Costa de Almeria 19 - 25 February 2026 Issue 2120

Carnival spirit survives

Celebration triumphs over storms

MOJACAR residents did not let a little wind or rain dampen their spirits, or threaten their beloved Carnival Parade. When ongoing storms and an orange weather warning forced one of the town’s most anticipated events to be rescheduled, the locals rallied, ensuring the parade went ahead without a hitch the following day.

Hundreds took to the streets, showcasing an array of intricate costumes. Some troupes took this opportunity to highlight traditional dress, their costumes decked out in fringe and feather. Others harnessed the Carnival extravagance with bright leotards decorated in sparkling crystals and towering headpieces, capturing the celebrations’ bold spirit.

Some troupes dressed up as iconic characters from across a number of beloved franchises. One group of women all dressed as the Queen of Heart, accompanied by small children quite literally decked out as playing cards, an adorable addition to the procession.

Each troupe brought an electric energy to the parade, performing choreographed dance moves as they traver-

sed the seafront promenade, or simply taking in the atmosphere and waving to spectators as they passed.

The beachfront served as an ideal backdrop for the parade. Even the weather behaved, with the sun peeking through

the clouds to shine down on the costumed performers. Following the procession, participants gathered at the local Multi-Purpose Centre to continue the celebration with the Chirigotas contest.

Culinary champions

AFTER a competitive culinary battle, the winners of Vicar’s Tapas Route and Toast Route have nally been revealed.

Vicar’s Tapas Route celebrated its fth edition, cementing itself as a local favourite. Fourteen establishments competed, each ghting for the top place. The contest is designed as a friendly competition, to help local restaurants push the boundaries of their creativity, while promoting the rich, varied culinary delights Vera has to o er.

Each participating establishment created a tapa specially for the competition. The tapa was served for the duration of the Tapas Route, which ran from October 12 to December 8, 2025.

Alongside the Tapas Route, the Toast Route debuted and was a massive success. Twenty establishments took part in the rst edition. Similarly, the new route was designed to promote the local hospitality sector.

Customers were encouraged to sample as many of these tasty tapas and toast dishes as possible, and use a score card to rate them based on presentation, preparation, quantity and quality.

Vicasol I Restaurant won the fth annual Vicar Tapas Route with a succulent hamburger, proving classics never go out of style. Meanwhile, Bar Flores were the rst to be crowned for the Toast Route.

Paws Patas event rescheduled

SUPPORTERS have been given the latest ‘pup-date’ along with news of a revised date for a popular Valentine’s event that fell victim to extreme weather.

Valentine’s Mr & Mrs was called o after ferocious winds swept across the outside terrace, sending pots ying and raising safety concerns. Organisers said the well-being of attendees is always their top priority, leaving them with no choice but to cancel.

A new date has now been con rmed for Friday

March 20, which coincides with International Day of Happiness. All 37 original bookings are being contacted in the hope they can attend the rescheduled event, although a handful of spaces may become available.

The rst prize is a weekend for two in Almeria, alongside a range of additional prizes including vouchers, a couples’ gym membership and a wash and blow dry or male cut equivalent. Entry includes a quiz and a free ra e tic-

ket with the chance to win a €30 restaurant voucher. Kay Frances will host the evening, with sharing platters provided by The Snug. Meanwhile, one PAWSSOME member will receive €250 in vouchers of their choice in the February draw. Membership costs €5 per month. Further dates include the March 5 Bingo Lunch Club, April 4 The Alternative Miss Mojacar, April 6 PAWS ON THE PASEO and more. Bookings: events@paws-patas.org.

Aiding child poverty

Autónomos tax trap

Account confusion risks

THE Spanish government has proposed a universal €200 monthly child benefit per child under 18 as part of the Estrategia de Desarrollo Sostenible, which sets 100 social targets to improve welfare, equality, and children’s rights.

The measure aims to replace the current patchwork of targeted supports, which often fail to reach all eligible families, and address persistent child poverty affecting nearly 30 per cent of households with minors, placing Spain among the highest-risk EU countries after Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania.

The benefit would be available to all families living in Spain including expatriates regardless of income or employment, eliminating administrative barriers.

Many families currently miss out on deductions or Minimum Vital Income due to bureaucratic requirements or lack of awareness.

WELFARE OVERHAUL AHEAD COSTS

Expatriate families legally resident in Spain and registered with authorities would also be eligible.

Implementation requires inclusion in the General State Budget and parliamentary approval, with no official start date set. Finance Minister María Jesús Montero noted that existing social instruments are effective but need updating.

The strategy also includes broader child protection measures, expanding the Law on Protection of Minors against Violence (LOPIVI) and regulating digital environments to prevent cyberbullying and economic exploitation. Vulnerable groups, including foster children and unaccompanied minors, are prioritised to ensure equal protection. If approved, the scheme would provide a reliable, inclusive safety net and strengthen Spain’s alignment with EU social welfare standards.

Silent tax rise

SPAIN’S government insists taxes are not increasing. Yet for many workers, freelancers, homeowners and small businesses, 2026 feels very different. Several measures already approved - or quietly embedded in existing rules - are set to push up the overall tax burden without fanfare.

The Juan de Mariana Institute’s Impuestómetro 2025 report shows Spaniards have faced 94 tax and social contribution increases since 2018. While much of the EU reduced fiscal pressure after the pande-

mic, Spain’s tax burden has risen by nearly two points of GDP, a trend expected to continue.

Social security contributions will climb, with the Intergenerational Equity Mechanism rising from 0.8 per cent to 0.9 per cent, affecting employees and the self-employed. The maximum contribution base will reach €5,101 per month, while a tougher solidarity surcharge applies above the cap, raising the real cost of qualified labour. Income tax will increase via fiscal drag, as brackets remain unadjusted for

inflation, pushing modest pay rises into higher rates. Local charges will rise too, with municipalities passing waste collection costs to households. Property owners face higher reference values for transfer, inheritance, and stamp duties.

At the top end, savings over €300,000 face 30 per cent tax, while farmers lose diesel and fertiliser deductions. Individually modest, these changes collectively tighten household budgets - the practical effect of a tax rise, regardless of government claims.

MANY self-employed workers in Spain find it convenient to use a single bank account for both personal and business finances. However, tax advisers warn this habit can quickly lead to serious problems with Hacienda, often without the account holder realising.

From the tax authority’s perspective, clarity is crucial. Any money entering a professional account is presumed to be business income unless clearly documented otherwise. Transfers from savings, family support, or other accounts to cover short-term needs can be reclassified as undeclared income if not properly recorded. The risk increases when personal expenses are paid from the same account and claimed as business costs. During an inspection, Hacienda may flag these as non-deductible, creating both undeclared income and incorrectly deducted expenses.

Financial consequences can be severe. Penalties for failing to declare income start at 50 per cent and can rise to 150 per cent in cases of repeated errors or suspected concealment, plus late-payment interest. For limited company operators, personal spending through company accounts can be treated as undeclared salary or hidden benefits, triggering additional tax, accounting and legal complications. Poorly kept accounts can prolong audits, harm credibility with banks, and reduce business value if sold.

Professional advice is consistent: keep personal and business finances separate, document all transfers, and clearly explain loans or reimbursements. While it may feel tedious, maintaining distinct accounts is the simplest way autónomos can avoid costly surprises.

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Fishing fleet freeze

ALMERIA’S trawling fleet came to a standstill earlier this month, beginning its annual biological rest period which will last until March 5.

Fifty vessels from various fishing ports across the province remain moored for five weeks, placing a considerable financial burden upon local fishermen who make a living through fishing. Their sacrifice is to the benefit of the environment, however, as they aim to protect and conserve crucial marine life.

The fishing sector has maintained this practice for more than 20 years in an effort to do their part to protect the very environment that provides for them year-round. In fact, fishermen collaborated with scientists to determine the most

A FAMILY’S prayers have been answered. After a three-month-long stay at Malaga’s Maternal and Child Hospital, a donor has been found for fouryear-old Francisca from Almeria.

Credit: Shutterstock, Paul Nash

Almeria shaken

A POWERFUL earthquake jolted residents across southern Spain in the early hours of Monday, February 16. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded the magnitude 4.5 quake at 0.55am local time, with its epicentre located near Tabernas, Almeria.

opportune time to hold the rest period. Currently, the boats remain moored while many species of fish are in various stages of reproduction. Hake, for example, is in the middle of its spawning or larval growth stage, and adult mullets are in the gonadal maturation phase.

This measure is essential to balancing the ecosystem and repopulating the oceans.

It is the responsibility of those in maritime and fishing industries to promote conservation and limit their environmental impact as much as possible. The Almeria Fisheries Producers Organisation understand the importance of the rest period and have always been exemplary in complying.

In March, the young girl often referred to as ‘Princess Francisca’ will begin treatment, undergoing a bone marrow transplant with a 50 per cent compatible donor. Typically, bone marrow transplants are reserved for donors that are 100 per cent compatible. However, Francisca’s case is complex, requiring doctors to side-step standard procedure to try a more experimental approach. The decision to take this next step was approved by the oncology team and Francisca’s family. While so much is

still uncertain, this treatment offers a renewed hope for Francisca and her loved ones.

The announcement of this positive turn in Francisca’s treatment coincided with International Childhood Cancer Day, recognised every February 15.

Following Francisca’s family’s appeal for donors, they received an outpouring of support. Many people offered their solidarity not only with words but with action, registering as donors.

The family have expressed their utmost gratitude for all who have supported Francisca, whether by amplifying her story and registering in her honour.

“Every new registered donor can save a life anywhere in the world,” they emphasise, fighting not only for their daughter but the millions in need worldwide.

The tremor occurred at a very shallow depth, making the shaking significantly more intense for those nearby. Residents reported furniture shifting and buildings trembling violently. José Díaz, the mayor of Tabernas, described the event as a major scare that woke the entire town. Despite the alarm, no significant structural damage or injuries have been confirmed. IGN classified the event as intensity IIIIV, meaning it was ‘weak to widely observed’.

Effects were felt in more than 100 towns across the provinces of Almeria, Granada, Murcia, and Jaen. Five minor aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 1.5 to 1.9, followed within the hour.

Quakes like this follow a period of increased seismic activity in Andalusia. A magnitude 3.2 quake struck near Partaloa on Thursday, February 12, alongside several smaller tremors earlier in the month. Experts attribute this activity to the ongoing interaction between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.

While these moderate quakes are common in this seismically active zone, authorities urge residents to remain prepared and stay calm.

Firefighters bike race

THE Firefighters of Levante Almeriense held the 14th edition of their MTB route on Sunday, February 8. Every year this event serves to foster camaraderie, encourage locals to get active, and promote tourism.

Arts influence

Cyclists took to the streets of Turre early in the morning. Participants gathered at the Levante Almeriense Fire Station, which serves as both the start and finish line for the race. There were two start times: 9.30am for the participating e-bikes, and 10.00am for all other competitors.

The circular route covered a total distance of 40 kilometres which wound through the town and surrounding area of Turre. Riders got the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Cabrera mountains in a truly unique way. While the scenery was a

delight, the course still proved challenging, as it featured a cumulative elevation gain of over 1,000 metres.

Spectators gathered at the finish line at 2.00pm to cheer on the riders as they returned victorious.

After the race, prizes were awarded to the top three finishers, and participants tucked into a celebratory meal of paella, provided by the organisers.

RENOWNED actor and talented playwright, Benjamin Soriano, is returning to his homeland of Almeria for a two-night-only performance. On February 20 and 21, Soriano will present his acclaimed adaptation of ‘El Romancero Gitano’. Soriano will bring theatrical flair and an evocative performance to the Federico Garcia Lorca Auditorium in Albox, an appropriate venue considering Federico Garcia Lorca originally composed the piece. This performance is more than a creative pursuit, the performances double as a fundraising initiative. Proceeds from both performances will be donated to the ARGAR association and the Martin Alvarez Muelas Foundation. Both groups support children with cancer and their families during a dark and stressful time. Martin Alvarez Muelas Foundation focuses in particular on raising funds to research DIPG, one of the most aggressive forms of childhood brain cancer. For many children diagnosed with DIPG, a clinical trial is their only treatment option for this inoperable tumour.

By partnering with Albox Town Council for this performance, Benjamin Soriano exemplifies the power of art. His performance will not only elicit an emotional response from the audience in attendance, but will leave a lasting impact on the charities he has chosen to champion.

THE anticipation in Almeria is ripe, as locals prepare for Tomato Day. Celebrating its 12th edition, Tomato Day has become a favourite festival in Almeria, with its reputation as a must-attend event increasing every year.

Taking place on Saturday February 21, at Rambla de Almeria, crowds will gather to celebrate.

From 10.30am to 2.30pm, tomatoes will be the star of the show.

Stalls will be set up, each dedicated to displaying tomato by-products, showcasing the fruit’s versatility.

For their 12th annual edition, Tomato Day organisers have set themselves their biggest challenge yet: to sell five tons of tomatoes. All proceeds will be donated to the Rare Foundation and to ANDA, the Association of Children with Disabilities of Almeria, two charities that work diligently to improve the quality of life

Tomato day

for children across Almeria.

While no small feat, this goal is definitely within reach as a loyal crowd descends upon the festival year on year.

The 11th edition of Tomato Day was marred by grey skies and rain, yet 4,500 kilos of tomatoes were sold, despite

the bad weather.

An exciting line-up of attractions is scheduled for the day, starting with a breakfast of crisp bread, grated tomatoes with olive oil served at 10.30am for just €1. From there, attendees are encouraged to explore everything the festival has to offer.

Wetland saved

VERA has taken a massive step in its conservation efforts, signing a landmark agreement to protect the Salar de los Canos wetland, one of Almeria Province’s most distinctive natural areas.

The coastal lagoon has long been treated by potential development. However, the land will now pass into public ownership following a deal between the Vera Town Hall and the private owner. Nearly 560,000 square metres of terrain have been transferred to municipal hands, guaranteeing conservation and public access.

Local leaders described the deal as historic. Residents and environmental groups campaigned for years to safeguard the area, and their efforts finally culminated in the agreement. Many be -

lieve this to be a move that will define the town’s future identity.

More than offering true natural beauty, the Salar performs an important practical function. The marsh acts as a natural flood barrier during heavy rains. It absorbs the runoff and reduces the risk to nearby housing areas such as Vera Playa.

Ecologically, the site is remarkable.

The salt-marsh vegetation and Mediterranean scrub host rich biodiversity, including around 150 species of birds which are recorded to nest there throughout the year.

Instead of another urban complex, Vera has instead chosen the wetlands, reaffirming its commitments to nature and wildlife conservation.

Forest blaze

FIREFIGHTERS were dispatched early Monday morning, February 16, to respond to a forest fire that had sparked to life in the Carboneras area.

The fire had first broken out in the Arco de Cortina area, near the village of Llano de don Antonio. The dry, dense vegetation of the area acted like kindling, and the flames soon spread.

Firefighting efforts were undertaken by a large group including a Fire Reinforcement Brigade, a technician from the Fire Reinforcement Brigade, three groups of forest firefighters, an environmental officer, and air support.

The team worked diligently throughout the day, trying to keep the fire contained. However, the weather conditions served to feed the fire rather than fight it. Strong

gusts of winds exceeding 70 kilometres per hour complicated matters. Not only did this make aerial support operations difficult, but it further spread the flames.

Finally, the fire was reported to be fully extinguished at 9.30pm on Monday evening. Accor-

ding to the mayor of Carboneras, Salvador Hernandez, the cause of the fire is yet unknown, as is the extent of the damage. Thankfully, no damage was reported to homes or nearby infrastructure, in part thanks to the rapid response of the firefighting teams.

Hospital investment

GOING to the hospital can be a stressful endeavour, for patients and families. Yet for many visiting Torrecardenas University Hospital, that experience is made all the more difficult by a lack of parking facilities.

However, the President of the Regional Government of Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, recently confirmed that “next month the first stone will be laid for the parking facilities, which are much needed in this area.”

With a total investment of nearly €25 million, the new parking garage is set to be a massive undertaking. The contract was awarded to New Capital 2000 SL in April 2025, with the original expectation being that construction would be complete in 2026. However, a new timeline confirms

the garage will not be operational until late 2027.

The new facilities will be built upon a site already used as a car park, located next to the Blood Transfusion Centre. Current schematics plan for the garage to span six storeys with 329 to 340 spaces per floor, accommodating over 2,000 vehicles.

As the flagship healthcare centre in Almeria, this is a much-needed installation that will benefit both staff and patients.

In addition to the new parking facility, Moreno also unveiled new equipment, funded by €15 million investment by the Andalucian Regional Government. This included 758 replacement beds, 60 new ultrasound machines and a state-of-the-art PEC-TAC scanner.

Mojacar’s ARTE exhibit

THE Museo de Mojacar has opened its doors to a new collective exhibition celebrating the artistic talents of the town’s own residents. The show, titled ARTE, brings together six local artists. Their work now decorates the walls of the Centre de Arte La Fuente, turning the museum into a meeting point for locals to celebrate home-grown talent.

Rather than featuring nationally recognised names, the exhibition focuses on artists with the community: Maria, Virginia, Jose, Loli, Paqui and Luis. Their displayed work is representative of their dedication, each one shaped by personal experience and inspiration.

According to the organisers, the aim is not

only to display excellent technique, but also to spotlight the emotion and individuality each artist brings to the canvas. There is so much creative talent being fostered in Mojacar, and this exhibit works to highlight that. A relaxed, convivial atmosphere settled over the exhibition’s debut, as visitors were able to meet the artists and learn about the stories behind their paintings. The opening evening was a success, re ecting the message behind the exhibition: art as a shared experience rather than a distant gallery event.

Residents and visitors are invited to experience the exhibition for themselves and are encouraged to support local creators. The exhibition remains open until February 28, Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Operation resurrection

SINCE October 2025, National Police in Almeria have been investigating a group suspected of committing immigration fraud. During that time, police have apprehended four individuals, two men, two women, for submitting falsified documents by using a deceased person’s identity.

National Police were tipped off to the operation when they noticed discrepancies in several applications submitted to the Demographic Resources Office of the Almeria City Council. This prompted the initial investigation, and saw police collaborate with the Ucrig Group, an organisation that specialises in fraudulent immigration networks and identifying document falsification.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Resurrection, revealed a total of seven foreign citizens had managed to register.

They did so by using documents from a person who had died several years ago.

In November 2025, the police arrested two people on charges of document forgery. They were accused of creating and supplying the forged documents in exchange for large sums of money.

The joint taskforce continued their search, hoping to track down

the ring leaders. Finally, in February 2026, two people were arrested on suspicion of orchestrating the immigration fraud scheme. They face charges for document forgery and facilitating illegal migration.

All suspects remain in police custody, and the investigation remains open as police gather additional evidence and try to locate other suspects.

Spain’s loneliest village

ILLÁN DE VACAS, a rural village in the province of Toledo stands as the most extreme example of the country’s depopulation crisis, with just one registered resident. Despite its near-abandoned appearance, it remains an officially inhabited municipality, highlighting how administrative survival can persist even when social life has disappeared.

The village consists of a handful of empty houses, no local services and no economic activity. There are no shops, schools or medical facilities, and access depends entirely on private transport. Basic utilities remain connected, but maintenance is minimal. Daily life is marked by isolation rather than community.

The sole resident has chosen to remain due to personal attachment, despite the absence of neighbours or services. This decision contrasts

with decades of rural-to-urban migration that have emptied much of inland Spain, often referred to as ‘Empty Spain’.

Hundreds of municipalities across the country now have very small populations, many below 100 residents. Once depopulation reaches such levels, experts warn that recovery becomes extremely difficult without sustained investment, employment opportunities and guaranteed ac-

cess to services.

Government initiatives aimed at rural repopulation have had limited impact in places with no infrastructure or economic base. While the municipality still exists legally, its social fabric has effectively vanished.

The situation is less a curiosity than a warning, illustrating the long-term consequences of demographic decline and the fragility of rural communities on the edge of disappearance.

Repsol fined €20.5

million

SPAIN’S competition watchdog, the Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC), has imposed a €20.5 million fine on energy major Repsol for restricting competition in the diesel market. Announced on February 3, 2026, the sanction follows an investigation into the company’s wholesale pricing du-

ring 2022. The regulator found that Repsol exploited its dominant market position to implement a ‘margin squeeze’ strategy, primarily affecting the supply of automotive diesel to professional customers like haulage and transport operators.

The CNMC’s findings indicate that between April and December 2022, a period of extreme price volatility following the invasion of Ukraine, Repsol increased wholesale costs for independent service stations while simultaneously offering aggressive discounts at its own branded points of sale. This tactic left independent and low-cost operators with insuffi -

cient margins to compete effectively, allowing Repsol to reclaim market share lost since 2019. Beyond the financial penalty, three Repsol subsidiaries face a six-month ban from participating in public tenders for automotive diesel.

While Repsol has labelled the ruling ‘arbitrary’ and signalled its intent to appeal to the Audiencia Nacional, the decision reinforces the ‘special responsibility’ dominant firms hold in essential sectors. For Spanish consumers, the case highlights the critical role independent stations play in maintaining price pressure across the national fuel network.

€23bn for affordable housing

THE Spanish government has announced the creation of España Crece, a new sovereign wealth fund intended to address the country’s housing shortage while supporting longterm economic growth.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the fund will mobilise up to €23 billion in public and private capital, with an initial objective of financing the construction of 15,000 affordable homes per year. The announcement was made in Madrid at the Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos, alongside senior cabinet members.

The fund is designed as a successor to the EU’s pandemic recovery framework, allowing Spain to repurpose unused NextGenerationEU resources that are due to expire later this year. Management of España Crece will fall to the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO), which will

Treaty in the dark

THE landmark postBrexit treaty between the UK, EU, and Spain is scheduled to enter into force on Thursday, April 10, yet the full legal text remains hidden from public view. Despite the fast-approaching deadline, citizens and lawmakers are relying on limited briefings from the politicians involved in the negotiations.

receive €13.3 billion in initial capital, combining unused EU loans and non-repayable transfers. These funds will be leveraged to attract additional private investment.

Although housing is the first priority, the fund has a wider remit covering sectors such as energy transition, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, re-indus -

trialisation, infrastructure, water systems and national security. The government aims to mobilise up to €120 billion over time. Officials stressed that investment would focus on protected rental housing and avoid speculative practices, positioning the initiative as a structural response to affordability pressures rather than a short-term stimulus.

Finalised in December after a political agreement in June 2025, the treaty aims to remove physical checks at the ‘verja’ land border. This transition seeks to create a customs union and establish new arrangements for Gibraltar’s airport and port. The move is timed to coincide with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout, protecting the 15,000 daily cross-border workers.

While Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, has held private briefings for local stakeholders, the Spanish government has maintained a ‘wall of silence’. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has not shared the document with the

Spanish Parliament, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties who claim they learned of the pact via social media.

Key details regarding the role of Frontex, the status of the British military base, and potential Spanish police presence on the Rock remain speculative. With the European Parliament expected to debate the matter in March, the public is currently being asked to trust a deal negotiated entirely behind closed doors.

Cheapest place to live

WHERE you choose to live in Spain can dramatically shape your financial reality. The latest Roams cost-of-living report highlights the regions where salaries are almost entirely swallowed by essential expenses - and those where your income stretches much further.

The Balearic Islands rank as the most expensive area in the country. For an average couple, an estimated 99.2 per cent of net income goes on essentials when paying a mortgage, and 93.6 per cent when renting, leaving virtually no room to save. Close behind is Malaga, where households spend roughly 89 per cent of income with a mortgage and 92 per cent as renters - a sharp reality check for expatriates drawn

to the Costa del Sol lifestyle. Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian complete the top five, largely due to high housing costs and elevated daily spending.

At the other end of the spectrum sits Caceres, officially Spain’s cheapest place to live, with average essential spending of about €16,854 per year - although costs there have still climbed nearly 20 per cent.

Joining Caceres among the most affordable are Zamora, Lugo, Teruel, and Oviedo, all known for lower housing and everyday expenses.

Spain still offers relative value, but choosing the right location can mean the difference between struggling to save and enjoying a far more comfortable lifestyle.

Drones take flight

DRONES are no longer a futuristic idea in Madrid. They are already buzzing above hospitals, across emergency zones and even beneath the city’s streets.

The Community of Madrid has recently unveiled a four-year strategy backed by €16 million to position the region as a global leader in drone technology. The strategy aims to boost research, manufacturing and public service applications.

Healthcare is one of the most striking areas of development. Drones are being trialled to speed up urgent transfers of medicines, blood and specialist equipment between hospitals.

In September, a demonstration flight between La Paz and Carlos III hospitals, flying about 30 metres above ground and operated by two pilots, completed the journey in roughly three minutes, producing crucial data to advance the project beyond testing.

Drone use is not limited to the skies. Canal de Isabel II is deploying unmanned aircraft in parts of the region’s 2,500 kilometres of water galleries. Using artificial intelligence, the drones capture detailed images of infrastructure, spotting potential faults without putting personnel at risk.

Across the regional administration, around a

dozen drone projects are underway in healthcare, emergency response, urban planning and the environment.

With the global drone market expected to reach €57.8 billion by 2030, Madrid is aiming to shape the industry rather than import technology. The tests have begun, the investment is committed, and the region plans to stay airborne.

‘Lost’ passports

Queuing up for an appointment at the foreigners’ office.

SPAIN’S National Police have issued an internal alert following a surge in undocumented migrants reporting ‘lost’ or ‘stolen’ passports. Officers suspect the trend is a tactic to manufacture proof of residency for the government’s new mass regularisation programme.

A leaked circular from the Comisaría General de Extranjería y Fronteras, dated Tuesday, February 10, reveals a 60 per cent rise in such reports between Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, February 6, compared to 2025. The spike follows Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s announcement of a scheme to grant residency to 500,000 migrants present in Spain before December 31.

A police report serves as official evidence of presence in the country. Data shows dramatic increases in reports from specific na-

tionalities: Pakistani nationals rose by 866 per cent, Algerians by 356 per cent, and Moroccans by 114 per cent. Investigators found many claimants had existing criminal records or used multiple identities.

Police unions have criticised the ‘ineffective’ rules, noting that applicants can use self-declarations of a clean record if their home countries do not respond within a month. However, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Thursday, February 12 that the process includes ‘all guarantees’ and that authorities will combat any fraud.

While supporters view the programme as a humanitarian necessity, critics warn it remains vulnerable to security risks and systemic abuse.

Storm phone prep Spain

AS Storm Oriana moved across Spain following Storm Nils, several regions were under alerts from AEMET. Strong winds do not automatically mean blackouts, but temporary power cuts can happen, especially in exposed or coastal areas. If that happens, your mobile phone becomes your main link to updates, family and official information.

The first and simplest precaution is to charge early, not late. When alerts rise to orange or red, plug in your phone and any power banks. If you have a laptop, charge it too - it can serve as backup power if needed. Switching on battery saver mode earlier than usual and lowering screen brightness slightly can extend battery life by hours. Waiting until 15 per cent remains leaves little margin if electricity suddenly goes.

Keeping your phone charged and ready during storms.

It is also worth thinking offline. Download your local area on Google Maps so GPS works without mobile data. Save important contacts, emergency numbers and key documents directly on your device. During storms, fibre lines or mobile networks can slow down or become overloaded. If calls fail to connect, try sending SMS messages instead, as they

require less bandwidth. Avoid using your phone as a hotspot unless necessary, and switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth during outages to prevent unnecessary battery drain. Spain faces strong storms every year, and most interruptions are brief. A few calm, practical steps now can ensure you stay connected if the lights flicker off - and hopefully, you won’t need them at all.

Man buys village

AMERICAN entrepreneur Jason Lee

Beckwith has purchased the abandoned Spanish village of Salto de Castro for approximately €310,000. Located in Zamora on the Portuguese border, the settlement was built in the 1940s to house hydroelectric workers but has sat derelict since 1989.

Beckwith, CEO of Rocking Hospitality, discovered the property online and sold his California guesthouse to fund the venture. He plans to relocate to the site with his wife to oversee its transformation into a luxury tourist destination. The ambitious project aims to create a ‘farm-to-table’ experience, featuring 184 beds across villas, apartments, and a hostel.

The redevelopment will repurpose the village’s original infrastructure, including converting the church into a multicultural space and adding a gym, spa, and winery. Beckwith targets an opening date of late 2026, for the initial phase.

The project is expected to create 35 local jobs, providing a signi cant economic boost to the Aliste region, which struggles with rural depopulation. While local authorities welcome the investment, environmental groups have raised concerns regarding the impact on the protected Arribes del Duero Natural Park.

Hay fever alert

FOLLOWING persistent rainfall early this year, Spain is forecast to experience higher-than-usual pollen concentrations, raising risks for hay fever su erers. Health and meteorological experts predict that the combination of abundant moisture and warming temperatures will encourage plant growth, leading to more pollen production from grasses, olive trees, plane trees, and other species. Rain temporarily suppresses airborne pollen but promotes vigorous growth and owering, resulting in heavier pollen release once conditions warm.

Urban areas such as Madrid, Sevilla, Toledo, and Valencia may see elevated counts even in February, while regions including Andalucia and Extremadura may experience early pollen from alder, hazel, and plane trees.

The pollen can fragment into ne allergenic particles that remain suspended longer, increasing respiratory

The upcoming season is expected to be ‘historic’.

exposure. Specialists from the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) describe the upcoming season as ‘intense’ or ‘historic’, a ecting both known allergy su erers and some previously una ected individuals.

Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, and diculty breathing. Expatriates and residents in Spain are

advised to monitor pollen forecasts, begin preventive medication early under medical guidance, keep windows closed during peak pollen hours, wear masks or sunglasses outdoors, wash after exposure, and plan activities when counts are lower. Consulting a pharmacist or allergist about antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy testing is recommended for severe cases.

Marriage game plan

SPAIN’S latest attempt to get couples thinking seriously about commitment comes in an unexpected form: a video game. As church weddings continue to fall, Ca-

tholic leaders are embracing digital culture in the hope of reconnecting with younger generations who may feel detached from traditional religious ceremonies.

The numbers highlight just how much attitudes have shifted. According to the most recent figures, fewer than 18 per cent of weddings in Spain in 2024 took place in a church, just 31,462 out

PATIENTS seeking medical consultations in Spain should prepare for significant delays as a nationwide doctors’ strike began on Monday, February 16. Led by the Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM), the industrial action targets proposed reforms to the Estatuto Marco, the law governing public healthcare working conditions.

Physicians argue the government’s plan ignores

más épica’, meaning Love is the most epic adventure. Players follow a young couple, Fran and Elena, as they tackle everyday tasks and earn prizes while learning the importance of patience, generosity, modesty, integrity and empathy.

The idea was first suggested by students at the Pontifical University of Salamanca and later developed by a professional video game designer. Church leaders say the

initiative is about inspiration rather than pressure. “The campaign is also proactive, aiming to showcase the beauty of Christian marriage,” the

Doctor strike

chronic issues like burnout and staff shortages while failing to provide a specialised legal framework that reflects the unique responsibilities of the medical profession.

The initial walkout is scheduled until February 20, but unions have warned of a rolling calendar of monthly strikes extending until June. This prolonged dispu-

te follows massive weekend demonstrations in Madrid, where thousands of doctors demanded the resignation of Health Minister Mónica García. While the Ministry of Health maintains that negotiations remain open, the lack of an immediate breakthrough suggests a period of sustained instability for the national health system.

Spanish bishops’ conference said, adding that it hopes to encourage couples seeking stability to consider a church wedding.

In response, authorities have implemented minimum service requirements to protect essential care. Emergency rooms, intensive care units, and urgent oncology treatments will remain operational. However, routine primary care visits, elective surgeries, and specialist follow-ups face widespread cancellations. Residents and expats relying on public clinics can expect staffing levels similar to public holidays.

A wonderful one-off

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ON my recent trip back to the auld country, I was lucky enough to catch The Last Laugh, a new play recently opened in London’s West End. This most enjoyable production features actors portraying now sadly departed British comedians, including Bob Monkhouse, Eric Morecambe and, of course, dear old Tommy Cooper.

It couldn’t help reminding me of the last time I met this unforgettable laughter maker. Some years ago, my wife and I were visiting my old mum in the seaside town of Eastbourne on the south coast. One evening we decided to have dinner in a local restaurant and, shortly after being seated, we were pleasantly surprised to see the great Tommy Cooper arrive with his partner, who lived locally and had also chosen to dine there.

I had met Tommy on several occasions before and was delighted

when he asked to join us at our table. As usual, he was his normal boisterous self and we soon settled down to a very pleasant repast. All went well until Tommy’s order arrived. To our surprise, he rather sternly called the waiter back and insisted that all his food be served on separate plates. No explanation was given.

The waiter eventually returned carrying four plates - one with steak, one with chips, one with peas and one with carrots. Normal conversation resumed and Tommy happily tucked in, though his individual portions now occupied a substantial part of the table. At the end of the meal, and after a couple of large brandies, Tommy asked if I had a car.

When I told him mine was parked right outside, he wondered if I’d mind dropping him and his lady home. I mentioned that, as he was such a big chap, he might struggle to fit into my small Mini Cooper. He assured me it wouldn’t be a problem.

Moments later, we were all

squeezed into the Mini, with Tommy sitting beside me in the front. His vast bulk filled the entire passenger side, his knees almost under his chin. When we arrived at his house, he thanked me profusely and asked us to wait, as his wife had a present for us.

She soon reappeared with a round biscuit tin, which she handed over with more thanks and a promise to ‘do it again sometime’. We drove off, and my wife inquisitively prised open our gift. It was half full of nothing but broken biscuits.

We simply had to laugh. It wasn’t until I later told the story to a couple of friends that I discovered Tommy had a reputation for being extremely careful with his money. I’d had no idea - but I certainly learned that evening.

Tommy Cooper - a wonderful one-off. Heaven will need a sturdy table!

Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

Jet2 adds 380,000 seats

FOR expats in Spain, flying back to the UK is set to become significantly easier this summer after Jet2 announced a major expansion of its Spain flight programme, adding more than 380,000 extra seats for summer 2026.

The additional capacity will run between April and October 2026, representing around 9 per cent growth compared with summer 2025. In total, the airline plans to offer more than 4.6 million seats to and from Spanish destinations, underlining continued demand for UK–Spain travel.

For British residents living across mainland Spain, the Balearics and the Canary Islands, the increase should mean more availability during peak periods and greater flexibility when booking flights home. It also makes it easier to balance life between both countries, whether that’s popping back for weddings, christenings and milestone birthdays, or planning longer stays with family during school holidays.

Jet2 is not only strengthening services to major hubs such as Mallorca, Tenerife and Alicante, but also expanding routes to regional airports including Girona, Reus, Almeria, Jerez and La Palma.

At peak summer, the airline expects to operate more than 840 weekly flights across 161 routes between Spain and the UK.

Jewellery workshop

VALENTINE’S DAY may have come and gone, but it’s never too late to celebrate love. VicArte Club will be belatedly celebrating the romantic holiday on Thursday February 26, with the second session of their new crafts workshop.

Participants are invited to the workshop to make their own dazzling jewellery. These one-of-a-kind creations are a unique keepsake to remember the day by, perfect as a memento or a gift for that special someone.

The workshop is a chance to connect with a friendly group in a calm, creative space. Attending offers the opportunity to learn a new crafting skill and reconnect with an inner creativity that might have gone dormant. Talent isn’t necessary, only enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new.

Each workshop only has a small number of available slots, as the organisers hope to create a warm and intimate atmosphere, more conducive to learning and casual socialising. The workshop will be held at the Las Cabañuelas

Community Centre in Plaza Cervantes, running from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. It costs just €10 to take part, with the price of materials covered by the entrance fee.

For more information, call 655 593 808.

Name That Tune

PJ’S CAFE is hosting an all-time favourite game: Name That Tune. Back by popular demand, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon on the Almeria coast.

Put your music knowledge to the test with a little friendly competition. Participants will battle it out, trying to guess the song with as few notes as possible. From classic hits to old school earworms, there will be something for

everyone to sing along to.

Name That Tune will be hosted by Jools Hirst, who has cemented his place as one of Mojacar’s most iconic entertainers. With Hirst at the helm, the afternoon is sure to be one to remember.

The game will be held at PJ’s Cafe, a local establishment known for their delicious array of dishes.

Any competitor wanting to prepare with a

hearty meal before the contest will find they’re in the right place.

Tickets to the Name That Tune event cost €5, with all proceeds being donated to the Lions Charity, a local organisation that helps support families in need.

PJ’s Cafe can be found at Paseo del Mediterraneo, 227 in Mojacar. Spots fill up fast so make sure to reserve a table by contacting 634 368 446.

ALMERIA

Afternoon tea & fashion show

AGE SUPPORT Almanzora is preparing to host its sixth annual Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show, promising an enjoyable day for locals and visitors alike. The event will take place on Mothering Sunday, March 15, from 2.30pm at the charity’s premises in Albox. Afternoon tea will be served from 3.00pm.

Guests will be greeted with a glass of Cava on arrival before enjoying a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones, served alongside tea and coffee by the

Vista del Mar

charity’s team. Attendees can also take part in a simple game, and a raffle will add an extra layer of excitement to the afternoon.

The occasion is not only an opportunity to spend time with friends, family and neighbours, but also a chance to support Age Support Almanzora. Proceeds will help the charity continue its work assisting people across the Almanzora Valley.

The organisers are

Credit: Anna_Pustynnikova / Shutterstock

EVERY Wednesday, Vista del Mar brings a taste of the USA to the Mojacar coast with their Smash Burger offer. Fresh ingredients make a meal that can often be far too filling feel perfectly balanced, leaving you satisfied, not sluggish.

Wanting the full Americana experience, I ordered the Fully Loaded Smash: two smash patties stacked with a fried egg, fried onions, pineapple ring, cheese, gherkin and bacon. A thick layer of burger sauce tied it all together.

The burger was overloaded with toppings, making it well worth the €15.95 price point.

sold or raffled during the event. Tickets are priced at €15 per person and can be reserved from the charity office starting Wednesday, February 25.

“We’re excited to host our sixth Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show,” said a spokesperson. “Mothering Sunday is the perfect day to come together, enjoy a cuppa, and support our local community.”

Age Support Almanzora looks forward to welcoming

I made a valiant attempt at eating the burger the proper way - with my hands - but ultimately had to resort to a knife and fork as everything fell apart. All burgers also come with a side of chips, coleslaw and salad, a much-needed bite of freshness amongst all the meat, grease and cheese.

views, glorious weather and ice-cold beer.

In addition to the Smash Burger menu, Vista del Mar still offers their full menu for anyone not fancying such a meaty, messy dinner.

Vista del Mar can be found on the Paseo del Mediterraneo, 22, Mojacar. To book a table contact 711 054 966.

TOPTrending

The Artful Dodger

brought to you by Revolution Technology

Nationwide investigation

THE Artful Dodger series reintroduces a beloved Dickens character when the young pickpocket follows in the footsteps of many teenagers and moves to Australia. There Dodger, or rather Jack Dawkins, reinvents himself into a well-respected young doctor. However, the new life he’s built is turned upside down when he runs into an old acquaintance, and meets an ambitious governor’s daughter who dreams of becoming a surgeon herself. Back with a bang, season 2 promises high-stakes action and a forbidden romance that simmers under the surface.

PRIME VIDEO’S newest heist thriller, Steal, turns something objectively boring (pension fund investment) into a truly gripping narrative, full of twists and turns that are impossible to see coming.

Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner offers a stellar performance as the show’s lead, Zara, who arrives at work expecting another boring day at the office. She couldn’t predict

workspace would be infiltrated by a gang of thieves, and she would be forced to do their bidding. Or did she?

NEARLY 100 people, including four legal entities, have been arrested or investigated in Spain following a nationwide Guardia Civil operation targeting breaches of animal welfare rules and illegal veterinary medicine use.

Led by SEPRONA, the inspections covered farms, transporters, and slaughterhouses to enforce compliance with public health, food safety, and welfare regulations. Authorities immobilised or destroyed 1,441 animals, including 673 sheep, 368 poultry, 184 goats, 208 pigs, seven horses, and a deer, where traceability or sanitary standards were lacking.

Over 3,300 administrative violations were recorded, mostly linked to sanitary breaches and misuse of veterinary medicines. Operation Pox dismantled a network in Toledo, Avila, and Madrid illegally supplying sheep and goat meat to restaurants via unre-

Over 3,300 administrative violations recorded.

gistered slaughterhouses. Operation Saxum Tubercum in Badajoz exposed falsified bovine tuberculosis tests, unauthorised medicine use, and repeated sheep thefts by a family group, recovering 262 animals.

Operation Antimicrobiano revealed prescription irregularities and illegal online drug sales in Cordoba and Ciudad Real. Operation Cabiano addressed falsified horse transport documents from Belgium to Murcia for export to Libya and Lebanon.

Investigators highlighted unauthorised me-

dicine administration, poor storage, and record-keeping failures, which risk both animal welfare and consumer safety. In total, 65 criminal offences and 3,316 administrative violations were recorded.

SEPRONA continues nationwide inspections to enforce EU One Health and Farm-to-Fork strategies. Judicial proceedings are ongoing, and authorities stressed the campaign ensures compliance, protects consumers, and upholds welfare standards across Spain’s livestock sector.

Tower awaits blessing

BARCELONA’S Sagrada Familia says it is ‘very likely’ that Pope León XIV will visit the city on June 10 to inaugurate and bless the new Tower of Jesus, marking 100 years since architect Antoni Gaudí’s death.

The 172.5-metre tower, the tallest part of the basilica, will be unveiled on the anniversary of Gaudí’s death in 1926.

The Sagrada Familia will be inaugurated on June 10.

Church officials say the Pope’s presence would give the occasion global religious significance.

Although the Vatican has not confirmed the visit, project leaders are increasingly confident. Xavier Martínez, director general of the Sagrada Familia, said ‘everything indicates’ the Holy Father intends to attend, but noted official confirmation is pending. Preparations for a papal visit require

months of planning. Discussions have been ongoing since Catalan regional president Salvador Illa invited the Pope in October, and Barcelona’s cardinal archbishop Juan José Omella has also been in contact. The pontiff is planning a visit to Spain this year, likely to include Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, though dates are not yet fixed.

Work on the Tower of Jesus Christ is on schedule. The final element is the uppermost arm of the cross, which will weigh 12.8 tonnes and house a sculpture of the Lamb of God. Scaffolding will be removed in time for the ceremony. Commemorative events will coincide with Barcelona’s designation as World Capital of Architecture 2026.

£2 flights to Spain

BRITISH AIRWAYS has announced a summer 2026 promotion offering flights from the UK to Spain for just £2. While the price tag is eye-catching, there is a specific requirement: the deal is exclusive to Executive Club members using Avios points.

These ‘Avios-only’ flights mean every seat on the aircraft is reserved for points redemption, with no standard cash bookings permitted. This latest route from London City Airport to Madrid marks a milestone for the

airline; the return leg will be the 50th such dedicated service since the initiative launched in 2023. The flights are scheduled for the Monday, May 25 bank holiday, providing a prime opportunity for a spring getaway. While the cash component is a nominal £2, passengers must redeem 28,000 Avios per seat. The fare remains competitive by including a 23kg checked baggage allowance. Members with a British Airways American Express card can further stretch their

rewards by using Companion Vouchers.

This promotion follows recent adjustments to BA’s reward pricing. Influenced by the November 2025 Budget and increased Air Passenger Duty, some long-haul economy redemptions rose in cost last December.

Despite these industry-wide hikes, the Madrid service offers a high-value loophole for those looking to maximise their loyalty points on short-haul European travel.

The darkest January

SPAIN experienced its least sunny January since 1996 and the second-lowest total since 1984, with around 29 fewer sunshine hours than normal. A series of Atlantic storms brought extensive cloud cover and rainfall averaging 85 per cent above the long-term January norm.

Northwest and Atlantic coastal regions, including Santiago de Compostela, saw sunshine drop by nearly half, while inland areas such as Madrid also recorded deficits. Southern regions, including Murcia, Almeria, and the Balearic Islands, remained closer to seasonal norms.

Meteorologists linked the low sunlight

to persistent storms that brought prolonged cloudiness and heavy rain. Typical January sunshine ranges from 100-120 hours in the north to 250-270 in the south; this year most regions fell below these averages.

Experts note reduced solar exposure can affect mood and well-being, especially during winter months when daylight is limited. Seasonal mood variations may be influenced, though individual responses differ. Authorities are monitoring Atlantic weather systems, expecting sunshine levels to improve as daylight increases by the end of February.

Deadly bull festival

A 65-YEAR-OLD man died after being gored during a bullfighting celebration in western Spain, in a tragedy that has shaken a historic community and sparked fresh safety concerns.

The incident happened

during the annual Carnaval del Toro in Ciudad Rodrigo, a town in the province of Salamanca known for its centuries-old taurine traditions.

The festival blends carnival festivities with bull runs and capeas, where participants

enter an arena with live bulls. According to local reports, the man was taking part in a nighttime event when he was struck and fatally injured by a bull’s horn. On-site medics responded immediately, but he later died from severe chest injuries.

Town officials, including Mayor Marcos Iglesias Caridad, expressed condolences to the victim’s family. A minute’s silence was observed before subsequent events continued.

While serious injuries at bull festivals are not unheard of, fatalities in Ciudad Rodrigo are rare, making this loss particularly shocking for residents. The Guardia Civil has launched a routine investigation into the circumstances. For expatriates in Spain, the incident is a stark reminder that traditional bull events, however culturally significant, carry real risks, especially for those entering the arena rather than watching from designated spectator areas.

It covers everythingexcept what happens to you

FROM COAST TO COAST

TODAY, I’ve decided to talk about insurance.

Yes - those grand, modern love a airs we enter into with the hopeful innocence of someone signing an eternal vow.

I must own so many policies by now that I no longer organise them by type. I classify them alphabetically. Insurance for the house. The car. Health. Phone. A meteor hitting Earth. A rogue alien invasion. A sudden zombie uprising. I half expect, any moment now, to take out insurance to insure the insurance. A meta-policy. Insurance to make sure the insurance actually does what it promised - or at least fakes it convincingly.

Because, of course, that is another story. Taking out insurance feels remarkably like a honeymoon.

Everything is charming. Reassuring. Almost poetic. They tell you you are covered, protected, embraced by an exceptional human team who will stand by you ‘in your most di cult moments’. One almost feels tempted to toast with Champagne… or maybe confetti.

“This is the love of my life,” you think.

“This one - I shall marry. And probably name my rst child after it.”

But true love, as we know, reveals itself in adversity.

And that is precisely when the fantasy begins.

Because when something actually happens - and no one ever desires incidents, accidents, leaks, rogue llamas, or spontaneous explosions - you meet the ne print. That exquisite, microscopic literature that seems written in invisible ink, requiring a magnifying glass, legal training, a degree in ancient hieroglyphics, and at least two

Part I

uninterrupted afternoons (or one very dramatic weekend) to decode.

I am not someone who enjoys bothering people. I do not enjoy ling claims. I do not enjoy repeating my policy number 10 times as though it were a sacred chant. And I certainly do not enjoy feeling as if I am requesting charity when I am, in fact, exercising a right I pay for punctually and faithfully.

Sometimes it is something as mundane as xing a leak at home. Nothing dramatic. Nothing operatic. Yet you already sense what awaits you: hold music, transfers, the ‘appropriate department’, and the polished voice explaining,

“I’m terribly sorry, but that is not included under your speci c coverage for incidents not speci cally included.”

Ah.

And after six potential hours of instrumental music and institutional politeness, one arrives at a quiet conclusion: I would rather pay for it myself - and preserve my sanity.

Because in the end, insurance covers everything.

Everything imaginable.

Everything hypothetical.

Everything statistically improbable. Everything… except what happens to you.

And that is when you understand that what we truly purchase is not protection.

It is reassurance.

Elegant, contractual reassurance.

The illusion of a safety net.

Until one discovers that the net comes stitched with conditions, clauses, exclusions, exceptions - and sub-exceptions for the exceptions.

And so we live.

Insuring everything, just in case.

Everything - except our patience.

Spain flight costs rise

Airfares rose by around 9.3 per cent in January, highlighting how flight prices are climbing although inflation is slowing.

IF you are planning a getaway or heading home soon, you may want to brace your budget. Air travel in Spain became noticeably more expensive in January, with ight prices rising by approximately 9.3 per cent compared to the same time last year. This increase stands out because overall in ation is slowing, creating a confusing reality for travellers who expected costs to ease in 2026.

O cial data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute shows in ation cooling to around 2.3 per cent year on year in January, yet transport prices have not followed suit. While cheaper fuel helped lower the general transport category, airfares continued an upward trend seen throughout late 2025. Several factors drive this rise, most nota-

bly higher airport charges. Spain’s airport operator, Aena, approved increased fees for 2026, which airlines typically pass directly to passengers. Additionally, carriers are still rebuilding pro tability following years of volatility. Strong demand for leisure travel, especially to the Balearics and Canary Islands, has allowed airlines to raise fares without losing passengers. For expats and frequent yers, these jumps are immediate and impactful, particularly on routes to the UK and Germany. While analysts hope prices will stabilise later in 2026 depending on fuel and demand, the current trend suggests that booking early and comparing routes is essential for anyone hoping to protect their travel budget this year.

A farmer’s struggle

SPAIN has endured weeks of severe weather, with successive Atlantic storms causing widespread ooding across Andalucia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura, Murcia, and parts of Valencia. Emergency services have responded to urban and rural incidents, while farmers face signi cant agricultural losses. Saturated farmland, swollen rivers, and disrupted winter grazing and planting periods threaten food production for the year ahead. Farmers report unprecedented costs and delays. In La Muela, Cadiz, mixed farmer Juan Manuel manages 60 head of cattle and grows cereals including wheat, barley, and oats. He says keeping livestock indoors for weeks has quadrupled feeding costs, a burden that will drive up meat and milk prices. Flooded elds have prevented January cereal sowing, a critical window for both livestock feed and

wholesale crops. Reduced cereal and hay availability could further raise prices, echoing past drought-related price spikes.

These issues are not isolated. Agricultural organisations across Spain report similar problems: livestock con ned indoors, delayed planting, and soil deterioration. Key food-producing regions, including Andalucia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura, and Aragon, face potential reductions

in cereal, meat, and dairy output.

Juan Manuel advises consumers to stock up on non-perishables before prices rise. With further unsettled weather forecast, prolonged ooding may delay recovery, threaten long-term soil quality, and impact rural livelihoods. Farmers warn that extreme weather, whether drought or ood, is increasingly shaping Spain’s agricultural reality and the cost of food nationwide.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Revenues rise

DESPITE falling interest ra tes, Spanish banks increased their profits by €34 billion in 2025. As the number of loans increase, so does the reve nue from commissions. Of Spain’s six major banks, five saw an increase in profits compared to 2025, with San tander reporting the highest increase of 12 per cent.

Tax the robots

HEALTH Minister Monica Garcia advocates for taxing companies that replace a human workforce with AI. Garcia emphasised that AI is most beneficial as a tool, not as a threat. This proposed tax system would not be desig ned to punish innovation, but reward those who protect human interests.

Spam sanction

THE government are crac king down on one of the bi ggest nuisances of modern life: telephone spam. A re cently approved royal de cree prohibits calls to private numbers for advertisement or recruitment purposes, without express permission to do so. Doing so could lead to a fine of €600,000 to €6 million.

Telefonica Chile

TELEFONICA has sold its Chi lean subsidiary to NJJ Hol ding (51 per cent) and Millicom (49 per cent) for €1.156 billion plus €479 million debt. The agreement states Telefonica keeps 40 per cent of the fibre network, allowing the com pany to withdraw from Latin America, reduce debt and fo cus on core markets.

Beverage boom

IN 2025, Coca‑Cola earned €11.2 billion, a 23 per cent rise from 2024, with reve nues of €44 billion. Growth was driven by water, sports drinks, coffee, and tea, whi le volume gains were mo dest. For 2026, the company forecasts 4 5 per cent reve nue growth and 7 8 per cent EPS growth.

per cent of the population were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, according to the INE.

Fast fashion fight

THE rise of extra-fast fashion brands is prompting one of Europe’s most prominent retail moguls to scale back their operations in Spain.

Since 2019, the Swedish company has closed 69 shops across Spain, which attributes to 40 per cent of their Spanish network. Worldwide, H&M have closed almost 1,000 shops as they struggle to keep up with brands like Shein and Primark.

A total of 975 worldwide closures represents a 20 per cent decrease in H&M’s global network. H&M’s closure rate has been rapidly accelerating, with figures increasing year on year: 96 closures in 2023, 116 in 2024, 152 in 2025. In six years, H&M’s global network of shops has shrunk from 5,076 to 4,101.

Additional closures are imminent.

Heading into 2026, H&M announced their plan to open 80 new shops in high-potential markets, but close

160 underperforming locations.

In 2024, H&M’s CEO, Helena Helmersson resigned after four years, and was replaced by Daniel Erver. Having started at the company in 2005 as an intern, his story is impressive, however once appointed CEO he was tasked with a big challenge: improving profitability after a 4 per cent drop in sales.

While 2025’s net sales totalled

HMRC pockets £246 million

HMRC are cracking down on unpaid or undervalued inheritance tax (IHT) as investigations into dodged tax rose from 3,793 cases to 3,977. New figures show that, as a result of these investigations, the tax man pocketed £246 million in recovered tax.

Since 2020, the annual IHT take has risen more than 61 per cent to £8.3 billion. The original IHT threshold was set so only high-valued assets and estates would be eligible. However, rates have been frozen for so long that even families of modest means now owe significant IHT.

Such high rates further motivate families to underpay or avoid paying altogether, as many consider the tax to be an unfair burden.

€21.588 billion, profits fell short as these figures were 2.6 per cent below the revenue of the previous fiscal year.

Despite top-level personnel changes, H&M are still struggling to adapt to an evolving market saturate in cheap but low-quality goods from brands that operate primarily online, without the financial burden of storefronts.

Tricking the system is becoming more difficult as the HMRC deploy AI technologies software to detect unpaid tax. These systems are particularly adept at identifying inconsistencies, allowing the tax office to pursue more investigation than ever before.

Ageing government Spotify skyrockets

SPOTIFY experienced a last-minute boost in the final three months of 2025 with nine million paid subscribers joining the service. This is partly due to the service’s ‘Wrapped’ feature, which provides users with an in-depth recap of their listening habits and allows Spotify to stay on top in a competitive streaming market. Spotify reported €3.7 billion in revenue from these three months alone. In total, Spotify has 250 million paid subscribers, and 750 million total users worldwide.

SPAIN is facing an eventual staffing shortage as 55 per cent of current government employees are over the age of 50. Within the Ministry of Defence, that figure rises to 71 per cent aged 50 or above.

An ageing workforce is a recurring issue across labour markets. Rising living costs require employees to continue working, limiting opportunities for younger generations. Younger workers must be phased in over the next 15 years, or the government risks staff shortages in critical roles.

Ford face losses

FORD paid €759 million more than they were expecting in 2025, due to abrupt changes to President Trump’s tariff programme. The scheme was originally presented as a way to help relieve the financial pressure of tariffs for car manufacturers who import vehicle parts into the country. However, the programme didn’t come into effect until much later than anticipated, leading to fewer gains. As a result, Ford doubled what they were expecting to spend, roughly €1.68 billion. Additionally, Ford took a €16.5 billion hit as they moved away from electric vehicles, contributing to a €10.6 billion Q4 net loss.

A RECENT report by the Apparel Impact Institute (AII) claims the fashion industry will experience a 34 per cent drop in profits by 2030 if it does not address the current climate crisis. The report clearly outlines three points that could cause the most damage to earnings: supply chain disruptions, higher carbon prices, more expensive materials, and a rise in energy costs. Given that profit margins are falling, companies are reluctant to invest in the necessary improvements. However, if the fashion industry doesn’t act soon, they risk losing 70 per cent of the industry’s $1.8 trillion value by 2040.

THE UK government has announced a Local Power Plan backed by up to £1 billion to expand community-owned renewable energy. Communities, councils and local groups will be supported to install projects such as rooftop solar on public buildings and buy shares in nearby generation. The scheme aims to cut energy bills, keep profits within local areas and support jobs, while contributing to clean-power targets by 2030 and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

A RECENT report highlighted how Spain is falling behind in registering agrifood patents, describing the shortcoming as a structural weakness of the Spanish production system. For every €1 billion in revenue, Spanish agricultural businesses generate only 2.2 patents. This figure is lower than the EU’s 6.7, and the USA’s 29.6. Comparatively, Spain registered 171 patents in 2024, while Europe resisted 4,561, marking a 67 per cent difference. The USA eclipses Spain and the EU, registering 26,263 patents.

3I Group 3.506,00 3.507,00 3.452,00 113,26K

Admiral Group 2.862,0 2.872,0 2.824,0 33,4K

Airtel Africa 334,20 335,20 330,20 134,98K

Anglo American 3.563,0 3.584,0 3.526,6 159,59K

Antofagasta 3.717,00 3.745,00 3.667,00 51,6K

Ashtead Group 5.196,3 5.272,0 5.186,0 62,48K

Associated British Foods 1.953,0 1.976,5 1.953,0 22,17K

AstraZeneca 15.000,0 15.186,0 14.944,0 94,89K

Auto Trader Group Plc 467,50 472,20 464,70 568,73K

Aviva 632,60 636,40 628,20 466,12K

B&M European Value Retail SA 182,50 183,00 178,95 209,32K

BAE Systems 2.004,00 2.005,00 1.979,00 751,38K

Barclays 463,70 466,10 460,15 3,34M

Barratt Redrow 379,60 385,89 374,50 1,27M

Beazley 1.227,50 1.236,00 1.227,00 291,97K

Berkeley 4.400,0 4.430,0 4.340,0 9,01K

BP 461,37 463,74 458,15 2,2M

British American Tobacco 4.293,0 4.356,2 4.268,0 159,19K

BT Group 208,60 210,60 207,70 537,27K

Bunzl 2.128,0 2.146,0 2.124,0 27,38K

Centrica 191,35 192,00 190,45 326,84K

Coca Cola HBC AG 4.656,0 4.693,1 4.630,0 26,06K

Compass 2.081,00 2.086,00 2.068,00 301,1K

ConvaTec Group 226,80 228,67 226,20 182,25K

Croda Intl 3.003,0 3.047,0 2.999,0 12,49K

DCC 5.220,0 5.280,0 5.200,0 23,09K

1.820,2 1.830,5 1.810,0 199,62K

5.445,00 5.455,00 5.420,00 15,14K

488,50 490,00 482,30 378,72K

Entertainment 9.334,0 9.518,0 9.304,0 14,29K

711,00 711,00 689,50 5,15K

3.818,00 3.850,00 3.787,25 39,34K

3.882,0 3.900,0 3.832,0 42,23K

1.451,00 1.455,00 1.441,00 88,58K

BUSINESS EXTRA

Heineken cut back

AS demand for beer falls, brewer Heineken prepares to cut 7 per cent of their global workforce over the next two years. Experts predict a slow growth rate of 2-6 per cent, compared to 2025’s 4-8 per cent. Some 6,000 total jobs are at risk across brewing and white-collar roles.

Food sector leads

THE food sector is leading the way amongst franchises in Spain, earning €9.313 billion in 2025. With 20,515 franchised locations across 56 brands, it beat the restaurant and fashion sectors. Also, the food sector invested more than any other, €2.695 billion, and generated 127,193 new jobs.

GOOGLE’S parent company, Alphabet, is looking far into the future, as the tech giant issues a rare 100-year ‘century bond’ as part of a large multi-currency debt offering.

The financing is linked to the company’s desire to invest more in artificial-intelligence. With the AI technology market continuing to evolve, Google plan to invest in data centres, chips and strengthening Gemini’s infrastructure in order to remain competitive.

Despite being worth close to $4 trillion (€3.3 trillion), Alphabet raised approximately $32 billion

100 year bond

Fish fraud remains a risk

ACCORDING to a report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), an estimated 20 per cent of the €162 billion global fishing industry may be fraudulent in some way.

Fish fraud is defined as ‘a deliberate practice intended to deceive others’. This can occur in many ways, from adding colouring to make fish look fresher, overfishing, theft, etc.

Studies suggest 30 per cent of seafood is mislabelled in restaurants, with consumers paying a premium price for a completely different fish, generating significant profit for the fishing fraudsters.

Fish fraud can pose more than just a threat to consumers wallets, as biodiversity and human health are also at risk.

(€26 billion) through the bond sale. This sale included a sterling dominated 100-year tranche, which reportedly comes with a 6.125 per cent interest rate. The century-bond offers several advantages.

For one thing, debt can be cheaper than paying with cash, allowing Alphabet to support massive long-term projects without draining funds or diluting shareholders. It also allows the company to lock in borrowing costs for decades, providing stability amid potential rising interest rates.

Century bonds are extremely rare, primarily because there’s so little guarantee that the borrowing company will be around in 100 years. Individual investors certainly wouldn’t live to see the bond mature. Instead these kinds of long-term bonds appeal to institutional investors including pension funds and insurers.

Andalucia’s surge

ANDALUCIA’S economy reached €234.2 billion in 2025, growing by 3.2 per cent, faster than Spain and the EU. Growth was well-balanced, remaining strong in industry and advanced services. Since 2018, GDP has risen 12.9 per cent. Over seven years 534,000 jobs were created, with employment hitting record highs in 2025. These figures cement Andalucia as a key economic player.

FERRARI’S luxury cars are still in high demand, evidenced by their backlog through 2027 and stock surge. Ferrari projects €7.5 billion in revenue and €2.93 billion EBITDA, maintaining a 39 per cent margin. Although global sales dipped to 13,640 units, earnings were supported by a richer product mix, personalisation programmes, and increased racing sponsorship revenue.

Mojacar and Albox Insurance: Trusted experts protecting expats across Almeria

YOUR home is more than just a building; it is your sanctuary under the Spanish sun.

At Mojacar Insurance and Albox Insurance , we understand that protecting your investment is a top priority.

As the largest expat Generali representatives in the region, we are proud to offer an exclusive €30 discount on new Home Insurance policies, ensuring premium protection is more accessible than ever.

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cover the essentials like fire, theft, and water damage, but they also go further, including 24/7 emergency

Find us at our local offices:

• Mojacar Insurance: Conveniently located near The Irish Rover.

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Labour of love

IN a strange marketing stunt, Norwegian electronics retailer Komplett is promising free copies of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI to any parents whose baby arrives on the game’s launch day. The promotion, launched on Wednesday, February 11, hopes to capitalise on the immense hype surrounding the title’s scheduled release on November 19.

The specialist retailer unveiled the campaign via Instagram, featuring cheeky posters that encourage gaming fans to ‘start the mission’ immediately to ensure a November payoff. Despite rumours that the blockbuster sequel could carry a price tag exceeding €100, Komplett insists the offer is genuine. “This is actually not nonsense,” the company stated,

positioning the giveaway as a nod to the game’s loyal community.

The gimmick has sparked a wave of amused cynicism online. Social media users have been quick to point out the impracticality of the prize, noting that a newborn is the ultimate ‘game-breaker’ for free time. Critics joked that the retailer should be handing out nappies rather than high-octane digital heists.

This stunt mirrors Bethesda’s 2011 ‘Dovahkiin’ contest for the release of Skyrim, though Komplett has stopped short of requiring parents to name their children after the game’s protagonists. While Rockstar Games remains focused on its deadline, Norwegian couples now have a specific nine-month countdown.

home assistance for those unexpected repairs and full public liability for total peace of mind.

Contact Us:

• 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, French, and Dutch , meaning we can explain every policy detail and claim procedure in your native language. We don’t just set up your policy; we work closely with you to monitor premium increases and keep your costs low year after year. Beyond the home, our sister offices remain your trusted partners for car, motorbike, health, life, and funeral cover. Visit us today to claim your €30 savings and experience the professionalism and genuine care that has defined us since 2007.

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• Website: www.alboxinsurance.es

EU customs shake-up

SHOPPERS across Spain and the European Union are facing a shift in their online buying habits. A new €3 customs fee is set to be applied to small parcels ordered from popular international platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress.

This measure, approved at the EU level, targets low-value imports under €150 that arrive from outside the bloc. The primary goal is to manage the overwhelming surge of ultra-cheap goods entering European markets and to level the playing field for local businesses.

The decision stems from the staggering volume of international trade currently bypassing traditional customs scrutiny. According to the European Commission, billions of low-value parcels enter the EU annually. EU officials argue that this creates

The EU’s new €3 customs fee will apply to low-value parcels from platforms such as Temu.

immense pressure on customs authorities and raises concerns about product safety.

Furthermore, European retailers find it difficult to compete with goods that currently benefit from simplified customs rules.

For the average consumer, the math on bargain shopping is about

to change. A €2 gadget could almost triple in price once the fee is applied. While platforms may respond by consolidating shipments or using EU-based warehouses, buyers should prepare for higher checkout totals starting in 2026 as the EU moves toward a more regulated digital customs system.

INTERVIEW

Speaking European Meet Mallorca’s fitness star

Savannah Spencer is strengthening more than just muscles in Mallorca - she’s building connection, confidence and community. Through her thriving fitness studio Studio Savannah in Cala Mayor, she has created a space where women feel empowered both physically and emotionally, and her loyal online following shows her influence reaches well beyond the island.

WHAT was it about Ma llorca that made you decide this was the place for you?

I was raised in Runcorn, but I always felt there was more to explore. When I became a mum, I wanted more for my children.

Can you tell us about the business you run and what inspired you to start it?

Studio Savannah was born from my own experience of motherhood. After having my third baby in Mallorca, I realised how transformative but isolating that season can be - I wanted a supportive community where women could train safely, bring their babies and feel understood.

Any highlights since moving?

Building a business from scratch in a new country and watching it flourish.

Have there been challenges?

Language has been my biggest hurdle. But we’ve built a community here and don’t feel pulled back.

Best spots with children?

Fresh air, freedom and sunshine - simple and priceless.

Advice for parents moving abroad?

Keep routines familiar, expect paperwork and remember your ‘why’.

Life in Mallorca in a few words?

Intentional, sun-filled and grounded.

Lufthansa expands

TRAVELLERS flying from Frankfurt within Europe will soon benefit from more direct routes, newer aircraft and stronger connections as Lufthansa City Airlines opens a new base at Germany’s busiest airport. Operations started on February 9, with the first Frankfurt departure to Manchester on a modern Airbus A320neo. The move places Lufthansa’s youngest airline at the centre of its most strategic airport, reinforcing the group’s short-haul feeder network and expanding options for European passengers.

Passengers departing Frankfurt now have additional short-haul routes. Shortly after launch, Berlin and Valencia were added to the February schedule. In March, Düsseldorf and Malaga followed as a second aircraft entered service.

The expansion continues throughout summer 2026, with planned additions including London Heathrow, Stockholm, Bilbao, Hamburg, Helsinki, Ibiza, Marseille and Bucharest. By September, the Frankfurt base is expected to operate seven Airbus A320neo aircraft.

This is the airline’s second base after Munich, where it launched in 2024 and now operates 13 aircraft. In 2025, it flew nearly 16,000 services, carrying around two million passengers to 27 destinations.

Since September 2025, Lufthansa City Airlines has been a full Star Alliance member, offering smoother connections and frequent flyer benefits. Staffing is also growing, with about 60 employees already in Frankfurt and hundreds more cockpit and cabin crew hires planned.

OLDEST BRITISH CHURCH IN SPAIN IS CRUMBLING!

Rocío maintains it but struggles with needed repairs. “The roof’s leaking, frescoes deteriorating, and the English Church isn’t responding!” laments leader Loli Ramos.

IN 1517, the Fifth Duke of Medina Sidonia, Alonso Pérez de Guzmán (nicknamed ‘the insane’), granted English sherry merchants land to build a church in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. A later duke was less generous: he led the doomed Spanish Armada (Oops!).

Five centuries on, St George’s Church, Spain’s oldest surviving British institution, is crumbling. Its guardians plead for British help to restore it.

Once a secret haven for English Catholic priests returning to dangerous Tudor England disguised as wine traders, the church houses a striking altarpiece of St George slaying a dragon. Beneath it lies an English nobleman’s tomb.

By 1876, the last English priest had died, and Britain forgot the church. Today, the Brotherhood of the Virgin of El

British wine merchant, Tim Holt, warns: “It’s an important piece of heritage.” Ramos agrees: “Visitors are amazed but unaware. This is their history: Britain must step in!” Any takers out there, Britain?

However, regarding the increasingly renewed calls for STRICTER regulations on art restoration in Spain that I’ve often described here, whoever ends up paying for the repairs should please get professionals to do the job. (Just asking for a friend!)

Many thanks as always for all your welcome emails to my website! So pleased you enjoy my column - and novels!

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

Digital skin risk

EVERYBODY knows that sunlight can age skin, it’s why dermatologists stress the importance of SPF. But what about the light emitted from your phone?

Believe it or not, the same type of blue light can be found in both sunlight and digital devices. Unlike UV, blue light doesn’t cause sunburn, but it can penetrate deeper into the skin, accelerating skin ageing and weakening skin barriers.

However, there’s no reason to be alarmed: blue light from a phone is miniscule compared with sunlight. Ten minutes outdoors exposes your skin to far more blue light than an entire day on your phone.

Screens really are not a major cause of wrinkles or sagging skin, but it’s best to be cautious. Thankfully, protection against blue light is simple. Con-

Credit: Shutterstock, insta_photos

Are phones harmful to the skin?

tinuing to wear sun cream is the best method, even indoors as it creates a barrier against hazardous rays. Eating antioxidant-rich foods will also help the skin fight any blue-light damage the skin might have suffered. Many devices are also equipped with blue-light

screens, and while adjusting screen settings will reduce the intensity of the light, it’s really more to help sleep than skin. While putting down the phone every now and then will benefit every aspect of your overall wellbeing, you don’t need to ditch it completely.

The season of open doors and long evenings

MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE EXPERT MIGUEL FRANCO

YOU can feel it coming.

The good weather returns. The cold, wet days slowly fade and life begins to move outside again. Jackets stay open, doors stay ajar and evenings stretch longer as the sun lingers a little more each day.

Living in the south of Spain, we’re lucky. Spring arrives earlier here and with it comes a natural shift in how we live.

People walk more. They sit outside. Outdoor activity returns, walking, swimming, beach life and mornings on the golf course. Movement becomes part of the day again, not something you force into a schedule.

Being active during the day especially outdoors creates calm, relaxed evenings. The body feels used, not

exhausted. The mind slows down. Stress drops. Evenings become moments of connection: sitting outside with friends or a partner, sharing meals, talking, laughing and enjoying time together.

This rhythm has always been at the heart of Mediterranean life. Move during the day. Slow down in the evening. Be together. Enjoy food. Enjoy life.

Live actively during the day. Enjoy long, social evenings.

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

Costa del Sol Long-awaited escalators

PASSENGERS at Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Renfe has restored the escalators at the Cercanías station following more than a year of breakdowns. The continuous outages had caused significant hardship for passengers with heavy luggage, the elderly, and those with limited mobility.

The rail operator confirmed that the escalators on platform 1 are now fully operational. Rather than attempting further temporary repairs, engineers opted for a complete replacement to ensure long-term reliability and safety. The modernisation project, valued at over €770,000, is being executed in two phases by the specialist firm TKE.

Work began on platform 2 in mid-January and is expected to conclude within the current quarter. The restoration marks the end of a frustrating period for tourists. Throughout the works, station elevators remained functional to maintain basic accessibility.

Axarquia

Salobreña luck

THE ONCE lottery draw on Saturday, February 14, brought a romantic windfall to the coastal town of Salobreña in Granada. Dedicated to Saint Valentine, the weekend draw awarded a ‘Sueldazo’ prize worth €2,000 per month for the next 10 years, totalling €240,000 for one lucky winner.

The winning ticket was sold by Sofía López, an ONCE vendor since 2013, at her regular pitch on the town’s main roundabout. Expressing her delight, López noted that while she had previously sold a €35,000 prize, she had long hoped to deliver a larger win to the local community. She remarked that residents often felt major prizes bypassed Salobreña in favour of neighbouring Motril or Almuñecar.

The Granada win was part of a wider streak of luck for the region. On Friday, February 13, the Cuponazo draw distributed over €8 million across seven Andalucian provinces, including €240,000 within Granada City. In the Saturday draw, Huelva also benefited, with 14 tickets sharing €280,000.

Mallorca

Palma embraces Sa Rua

THE capital burst into colour and sound on Sunday February 15 as Sa Rua 2026 wound its way through the city centre, drawing thousands for the capital’s annual Carnival parade. From La Rambla along Carrer de la Riera and down to Avinguda de Jaume III, pavements were packed with families, residents and visitors eager to witness one of Mallorca’s most anticipated winter celebrations.

This year’s procession featured 11 floats and 36 parade groups, each competing to outshine the next with bold concepts and high-impact performances. Towering fantasy creatures, playful nods to pop culture and sharp social satire rolled through the streets, accompanied by pulsing music and tightly choreographed dance routines. The scale of the production reflected months of preparation, with intri-cate handmade costumes, elaborate props and coordinated staging on full display.

Children perched on shoulders to catch a better view as performers tossed sweets into the crowd.

Costa Blanca South School spectacle

NUMEROUS towns along the Costa Blanca have been lit up with colour, song and dance this February for the traditional Carnival, and Torrevieja has been one of the main hubs of culture and explosive festivities. Fresh off the heels of the main Carnival celebration, complete with blowout parades, feathers, glitter and impressive performances, the municipality also celebrated the traditional School Carnival: a gathering of more than 500 boys and girls from 11 local schools.

During the School Carnival event, the streets of the municipality came alive with joy, creativity and fun as students paraded through in elaborate costumes. Torrevieja was alight with brave superheroes, pretty princesses, ferocious animals and zany movie characters.

The School Carnival is one of the most beloved events in the Torrevieja Carnival schedule, with children showing excitement for the parade year after year.

Costa Blanca North

The Benidorm Fest finale

THE Benidorm Fest once again turned into a headline moment, reaffirming its status as both a major televised music competition and a powerful winter tourism driver. Staged at the Palau d’Esports L’Illa and broadcast nationally by RTVE, the festival has evolved into one of Spain’s most prominent live entertainment events, extending the city’s appeal well beyond its traditional summer season.

The impact on the ground was immediate. According to hotel association Hosbec, occupancy reached 88 per cent over the festival weekend, effectively filling hotels during what is typically a quieter winter period. Restaurants, bars and local businesses benefited from the influx of visitors, while the event generated an estimated 2,500 direct and indirect jobs.

On screen, the grand final drew significant national attention with more than 4.1 million viewers tuned in at some point during the broadcast. The show averaged 1,085,000 viewers and secured a 12.1 per cent audience share.

A DRAMATIC overnight rescue became the defining moment of a fierce wildfire that swept through the Sierra de la Muela and Cabo Tiñoso natural park in Cartagena, as two trapped hikers were brought to safety unharmed.

The blaze began late on Saturday, February 14, first spotted at 9.45pm by a maritime rescue vessel. Fanned by gale-force winds from the tail end of Storm Oriana, the fire spread rapidly across protected scrubland, creating dangerous conditions and prompting swift precautionary action. Around 50 people were preventively evacuated from 80 caravans near the Rambla de La Azohía to ensure their safety.

At 1.40am, a patrol from the Guardia Civil carried out a precise rescue of two hikers trapped inside a nearby cave. Despite thick smoke and challenging night-time conditions, both were saved without injury. By Sunday, winds eased, allowing helicopters to begin water drops and it was confirmed crews contained the final hotspots by mid-morning.

Tried house and pet-sitting through HouseSitMatch yet?

PET-SITTING that saves you money

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Rated Excellent on Trustpilot - 4.9/5

EVERY dog owner eventually faces the soggy challenge of bath time, whether after a muddy walk or an unfortunate roll in something unpleasant. While many dogs tolerate it, others dread it, so knowing how and when to wash your dog properly can make the experience

A soapy story

calmer for both of you.

The best time to bathe your dog is when they are relaxed, often after a walk when excess energy has been used. Most dogs only need bathing every four to eight weeks, unless they have a skin condition or get

particularly dirty. Over washing can strip natural oils and cause irritation. Always use products made speci cally for dogs. Dog shampoos are designed to suit their skin balance, which is very di erent from ours. Human shampoos,

even baby ones, can dry the skin and cause itching. Lukewarm water is ideal, and care should be taken around the eyes and ears. Afterwards, towel dry thoroughly and keep your dog warm. With patience and routine, bath time can become a stress free part of caring for your pet.

CLASSIFIEDS

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com

BUY & SELL

WE BUY Persian carpets, fur jackets and coats, pewter and silver of all kinds 90/100/800, silver-plated cutlery, jewellery and watches of all kinds, amber, coral, coins, medals, porcelain. Inheritances and household liquidations, military until 1945, photos, medals etc. Fair price - cash Tel. 688 335 497 (350573)

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at www. almeria-anglican.com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 711 086 162 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGIONZurgena Branch meetings are now held at Hostal Rosaleda opposite New Bar International in Arboleas. New and Existing Members Welcome Branch Meetings for existing and new members are held on the 1st Thursday of the month, Coffee Morning on the 3rd Thursday and a Quiz on the last Tuesday of the month. For further details please email zurgena. treasurer@rbl.community or zurgena.chairman@rbl. community if you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly. (253989)

ESTATE

AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 672 634 849 for more information (283824)

FOR SALE

ISABELLA Porch Awning

3.5m × 2.5m carbon poles. €650 o.n.o PALOMARES.

PHONE/WHATSAPP +44 7981 375 851 (350564)

INSURANCE

ALBOX INSURANCE  contact us today for all your insurance needs. Albox Office: 950 121 943  Mojacar Office: 634 323 399 (313627)

AWARD-WINNING AGENT for ALL your insurance needs. GENERALI SEGUROS ALBOX/ MOJACAR INSURANCE, ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399 (10003)

LANGUAGE CLASSES

MOTORS WANTED

WE BUY high quality vehicles, also customs. No obligation offer. Tel 688 335 497 (350573)

OTHERS

MOTORHOMES

LOOKING for motorhome or caravan. Fair price paid in cash. Tel 688 335 497 (350573)

MOTORING FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

EDS? We have the solution, Kamagra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs. Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PETS

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €8.00, medium dogs €9.00, big dogs €10.00, cats from €7.50 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotelturre@ gmail.com fivebonehotel. com (312130)

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

TRANSLATION REMOVALS

PLUMBERS

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 684 143 560 (350290)

REMOVALS

AMANDA’S REMOVALS

Spain - UK. We won’t be beaten in price. 634 310 512 / 634 349 347 (350461)

SITUATIONS VACANT

SALES advisor required in Turre, 12 hour contracted position. Applicants must be fluent in English and Spanish and have a valid driving license. We are looking for someone with excellent customer service skills and able to work on their own initiative. Applications by email only to revolutionsales@ protonmail.com (313740)

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (350449

Nissan turning over a new LEAF

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

WE’RE all very familiar with EVs now and many companies are making great strides in sales of their electric cars. With a new Chinese EV seemingly being launched every month it’s perhaps not surprising that they are tending to grab the headlines. However, there are plenty of European and Far Eastern manufacturers building new EVs, and one of the latest is built in the UK. In all the EV mania of these new model reveals it’s easy to forget that one of the initial leaders, arguably the creators of the practical and useable EV. Nissan launched the LEAF back in 2010 when few practically useable electric vehicles were available, or had even been developed. Although it lost that initial appeal as more manufacturers joined the EV fray it has remained a constant and now the LEAF has been

relaunched in a new, more dramatic and stylish form.

Nissan has revealed that its all-new, British-built LEAF goes on sale this month. And the 75kWh model will be priced from €41,319/£35,999, or if purchased in the UK €37,015/£32,249 with the government’s electric car grant, and production commenced last month in the UK

With a range of up to 621km/386-miles (WLTP) on the 75kwh versions there are four trim levels: Engage, Engage+, Advance and Evolve,

play, powered tailgate, full-length front signature lamp with illuminated Nissan logo, 3D rear lamps and privacy glass.

a second version with a smaller 52kWh battery will also be available, with a range of up to 436km/271 miles. Pricing of this model will be announced at a later date.

Topping the range is the Evolve with a BOSE nine-speaker audio system, 48cm/19” alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, power eight-way; slide/recline/height/ tilt front seats and driver’s massage seat.

Standard equipment for the ENGAGE trim level includes a heat pump, navigation, 45cm/18” alloy wheels and dual 31cm/12.3” display screens. Next in the range is

Since its debut in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has sold close to 700,000 models worldwide, rightly earning its place in history as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle.

the ENGAGE+ offering its

Heated front seats, heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging.

The equipment levels keep stepping up with the Advance model including a dimming panoramic roof, head-up dis-

As mentioned, prices start at €41,319/£35,999 for the lead-in Engage trim level, moving to the next level with the Engage+ the price is €42,352/£36,899, the Advance version at €43,614/£37,999 and finally the top-of-therange Evolve model at €45,910/£39,999.

DRIVING an older car in Spain has long been a practical choice for expatriates. With a dry climate (usually) preventing rust and a local ‘park by ear’ culture, investing in an ‘old banger’ makes economic sense. Currently, nearly half of Spain’s cars are over 15 years old, but a significant legal shift is transforming these budget rides into protected ‘historic’ assets.

Since the introduction of Real Decreto 892/2024 on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the process for classifying vehicles over 30 years old as historic has been revolutionised. The new regulations have seen registrations soar from 48,000 to over 175,000 in just one year.

For a fee of just €20 to €30, owners of well-maintained, original vehicles can now apply for historic status, often completing the process online. Qua-

Look, no hands

TESLA has launched public demonstrations of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software in Spain, marking a significant step for autonomous vehicle technology in Europe. Participants can now book ride-along sessions at Tesla stores in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, and Malaga.

While the system is not yet a commercial release, these trials allow passengers to experience the technology in real-world traffic. Accompanied by Tesla staff, the vehicles will navigate complex urban environments, including roundabouts, motorway junctions, and automated parking.

Despite its ‘Full Self-Driving’ title, the system currently requires constant driver supervision, with the human behind the wheel remaining legally responsible at all times.

The programme, which runs until Thursday, April 30, follows road-testing authorisation from Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico.

Tesla is currently seeking broader regulatory approval across the EU, with CEO Elon Musk expressing optimism for a full rollout.

From banger to classic

lifying cars benefit from significant perks, including exemptions from road tax and reduced insurance premiums. Crucially, these vehicles gain access to Low Emission Zones (ZBEs) for up to 96 days a year, bypassing restrictions that affect other older models.

The law also extends ITV inspection intervals to every two to four years, with vehicles over 60 years old exempt entirely. By simplifying the transition to ‘H’ status, the DGT hopes to preserve Spain’s automotive heritage, turning affordable daily drivers into valued pieces of cultural history.

Triathlon circuit revealed

THE Provincial Triathlon Circuit returns to Almeria for its fifth edition, running from now until October, and promises to be another exciting sporting event.

New details of the circuit have since been released and it’s clear the goal for this year’s programme is to shine a spotlight on Almeria’s scenery.

Across the nine triathlon events, eight municipalities will be featured, which began with El Ejido on February 8.

Vera, Cuevas del Almanzora and Carboneraas, which is a notable new addition to the circuit, are also featu-

Each circuit has been designed to

cater towards athletes at the elite and amateur levels.

Deputy for Sports, Maria Luisa Cruz spoke on the design of the circuit, explaining “We are showcasing our province; it is a unique land for running, swimming, and cycling.

“We want all the people of Almeria to come and enjoy these events, organised so that athletes can experience the best our region has to offer.”

As well as providing a high-level competition for adults, the event is also geared towards developing

Masters swimming star

ALMERIA swimmer Trini Marcos left crowds speechless, putting on a history-making performance.

Competing in the +45 category during the Andalucian Open Masters Winter Championships in Malaga, Marcos shattered everyone’s expectations, setting a new Spanish national record in both the 100-metre and 200-metre breaststroke.

The athlete from the Club Natacion Bahia de Almeria competed against hundreds of swimmers from clubs across the country.

Trained by coach Simon Bleda, Marcos has become one of Spain’s standout masters’ swimmers. Over three days, Marcos delivered an outstanding show of talent. She collected

best times.

What’s most impressive is, despite holding several national records, swimming is not Marcos’ full-time profession. She balances swimming with other professional and familial responsibilities, still managing to be the very best in her chosen discipline.

Marcos’ accomplishment really underscores the importance of grassroots sports. She is an example of what

can be accomplished with dedication, passion and hard work, inspiring others in Andalucia and across Spain to pursue their sporting dreams. Her record-breaking performance also highlights the growing prominence of masters’ competitions in Spain. Events like the Andalucian Open Masters give swimmers of all ages the chance to push their limits, foster camaraderie, and promote a life long love of sport.