only nine minutes and 42 seconds behind race leader Mas. In an interview with Teledeporte, the Almeria cyclist described Stage 12 as “by far the most special,” a sentiment that proved to be true for all involved.
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LOCAL NEWS
Donut miss this festival Dance the night away Credit: Ayuntamiento de Almeria
2,000 buñuelos served in San Vicente.
ANYBODY who has had the pleasure of biting into a piping hot buñuelo knows there’s no better Spanish dessert, except maybe churros. The people of the San Vicente neighbourhood certainly agree and have professed their love for the doughy-treat with a special festival. For many in the area, the buñuelo festival is a highlight of the neighbourhood’s patron saint festivities. Every year, the street fills with excitement and the air fills with a delicious smell. As has been the case for the last three decades, 20 “buñueleras” donned their aprons and spent the night preparing the donuts. Over 100 kilos of flour was used to prepare the dough, which was fried
and served fresh the following day with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Almeria’s mayor and several councillors joined locals for the occasion and helped distribute the dessert for those celebrating in the plaza. In total, 2,000 buñuelos were served throughout the day. With three decades of experience, the San Vicente women have truly perfected the art of making buñuelos which the mayor of Almeria described as “probably the best fritter in Almeria.” Those who don’t reside in San Vicente are encouraged to mark the date on their calendar so as to not miss out on a future edition of the sweetest festival in Almeria.
Credit: oneinchpunch, Shutterstock
READY to dance, dine and do some good? Then save the date for a charity night with a difference, all in aid of APSA, the animal protection charity helping dogs in need across Albox. On Sunday, September 27, Harley’s in Arboleas will be transformed into a disco packed with great music, dancing and plenty of good causes. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the disco getting underway at 7.30pm and continuing until late. Expect big tunes, plenty of energy Swap dancing shoes for comfy shoes. and a dance floor that’s going to be hard to leave! DJ T-Ray, from VIP White Party support APSA and its work caring for Events, will be on the decks, bringing animals in need and finding them their a feel-good soundtrack packed with forever homes. pop, rock and soul. In other words, In addition to the cash donation, there’s no excuse for sitting down, so guests are also encouraged to bring a swap your dancing shoes for comfy bag of dog food or treats to add even shoes and prepare to keep moving all more support for the dog’s in APSA’s night long. car. Entry is just €25, which includes a Tickets are available from the APSA full buffet, so you can refuel between shop in Albox. Dance, have fun and dances. Better still, every ticket helps make a difference.
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10 - 16 September 2026
Call centre help
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Garden friend or foe Smarter garden control
Credit: Ally Foster - Shutterstock
NEWS
Credit: MikeDotta - Shutterstock
SPEAK TO A HUMAN
What to say when the call centre is automated.
FOR foreign residents in Spain struggling with automated phone menus, relief is arriving. A Spanish law, Ley 10/2025, sets strict customer-service standards designed to eliminate endless robot loops and improve consumer rights. Under the legislation, companies cannot rely solely on automated menus. Customers now have the right to request a human operator directly from the main menu or at any point during the call. Expatriates facing language barriers can ask for “atención personalizada” or
“un operador” to reach a real person. The law mandates that covered businesses answer 95 per cent of requests for human assistance within an average time of three minutes. Furthermore, customer-service calls must not exceed standard landline or mobile rates. Priority assistance is also guaranteed for customers aged 65 and over, as well as disabled individuals. When issues arise, customers are advised to log details and request an official reference number.
Companies must address complaints with reasoned responses and generally resolve them within 15 working days. Critical service disruptions carry a two-hour deadline, while billing disputes must be handled within five days. The legislation officially took effect on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Covered companies must fully adapt their operations to meet the new legal standards by Monday, December 28, 2026, so they should be in the process of change now.
Spanish garden delight.
SPANISH gardens host a wide range of insects tailored to the dry Mediterranean climate. Managing them successfully requires identifying which species help your garden and which cause damage. Beneficial insects either hunt pests, pollinate flowers, or perform both roles. Ladybirds, green lacewings, and hoverflies act as natural predators. Their larvae consume hundreds of aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs each day. Predatory bugs like Orius and native praying mantises also target destructive garden pests. Other than insects, lizards, spiders, and firefly larvae help maintain ecological balance. Gardeners can encourage these natural allies by planting herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and fennel while keeping broad-spectrum chemical sprays to a minimum. Pests require control only when populations increase rapidly. Aphids, red spider mites, and whiteflies drain plant sap and spread viruses, particularly across citrus, tomatoes, and roses. Mealybugs and scale insects leave cottony deposits or hard shells on stems, while the olive fruit fly directly targets ripening fruit. Before using chemical treatments, knock pests off foliage with a strong water jet, or apply potassium soap, neem oil, or sulphur. Broad-spectrum insecticides should be avoided, as they destroy useful predators that naturally manage pest populations. A varied garden featuring mixed flowering plants and minimal chemical intervention maintains a healthy, self-regulating ecosystem.
Credit: Caftor / Shutterstock
Clearer rules ahead SPAIN SIMPLIFIES OFFICIAL PAPERWORK SPAIN has approved its first nationwide rules on cognitive accessibility, requiring plainer language, pictograms and clearer signs across public administration, healthcare, transport, justice and other essential services. The decree, approved by the Council of Ministers on September 1, was drawn up by the Ministry of Social Rights under Pablo Bustinduy and covers people with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury and dementia.The regulation also explicitly lists migrants and foreign residents who are not fluent in Spanish or the co-official regional languages among those it is designed to help. For the many foreign nationals living in Spain who have struggled through an empadronamiento form
or a residency application, that detail could matter as much as the disability provisions the law was originally written for. A new body, the Centro Español de Accesibilidad Cognitiva, will help adapt some of the country’s most-used paperwork, including tax declarations, and identity document procedures. Officials have been clear that the changes mean clearer Spanish rather than translation, so foreign residents should not expect a right to deal with officials in English. Forms, signs and websites are expected to be updated gradually rather than overnight, with different sectors given their own timescales to comply.
Official paperwork in Spain is set to become easier to understand under new government rules.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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LOCAL NEWS
Celebrity celebrations A Midsupper Murder
Emily Atack heads to Mojacar for second wedding ceremony.
pected to arrive in Almeria to continue the wedding festivities with a second lavish ceremony in Mojacar. Mojacar has been a fa-
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Credit: Emily Atack / Instagram
BRITISH actress Emily Atack tied the knot this summer, marrying scientist Dr Alistair Garner in an intimate ceremony on August 22. The pair exchanged vows in an elegant but private affair in their Bedfordshire home and followed it up with a breakfast buffet and garden party. But the wedding celebration don’t stop there. When sharing photos to social media, the star of the hit show Rivals said “I can’t believe we get to do all that again in a few weeks’ time. Christ, we have fun don’t we”. The newly-weds are ex-
vourite holiday destination for Atack and her family since she was a child. This wedding follows a similar schedule to many other celebrity nuptials: a small intimate ceremony followed by an over-the-top destination party. According to local sources, 200 guests are expected to arrive to mark the special day with the couple. A host of famous faces will fill the Plaza del Mirador in Mojacar, with access restricted to the public during the celebrations.
Which of the Midsupper Murder cast is the killer?
ON Wednesday night, September 2, a murderer lurked in the shadows, claiming two lives in truly blood-thirsty fashion. The first, poisoned with a dose of ketamine and the second hacked apart, only a satin-gloved hand left behind as evidence of the crime. But on the bright side, over €400 was raised for local animal charities. Midsupper Murder’s most recent murder-mystery evening was a resounding success, the two victims aside. A cast of passionate local actors and writers came together, stepping into the shoes of eccentric characters with targets on their back and secrets to hide. As characters died one by one, it was down to the audience gathered at Terraza Lamarlo to collect evidence
and find the culprit before they killed again. There was no script, only brief outlines making for a truly unpredictable and oneof-a-kind night. Costumes and props were sourced from the APSA second hand shop in Albox meaning all net-profit could be donated to worthy causes. In total, €380 was raised through ticket sales for Podfather, a local Podenco sanctuary, and an additional €100 was raised via the raffle and tombola for APSA, The Animal Protection Society of Albox. Despite being a night defined by lies and murder, spirits were high and all in attendance had a brilliant time. Anticipation is now building for the sixth Midsupper Murder evening set for January 2027.
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10 - 16 September 2026
Light up hope
Summer of second chances Credit: Diputacion de Almeria.
A GOLDEN symbol of hope is taking centre stage in Almeria this September as the Provincial Council joins ARGAR’s ‘Light Up Hope’ campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer. The campaign began with the unveiling of the Golden Ribbon on the main façade of the Provincial Palace, led by Provincial Council president Jose Antonio Garcia Alcaina and ARGAR president Rosa Onieva. The ribbon, an international symbol of childhood cancer awareness, will remain a visible reminder of the children, teenagers and families facing the disease. September is internationally recognised as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. ARGAR, the Association of Parents of Children and Adolescents with Cancer of Almeria, is using the campaign to
Almeria unveil a symbol of hope for Childhood Cancert Awareness Month.
highlight the profound impact a diagnosis can have on an entire family. For more than 30 years, the association has supported children and their relatives, while also raising funds for research and helping families navigate the challenges of treatment. These can include balancing work, education and hospital appoint-
LOCAL NEWS
ments during an already difficult period. The Provincial Council has pledged its continued support for ARGAR. Meanwhile, the Golden Ribbon campaign will spread across the province, with public buildings and town halls joining the initiative to ensure childhood cancer remains firmly in the public eye.
SEPTEMBER is here, and PAWS-PATAS has plenty to celebrate after another busy August at the shelter. During the month, 37 dogs and two cats found loving new homes, marking 39 fresh starts for animals in need. The charity thanked all the families who opened their hearts and homes, reminding supporters that these happy endings are at the heart of everything PAWS-PATAS does. At the same time, the shelter welcomed 13 dogs and puppies, along with three cats and kittens, Donations help PAWS-PATAS rescue animals across making space a constant Almeria. challenge. Fundraising is therefore vital, helping the team provide the care and facilities splash pools and puppy collars. needed for every new arrival. The charity also thanked Steve and August’s fundraising brought in vital Sue Staniland for a large sail shade, support, including €945 through PAWS- Dawn Jarvis for €153 donated in memoSOME Membership, €418.91 from dona- ry of her late husband Ian, and everyone tion tins and €275 raised by Jan’s Jewels who continues to volunteer, donate and and Louise’s craft workshops. Egpac support events. also donated €250 towards a new washPAWS-PATAS says every contribution ing machine, €500 for dogs rescued makes a genuine difference to giving anfollowing the local wildfires, plus beds, imals a second chance at life. Credit: PAWS-PATAS
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LOCAL NEWS
10 - 16 September 2026
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Overcoming obstacles Buddhists rebuild
Credit: International Nyingmapa Rigdzin Community
Credit: Ayuntamiento de El Ejido
WATER, obstacles, teamwork and a great cause came together on Saturday, September 5, as El Ejido hosted the sixth Ruta Anfibia 091, turning Almerimar into a lively arena of sport and solidarity. Organised by the National Police in El Ejido, the 4.5-kilometre challenge put participants to the test with obstacle sections and water crossings. Runners tackled the course in a range of categories, from individual men and women to pairs, four-person teams, families and participants with reduced mobility. Yet the biggest victory was not about reaching the finish line first. Money raised through the event will go towards supporting Martina, María and Juan Antonio, three people affected by Central
Buddhists rebuild after Los Gallardos wildfire.
El Ejido ran Ruta 091 for a worthy cause.
Nervous System Syndrome. The morning also brought plenty of entertainment and a strong community atmosphere, with competitors and spectators enjoying the sporting action and surprises along the way. Councillor for Sports María José Martín attended the event along-
side councillors Manuel Martínez and María del Mar Martínez, as well as El Ejido National Police commissioner José Antonio Roca. With determination on the course and solidarity at its heart, the Ruta 091 once again proved that a day of sport can also be a powerful way to help others.
HIGH up in the Bedar mountains is the Namkha Dzong Orgen Khando Ling Buddhist retreat, a spiritual oasis that was once surrounded by lush wildlife. Now it overlooks the charred mountainside, a stark reminder of the July wildfires that spread through the area. The Buddhist centre was one of many buildings badly impacted by the fire. Kitchen, communal dining rooms, bathrooms and resident quarters were totally lost to the flames. Months later and still there is no running water or electricity, and much of the infrastructure needs to be rebuilt. Resident and long-time caretaker Wangchen, told Europa Press they have to travel to the Serena spring or into Bedar proper to collect drinking water.
In order to fund the needed restorations, a fundraising campaign was launched on July 16 through the online GoFundMe platform. The initial goal was set at €60,000, although recovery costs will likely reach €80,000, with insurance only covering a small percentage. Incredibly, the fundraiser has so far collected €37,546, enough for construction to begin. First priority will go to restoring water and power, before focus shifts to fixing the communal spaces. The hope is Namkha Dzong will be back up and running, better than before by the end of September, when up to 60 people are due to arrive for a collective retreat.
10 - 16 September 2026
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LOCAL NEWS
Defibrillators for all Credit: Diputacion de Almeria
Life-saving care for all in Almeria.
ACCESS to life-saving medical equipment should not depend on how many people live in a town. That principle is at the heart of a new initiative by the Provincial Council of Almeria, which has supplied defibrillators to 91 municipalities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants. The devices will be installed in key public spaces, including sports centres, football grounds, day centres and municipal or cultural buildings. Alongside the equipment, local staff will receive accredited training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support and the use of an automated external defibrillator. The initiative recognises a simple but crucial reality: when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second matters. Having a defibrillator close at hand can make a critical difference while emer-
gency services are on their way. For smaller and more remote communities, ensuring that this infrastructure is available locally is particularly important. Distance and population size should never determine whether someone has a chance of receiving assistance. By extending access to both equipment and training, the programme strengthens emergency preparedness across the province and helps make public spaces safer. It is a reminder that essential healthcare infrastructure belongs everywhere, including the smallest communities. Recipient towns of AED devices include: Albox, Arboleas, Bedar, Carboneras, Garrucha, Mojacar, Turre, and Vera, among many more.
Railway house restoration NEW life is being breathed into three old railway houses in Seron, as the local town hall looks to convert the historical buildings into social housing. Too many people, too few houses, the current housing crisis is hitting everybody hard, especially low-income households. Governments, on a national and local level, are having to act fast and invest in new infrastructure to meet demand. Instead of building a new housing project from the ground-up however, Seron has smartly decided to repurpose three old buildings in the La Estacion neighbourhood. Governments can often be wary about converting old infrastructure, in fear of stripping the town of historical
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Seron.
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Seron turns historic buildings into new housing.
landmarks. In this instance, the buildings were “practically ruins,” according to Seron’s mayor, Manuel Martinez Domene. They didn’t serve the community in any functional way. Through this restoration project, the structures will become a key part of the local neighbourhood. The project isn’t looking to re-write the history of the railway houses, but rather give them a new chapter.
Seron Town Council has assumed all financial responsibility for the project without any external aid. While this is unusual, it means the local government has ultimate say over who resides there. These projects won’t be turned into holiday lets or charge over the odds for monthly rent, rather they will provide much needed housing assistance to locals in need.
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FEATURE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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LOCAL NEWS
ALMERIA is putting cucumbers firmly on the European map. The Spanish province is at the heart of a booming export business, helping Spain maintain its position as the EU’s leading cucumber supplier. Spain sold almost 519 million kilos of cucumbers to EU markets in 2025, accounting for 36.3 per cent of total EU sales. Almeria is a major force behind that performance. The province exported a record 554.93 million kilos of cucumbers last year, generating €835.99
Credit: Margouillat photo, Shutterstock
Spain’s cucumber capital
Almeria remain Spain’s biggest cucumber exporter.
million in revenue. The strong figures reflect the scale and efficiency of Almeria’s greenhouse industry, which has regained its footing after being damaged by storms in late 2025 and early 2026. In the wake of such an unprecedented winter, Almeria’s agricultural industry continues to sup-
ply fresh produce to supermarkets and buyers across Europe. Germany remains the biggest destination for Spanish cucumbers, with the UK and the Netherlands also playing an important role. The wider export picture is equally impressive. Spanish cucumber exports reached a record €1.19 billion in 2025, un-
derlining the crop’s growing value to the country’s fresh produce sector. For Almeria’s growers and exporters, cucumbers are clearly much more than a staple greenhouse crop. They are a key driver of the province’s international trade, with demand continuing to open doors across Europe.
Cat colony protests AN orange army marched across the country on Sunday, September 6, demanding the government take responsibility for cat colonies nationwide. Since 2023, a law has been in place that, theoretically, means local governments must assume responsibility for stray cats. However, governmental inaction of Law 7/2023 and continued animal neglect has sparked protests. Almeria was one of 38 Spanish cities that saw such demonstrations. As the clock struck noon, hundreds Stray cats should be cared for by governments. marched along the El Palmeral de El Zapilla seafront. Dressed in a bright, sym- and treat whole colonies, going so bolic orange and holding signs de- far as to personally pay for neutering manding “local councils comply with procedures so as to limit the growing the law,” the group was hard to ig- population of stray cats. They do this nore, bringing much needed atten- with no assistance from local countion to their cause. cils or the national government. In breach of Spanish laws, the reProtestors are thus demanding sponsibility for caring for strays falls stray animals receive basic care, the largely on charity organisations and government implement management kind-hearted volunteers. Private cit- measures and provide aid for animal izens pay out of pocket to feed, water rescue organisations. Credit: IMG Stock Studio, Shutterstock
12 10 - 16 September 2026
FEATURE
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10 - 16 September 2026
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Contact Grupo Platinum Estates on +34 950 466 112 to arrange your viewing before it’s gone.
Fully equipped p open p p plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house.
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LOCAL NEWS
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Vera
Keeping Vera safe
Police presence at La Vuelta Stage 12.
LA VUELTA cyclists faced their toughest challenge of the whole race on Thursday, September 3, when the peloton arrived in Vera for the steepest stage. The National Police also faced an intimidating challenge of their own: keeping over one hundred cyclists and thousands of spectators safe. Ahead of the race, roads along the route were temporarily closed to the public with traffic diverted down alternative routes. There was a significant police presence at both the starting arch and the finish line. The Central Police Intervention Unit was assisted by air surveillance to prevent incidents or accidents and, should the need arise, coordinate an immediate
response. Approximately 142 Guardia Civil officers were deployed for the event, 59 of which monitored the crowds and accompanied the peloton via motorcycles. In order to better connect the Guardia Civil with the wider public, an exhibition was set up nearby on calle de los Parrales. The free-to-attend event allowed police to show off their equipment and demonstrate techniques used in their daily patrols, garnering much attention from the public, especially the young children in attendance. Ultimately, it was this organisation and coordination that allowed both Stage 12 of La Vuelta and the police exhibition to run smoothly, a strong point of pride for Vera.
Paradise clean up FEW places in the world are as beautiful as the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. Home to intricate rock formations, crystal-clear waters and tranquil beach coves, it’s Almeria’s own slice of paradise. Yet sadly, the park has been littered with over 17,000 kilos of waste this summer alone, posing a threat to the park’s environment and wildlife. According to the Andalusian Regional Government, approximately 17,740 kilos of rubbish was collected during the peak summer months: 2,240 kilograms in June, 7,640 kilograms in July and 7,860 in August. Cans, plastics, cigarette buds and damaged beach accessories like umbrellas have all been found improperly disposed of along the park’s coastline. Such rubbish can take a lifetime to degrade, posing a real
Credit: Christian Baur, Shutterstock
14 10 - 16 September 2026
Over 17,000 kilograms of waste removed from Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park.
threat to the local ecosystem. The real issue lies in outof-town visitors. Tourists flock to the beaches in the summer time but unaware or uncaring, they do little to minimise the environmental impact of their arrival. Admittedly, this year’s total waste collection is an improvement on last year. In 2025, more than 20,000
kilograms of waste was removed from the park during the same period. Municipal powers have since implemented several measures to reduce waste and improve conservation, including: expanding waste maintenance services, organising more volunteer clean-ups and conservations workshops, and more fines for littering.
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LOCAL NEWS
Playmobil exhibit Explore by sea Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja
Credit: Almeria Ciudad
Cruise along the Almeria coast.
PLAYMOBIL has been a toy-box staple for generations. The wide variety of figures and sets on sale has allowed children around the world to live out their wildest dreams on a much smaller scale. But there’s nothing small about the Playmobil exhibit on show in Huercal-Overa this September. Throughout the month, until Sunday, September 27, the Villa de Huercal-Overa Theatre will be home to one of the largest Playmobil exhibits in Spain. Three expansive sets are on display at the theatre, complete with hundreds of the iconic figures. Some will be swash buckling pirates
searching for treasure, other’s rogue Cowboys in the Wild West while the third set will bring the Medieval era to life in historic detail. The exhibit opened to the public on Monday, September 7 and attendees were blown away by what they saw. Who knew such creative scenes could be created simply with toys and boundless imagination. Free-admission makes this even more of an attractive activity for adults and children alike. Stop by, become inspired, then head home and ransack the toy-box and explore what other dramatic scenes can be brought to life.
ALMERIA’S coastline is getting a new attraction, and this one comes with a sea breeze. The city’s new tourist boat service is now taking visitors out from the port, offering a fresh way to see the landscape from the water. Launched on September 1, the excursions run on three routes towards Aguadulce, Cabo de Gata and around Almeria Bay. The Cabo de Gata trip brings passengers close to some of the province’s most striking scenery, including its dramatic geological formations, while the western route heads towards Aguadulce beneath the cliffs of Enix. There is also a shorter cir-
cular trip around the bay for those wanting a taste of the experience without committing to a longer excursion. And it is not simply a case of sitting back and watching the scenery. The trips include local food, live music and environmental activities, adding a distinctly Almerian flavour to the journey. The service is initially running until October 31, with a further season planned for spring. But Almeria’s coastline stretches a long way beyond these routes. If the new excursions prove a hit, could we eventually see boats heading further along the coast?
Off-road rescue
IT was a scary scene in Bedar, when on Thursday, September 3, a car skidded off the road and plunged into a ravine. Emergency services received the call at 3.11pm and immediately sprung into action. Firefighters from the Levante Almeriense Fire
and Rescue Consortium (CEIS) were dispatched to the scene, along with paramedics and Local Police, who helped the response team locate the vehicle. The car was found upturned some 300 metres down the hillside. Thankfully, the driver was found
Credit: Worldphoto, Shutterstock
Playmobil Wild West set.
CEIS respond to car accident in Bedar.
conscious and responsive. Emergency personnel acted quickly to evacuate him from the wreck. He was then immobilised on a stretcher and carried away from the scene for further medical examination. Few details have since been revealed about the crash. Authorities have not revealed further updates on the driver’s condition, nor have they shared any information as to what caused the accident. Almeria’s winding mountain roads can be beautiful to drive down, but equally as dangerous. Tight corners and steep drops mean caution is required at all times to avoid potentially life-threatening accidents.
SPANISH NEWS
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Credit: Sanxenxo ayto
World’s biggest tortilla
World’s biggest Spanish tortilla.
CROWDS gathered in Sanxenxo, Galicia on Saturday, September 5, to watch a family-run egg company cook a six-metre Spanish omelette to raise money for charity. Family firm El Huevo de la Abuela used 17,000 eggs, 1,700 kilos of potatoes, 300 kilos of onion, 300 litres of oil and 30 kilos of salt to prepare the giant dish. A team of 72 people worked around the huge pan during the town’s onion fair and Santa Rosalia festivities. Portions were
served both with and without onion, catering to Spain’s long-running culinary debate over the traditional recipe. The most delicate moment of the event came when crews used a 75-tonne crane to turn the giant pan over. Officials described the maneuver as a high-precision task that went off without a hitch, avoiding the risk of turning the dish into scrambled eggs. Cooking finished around 14.15, opening the way for
long queues to form. Organisers distributed roughly 10,000 portions at €3 each, with all proceeds going to local charitable causes. The Melide-based egg producer previously cooked a giant tortilla in its hometown last year. Sanxenxo Town Hall thanked volunteers and sponsors for helping the event succeed. Portion sales generated substantial funds for charity, bringing an unusual spectacle to the coastal town.
Fake phonelines
es without offering access to a representative.FACUA contends this practice breaches Spanish consumer protection laws, which mandate that companies offer direct human assistance rather than relying solely on automated systems. Spanish regulations classify air transport as a basic service of general interest, placing stricter customer service duties on carriers operating within the country. Recent legislative updates further ban answering machines as the exclusive method for handling customer inquiries. The group has provided audio recordings of the test calls to the ministry, requesting a formal investigation and financial penalty. Ryanair has not issued a public response regarding the allegations. Credit: Hans Elmo - Shutterstock
FACUA-Consumidores en Acción, the Spanish consumer group, has asked Spain’s consumer ministry to fine Ryanair after tests revealed the airline’s Spanish helplines never connect customers to a human agent. The consumer agency submitted its formal complaint to the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 on September 3. Tests conducted on Ryanair’s listed Spanish customer service lines, 900 751 463 and 872 580 512, found that callers were routed through automated messages, directed to the airline’s mobile application or website, and automatically disconnected. Subsequent calls from the same number yielded identical automated respons-
Passengers boarding a Ryanair flight.
10 - 16 September 2026
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Family skips €7,000 bill
time to settle up after the party, the mother organising it said she had argued with her partner over money and would transfer the amount overnight instead. The transfer never arrived. After days of unanswered WhatsApp messages, the mother replied and said she would only pay what she thought was fair, claiming the restaurant had not delivered everything agreed. Sao Luis said a dining chair was
left broken behind them in the aftermath, and that she had already photographed the family’s number plate as they drove off. She reported the case to the Guardia Civil, who have since located the woman. Officers say the incident could amount to fraud. “Seven thousand euros is a huge amount of money for a business like ours,” Sao Luis said. “Situations like this cannot be overlooked.”
SPAIN could lose a huge number of local shops over the next decade as ageing business owners retire without younger people willing to take over. The country’s retail sector lost 9,201 self-employed workers in the past year, despite overall autónomo numbers increasing by around 60,000. Former CEC vice-president Carlos Moreno-Figueroa has warned that up to half of existing shops could disappear within 10 years because of the lack of generational succession. More than 13,000 shops closed during 2025, leaving Spain with 718,311 retail businesses, the lowest figure since 2009. Rising rents, electricity, labour costs, bureaucracy and competition from major chains and online retailers are already putting pressure on in-
Photo credit: Irina WS/Shutterstock
Credit: @tropicanacoruna / Instagram
High street shops disappearing
Mother promised to pay ‘overnight’, then the family vanished.
A FAMILY has left a Galician restaurant without paying a €7,000 bill after a five-year-old’s birthday party. Owner Carol Sao Luis had been expecting 60 guests at her restaurant, Tropicaña, in Culleredo, near A Coruña, but more than 80 turned up for seafood, grilled meat, an open bar and bouncy castles for the children. A €500 deposit had been paid weeks earlier, but when it came
SPANISH NEWS
Shops could disappear within 10 years.
dependent businesses. However, retirement presents a different problem because even viable shops can disappear if nobody takes over. UPTA estimates that more than 600,000 autónomos will retire within five years, representing almost one in six self-employed workers. Running a small shop is also increasingly expensive. UPTA estimates average fixed monthly costs of around €2,980 for a
self-employed shopkeeper with rented premises and no employees. The consequences could be particularly severe in smaller towns and rural communities, where local shops may provide essential services with no nearby replacement. The coming decade could therefore determine whether many of Spain’s traditional neighbourhood businesses survive.
Parkour wrecks Alhambra pillar FIVE people filmed a parkour stunt inside Granada’s Alhambra that ended with a protected archaeological pillar destroyed and a repair bill of around €12,000. Security cameras captured the group entering the restricted Casa del Mufti area, beside the Palace of Charles V, at 4.09pm on Friday, August Police are hunting the culprits who 28, and leaving just caused the damage. 17 minutes later. One of them knocked over the an- damage at around €12,000. cient pillar while performing jumps, The Patronato filed a formal comaccording to the Patronato de la Al- plaint with the National Police on hambra y Generalife, which manag- Monday, August 31, handing over es the site. the CCTV footage as evidence. Other visitors spotted what was The destruction is made far more happening and quickly alerted serious by the fact that the Alhamstaff, but the group had already left bra, one of Spain’s most visited by the time footage was reviewed. monuments, is a UNESCO World Alhambra architects assessed the Heritage Site.
Credit: Mistervlad / Shutterstock
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Lidl’s rival expands
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
Credit: Lestertair/Shutterstock
22 10 - 16 September 2026
Dangerous dogs, holiday disasters HORRIFIC photos once again this week of a young baby savagely mauled by a pet dog and yet another adult death from one of these dangerous creatures. How long is it going to be until the authorities realise that a number of canine breeds are actually no more adaptable to the living conditions of human beings than many dangerous wild animals? There have been 17 deaths in the UK due to dog attacks and 8,750 incidents in the last year alone! These are horrendous figures and the most tragic fact of all is that the majority of victims were extremely young. Many of these tots, now scarred for life, have had their whole futures altered beyond redemption, simply because the two-legged animal that should be the most responsible of all, deems for some unknown reason to allow unpredictable, potentially life destroying four legged canines to share their homes. When are they going to recognise the devastation these animals are actually capable of? I do actually shudder when I see photos, or postings of dangerous dog breeds, cuddling up, or licking the faces (not too hygienic anyway!) of babies of sometimes a few months old. One, split second vicious snap and those faces could be gone forever. When are the Government going to see some sense and completely ban unsafe breeds altogether? I await the slings and arrows of DDO’s
(dangerous dog owners) with my usual full metal jock strap firmly in place! Contrary to the outcry that accompanied it, I did have some sympathy for the British pensioner who reported that her Benidorm holiday was ruined because her hotel had ‘too many Spaniards in it’. I can’t comment on her remarks about the general rudeness of the other guests, although I am fully aware that certain cultures may appear somewhat more abrasive and a little more obtrusive than the British are generally exposed to! Some years ago, when the children were a great deal younger, I decided to take them all to a hotel in Mallorca over the Christmas period. After checking in and exploring our ‘special Christmas treat’, it didn’t take long to realise that the hotel was full of Germans. In fact, the whole of the Christmas festivities was geared toward them. The shows (including the comedian) were German orientated. The food had a distinct German flavour, the bars were empty by 10pm and breakfast was served at some ungodly hour around sunrise. Not quite the Christmas celebration the family or Dad were actually looking for! Keep the faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmasil.com.
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
The strategy focuses on neighbourhood proximity.
SPANISH supermarket chain Covirán expanded its network with 14 openings, refurbishments, and store transformations across nine autonomous communities during July and August. The expansion covers Andalucia, Murcia, Navarra, Extremadura, Madrid, Aragon, Comunidad Valenciana, Cataluña, and Pais Vasco. Andalucia accounted for four projects, while Murcia and Cataluña each had two. Rather than simply opening new supermarkets, Covirán focused on transforming existing shops into modern formats, including Covirán Origen and Covirán Plus stores. Its cooperative model allows independent entrepreneurs, family businesses, and existing owners to operate within the network, incorporating new entrepreneurs, transfers, and generational succession. This strategy focuses on neighbourhood proximity, enabling smaller shops to modernise while retaining their local role. Meanwhile, Lidl opened four Spanish supermarkets during July and August, investing almost €30 million, with plans for around 50 new stores in Spain during 2026. Covirán’s smaller-scale expansion demonstrates that competition in Spain’s grocery sector extends beyond the largest chains.
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Children’s mouthwash recall Credit: AEMPS
TOP Trending
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Outer Banks - Season 5
Banks truly goes out on a high note with 10 chaotic, emotional and action-packed episodes.
The Lanterns
x/
X
it’s certainly gone a long-way to re-establish an underrated DC hero.
Credit: HBO Ma
IN just a handful of episodes, HBO Max has successfully rebooted the Green Lantern franchise, mercifully erasing the terrible 2011 film from memory. Admittedly, the Green Lantern lore is a little silly, but the more down to earth buddy-cop feel of the show helps ground the ridiculous in reality as John Stewart sets out to solve a smalltown murder he suspects was committed by aliens. Lanterns isn’t the best super-hero show on streaming, but
May be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
PARENTS across Spain are being urged to check their bathroom cabinets after health authorities ordered the urgent recall of several batches of a popular children’s mouthwash over fears it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Mouthwash is often used to help protect young teeth from decay, making the latest safety warning particularly unsettling for parents who believed they were doing the right thing. Spain’s Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has withdrawn several batches of FluorKIN Infantil Fresa Enjuague Bucal after detecting contamination with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacterium that can pose a risk to people with weakened immune systems. The af-
fected batch numbers are 26B01, 26B04, 26B05 and 26B06, with the final three linked to promotional two-for-one packs. The manufacturer has been instructed to stop selling the product, remove affected stock from pharmacies and shops, and recover any bottles already distributed. Parents are advised to stop using the recalled mouthwash immediately and check the batch number on any bottles they have at home. Any affected products should be returned to the place of purchase. Although the bacteria is unlikely to cause problems for healthy people, officials say the recall is a precaution to protect vulnerable children and ensure product safety.
High street shops disappearing SPAIN could lose a huge number of local shops over the next decade as ageing business owners retire without younger people willing to take over. The country’s retail sector lost 9,201 self-employed workers in the past year, despite overall autónomo numbers increasing by around 60,000. Former CEC vice-president Carlos Moreno-Figueroa has warned that up to half of existing shops could disappear within 10 years because of the lack of generational succession. More than 13,000 shops closed during 2025, leaving Spain with 718,311 retail businesses, the lowest figure since 2009. Rising rents, electricity, labour costs, bureaucracy and competition from major chains and online retailers are already putting pressure on in-
Photo credit: Irina WS/Shutterstock
t: Netflix edi Cr
THE Pogues final adventure in Outer Banks Season 5 is about more than finding treasure, it’s about avenging a friend they lost too soon. The character’s grief brings a darker tone to this season, and the audiences’ knowledge that this is the final chapter, the last chance for the Pogues to find gold, raises the stakes even further. Outer
Shops could disappear within 10 years.
dependent businesses. However, retirement presents a different problem because even viable shops can disappear if nobody takes over. UPTA estimates that more than 600,000 autónomos will retire within five years, representing almost one in six self-employed workers. Running a small shop is also increasingly expensive. UPTA estimates average fixed monthly costs of around €2,980 for a
self-employed shopkeeper with rented premises and no employees. The consequences could be particularly severe in smaller towns and rural communities, where local shops may provide essential services with no nearby replacement. The coming decade could therefore determine whether many of Spain’s traditional neighbourhood businesses survive.
28 10 - 16 September 2026
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TWO brown bears have been involved in separate incidents in Palacios del Sil, Leon, within days of each other, highlighting the risks facing Spain’s recovering bear population. One was found dead in the mountains around Salientes on August 31. Its body was transferred to the Centro de Recuperación de Animales Silvestres in Valladolid, where a post-mortem will establish the cause of death. No explanation is currently known. A second bear was struck by a vehicle near the Ondinas reservoir on the C-631. It escaped after the collision and its condition remains unknown. Attempts are being made to locate it and determine whether it was injured. Both cases occurred in an area where brown
Ryanair’s 2027 fare warning Credit: AlinaL / Shutterstock
Photo credit: Juan Carlos Munoz/Shutterstock
Brown bear incidents
SPANISH NEWS - FEATURE
Millions of British and Irish holidaymakers could face costlier flights to Spain.
Spain has two main brown bear populations.
bears are regularly present. Spain has two main brown bear populations, in the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees. The Cantabrian population has recovered from decades of decline and now numbers several hundred animals, although the species remains en-
dangered. The growing population is also bringing bears into closer contact with roads, villages and agricultural areas. A 2026 study recorded 73 visits by Cantabrian bears to human settlements between 2009 and 2021, with young animals and summer months particularly represented.
RYANAIR has cut its passenger target for the year ahead and warned that flights to Spain could become significantly more expensive in 2027 if fuel prices stay high. The airline, Europe’s biggest and the leading carrier on routes between Spain and the UK and Ireland, carried 22.2 million passengers in August, up 6 per cent on last year. But it has trimmed its full-year forecast from 216 million to 214 million passengers, choosing to keep winter capacity flat rather than grow it, to limit its exposure to expensive, unhedged jet fuel.
Ryanair has secured 80 per cent of its winter fuel at around $67 (€58) a barrel, far below the roughly $140 (€121) a barrel it costs on the open market. The move is expected to cut winter losses by up to €100 million. The airline warned that if oil prices remain high through summer 2027, short-haul fares across Europe will rise materially, and that rivals with less fuel hedged could struggle to keep flying through the winter. Ryanair still expects passenger numbers on its Spain-heavy summer schedule to grow 5 per cent next year.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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Our comprehensive policies cover the essentials like fire, theft, and water damage, and go further still, with 24/7 emergency home assistance for unexpected repairs and full public liability cover, giving you genuine, complete peace of mind no matter where life takes you. Expert service in your language Navigating Spanish insurance can be complex, but it shouldn’t be stressful. Our multilingual team is fluent in English, Spanish, German, and Dutch, so we can explain every policy detail and claim procedure clearly, in your own language, every step of the way.
We don’t just set up your policy and walk away, we work with you year after year to monitor premium increases, review your cover, and keep your costs down wherever possible. Beyond the home, our offices are your trusted partners for car, motorbike, health, life, and funeral cover. If you’d like to look ahead and plan for the future, you can explore our funeral plans directly on our website, giving you and your family reassurance for whatever comes next. Visit us today to claim your €30 savings and experience the professionalism and genuine care that has defined us since 2007.
Contact Us: • Mojácar: 634 323 399 | info@mojacarinsurance.es • Albox: 634 357 310 | info@alboxinsurance.es • Website: www.alboxinsurance.es
Hollywood sailing HOLLYWOOD stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman brought their famous rivalry to Valencia over the weekend, swapping the big screen for highspeed sailing on Spain’s Mediterranean waters. The pair, best known for their playful Deadpool and Wolverine feud, took part in a special SailGP challenge ahead of the Spain Sail Grand Prix at Marina Port Valencia on Saturday, September 5. Reynolds represented Canada’s NorthStar SailGP team, while Australian-born Jackman joined the BONDS Flying Roos. The actors are also co-owners of the Australian team, alongside team CEO and Olympic champion Tom Slingsby. Acting as guest “sixth sailors,” Reynolds and Jackman experienced the extraordinary speed of SailGP’s F50 catamarans, which can reach
Credit: Instagram/SailGP
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SPANISH NEWS
Hundreds evacuated
Credit: AjuntamentdeToledo
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Fire in Toledo hotel forces mass evacuation. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman race in Valencia.
speeds of more than 100km/h. The friendly contest ended with Reynolds claiming victory over Jackman, adding another chapter to their long-running on-screen and offscreen rivalry. Reynolds joked that beating Jackman was a “national pastime in Canada,” while Jackman praised the professional sailors for their skill and the incredible speed of
the boats. Their appearance attracted significant attention from fans gathered at Marina Port Valencia, with the Hollywood duo providing an extra dose of glamour to a major weekend of international sailing. The Valencia event is part of SailGP’s 2026 championship and marks the league’s debut in the city under a new threeyear agreement.
WHAT should have been a peaceful night’s sleep turned into a frightening early-morning evacuation for more than 600 people staying at a well-known hotel in Toledo after a fire broke out inside the building. The blaze began at around 1.30am on Thursday, September 3, in an electrical panel in a service area on the first floor of the Hotel Beatriz Toledo. As the alarm sounded, 608 guests and staff were forced to leave the building while emergency crews tackled the fire. Smoke spread across parts of the first and second floors, while the hotel’s electricity supply was also affected. Around 20 rooms closest to the fire were temporarily taken out of use. Firefighters worked to ventilate the building and
carried out safety checks before guests were gradually allowed back inside shortly before 4.30am. Despite the scale of the incident and the frightening circumstances, there were no reported injuries or cases of smoke inhalation. Several emergency services attended, including firefighters, National Police, Local Police, Civil Protection volunteers and medical teams, who remained on standby in case anyone needed treatment. Guests whose rooms had been affected were moved to alternative accommodation within the hotel while the damaged area was dealt with.The cause of the fire is being investigated, although initial reports indicate that it originated in the hotel’s electrical installation.
FINANCE 6.1% Tourism boom 31
euroweeklynews.com • 10 - 16 September 2026
STAT OF WEEK
The European unemployment rate was 6.1 per cent in July, stable compared with the month before but up from 6 per cent in July 2025, according to Eurostat.
Pricey postcodes
Toothbrush tech
EVERY parent wants the best education for their child. Those who can’t afford pricey public schools may instead choose to reside in the catchment zone for top state schools. However, parents could be paying the price for a top education a different way. Prices vary nationwide, but a study by estate agent Yopa found houses near top state secondary schools cost, on average, an extra £40,000, with postcode privilege bringing a hefty price tag.
TECHNOLOGICAL innovation has now reached the toothbrush. Dyson recently launched a £420 toothbrush that reportedly flosses, sprays mouthwash and films live footage while cleaning your teeth. It costs over 250 per cent more than Oral-B’s most expensive electric model.
Minimum wage
THE Spanish Government plans to negotiate a further increase in the national minimum wage (SMI) for 2027, with inflation expected to play a key role. As prices have risen sharply, ministers argue wages must protect workers’ purchasing power. The current SMI is €1,221 gross per month across 14 payments.
Race weekend
AHEAD of Formula 1’s arrival in Madrid for its newest Grand Prix, hotels in the Spanish capital are filling up. ACHM Hotels by Mariott reports occupancy for the race weekend has reached 90 per cent. The firm also anticipates a revenue increase of 175 per cent per available room.
House shares
HOUSE sharing was once an ideal money-saving tactic for young people, but for many it’s now the only affordable option. According to Fotocasa, the average age of people sharing accommodation in Spain is 31. Living independently has become unaffordable, even for many full-time workers.
Lost trust funds
UK CHILD trust fund providers are facing scrutiny as authorities attempt to reunite young people with lost savings. Around 760,000 accounts, worth a combined £1.5 billion, remain unclaimed. Many holders may not realise an account was set up for them under the 2002–2011 government scheme.
THIS year is expected to be one of Spain’s strongest years for its tourism market. Despite initial fears that geopolitical conflicts, jet-fuel shortages and rising costs would affect the industry, Spain is on track to welcome 100 million tourists. In the first half of 2026, Spain has so far received 58.1 million international tourists, a 4.6 per cent increase compared with 2025, showing steady growth year-round. The start of summer saw a wave of visitors arrive. In July alone, the first month of the peak season, Spain registered 11.5 million visitors, also a 4.6 per cent year-on-year increase. The United Kingdom accounts for the most visitors, with 11.5 million Brits travelling to Spain so far in 2026, followed by France (7.2 million) and Germany (6.9 million). Coastal destinations were the overwhelming favourite. Cataluña registered the highest tour-
Credit: Goodwin Mallorca, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
Spain remains a popular holiday destination.
ist numbers so far this year (11.9 million), but the Balearic islands surpassed it in popularity in July, recording 22.3 per cent of total visitors. Andalucia also experienced gains of 9.5 per cent to remain the third most visited autonomous community. It’s not just the number of tourists that is forecasting a success-
ful year, but the amount each visitor is spending while on holiday. Tourist spending has increased at a faster rate than arrivals. According to the INE, average daily spending rose by 3.7 per cent to €218. So far, total spending has reached approximately €82 billion, €18.2 million of which was generated in July.
Solar savings SOLAR panels may seem redundant in the UK where there’s more rain than shine, but new studies find households can save money even on the gloomiest days. According to Recharge Renewable’s findings, annual savings range from £440 in Scotland, £460 in the north of England and up to £610 in the south. Potential savings have only increased in recent years as conflicts in Ukraine
and the Middle East put pressure on electricity prices. Solar panel installation comes with a big upfront cost of around £7,500, according to MoneySavingExpert. com, who say it can take up to 10 years to break even. But as a consequence of climbing prices, a record number of British households have made the switch to renewable energy. In 2025, renewables generated a record 52.5 per
cent of the UK’s electricity. This trend continued into 2026 with solar power system sales up 80 per cent in the first quarter.
SHEIN IPO
Inflation up
Renfe recovers
SHEIN recently made its anticipated debut on the Hong Kong market, but its initial public offering proved to be underwhelming. The company sold approximately 280 million shares in its IPO. Shares sold below the €5.45 asking price at €5.35, and raised a total of €1.5 billion dollars. Funds raised through the IPO will be spent on technological improvements and global expansion. Following the IPO, Shein was valued at €22.89 billion, €86 million less than anticipated, and much lower than the €86 billion private valuation the company received in 2020.
EUROZONE inflation has surged to 3.3 per cent, its highest level since September 2023, driven largely by a sharp rise in energy costs. The renewed price pressure is complicating the European Central Bank’s efforts to lower inflation to its 2 per cent target and could prompt further interest-rate rises. Spain stands out among the major economies, with inflation reaching 4.5 per cent, significantly above Germany, France and Italy, highlighting how unevenly the energy shock is affecting Europe.
DESPITE recent concerns surrounding unfair competition in high-speed rail, state-owned company Renfe returned to profitability in 2025 for the first time since 2019. The trainline consolidated a net profit of €60.2 million after posting losses of €2.9 million in 2024. A 19 per cent increase in ticket sales revenue helped achieve this. In fact, Renfe generated €1.4 billion in ticket sales through highspeed and long-distance services. Renfe also benefited from strong demand and efficient management.
Solar panel popularity rises and energy prices skyrocket.
Plan scrapped A €1 BILLION plan to maintain state roads has been scrapped after industry group ACEX challenged the tender rules. Industry representatives argue the new rules would drive prices down too aggressively, making contracts less viable and potentially undermining road quality and safety. The Transport Ministry has paused the contracts while the dispute is reviewed, delaying planned maintenance across thousands of kilometres of roads until at least 2027.
AI regulation
BIG-TECH companies could be scared off future investment in Spain as a draft royal decree signals the implementation of restrictive regulations. The draft proposes that data centres demonstrate 80 per cent renewable energy consumption hourly, rather than on an annual basis, with strict correlation between megawatts consumed and renewable energy generated. Spain has seen big investment since the AI-boom. In March, Amazon announced plans to invest a further €33.7 billion to expand AI infrastructure. However, these potential regulations could cause an economic loss of €53.6 to €60.3 billion and drive companies to take their business to Portugal instead.
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FINANCE
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 7 September
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 7 September
Net
3I Group.....................................2.822,00............2.831,00......... 2.801,18........... 39,2K Admiral Group.............................3.844,0..............3.848,0........... 3.816,0............ 6,87K Airtel Africa................................. 349,00...............350,00............344,60........... 33,97K Anglo American...........................4.140,0..............4.141,0........... 4.107,0........... 90,89K Antofagasta................................3.909,00............3.914,00......... 3.877,00.............21K Associated British Foods.............2.048,0..............2.050,0........... 2.034,0........... 20,63K AstraZeneca...............................12.202,0............12.202,0......... 12.100,0.......... 66,05K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 512,60...............515,20............512,20........... 33,86K Aviva........................................... 724,80...............725,60............721,80.......... 295,13K B M European Value Retail.......... 226,40...............227,00............222,00.......... 158,86K BAE Systems..............................1.980,00............1.983,00......... 1.970,00.......... 94,98K Barclays...................................... 493,20...............496,15............491,90.......... 811,68K Barratt Redrow............................ 308,60...............309,20............304,40.......... 228,92K Beazley.......................................1.299,50............1.299,50......... 1.298,00........... 1,91K Berkeley......................................3.444,0..............3.456,0........... 3.340,0............ 1,85K BP............................................... 542,30...............544,10............535,00............2,27M British American Tobacco...........4.100,0..............4.118,0........... 4.076,0........... 97,14K BT Group.................................... 202,50...............203,80............201,70.......... 345,02K Bunzl...........................................2.674,0..............2.678,0........... 2.662,0............ 15,3K Centrica....................................... 148,75...............149,25............147,21.......... 438,04K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.512,0..............4.548,0........... 4.488,0............ 24,2K Compass...................................... 30,79.................30,95..............30,71............ 33,28K ConvaTec Group......................... 227,20...............227,80............226,00.......... 272,96K Croda Intl....................................3.313,0..............3.319,0........... 3.287,0............. 9,3K DCC.............................................6.333,2..............6.340,0........... 6.330,0........... 19,38K Diageo.........................................1.674,0..............1.675,5........... 1.666,5.......... 111,36K Diploma.....................................7.180,00............7.190,00......... 7.135,00........... 4,99K EasyJet........................................ 672,60...............674,40............671,80.......... 143,19K Entain.......................................... 529,66...............530,20............528,60.......... 120,69K Experian......................................2.838,6..............2.911,0........... 2.833,0.......... 215,43K F&C Invest.................................. 344,40...............344,40............343,20........... 70,97K Frasers........................................ 788,00...............794,50............785,00............ 2,82K Fresnillo.....................................3.165,00............3.170,00......... 3.098,00.......... 38,22K Glencore...................................... 601,70...............603,07............597,80.............1,6M GSK plc......................................1.865,00............1.869,00......... 1.856,50......... 149,05K HALEON...................................... 358,80...............359,10............356,00.......... 651,58K Halma..........................................3.638,0..............3.640,0........... 3.600,0........... 27,86K Hikma Pharma...........................1.600,00............1.604,00......... 1.594,33........... 3,84K Hiscox........................................1.889,00............1.892,00......... 1.882,00.......... 21,79K Howden Joinery.......................... 774,00...............775,50............771,50........... 21,86K HSBC.........................................1.571,20............1.573,60......... 1.562,60...........2,36M IAG.............................................. 428,30...............430,70............426,60.......... 423,01K ICG PLC.....................................1.952,00............1.956,00......... 1.941,00.......... 12,69K IMI PLC......................................3.042,00............3.044,00......... 3.028,00........... 6,75K Imperial Brands..........................2.502,00............2.522,00......... 2.485,00.......... 54,13K Informa....................................... 920,20...............925,40............917,80.......... 190,26K InterContinental........................... 161,1.................161,1..............159,8............. 4,32K Intertek........................................5.850,0..............5.850,0........... 5.845,1............ 9,89K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 336,30...............336,70............334,40.......... 333,87K JD Sports Fashion........................ 82,76.................83,10..............82,38........... 264,81K Kingfisher.................................... 301,20...............301,50............296,50.......... 158,03K Land Securities........................... 661,50...............662,00............658,00........... 30,18K Legal & General.......................... 292,50...............292,70............290,90.......... 435,68K Lloyds Banking........................... 112,00...............112,60............111,65............2,87M London Stock Exchange..............8.812,0..............8.884,0........... 8.730,0........... 16,41K Londonmetric Property............... 184,74...............184,80............183,82.......... 355,79K M&G........................................... 350,30...............352,00............349,30.......... 179,72K Marks & Spencer........................ 386,60...............388,20............385,50........... 50,09K Melrose Industries...................... 506,39...............506,80............497,40.......... 105,69K Mondi.......................................... 846,80...............848,60............839,80........... 17,05K National Grid..............................1.147,50............1.149,50......... 1.137,04......... 192,08K NatWest Group........................... 696,60...............699,00............693,80.......... 285,33K Next...........................................15.255,0............15.300,0......... 15.205,0........... 4,88K Pearson......................................1.184,00............1.187,50......... 1.169,00.......... 47,64K Pershing Square........................3.894,18............3.898,00......... 3.872,00........... 4,56K Persimmon.................................1.156,0..............1.156,0........... 1.137,5............ 44,5K Prudential...................................1.043,06............1.048,00......... 1.039,99......... 329,51K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.106,0..............5.118,0........... 5.054,0........... 37,12K Relx............................................2.653,00............2.685,00......... 2.647,00......... 118,06K Rentokil....................................... 351,77...............356,10............351,00.......... 118,31K Rightmove.................................. 505,40...............506,20............502,80........... 17,53K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.546,0..............7.563,0........... 7.510,0........... 55,62K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.491,00............1.492,92......... 1.476,40.......... 244,4K Sage...........................................1.069,50............1.078,08......... 1.068,50.......... 52,63K Schroders.................................... 584,5.................585,0..............584,5............. 9,27K Scottish Mortgage......................1.510,50............1.513,00......... 1.504,00......... 209,48K Segro.......................................... 947,50...............949,40............941,60.......... 113,72K Severn Trent...............................2.984,0..............2.990,0........... 2.960,0............ 15,7K Shell............................................3.437,5..............3.446,5........... 3.416,0.......... 299,99K Smith & Nephew........................1.051,50............1.056,50......... 1.050,00.......... 70,89K Smiths Group.............................2.560,00............2.561,00......... 2.544,00.......... 30,87K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.915,0..............6.920,0........... 6.855,0............ 1,31K SSE............................................2.364,00............2.375,00......... 2.349,00.......... 33,69K Standard Chartered....................2.237,00............2.248,00......... 2.227,00......... 170,47K Standard Life............................... 923,00...............926,50............919,29........... 84,77K Taylor Wimpey............................. 83,04.................83,14..............82,22........... 385,02K Tesco.......................................... 469,00...............470,00............465,70.......... 317,79K Unilever.......................................4.730,5..............4.736,5........... 4.696,5........... 76,02K Unite........................................... 497,20...............498,60............494,60........... 10,69K United Utilities............................1.357,00............1.362,00......... 1.350,00.......... 19,42K Vistry Group................................ 283,60...............289,00............282,20........... 30,26K Vodafone Group PLC................. 124,041.............125,150..........123,250...........5,58M Weir Group................................2.692,00............2.698,00......... 2.678,00.......... 12,44K Whitbread...................................2.402,0..............2.402,0........... 2.379,0........... 10,18K WPP............................................ 382,80...............386,80............382,80.......... 143,87K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 168,31...............169,75............165,80............3,01M Amazon.com............................... 258,90...............259,50............256,00...........26,89M American Express....................... 329,82...............335,00............328,33............2,17M Amgen........................................ 444,12...............445,82............438,08............1,84M Apple........................................... 328,21...............330,81............324,11...........37,23M Boeing......................................... 210,51...............211,06............205,83............6,26M Caterpillar.................................... 800,14...............803,92............781,49............2,35M Chevron...................................... 211,32...............213,20............211,17............6,67M Cisco........................................... 108,61...............109,67............107,60...........14,22M Coca-Cola..................................... 88,81.................89,23..............88,01............13,77M Goldman Sachs..........................1.037,93............1.039,83......... 1.012,50...........1,68M Home Depot................................ 318,07...............320,44............315,21............3,38M Honeywell................................... 207,63...............209,29............204,91............2,49M IBM............................................. 234,71...............238,29............232,82............4,38M J&J............................................. 278,43...............278,89............273,15............5,94M JPMorgan................................... 362,06...............362,85............356,39............5,42M McDonald’s................................. 259,63...............262,09............256,12............4,58M Merck&Co................................... 152,34...............152,80............148,90.............6,5M Microsoft.................................... 510,12...............515,65............500,80...........24,13M Nike.............................................. 38,77.................38,93..............37,95.............29,6M NVIDIA........................................ 228,45...............230,40............224,75..........134,68M P&G............................................ 146,92...............148,22............146,50............6,11M Salesforce Inc............................. 264,43...............268,27............261,60...........16,04M Sherwin-Williams........................ 332,26...............336,07............327,78............1,58M The Travelers.............................. 374,34...............376,57............366,95............1,63M UnitedHealth............................... 400,94...............405,16............395,30............5,49M Verizon......................................... 50,59.................50,82..............50,15.............. 18M Visa A.......................................... 378,75...............382,21............376,86............3,87M Walmart...................................... 108,42...............109,35............106,02...........25,54M Walt Disney................................. 107,16...............109,20............106,90............6,24M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 7 September
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Tantech Holdings Ltd....................................... 66,94 %..........................2,16M Sunpower Inc................................................... 58,24 %........................292,83M Mint................................................................. 49,93 %........................147,51M Antelope Enterprise Holdings........................... 37,20 %.........................21,88M Cypherpunk Tech............................................. 35,12 %.........................18,42M Generation....................................................... 32,72 %........................124,27M bioAffinity Technologies................................... 31,08 %.........................19,25M Focus Universal................................................ 29,88 %........................393,31K Canaan............................................................. 27,95 %.........................27,54M Gelteq............................................................... 27,14 %.........................70,09M Duluth Holdings Inc......................................... 23,20 %..........................3,33M Zooz Power...................................................... 22,62 %........................196,48K Top Wealth Holding......................................... 21,95 %.........................13,27M 17 Education Tech........................................... 21,49 %..........................2,79M Aterian............................................................. 21,41 %..........................1,68M GCL Global Holdings........................................ 20,11 %........................469,03K BTCS................................................................ 20,00 %..........................3,53M Nutriband......................................................... 19,79 %........................170,53K Cosmos Health................................................. 18,72 %..........................8,55M M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined Intercont..........................................................-89,59 %.........................24,64M Advasa Holdings..............................................-80,23 %........................136,63M Ultragenyx........................................................-44,03 %.........................27,16M Netcapital.........................................................-38,97 %...........................8,6M Research Alliance III........................................-37,37 %........................834,02K AlphaTON Capital.............................................-35,75 %.........................18,57M Medicus Pharma..............................................-34,63 %.........................96,66M Aptevo Therapeutics........................................-34,23 %..........................1,69M Connect Biopharma Holdings...........................-30,07 %..........................3,76M BioRestorative Therapies.................................-28,76 %..........................3,51M Polestar Automotive Holding A........................-27,52 %..........................1,26M Sono NV...........................................................-27,08 %........................305,61K Liberty Defense Holdings.................................-26,96 %........................186,12K IM Cannabis.....................................................-26,67 %........................132,48K Li Bang International........................................-25,57 %........................300,18K CURRENC........................................................-25,19 %..........................5,73M Stardust Power................................................-24,95 %..........................15,6M Viomi Technology............................................-23,60 %..........................5,45M U Power...........................................................-21,35 %........................465,53K M - Million Dollars
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FINANCE
Amazon sued
A 21-STATE coalition has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing it of manipulating its paid advertising system. For a top spot on Amazon’s commercial site, companies submit anonymous bids. Amazon is accused of submitting fake second-place bids to artificially drive up prices, earning more than €17 billion in revenue.
Hit and miss
BEFORE retiring from professional tennis, champion Rafa Nadal launched Canra 2022, an athletic performance supplement brand. However, the business is failing to match his court success, closing its second fiscal year in 2025 with €2.21 million in losses and pushing accumulated losses past €5 million.
Beer breakdown EU COUNTRIES produced an enormous amount of beer in 2025. According to official Eurostat figures, the EU brewed a combined 34.4 billion litres of beer - 32.3 billion litres of which contained more than 0.5 per cent alcohol. Germany took first place for beer production, brewing 7.4 billion litres and accounting for 21.6 per cent of the EU’s total output. The top five list was completed by France with 2.1 billion litres, Ne-
Credit: Anton Vierietin, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
10 - 16 September 2026
Spain, EU’s second biggest beer producer in 2025.
Tourist spending SINCE the pandemic forced the Spanish economy into crisis, tourism spending has successfully outpaced inflation. In 2019, before the Covid pandemic, average tourism spending reached €1,209. That has since risen by €370 per person to €1,579. This spending increase is not due to lengthier stays. The average stay of fo-
reign nationals was 7.5 days in 2019, and has only fallen to 7.2 days in July 2026. Many see this as a sign for Spain to focus less on mass-tourism, and instead prioritise the quality of tourism, putting less pressure on public infrastructure while still generating increased spending in hotel, hospitality and retail sectors.
therlands with 2.4 billion, Poland with 3.5 billion and Spain as the second biggest beer producer with 5.3 billion litres. Beer continues to be big business in Spain. Its 2025 beer exports, primarily to China, Cuba, the UK, Andorra and Portugal, totalled €328 million. Comparatively, Spain imported €432 million in beer during the same period, making it the country’s 205th most imported product. A harvest season defined by severe heatwaves and droughts could put future beer production at risk. Farmers report average wheat yields are down 13 per cent, while barley, the most important grain for beer production, is 26 per cent below the average. At the very least, brewers may be forced to change recipes to signature drinks.
33
Takeover delayed FOLLOWING a lengthy battle between US investment firms, easyJet recently announced its sale to Apollo for £5.7 billion, offering £7.15 per share. However, the airline has since delayed the acquisition until early 2027 to allow time for discussions with aviation regulators and ensure corporate conditions are met.
August unemployment SPAIN’S unemployment rose by 44,419 people in August, the sharpest increase for the month since 2019. The country also lost 162,840 jobs as seasonal tourism and education contracts ended. Despite the setback, total unemployment remains at its lowest August level since 2007, while employment is up by nearly 680,000 over the year.
EXPATRIATES in rural Spain often experience sharp electrical tingles or mild shocks from household appliances during dry months. The problem commonly affects country houses, fincas, and cortijos, worsening after extended periods without rain. Dry soil is the primary cause, turning a minor annoyance into a serious safety hazard. Spain’s rural electrical infrastructure relies on a TT earthing system, where individual properties use a metal electrode
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SPANISH LIVING
Country house shocks
driven into the ground to discharge leakage currents safely. Soil requires moisture to conduct electricity efficiently. Months of sunshine increase soil resistance significantly, causing currents to accumulate on metal appliance cases. Barefoot contact with tiled or concrete floors completes the circuit, resulting in shocks.
Official Spanish regulations state that installers must test earth electrodes for the driest conditions, yet many older rural installations fall short. Faulty earthing prevents residual current devices from functioning correctly, increasing the risk of lethal mains voltage exposure. Homeowners should immediately stop
using any shocking appliances and test their consumer unit safety switches. A qualified electrician should measure earth resistance during dry weather, ensuring maximum accuracy. Effective solutions include installing additional or deeper earth rods, utilizing conductive compounds, or fitting buried rings to reach moister ground layers. Most remedial work costs a few hundred euros, permanently resolving the issue.
Not the best coffee SPAIN’S consumer organisation OCU has analysed 91 ready-to-drink coffees sold in supermarkets, finding that only a small number represented a genuinely good choice. Just six products qualified as a good choice on OCU’s Healthy Scale, while 49 were considered acceptable and 36 were classified as poor. None achieved the organisation’s highest rating. The main concerns were sugar, additives and heavily processed ingredients. The average sugar content was 7.6g per 100ml, with cappuccino-style coffees averaging around 9 per cent. OCU advises consumers to avoid drinks containing more than 8g of sugar per 100ml and those containing two or more additives. Macchiato products performed particularly badly, account-
Photo credit: Tupungato/Shutterstock
34 10 - 16 September 2026
Only four coffees were deemed suitable.
ing for six of the 11 lowest-scoring coffees. Four coffees were highlighted for having the best compositions: Kaiku Caffè Solo Largo Sin Azúcar, Kaiku Caffè Latte Sin Azúcares Añadidos, Kaiku Caffè Latte Descafeinado and Kaiku Caffè Latte Protein Coffee Doble Cero. The top-rated product contained only water and Arabica coffee, with no
added sugar or additives. Additives were another major issue, with only around one in five products free from them. Some contained as many as five. Caffeine levels also varied significantly. Among products displaying caffeine information, the average was 35mg per 100ml, while one reached 200mg per container.
36 10 - 16 September 2026
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Electric Picnic 2026.
Some of the 18.5 kilos of Viking silver unearthed in a garden in Rebild, Denmark.
my life,” the finder said. Coins, including Anglo-Saxon pennies from King Edward the Elder’s reign, date the hoard to the 900s. One silver bar even carries a runic inscription possibly reading “hutu,” which researchers believe could be a name, an owner’s mark or another meaningful sym-
bol from the period. The hoard is nearly three times the size of Denmark’s previous record, the 6.5-kilogram Terslev hoard. It has now been declared danefæ, or crown property, and sent to the National Museum before an expected display at the Viking Museum Fyrkat.
Santa’s official hometown THE European Union has ruled that Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, remains the one true home of Santa Claus, after a Dutch journalist tried to have the town’s trademark scrapped. Lex Boon argued that
Credit: Electric Picnic
A DANISH homeowner has unearthed the country’s largest ever Viking silver hoard while digging a new patio in their garden. The find was made in Rebild, North Jutland, and announced by archaeologists at Nordjyske Museer on Monday, August 31. In total, around 700 silver objects weighing 18.5 kilograms were recovered, including ingots, arm rings, a small Thor’s hammer and 47 coins. Roughly a third stayed inside the original clay pot, while the rest was scattered through the soil. The finder, who has asked to stay anonymous, said a spade struck something odd after half an hour of digging. Thinking it was iron or old pottery, they switched to digging by hand. “It turned out to be the biggest surprise of
Soaked but unstoppable
Credit: Nordjyske Museer
Denmark’s Viking silver hoard
EUROPRESS - FEATURE
since Santa Claus is a fictional character, his hometown could logically be anywhere, and no single place should hold exclusive rights to the title. The European Union Intellectual Property Office disagreed,
finding no grounds to cancel Rovaniemi’s registered trademark, “The Official Hometown of Santa Claus.” Boon told Finnish broadcaster Yle his objection was about principle, not an attack on Santa or the town itself. Rovaniemi also holds trademarks covering its Santa Claus Office and, through Finland’s airport operator, its own airport, protected as far afield as the United States, Britain and Japan. The Arctic town’s Santa Claus Village receives more than half a million letters, cards and parcels addressed to Santa every year. For the travel firms who market winter breaks there, including routes once flown direct from Spain, the ruling keeps the “official hometown” label legally intact. It is still under dispute whether Lex Boon, after his attempts at disrupting Santa’s hometown origin, is now on the naughty or nice list.
A BIT of rain can’t dampen the Irish spirit, but what about buckets of it? Electric Picnic, Ireland’s biggest music festival, returned for the last weekend of August, and this year’s event quickly became a mud bath after torrential rain lashed the site. The heavens opened early into the weekend long festival, turning the concert grounds into a muddy slip and slide. Many festival-goers were drenched before they’d even set up their tent. Surviving the wind and rain at Electric Picnic has become a rite of passage, of sorts, as bad weather is almost always guaranteed. However, the conditions this year were so severe that many fans took to social media calling for the festival to be moved earlier in the summer
to avoid the worst of Ireland’s unpredictable late-August weather. Wet weather wasn’t the only problem at this year’s Electric Picnic. Overwhelmingly large crowds also caused issues, with the 80,000 in attendance proving hard to control. Legendary DJ Arman van Helden was scheduled to perform at one of the festivals smaller venues, but his set was cut short due to fears of overcrowding. The following night, attendees were sent text alerts to avoid the Electric Arena tent where DJ Duke Dumont was performing. Despite these issues, Electric Picnic 2026 was still a massive hit. Such a success, in fact, that pre-sale tickets for the 2027 edition sold out just days later.
NORA JOHNSON - BREAKING VIEWS NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
Spain’s scorching summer
THIS summer, Spain was hit by wildfires just as hard as neighbouring France. In early July, intense flames swept through an Almeria village. Later, fires in Avila and the Madrid region merged into Spain’s largestever blaze, consuming 77,000 hectares – more than France’s total. Another 9,300 burned near Valencia, while smoke from a July 24 fire reached central Madrid and threatened El Escorial’s 16th-century monastery before the wind changed direction. By July 26, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was warning of “complex hours ahead.” Cooler weather and lighter winds helped thousands of firefighters contain the flames, although around 100,000 people were evacuated or told to stay indoors. There was little political pointscoring, however. Madrid’s conservative government swiftly secured a national emergency declaration from Sánchez’s Socialist
administration, while the Interior Ministry coordinated regional forces, the army and volunteers. But weaknesses were exposed: only seven of the government’s 14 Canadairs were operational. Experts want more firebreaks, evacuation routes, hydrants and active forest management. Climate change, rural depopulation and years of reduced prevention spending have created a dangerous combination. Some 170,000 hectares have burned - more than six times last year’s figure. Though such blazes may be increasingly common, visitors can rest assured, however, that Spanish authorities work tirelessly to combat any threats to keep us all completely safe. And finally, just to add that your ongoing messages to my website below are greatly appreciated. Delighted both my column - and novels - resonate with you.
Nora Johnson’s 15 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl in Red’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
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THE French manicure is a classic for a reason. Clean, elegant and endlessly wearable, it goes with everything. But if your nails are starting to feel a little too predictable, it may be time to shake things up. The easiest update? Swap the white tips for colour. Try soft pastels for a subtle look, vibrant shades for an instant mood boost, or deep burgundy and navy for something more autumnal. You can even give every nail a different tip for a fun, mismatched finish. Feeling a little more adventurous? Play with the shape. Instead of a traditional curved tip, try a sharp V, diagonal stripe or ultra-thin micro-French. These small changes can make a familiar manicure look surprisingly modern. For extra impact, add
Credit: Body Art, Shutterstock
French tip fresh twist
Get creative with the classic french tip style.
a little sparkle. A fine glitter line beneath your tip, a metallic edge or a single statement nail can transform the whole look without making it feel overdone. You can also experiment with finishes. Combine glossy nude
nails with chrome tips, or try a pearlescent base for a soft, luminous effect. The best part? You do not need to abandon the timeless French tip. Just add a twist, and suddenly your go-to manicure feels brand new.
DR MARCUS STEPHAN
10 - 16 September 2026
37
Don’t have a cardiac arrest in Spain
PROVIDED I remain factually bureaucracy, Spain is in correct, I can have an opinion. a class of its own. The So here it is: Spain needs to European Resuscitation seriously rethink the way it Council (ERC), of which provides public access to Spain is a member, says defibrillators. that early CPR and, Out-of-hospital cardiac where appropriate, arrest is common. Estimates early defibrillation are suggest around 30,000 critical interventions cases a year in Spain, with in determining whether survival at roughly 7-10 per In cardiac arrest, somebody survives. cent. Figures for the UK are hesitation is the Its 2025 guidelines go surprisingly similar, with one enemy. further, recommending that crucial difference. According public-access automated to the London Ambulance Service, external defibrillators (AEDs) should be when a member of the public uses a easily accessible and available 24 hours defibrillator to deliver a shock before the a day, seven days a week. Crucially, emergency services arrive, survival can the guidelines say no prior training or rise dramatically, to around 57 per cent. certification is necessary. That raises In Murcia currently the only people an obvious question: allowed to use a defibrillator are doctors. Are we making it Not a good place to have a cardiac arrest. unnecessarily difficult Every minute matters for ordinary people When somebody collapses in cardiac to use a machine arrest, there is no time for bureaucracy. designed for ordinary And as we all know, when it comes to people to use? Credit: eyematter / Shutterstock.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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The information provided in this column is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Read more at euroweeklynews.com/author/mstephan/
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FROM COAST TO COAST LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA
Ready, set… Go! ARE you ready for the Christmas season? I am. So very, very ready for what’s next. Looking back, I have to say that this summer felt less like a season and more like an action, drama, comedy and horror movie - sometimes all at the same time. We had a World Cup - and YES! Spain won! Hurra! We did it. We also had earthquakes, wildfires, more earthquakes, more fires, floods… and, of course, a full season of tourists. Quite a production. But it seems the story is changing. More and more people are shifting their holiday habits and choosing September instead. And I say: why not? Fewer crowds, milder temperatures, better rates and, most importantly, a better experience. I have always thought tourist flows in the world’s hottest destinations should be spread throughout the year. Offer incentives or better deals for travelling during the off-peak season. It would be a win-win. You relieve locals from the stress of overtourism while giving travellers the chance to enjoy their holidays without queuing behind half the population of Europe. But whatever you do, never trust the weatherman. After the scorching summers we have been having, sometimes all you want to do is camp next to the air-conditioning unit and ask: “When exactly are these gorgeous, long-awaited summer holidays going to end?” Sad, right? I know. My thermostat simply wasn’t built for these ever-increasing summer temperatures. So, yes, I am glad summer is over. In fact, I am throwing a party. And we depart summer with two divas fewer: Bonnie and Dolly.
I hope they are having a nice martini in heaven. They certainly deserve one. And now, without even having time to put the fan away, here we go. Have you bought enough candy for Halloween? Found your turkey for Thanksgiving? Don’t miss Black Friday. And if you do, don’t worry. Cyber Monday is waiting for you. Am I going too fast? Have you bought enough cava for Christmas? Have you got your presents ready? Because I can’t wait. I love when Christmas decorations begin appearing everywhere. There is something about walking through crowded city streets, rubbing shoulders with strangers, window shopping and admiring those beautiful displays. You can feel it in the air. That strange little thing that moves us all. Hope. Expectation. Perhaps a little madness. And then there is the nostalgia. Walking through autumn leaves, stopping for a thick hot chocolate and dipping a churro into it. It is difficult to argue with that. And yet, somehow, we will be waiting for the Three Wise Men to arrive. Am I going too fast? Probably. But somewhere out there, Mr. Grinch is already complaining. “I hate Christmas. I hate you all. Go back to summer!” Well, Mr. Grinch… Too late. The summer movie has ended. The Christmas sequel has already begun. Ready… Set… Go.
Credit: MSCT Pics/Shutterstock
Movaldi’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
FEATURE - EUROPRESS
Zombie crossing
Photo credit: Manuel arias duran/Shutterstock
The proposal follows a campaign in Sassari.
PEOPLE crossing roads in Italy could face a €75 fine for using a smartphone or other electronic device while crossing if proposed changes to the country’s road rules become law. The measure would target pedestrians distracted by phones, tablets, and similar devices when entering or crossing a road. It would not ban phone use while simply walking along the pavement, and emergency use would be
exempt. The proposed rules would also require pedestrians to check that approaching drivers have seen them and are stopping before they cross, while preventing sudden movements that could leave motorists unable to react. The proposal follows a campaign in Sassari, Sardinia, dubbed the “Smartphone Zombie” initiative, after police found pedestrians crossing while fo-
cused on their screens. Spain already has penalties for dangerous distracted crossing, with fines reaching €80 or €200 depending on the circumstances. The DGT has also warned that one in three pedestrians crosses while looking at their mobile. Italy’s €75 penalty is not yet law. Consultation continues until Sunday, September 13, with the final legislation potentially changing before implementation.
Meta glasses fear grows NORWAY is considering tighter rules for smart glasses equipped with cameras, microphones and artificial intelligence because of concerns that people could be recorded without realising it. The government is examining whether certain functions should be banned, particularly facial recognition of people in public, and is creating an expert group to advise on regulating smart glasses, earbuds and similar devices. Camera-equipped glasses, including Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, can take photographs and record video without the wearer holding a phone. Their appearance as ordinary eyewear has raised concerns that people nearby may not recognise when they are being recorded. Although some models have recording indicator lights, critics question whether these provide sufficient warning. The devices have acquired the nickname “pervert glasses” because of fears they could be used to secretly film strangers, particularly women. Norway is not proposing an immediate blanket ban. The focus is on regu-
Photo credit: Alexander Fedosov/shutterstock
38 10 - 16 September 2026
Norway is not proposing an immediate blanket ban.
lating what the technology can do and how it is used, with facial recognition in public specifically raised as a possible prohibition. Schools, workplaces and other organisations may also introduce restrictions. The issue extends beyond Norway. Australia’s online safety regulator has called for clearer recording indicators and automatic face blurring, while some venues have already imposed restrictions. Norway’s expert group will examine possible rules before the government decides whether new legislation is needed.
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Spit in scramblers Photo credit: Maria Clara on Google Reviews
a blonde) entered the women into a lottery for the chance to star in his painting. But from this crazy coincidence, something incredible was born: an annual meeting of redheads. Over the last 20 years, the gathering has grown into a full-blown festival with thousands of redheads of all shades taking part. The 2013 edition was quite literally one for the history books, breaking the Guinness World Record by gathering 1,672 red-haired peo-
What is Home Insurance and why do I need it? HOME INSURANCE is a way to protect your home and belongings against fire, water damage, burglary or electrical damage, among others. In addition, you can have peace of mind with civil liability coverage for possible damage caused to third parties, protection against squatting or home assistance. Your home is one of your most valuable possessions so it makes sense to protect it against the risk of theft, damage and natural disasters. Home insurance can cover both buildings and contents. All home insurance policies are different. So please check the fine print to make sure you understand what’s covered, what your rights are and also your responsibilities should you need to make a claim. Línea Directa knows how important your home is, which is why it has created its new home insurance.
Credit: Redhead Days
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Annual photo of the natural redheads.
IN 2005, Bart Rouwenhorst placed an advert seeking 15 red-haired women to model for a painting he was working on, having been inspired by the likes of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Gustav Klimt who famously depicted red-heads in their works. The response to the advert was overwhelming and completely unexpected. Some 150 ginger models showed up to the casting call. Not wanting to turn any away, the Dutch painter (himself
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A BRAZILIAN tourist dining with her family in the Italian resort of Riccione was left horrified after discovering an offensive message about her food on the restaurant receipt. Maria Clara had ordered scrambled eggs and asked for them to be cooked thoroughly. She says the waiter responded dismissively, and the eggs arrived still very soft, with salad included despite her request to leave it out. The family later discovBurn the eggs and spit in them. ered a message entered into the restaurant’s ordering system instructing staff to burn and deserved another opportunity. the eggs and spit in them. The message The establishment subsequently atwas reportedly written by a 17-year-old tracted further criticism after posting waiter. The family did not eat the eggs social media content joking about the inand confronted the restaurant. A man- cident and asking followers whether the ager apologised, offered to cancel the waiter should return. bill and provide replacement food. There Clara said she never wanted the is no evidence that the food was actually teenager publicly targeted or fired. Her contaminated or that the instruction was complaint centred on how she had been followed. The waiter was initially sus- treated and the restaurant’s handling of pended but was allowed to return three the incident. After the story spread ondays later. The restaurant’s owner said line, she reportedly received racist comthe teenager understood his mistake ments, insults and threats.
Redhead fest
10 - 16 September 2026
ple in one place. Despite celebrating ginger locks, people of all hair colours are welcome to attend the three-day festival for a packed programme of workshops, exhibitions, live music and so much more. Only the annual photograph is reserved for natural redheads. The most recent edition took place from August 28 to 30 in the Netherlands and was just as special as ever - full of love, celebration and lots of suncream.
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• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Community collection
Double honour
AROUND 520 families in Mijas are set to benefit from a €2,950 food donation organised by Soroptimist International Costa del Sol. The contribution provides 1,500 essential grocery items, including milk, rice, chickpeas, macaroni and sunflower oil, to households facing financial pressure. Distribution will take place through two local food banks operated by Cruz Roja and Nueva Cultura del Desarrollo. The relief effort was made possible through funding from the Helene & Bonnik Hansen Foundation, alongside contributions from Soroptimist members, collaborators and local partners. The foundation has a history of supporting charitable food initiatives in the area, helping maintain aid for vulnerable residents. Soroptimist International Costa del Sol raises funds and works with local partners to assist women and struggling families across the region. The latest delivery ensures vital supplies will reach hundreds of households.
COMMUNITY spirit on the Costa Blanca has earned double recognition for the Orihuela Costa and District branch of the Royal British Legion. The branch received two major honours from RBL Spain District North following strong fundraising and membership growth. Its Fallen Hero Award recognised its success supporting the Poppy Appeal, after raising €16,776.50. The appeal supports serving personnel, veterans and their families. The branch also claimed the Recruitment Kukri for the highest percentage increase in membership across Spain District North over the preceding 12 months. The success follows a turnaround after almost three years under district administration. Momentum has continued, with residents, businesses and community groups supporting activities and the Poppy Appeal. Branch member Katie Jane Matthews also took second place in the Lewis Shield for her work supporting the appeal.
Axarquia
Costa Blanca North
€3 thousand per night
Pride on a plate
PROPERTY owners along Granada’s Costa Tropical are listing holiday apartments for up to €3,000 a night ahead of the solar eclipse on Monday, August 2, 2027. Luxury villas have topped €5,000. Southern Andalucia will experience nearly four minutes of darkness around 10.30am. Rental search platform Holidu reported that enquiries for Granada province spiked to 14 times normal levels following a recent partial eclipse. Local hoteliers remain pragmatic, noting that coastal hotels routinely fill every August. Trade leaders are prioritising long-standing Spanish summer visitors and considering protected tariffs to prevent families being priced out. Local authorities face logistical challenges. Traffic congestion at Cerro Gordo viewpoint during the recent partial eclipse forced emergency services to close roads. Councils must now develop crowd management and public safety strategies, while industry experts say much online traffic reflects curiosity rather than bookings.
MEDITERRANEAN flavours that have shaped the Marina Alta were celebrated at a special gastronomic event in Teulada Moraira on September 4. Alere/Dolia 2026 brought together chefs, winemakers, fishermen, producers and food experts under the theme ‘Mare Nostrum/Mare Moscatus’, focusing on Moscatel and traditional seafood. Sommelier and winemaker Natàlia Piera led a Moscatel tasting, paired with salazones prepared by chef Evarist Miralles. The event also highlighted concerns over preserving traditional products such as sweet wines and mistelas. Miralles later presented six dishes during a showcooking session, while bartender Iván Talens created a Moscatel cocktail. A tribute was paid to fishermen and women, with Moraira Fishermen’s Guild president Diego Noguera receiving a commemorative tribute. The evening ended with a floral wreath taken to sea in memory of those who dedicated their lives to fishing.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
Palma cat protest
Fair fervour
HUNDREDS of animal lovers took to the streets of Palma on September 6, calling for Spain’s animal welfare law to be properly enforced for community cats. The ‘Los Gatos Tienen Ley’ campaign began in Plaza de España and ended at Plaza de Cort, where organisers read a manifesto demanding greater action from local authorities. Campaigners say the issue is not a lack of legislation but uneven application of Law 7/2023 on the Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Animals. Under Article 39, councils must manage community cats and establish colony programmes, including recording colonies, sterilisation, veterinary care and microchipping. Volunteers can work alongside councils and animal protection groups, but campaigners say public authorities must provide the necessary resources. The Balearic Islands has 1,759 registered feline colonies, although the true figure is believed to be higher. Campaigners want existing rules enforced, not new legislation.
RESIDENTS and visitors enjoyed a triumphant opening weekend of the Murcia Feria 2026, with thousands filling the city’s iconic landmarks. The fair opened with a speech by local artist Walls alongside the Youth Orchestra of the Region of Murcia. The traditional heart of the festivities was the riverbank gardens, where the Huertos del Malecon welcomed crowds from early afternoon into the evening. Families and friends enjoyed Murcian cuisine, including paparajotes, zarangollo, morcillas and artisan wines, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and folk traditions. Moors and Christians festivities then took centre stage, with colourful decorations, parades and historical re-enactments transforming the historic centre into a medieval setting. Celebrations focused on Gran Via and Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. Live music and open-air entertainment also kept the city lively late into the night as the fair continues through September.
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Lamia Walker, Founder. Web: HouseSitMatch.com. Call: +44 (0)7772 142 742. Rated excellent on Trustpilot – 4.9/5 OUR homes are supposed to be safe havens, but for curious cats and playful dogs, they can be full of tempting hazards. From kitchen cupboards to dangling cables, a little pet-proofing can prevent a lot of trouble. Start by looking at your home from your pet’s perspective. Food is a major concern, so keep potentially harmful ingredients safely out of reach. Do not forget bins, which can be irresistible to a determined dog or cat. Houseplants can also cause problems. Some popular varieties are toxic to pets, so check whether a plant is safe before bringing it home. Keep medicines, cleaning products and chemicals securely stored, rather than relying on a closed cupboard
Pet-proof Credit: MVolodymyr / Shutterstock
Curious cats get everywhere.
that an especially clever pet could open. Puppies and kittens may see cables, small objects and children’s toys as tempting,
chewable treats. Keep them tidy and consider using cable protectors where needed. Windows and balconies deserve attention too. Cats can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, while dogs may try to climb or jump if they spot something interesting outside. Finally, remember that pet-proofing is not a one-off job. As your pet grows, becomes more adventurous or develops new habits, new risks can appear. A quick safety check every few months can help keep your four-legged family members out of harm’s way.
10 - 16 September 2026
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CHARITY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - The RBL Zurgena & District meets several times a month between Mojácar and Arboleas. Arboleas: Coffee & Games, 1st and 3rd Thursday, Quiz on the 4th Tuesday at 10am, Hostel Rosaleda, opposite New Bar International. Mojácar: Coffee morning, 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 11am, Cokkia Bar.Members and non-members are welcome.For more information, visit the RBL Zurgena & District Facebook page or email Zurgena.secretary@rbl. community. If you or your partner are serving or have served and need help or support, please contact us. We’re here to help, with the small things as well as the big. (253989)
CHURCHES Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place every Sunday from July 5 at Mojacar Church (12pm) and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) Church (9am), with services at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) held monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions
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The driver placed a V16 beacon on the roof.
V16 Causing Accidents SPAIN’S mandatory V16 emergency beacon has come under scrutiny after a fatal crash in Albacete raised concerns that the device may not always be visible to approaching motorists. The incident happened on August 13 on the N-322 near the Romica industrial estate. A SsangYong Rodius, more than 1.80 metres tall, had broken down and its driver placed a V16 beacon on the roof. A Guardia Civil officer believes the vehicle’s height may have prevented the warning light from being seen clearly. A Ford Kuga approaching from Barcelona towards Jaen reportedly
only detected the stationary vehicle at the last moment. The driver swerved, crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with another car. Both drivers, reportedly aged over 60, died and a woman was seriously injured. The Rodius driver had apparently already noticed a visibility problem and was attempting to reposition the beacon when the collision occurred. The case has raised questions about replacing traditional warning triangles, which could be positioned further behind a vehicle. However, there is currently no official finding that the V16 caused the crash.
MOTORING
SPAIN’S Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is preparing an update to road regulations affecting all drivers, including those on scooters, bicycles, and motorcycles. From October 1, changes to traffic lights will enhance safety for vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians. The key change concerns pedestrian crossings where traffic lights previously showed drivers a flashing amber light while pedestrians had a steady green signal. Under old regulations, drivers proceeded with caution while yielding to pedestrians. However, many drivers interpreted the flashing amber as permission to proceed without yielding, exposing pedestrians to potential accidents from turning cars. Under the new update, simultaneous signals will be eliminated. A flash-
Photo Credit: Tsvetoslav Hristov / Unsplash
Signals under review
Spain updates traffic light phases and safety rules for road users.
ing amber light for motor vehicles can no longer coincide with a steady green walking signal. Instead, vehicle signals must show a steady red light first before transitioning, providing pedestrians with a clear, protected space to cross. According to DGT safety data, conflicting concurrent signals contributed to hundreds of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in urban areas in recent years. The
measure aims to reduce road accidents and align Spain’s signalised intersections with international road safety practices by adjusting signal timing to eliminate ambiguity regarding who must stop. While most changes take effect on October 1, 2026, measures regarding mandatory lighting for PMVs and approved helmets for motorcycle users come into force on October 1, 2027.
Overloaded cars EVERY late summer, Spanish motorways fill with family cars running south, carrying suitcases, bikes, and even washing machines lashed to their roofs. Most are driven by Maghrebi families returning home to Morocco and Algeria after holidays, a movement known as Operation Strait Crossing. Around 800,000 vehicles cross Spain for African ports each year during this rush. To passers-by, many of these towering blue tarpaulins look dangerous and illegal. Yet the Guardia Civil rarely issue fines. Traffic officers explain that drivers often know the exact legal boundaries and keep the law to hand. Three main checks determine if a fine aplies. The total height of the car and load must
remain under four metres. Cargo must stay within the width of the vehicle, and everything on top must be bound securely with proper ratchet straps rather than just string. While officers can fine unsafe vehicle stability, that judgement is subjective and hard to establish at the roadside if straps are tight. A bulky load might look heavy, but lightweight household goods wrapped in plastic often remain well under maximum weight limits. Officers confirm that penalties are reserved for specific breaches rather than dramatic appearances. Police still intervene when safety is compromised. Unless a load fails the tape measure, the vehicle outline, or the strapping tests, patrols simply wave them on. Credit: Policia local Murcia
Photo credit: AdriaVidal/Shutterstock
46 10 - 16 September 2026
Overloaded roof rack.
MOTORING
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ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK
Isuzu DMAX Arctic AT35 – impressive and imposing IF you’re looking for the ultimate in a road going and off-road capable truck, then Isuzu have a D-Max on steroids with the Arctic AT35. The Arctic truck idea was brought into a wider public consciousness when the former Top Gear team took a specially modified Toyota Hilux to the North Pole. Isuzu have created that idea in road going form with the D-Max Arctic AT35. It doesn’t just look the business either, it is extremely capable off road. It comes with an array of specially themed design touches that make it a stand out truck. This includes detailing on the sculptured front seats, external badging, 254x432mm/10x17 inches black alloy wheels with 98mm/35” all-terrain tyres, flared arches, Bilstein suspension and an array of special paint finishes. The latter surprisingly adds €837/£720 to the AT35 price, which at €80,998/£69,634 should arguably have been included as standard. There’s a selectable four-wheel-drive system controlled via a rotary dial on the dashboard and shift-on-the-fly between two and four-wheel-drive whilst at normal road speeds, although you do have to be stationary to select low range. DMAX’s
FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Isuzu DMAX Arctic AT35 Engine: 1.9-litre 164PS turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel developing 164PS and 360Nm torque @ 2000rpm. 3.5 tonnes towing capacity 1045 payload. Gears: Automatic Price: €80,998/£69,634 Performance: 0 to 100kph/62mph 13 seconds/Max speed 180kph/112 mph Economy: 9.1 litres per 100km/31 mpg combined driving (WLTP) Emissions: 235 g/km Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets rough terrain mode and rear differential lock, along with a traditional ladder chassis means it can cover rocky, rutted, waterlogged and muddy ground with ease.
Automatic drivers to gain manual rights AUTOMATIC-ONLY drivers in Spain could soon be allowed to drive manual cars after a mere seven-hour course. Since 2019, anyone who passes their test in an automatic has been restricted to automatic vehicles under a rule known as code 78, with a fine of up to €200 for driving a manual car regardless. Under a new EU-driven reform, Spain must update its traffic rules by November 26, 2028, with the change taking effect on November 26, 2029. Drivers will then be able to remove the restriction by completing a seven-hour course in a manual car on public roads, instead of retaking their full practical exam. Sergio Olivera of the National Confederation of Driving Schools said the course will “eliminate that code 78 limitation.” More than 60 per cent of new cars sold in Spain are now automatic, and more and more learners are now opting in on the automatic-only driving test, which has a much higher success rate than the manual test. The DGT has not yet said how much the course will cost.
Credit: gnepphoto / Shutterstock
Automatic-only drivers in Spain may not be stuck with one gear forever.
Good entry and departure angles add to its capability along with an 865mm wading depth. Standard fare, as you would expect with such a vehicle, is compre-
hensive to say the least, with wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bi-LED headlights with high beam assist, auto lights and wipers, powered and heated folding door mirrors, heated seats, leather upholstery, climate, keyless entry and start, reversing camera and a damped tailgate. Being a double-cab model, the rear load bay is not as large as many might imagine, that applies to all double cabs irrespective of manufacturer, but compensates with comfortable and roomy rear seating in the cab. The rear seats also fold flat and there’s under-seat storage. Power comes from a well-proven 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel developing 164PS, not that much when you consider the size of the vehicle, but crucially lots of low-down torque from just 2000 rpm. Although it takes a leisurely 13 seconds to the benchmark 100kph/62 mph it actually doesn’t feel like it’s struggling and is more than capable of maintaining the cut and thrust of everyday traffic. The AT35 is not only imposing, it’s impressive too, and if you want a standout, capable truck, and can afford the admittedly high price, you can guarantee some admiring glances.
Credit: Diputacion de Almeria.
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Top volleyball coaches convene for clinic.
Coaching clinic alongside presentations focused on playing philosophy and team management. A round-table discussion will also give coaches the chance to exchange views and experiences. The clinic is aimed at coaches from across Spain and is intended to strengthen Almeria’s role as a centre for sporting education. There is also a bigger ambition: organisers hope the event will become an annual fixture. With a strong mix of practical learning, expert knowledge and professional networking, the September 12 event promises to be a valuable date for anyone looking to sharpen their volleyball coaching skills. Credit: Dmitro Pravda, Shutterstock
ALMERIA is set to become a meeting point for volleyball coaches and professionals on September 12, when the International Volleyball Clinic with Marcelo Mendez arrives at the Pabellon Moises Ruiz. Organised by Unicaja Costa de Almeria Voleibol with the support of the Provincial Council of Almeria, the event will bring high-level coaching expertise to the province as part of the club’s 40th anniversary celebrations. Mendez, a highly experienced international coach, will lead a programme designed to offer practical insight as well as fresh ideas on the game. Participants can expect a practical session with club players,
Run to “Give Life to Your Brain.”
Give life to your brain ALMERIA is getting ready for a special evening of sport, community and brain health as the “Give Life to Your Brain” Solidarity Race returns to Parque del Andarax on Saturday, September 19. Starting at 7.30pm, the event will offer three distances, 3K, 5K and 9K, giving runners and walkers the chance to take part at their own pace. More than a race, it is a celebration of an impor-
tant cause: promoting brain health and raising awareness of neurological wellbeing. This year’s edition has an extra reason to celebrate. The race will officially launch the Brain Awareness Month, making it the first activity in a month dedicated to highlighting the importance of looking after our brains. Organisers say further details about the change will soon be revealed.
There are also a few surprises in store. Participants can look forward to a special race T-shirt, while the first 150 people to register will receive an additional surprise. Last year’s entries sold out, so demand is expected to be high again. On September 19, Parque del Andarax will be the place to run, walk and share one powerful message: give life to your brain.
BASKETBALL fans in Almeria are in for an exciting September as the Provincial Cup brings together 12 teams from across the province for a month of competitive action. The tournament will feature three teams from Tercera FEB, six from N1 Masculina and three from N1 Femenina, giving supporters the chance to watch some of the province’s leading sides before the new league season gets underway. Matches will be played in different municipalities and sports halls across Almeria. The women’s competition opened on September 6 at the Pabellon Infanta Cristina, with CD Roquetas BC, Clinicas Dentales Dr. Manuel Cara CB La Mojonera and Analytica Alimentaria El Toyo competing in a triangular format. Meanwhile, the N1 Masculina tournament started on September 5, with six teams divided into
SPORT
Court action Credit: Zamrznuti tonovi, Shutterstock
48 10 - 16 September 2026
Shooting hoops all month long.
two groups. Tercera FEB will also provide plenty of interest, with Ecoculture CB Almeria, CDBO Byspaña Tíjola and Surseeds-B. Murgi facing each other across fixtures in Almeria, El Ejido and
Tíiola. More than simply a competition, the Provincial Cup offers teams valuable preparation ahead of the new season while giving local fans a chance to enjoy high-level basketball close to home.
Ride under the stars CYCLING takes on a different feel after dark, and on Friday, September 25, Albox will once again come alive for the XVI Albox-El Saliente-Albox Night Mountain Bike Climb, Gines Perez Mateo Memorial. Starting from Plaza de San Francisco at 9pm, the popular night-time mountain bike ride will take participants on a 41.5-kilometre round trip towards the Sanctuary of El Saliente and back. With its combination of sport, scenery and a lively community atmosphere, the event promises an exciting evening for cycling enthusiasts from Albox and across the province of Almeria. For those looking to test themselves, the competitive section begins on the Cuesta de la Virgen, covering 2.2 kilometres with 210 metres of ascent. There will also
Credit: 2000studio, Shutterstock
Night-time mountain bike hike in Albox.
be a refreshment stop at Las Pocicas, beside Balsa Santa Barbara, providing a welcome chance to recharge. The event is about more than cycling, however. It is also a charitable initiative, with €5 from every €10 entry fee donated to research into Retinitis Pigmentosa
through the Asociacion Andaluza de Retinosis Pigmentaria. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, while the evening will finish with food, prizes, trophies and plenty of surprises. Registration opens at 7pm in Plaza de San Francisco.