Dep. Legal A PM 42-2025 - 140 - 2004 - ISSN - ISSN 3015-1309 2488-1686
Mallorca • No. 2111 • 18 - 24 Dec 2025
FEW know that Mallorca’s natural beauty served as the backdrop for Disney’s Christmas short film The Boy & The Octopus, which has since reached millions of viewers worldwide. Directed by New Zealander Taika Waititi, known for Jojo Rabbit and What We Do in the Shadows, the film tells the story of a boy who discovers a tiny octopus attached to his head after a minor sea accident. Their awkward encounter blossoms into a touching friendship, exploring themes of acceptance, diversity, and life’s unexpected joys. Scenes were filmed at Cala Agulla beach in Cala Ratjada, highlighting the island’s greenery and turquoise waters. Local professionals contributed to the production, showcasing Mallorca’s appeal as a filming destination. As Christmas approaches, the short remains a festive favourite, spreading joy and wonder.
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Sea of Santas Credit: Palma Town Hall
Christmas on screen
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Christmas spirit takes over Palma’s streets.
HUNDREDS of people dressed as Father Christmas transformed Palma’s iconic es Born into a lively, festive open-air dance floor, filling the city centre with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. The Christmas dance, organised by Line Dance Balear, celebrated its 10th edition at the Born, cementing its place as one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. The three-hour celebration was led by around 50 enthusiastic instructors, guiding participants through a series of choreographed line dances. Institutional support was also present, with Palma councillor for Older People, Luisa Marqués, joining in the festivities. Joan Morro, head of Line Dance Balear, highlighted
the event’s growth from a modest gathering of fewer than 50 people to a vibrant crowd now filling the boulevard. Long-time participants
praised the strong sense of community, while regular dancers noted the physical, social, and emotional benefits of line dancing.
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Rental relief THE Balearic government has announced a new tax incentive aimed at encouraging property owners to avoid increasing rents during 2026 contract renewals. The announcement was made by President Marga Prohens and Housing Minister José Luis Mateo at the Parliament. “Being responsible, I can confirm the government will adopt new measures ahead of the rent reviews. The Ministry of Finance is preparing a tax deduction to encourage owners not to raise rents on contracts ending in 2026,” Mateo said. President Prohens highlighted the importance of supporting tenants amid rising rents, noting that the deduction will reward owners who act responsibly and sensitively. The measure will be introduced through amendments to existing laws, with support expected from Vox or left-wing parties. Official figures show that 24,500 rental contracts are up for renewal in 2026, with potential increases of €383 per month - a rise that could be challenging for many families. This new tax incentive aims to ease the burden and foster stability for households across the Balearics.
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18 - 24 December 2025
The end of ‘party boats’ Credit: Pool Congreso /Moncloa
Sánchez: ‘Persona non grata’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in the Congress on December 10.
SPANISH Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to become the first individual ever declared persona non grata by Palma City Council, following a motion tabled by Vox and backed by the ruling Partido Popular. The proposal is due to be approved at the full council meeting on Thursday December 18 and also calls for the Prime Minister’s resignation. The decision has no precedent in the city. According to municipal his-
torian Bartomeu Bestard, the council has never before used this symbolic formula to censure a public figure. Vox has justified the motion with a strongly worded statement accusing Sánchez, his family, party and government of corruption and of undermining constitutional equality, claims firmly rejected by left-wing opposition parties PSOE, Més per Palma and Podemos, who will vote against the measure.
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Although the declaration carries no legal consequences, it marks a notable political gesture. Bestard notes that the closest comparable case dates back to 2011, when Palma City Council withdrew the Gold Medal of the City from dictator Francisco Franco. In 2013, public indignation also led to the renaming of the Rambla, removing references to the Dukes of Palma following the Noos corruption case involving Iñaki Urdangarin.
FOR years, nights along Palma’s Paseo Marítimo have been disrupted by party boats packed with tourists and blasting loud music, prompting repeated complaints from residents. Now, those floating parties are set to end after the Balearic Ports Authority (APB) gave the green light to ban The concessionaire will also be obliged to programme cultural the controversial and family-friendly activities. vessels from the area. The decision follows a move by the about noise, uncivil behaviour and overAPB board to launch a public tender crowding linked to these excursions. for the management of moorings at the In parallel, the APB is preparing a new Muelle de las Golondrinas, located in the civic ordinance, currently under public heart of the Paseo Marítimo. The new consultation, aimed at regulating behaconcession explicitly excludes compa- viour in port areas and preventing vannies registered to organise parties or dalism and damage to the city’s image. dances on board, effectively outlawing The measure fulfils a commitment so-called ‘party boats’. Only second-list made by Palma mayor Jaime Martínez, vessels, defined as merchant ships used who said in October that the city had defor passenger transport, will be permit- manded an end to party boats along the ted to operate. waterfront. APB president Javier Sanz The ban responds to a growing num- said residents had also raised concerns ber of complaints from local residents about congestion and disorder. Credit: Sergey Nemirovsky / Shutterstock.com
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THIS Christmas, Mallorcan sweets are taking centre stage as the perfect companions to hot chocolate or a milky coffee. Far from the usual churros or panettone, Mallorca offers traditional treats known as quemullars, enjoyed especially during winter for their texture and flavour
Three Mallorcan sweets for Christmas that make them ideal for dunking. Among the most beloved are three varieties: the ensaïmada, the coca de anís, and the quarto. The ensaïmada, Mallorca’s flagship
sweet, is a spiralled brioche made with lard, giving it a soft, airy crumb and a slightly crisp exterior. When dipped in hot chocolate, it absorbs the liquid without falling apart, offering a warm, enveloping flavour in every bite. The coca de anís, also called ‘coca de Nadal’, is a tender, lightly sweet dough flavoured with anise. Its aroma and flavour shine when moistened in chocolate or milk, creating a comforting and festive treat for chilly afternoons. Finally, the quarto is an extremely light, spongy cake that melts in the mouth. Made without yeast, its ethereal texture comes from carefully whisked eggs, sugar, and potato starch. Dunked in hot chocolate, it transforms into a soft, indulgent delight, completing the perfect trio of Mallorcan Christmas sweets.
NEWS
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18 - 24 December 2025
Spanish winter customs
Holiday delivery notice Please note that due to the upcoming holidays, our next two editions of the newspaper will be delivered on Wednesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 31.
A seasonal guide
re Olentzero. For newcomers, understanding the rituals (and mastering rapid grape-eating) is key to enjoying the festive season. Credit : esthermm, Shutterstock
CHRISTMAS in Spain stretches from December 22 to January 6. The season opens with El Gordo, the national lottery draw, when the country stops to watch schoolchildren sing out the winning numbers. Buying a shared ticket is seen as a gesture of belonging rather than a gamble. The main event is Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Streets empty as relatives gather late for long dinners of seafood, jamon, roast meats and sweets such as turron and polvorones, often running past midnight. Christmas Day is quieter, usually a relaxed lunch with relatively modest gifts. New Year’s Eve centres on the 12 grapes eaten with the 12 chimes of midnight, a ritual said to bring luck for each coming month. Families follow the countdown on television or in squares such as Madrid’s Puerta del Sol before parties continue into the early hours. Children’s biggest excitement comes on January 6, Three Kings’ Day. Parades on the evening of January 5 see the Kings throw sweets to crowds, and overnight children receive gifts, found the next morning beside the traditional roscon de reyes cake, which hides a king figurine and a bean. Across Spain, belenes - elaborate nativity scenes dominate displays, while regions add their own quirks, from Catalonia’s Caga Tió and Caganer to the Basque figu-
Roscon de reyes – whoever gets the king is the ‘king for the day’, whereas the person who gets the bean pays for the cake the following year.
Bizum oversight expands Digital payments monitored been removed, meaning even small payments linked to commercial activity must now be reported. Personal peer-to-peer transfers remain excluded. The law targets businesses, freelancers, and self-employed individuals, ensuring transparency and combating undeclared income. Annual card totals exceeding €25,000 trigger additional reporting,
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STARTING from January 1, Spain will expand digital-payment monitoring under Real Decreto 253/2025, requiring banks, payment-service providers, and e-money institutions to report monthly all business-related payments received through mobile apps like Bizum, card terminals, and other digital channels. Previous thresholds have
Compliance reduces the risk of audits, fines, and retrospective tax claims.
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while low-usage accounts remain exempt. Cross-border transactions via services like Stripe or PayPal are also monitored, potentially affecting expats without Spanish residency if digital flows surpass thresholds. Experts advise separating personal and business accounts, maintaining invoices with full fiscal details, and updating bookkeeping regularly. Accounting tools such as Holded or FacturaDirecta can assist in tracking payments. Compliance reduces the risk of audits, fines, and retrospective tax claims, aligning digital payment practices with broader 2025–2026 fiscal reforms. The legislation underscores Spain’s commitment to fiscal transparency, ensuring that digital commerce, especially in small businesses and freelance sectors, is fully visible to tax authorities. Early preparation, meticulous record-keeping, and professional advice will be essential for expatriates, landlords, and small-scale service providers to maintain compliance and safeguard against penalties.
Spain’s festive days Clearing up the confusion EVERY December in Spain, the same question arises: ‘Do we get December 31 off?’ Confusion persists because Christmas in Spain is a season, not a single date, with its own rituals and expectations. Work slows, children rehearse carols, the smell of turron fills the streets, and the Lotería de Navidad unites the country - yet workers still need clarity on which days are official holidays and which simply feel like they should be. The national calendar is straightforward: only three dates are guaranteed public holidays nationwide - December 25, January 1 and January 6. In Catalonia, December 26 (Sant Esteve) is also non-working. Beyond these, it is custom, not law. So, is December 31 a holiday? Legally, neither Christmas Eve nor New Year’s Eve are public holidays. They are normal working days. In practice, many companies offer reduced hours, early closures or even a day off as a goodwill gesture, while others, particularly in retail, hospitality or essential services, maintain full schedules. The confusion stems from the emotional significance of these days. Customs vary: some employers follow tradition, others decide year by year. In short, only December 25, January 1 and 6 are guaranteed holidays; all other dates depend on company policy.
Healthcare in Spain Private manages public
SPAIN’S healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), remains publicly funded and universally accessible, but private-sector involvement has grown. Over 30 per cent of public hospitals are now managed by private entities, reflecting regional governments’ increasing collaboration with private operators to handle high-demand areas. Around one in five residents hold private health insurance, used for faster access, English-speaking staff, and specialist care. This dual model differs from the UK’s NHS. While working-age expatriates often access public healthcare via social security or special agreements, retirees may benefit from reciprocal EU arrangements. Many opt for private insurance for convenience, shorter waiting times, and language accessibility. Spain’s decentralised healthcare model creates regional differences in access, waiting times, and hospital management. Private insurance complements rather than replaces public care, with many insured residents still relying on public hospitals for major treatments. The system provides flexibility, offering high-quality public care alongside affordable private options. Despite the growing private presence, Spain maintains universal access, demonstrating a successful integration of public and private healthcare. While official data on expat usage are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that international residents frequently leverage both systems.
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The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
LOCAL NEWS
18 - 24 December 2025
The heart of Mallorca
€7,184 in compensation for the victims.
Credit: José Luis Filpo Cabana / Creative Commons
British tourist faces prison A BRITISH tourist on holiday at a hotel in Santa Ponça in July 2024 faces six years in prison for two counts of assault after attacking two fellow Brits following a dispute over the volume of a wireless speaker. He repeatedly struck one victim on the head and bit the other on the ear. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking €7,184 in compensation for the victims. According to the Public Prosecutor’s statement on December 16, the incident occurred around 1.40am on July 15 at a hotel on Puig des Teix Street. The victims had left their room and disturbed the accused, who confronted them about the noise. They had been playing music
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from a wireless speaker, leading to a heated argument that escalated into violence. During the assault, one victim suffered a wound to the forehead requiring 10 stitches, while the other was bitten on the ear. The Guardia Civil of Calvia quickly intervened and arrested the attacker. The prosecution has requested compensation of €6,814.35 and €370.60, respectively, for the victims.
FOR decades, the question of where the exact centre of Mallorca lies has sparked debate among several municipalities. Sencelles, Lloret de Vistalegre, Costits, Sineu, Sant Joan… all claimed the title. The dispute, however, was finally settled by science. A study from the National Geographic Information Centre, part of Spain’s Ministry of Transport, supported by research from the Geography Department of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), definitively pinpointed the island’s geographical heart. The study determined that Credit: Ajuntament de Santa Margalida
Award-winning Christmas display.
Credit: Pitxiquin / Creative Commons
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The municipality of Lloret de Vistalegre. Mallorca’s exact centre sits at coordinates X 496,394 Y 4,385,084, UTM zone 31. With this, the symbolic ‘Kilometre 0’ had a clear home:
the municipality of Lloret de Vistalegre. More specifically, it is located within Sa Comuna, a public and historically significant area cherished by
local residents. To mark the occasion, the villagers erected a stone monolith celebrating the importance and ‘ownership’ of this central point. The monolith, just over one and a half metres tall, is visible from one of Sa Comuna’s main paths and is clearly signposted with a panel explaining the site. Nearby, two wooden benches allow visitors to pause and appreciate the significance of the spot, while the surrounding natural beauty adds to its charm. Since its erection in 2014, the monument has become a point of pride for locals and a must-see for tourists.
A family brings Christmas magic CÉSAR ANDRÉ DELAVILLA and his wife Maite Calderón, a hotel maintenance technician and a hotel chef, are fully embracing the festive spirit alongside their children Anthony, Elisabeth and
Violeta. Their home in Ca’n Picafort has become a local Christmas attraction, drawing neighbours and visitors eager to see the stunning decorations. In recent years, the DeDep. Legal PM - 140 - 2004 - ISSN 2488-1686
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lavilla-Calderón house has been the most awarded in the Santa Margalida Christmas home decoration contest, organised by the town hall. Although this year the family is entering only the nativity scene category, César says, “The greatest reward is seeing so many people come and watching the children’s faces light up when they see all the decorations.” Their display covers more than 50 square metres. Two imposing tin soldiers guard the entrance, while the train, sleigh and reindeer are made from reclaimed wood. “Most of the display is made by us using recycled materials,” César explains. Anthony focuses on construction, while the girls handle the decorative touches. Over 10,000 LED lights illuminate the house in multiple colours, accompanied by festive music ranging from David Bisbal’s El Burrito Sabanero to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You. On December 19 and 20, Santa Claus will visit to receive letters from children. Christmas magic has truly taken over Ca’n Picafort.
LOCAL NEWS
Credit: Manuel Milan / Shutterstock
Parcel collection from your doorstep.
up to €6,000 and modify delivery details in real time using the Modify function, which allows recipients to change the date or address of delivery. With tracking available for national and international shipments, recipients receive notifications by SMS or email if contact details are provided.
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Talking about death
Packages at home SENDING parcels across the Balearic Islands has become easier thanks to the new home collection service offered by Correos through its Servicio Especial de Paquetería. The service allows users to arrange parcel collection from their doorstep or, alternatively, to drop off packages at any of the 67 local offices. Users can schedule a collection via the Correos website, selecting the preferred day and providing the address. Correos even prints the shipping label, simplifying the process. Parcels can also be posted at an office with a preregistered code, as in standard shipments. The service guarantees two delivery attempts at the recipient’s address, with a notice left if delivery is unsuccessful, enabling collection from an office. Users can also insure their parcels for
18 - 24 December 2025
Delivery times vary according to the product, covering the Balearic Islands, the mainland, Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, and international destinations. Correos’ Servicio Especial de Paquetería offers a personalised experience for both senders and recipients while maintaining competitive pricing and reliability.
Credit: Comeback Images / Shutterstock
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THIS December marks the 10th anniversary of the Mallorca Death Café, an initiative that has helped normalise conversations about death and dying across the Balearic Islands. The movement was brought to Mallorca in 2015 by Glynis German, who has since played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of Death CaTalking helps people live with less fear. fés across Spain. In 2020, she established a dedicated café for healthcare professionals, Santa Ponsa, and the Official School of recognising the unique emotional and Nursing of the Balearic Islands, alongethical challenges faced by those on the side community venues. front line of care. “Talking about death doesn’t make it Death Cafés are informal gatherings happen sooner, but it does help people where people can talk openly about live more consciously, with less fear death in a safe, respectful environment. and greater compassion,” says GerThey are not therapy or bereavement man. sessions, but spaces for reflection and To celebrate 10 years, a special event shared experience. The aim is to redu- will be held for past participants, brince fear, break taboos and encourage ging the community together to reflect healthier relationships with mortality. on the project’s journey and the conOver the past decade, Mallorca Dea- versations it has fostered. th Cafés have been hosted in a variety For more information, contact Glynis of settings, including Son Llàtzer Hos- German at glynisgerman@gmail.com or pital, health centres in Marratxi and +34 666 987 430.
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18 - 24 December 2025
SPANISH LIVING/NEWS
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What was your biggest culture shock?
the UK. Some surprises were more practical: distances are measured in metres, and bureaucracy remains baffling even after years. The term ‘expat’ also drew criticism, with some preferring ‘immigrant’. These reflections paint a vivid portrait of life in Spain: moments of confusion, joy, and constant discovery. The country can surprise in the most ordinary places, and that seems to be part of its charm.
Credit: Pxhere
THE latest Christmas trend lighting up social media is bringing classic style and cosy charm to homes across Spain. The ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas’ aesthetic, made famous on TikTok, celebrates rich colours, soft lighting and a hint of vintage glamour, with tartan prints, velvet ribbons and forest greens setting the tone. Inspired by the designer’s timeless country style, the look mixes comfort with understated elegance. While it may traditionally suit snowy lodges, the same warmth can be recreated in Spain with rustic wood accents, olive-green garlands and golden touches. Ralph Lauren’s strong presence in Spain makes it easy to capture the feel, with collections available at El Corte Inglés and the Madrid flagship on
Rich colours, tartan prints and velvet ribbons.
Calle Jorge Juan. From cable-knit jumpers and cashmere scarves to tartan throws and embroidered cushions, shoppers can bring the festive look into both their wardrobes and homes. The trend is also shaping seasonal interiors, with Spanish designers blending Ralph Lauren’s classic palette with Mediterranean influences such as terracotta tones
and candlelit tables. To recreate the style, start with burgundy, navy and gold, layer soft fabrics like velvet or wool, and use brass, glass and candlelight for a warm glow. And with many high-street stores offering Ralph Lauren-inspired pieces, anyone can add a touch of that timeless, festive magic to their Spanish home this Christmas.
Tunnel to Morocco PLANS for a railway tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar, linking Spain and Morocco, have advanced significantly since the project was revived in 2023. A feasibility study by German firm Herrenknecht confirms construction is possible with current technology, despite challenging geology at the Umbral de Camarinal. The initial exploratory phase could take six to nine years. Public engineering firm Ineco is updating
Credit: Gaspar Serrano - Flickr
EVERY day, newcomers to Spain discover surprising aspects of daily life. Some are small and amusing, others reshape perceptions. Many expect English to be widely understood, only to find that life runs almost entirely in Spanish. Rik Van Dok summarised it simply: “They all speak Spanish, hardly anyone speaks English.” Some were equally surprised by other foreigners, particularly English residents who do not speak Spanish. Health care frequently impressed. Margaret Carman noted how quickly she could see a GP, while Dan Stevens praised the speed and quality of private care in Madrid. Lesley Marlor highlighted small differences, such as paracetamol requiring a prescription. For others, cultural shocks were delightful. Alyson Ripley was struck by the abundance of Saints’ Days, and June N Maurice Johnson admired the festive spirit and the sense that Spaniards “work to live, not live to work.” Politeness and friendliness also stood out, with Steve Brooks observing how courteous Spaniards are compared with
Credit: AESAN
Unexpected Spanish life Ralph Lauren Xmas trend
Moroccan coastline from the lighthouse in Tarifa, Spain.
the preliminary design, with completion due by August 2026. Seismic
and geotechnical studies continue, supported by EU funds. The proposed 6065km submarine tunnel would feature dual single-track tubes for passengers and freight, plus a service gallery. It would reach depths of up to 475 metres, allowing a 30-minute crossing of the 14km strait. On the Spanish side, a terminal near Vejer de la
Frontera would connect to the Cadiz-Sevilla rail line and major roads. The design is rail-only for efficiency. Bilateral cooperation between SECEGSA and Morocco’s SNED has intensified, with funding rising sharply. An exploratory tunnel could be tendered before 2027, and major milestones are targeted for 20352040. Early progress may align with the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Challenges remain, including seismic risks, strong currents and regulatory coordination. If overcome, experts from the Colegio de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos say it would be a “unique project capable of transforming the history of mobility between Europe and Africa,” boosting trade, tourism and continental ties.
SPANISH NEWS
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18 - 24 December 2025
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Credit: Mats_12Oct X
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Off-duty bravery Nurses on strike
Hospital queues due to increase 2026. The footage of a man falling onto the tracks.
AN off-duty Mossos d’Esquadra officer helped save a man after he fell onto the Barcelona Metro tracks at Plaça d’Espanya station. The dramatic rescue, captured on recently circulated CCTV footage, shows passengers acting within seconds to pull the man back onto the platform just before a train arrived. According to reports, the man appeared disorientated and was walking close to the platform edge before losing his balance and falling onto the tracks. The off-duty officer, identified by media as Felisa Pozas, noticed his behaviour and pressed the platform SOS intercom to alert the control centre. When the man then fell onto the tracks, she jumped down immediaPhoto credit: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock
The launch comes as homelessness remains a serious issue in Madrid.
tely and, with help from other passengers, lifted him back up to safety. The man reportedly suffered minor injuries and was out of danger after being taken to a medical centre. The incident happened November 25. Transport operator TMB advises passengers to use the SOS intercom on the platform immediately so the Metro Control Centre can stop trains and coordinate a response. If the risk is imminent and the train is about to pass, there’s a V-shaped gap between the rails. “Lie down lengthwise inside it and protect yourself. You’ll be unharmed,” Miguel Assal, a first aid and emergency response expert advises to Antena 3.
MADRID’S city council has introduced a new digital tool called ‘Dignitas’, designed to help people living on the streets locate essential services. The app, available without download or registration, provides geolocated information on soup kitchens, shelters, day centres, public toilets, drinking water points and public internet access. It also lists health services, social services offices, legal aid centres and
SPAIN’S public healthcare system faces major disruption next year after the country’s largest health-worker unions declared an indefinite rolling strike every Tuesday, starting on Tuesday, January 27. The action, led by a coalition including CSIF, SATSE and other main unions, follows almost three years of stalled talks with the Ministry of Health over a new Framework Statute that sets pay, conditions and career structures for all statutory staff in the National Health System (SNS). Union leaders accuse
Health Minister Mónica García of refusing to negotiate seriously and of deliberately obstructing progress by holding separate talks with unrepresentative groups. They say the ministry has shown ‘no intention’ of agreeing a law that genuinely improves conditions for workers or patients. The unions’ core demands are described as non-negotiable: a pay structure linked to new professional categories, a ‘dignified’ working week that supports work-life balance, and access to volun-
tary early and partial retirement. With no end date, the weekly stoppages will affect hospitals and health centres nationwide. Minimum services will be guaranteed, but patients are urged to avoid Tuesday appointments where possible and to check locally for cancellations. The dispute comes as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s minority government struggles to pass a national budget after losing the support of Catalan separatist party Junts, adding further strain to public spending priorities.
‘Dignitas’ to help homeless clothing support, and is available in six languages to serve a diverse population. The platform includes additional features such as an emergency SOS button, direct chat with outreach teams and alerts for extreme weather. Officials describe it as a discreet first step to reach individuals who often avoid tradi-
tional services due to fear or mistrust. By lowering barriers to access, authorities hope the app will improve both immediate survival needs and long-term reintegration. The launch comes as homelessness remains a serious issue in Madrid, with official figures recording more than 1,000 people sleeping rough in
2025. The city has announced plans to expand shelter capacity in 2026 and open new facilities. Observers note that similar digital tools already operate successfully in the UK. While Dignitas is seen as promising, experts stress it must complement broader housing and social policies to deliver lasting solutions.
MALLORCA
MALLORCA Fashion Outlet becomes a mustvisit destination this festive season in Palma, offering families a magical Christmas experience filled with shopping, entertainment and unforgettable moments. Until January 5, the openair centre is transformed with festive décor, creative activities and inspiring gift ideas for all ages. Designed as a relaxed and joyful plan, the Christmas programme combines leisure and shopping just minutes from Palma, making every visit feel special during the most magical time of year. One of the highlights is the Vagón de las Ilusiones, a themed train running every Saturday and Sunday in December from Palma’s Intermodal Station to Mallorca Fashion Outlet.
Credit: Mallorca Fashion Outlet
Fashion for Christmas Casa Maruka: tradition in Palma
Creative workshops every day for young imaginations. Live entertainment by Circo Stromboli fills the journey with music, surprises and festive fun for children and adults. Once at the centre, the magic continues at the Wish Forest, where children can deliver their letters to Father Christmas’ helpers and the emissaries of the Three Kings, creating memories that last long after the holidays.
Every day until January 5, children aged four and over can enjoy free creative workshops at The Party Lab, while parents browse more than 100 boutiques featuring top brands and exclusive gift ideas. The experience is completed with festive discounts, dining options and a charitable gift-wrapping service.
CASA MARUKA in Palma has been a culinary landmark for 19 years, founded by María José Calabria and Alberto Serrano. They met at Martín Berasategui’s restaurant in Lasarte, Gipuzkoa, where she specialised in pastry and he in fish. After gaining experience in prestigious kitchens like La Paloma, Santceloni, and Café de Oriente, they decided to open their own restaurant in an old house with a courtyard and well, bringing traditional Spanish dishes to the island. The menu focuses on hearty, classic cuisine rarely found in homes or restaurants today: tripe, beans, hunter’s noodles, braised oxtail, and bacalao al pilpil. Prices remain reasonable, with an average bill of around €50, making high-quality ingredients accessible without the premium tourist markup. Calabria manages desserts, the wine selection,
RESTAURANT REVIEW Credit: Restaurante Casa Maruka Facebook
María José Calabria and Alberto Serrano. and front-of-house, while Serrano ensures the kitchen produces consistently comforting and innovative dishes. Highlights include artichoke carpaccio with cured beef and smoked Idiazabal, braised sweetbreads with cuttlefish, and the famous Porreres noodles with rabbit, pheasant, and free-range chicken meatballs. Desserts shine, from apple tart with
cheese ice cream to San Marcos cake. Casa Maruka combines traditional flavours, careful presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for locals, expats, and visiting chefs alike. Address: Reina María Cristina 7, Palma, Mallorca. Average price: €50.
A new way of gifting Credit: Vicenç Salvador Torres / Creative Commons
Well-being experiences to switch off. THE search for original Christmas presents is intensifying once again. Yet, amid the usual rush of products, discounts and fast consumption, a different approach is gaining ground in Mallorca: gifting experiences instead of objects. This is the focus of Mallorcan content creator Maria Portalo, who has launched a Christmas guide centred on local, artisanal and sustainable ideas. The guide includes everything from handmade accessories and zero-kilometre food to wardrobe essentials and subscriptions, but it is the experiential options that have drawn the most attention. Among her standout suggestions is Un Tentol, a well-being platform known for its island retreats that combine yoga, cons-
cious gastronomy and activities connected to women’s life cycles. Portalo sees their workshops as meaningful presents that encourage rest and self-care. She also highlights an improvisation show at Sala Random in Palma, where for around €10 visitors can enjoy a lively evening of humour and audience participation. Craft-based gifts also feature strongly, including a ceramic workshop with mans. al.fang, allowing participants to create their own pieces from scratch. Food lovers may prefer a vegan brunch at Plat a Plat, a local favourite for sustainable cuisine. More exclusive options include a jewellery workshop with Saona Joies or an immersive experience at Maua Chocolates.
Christmas SPECIAL
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Your complete Christmas 2025 checklist
18 - 24 December 2025
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A mindful Christmas Credit: Shutterstock, shidiqwa
Photo credit: Shutterstock, Roman Samborskyi
There’s so much to do in the run-up to Christmas, check out this list to make sure you have all bases covered!
THE busiest time of the year is nearly upon us, and while there’s so much excitement, there’s also a lot to do. Today we bring you our ultimate Christmas checklist to help you avoid getting into a festive frenzy in the run up to Christmas. Set a budget Creating a budget is an excellent starting point for your Christmas preparations. From here you can plan out gift ideas, Christmas travel, decorations and festive food. Seasonal greetings It’s time to send out your Christmas greetings! Get writing your Christmas cards and send them out to all your loved ones. It’s also a great time to send out any invitations for any festive parties you have
planned. Shopping time! Plan your Christmas shopping early to avoid any last minute mishaps. While shopping for gifts, make sure to stock up on gift wrapping essentials and batteries too. Deck the halls Bring the Christmas magic into your home with festive decorations. Check all of your lights and battery-operated decorations are still working after being packed away for 11 months. Food prep Order any special foods in advance, especially if they aren’t available in the regular supermarket. It’s also a great idea to start food shopping a week or two before Christmas.
A perfect festive wreath A CHRISTMAS wreath is the ultimate symbol of the festive season, welcoming Christmas into your home from the front door. And making your own wreath is easier than you think! Here we share some top tips. Use a frame : Expert wreath makers and florists can fashion a wreath out of just about any foliage. But if it’s your first time or you don’t have so much time, using a frame can help to give your wreath some structure and keep it neat. Create a theme: Before you get to work, decide on a theme for your wreath. Then, get outside and start collecting materials like pine cones, moss, small branches, and holly leaves. Collect more than your think you will need, so you have plenty of choice later on. Add embellishments : While simple, natural wreaths have their own beauty, adding some light decorations to your wreath can be a classy touch. Red ribbons are a great idea if you have any red festive foliage in your wreath. Pine cones, cinnamon sticks or baubles can also look fabulous.
CHRISTMAS is a time for family, celebrating and giving, but it can also bring an unexpected amount of waste. With a little intention, it’s possible to spread the Christmas cheer, while being kinder on the planet. Durable ornaments are a good way to cut down holiday wastage. Investing in long-lasting Christmas decorations you love not only helps the environment, it helps you save money each year. Decorating with natural elements like pine cones or dried citrus, is a great way to bring seasonal beauty into your home too. When it comes to gift-giving, instead of buying useless items that are going to collect dust, consider the gift of making memories: plan
a day trip, attend a class or workshop, even a gift card to a beloved restaurant. Home-made gifts, like baked good, candles or crafted trinkets, come from the heart, adding a personal touch and eliminate excessive spending or package waste. Wrapping paper is the biggest waste of the holiday season. Consider swapping out the traditional rolls for reusable fabrics - two gifts in one! Recycling old newspapers is also a great way to help the environment and can make for a surprising stylish gift. A low-waste Christmas isn’t about doing less. Being more mindful, less wasteful also makes for a more meaningful Christmas celebration.
FINANCE IRU’S new Spain-focused briefing outlines how diesel, CNG, LNG, BEV, FCEV and HVO compare on TCO and CO2, classifying each into ‘win-win’ or ‘lose-lose’ categories. The report aims to help operators balance decarbonisation demands with financial viability.
Quantum fund
SEALSQ has expanded its Quantum Investment Fund from $35m to over $100m to accelerate post-quantum security and sovereign quantum computing projects. Investments span Spain, Switzerland, France and the US, supporting quantum-ready semiconductors, PQC, secure satellites and blockchain identity to protect Europe’s future digital infrastructure.
Voluntary return
SPAIN has reportedly allocated €346,535 to support ‘voluntary return’ for undocumented migrants in Morocco, part of a €646,535 package approved with the IOM. The single-payment programme runs to 2026, targeting vulnerable migrants as Morocco reports 78,685 prevented irregular migration attempts last year.
Budget backlash
A NEW ACCA survey shows eight in 10 UK finance professionals expect the latest Budget to ‘negatively impact’ economic growth, with 64 per cent less likely to invest and 66 per cent less likely to recruit. Other key concerns were rising wage costs and frozen tax thresholds.
Retail investment
SOME 19 major finance firms have formed the UK Retail Investment Campaign, launching in April 2026, to improve public understanding of investing. The initiative follows FCA research showing more than half of non-advised adults with cash savings never considered investing.
3.8%
The number of new mortgage foreclosure cases registered in Spain fell by 3.8 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Costco in Spain COSTCO is a favourite stop for many UK and US expatriates living in Spain, thanks to a product range that blends familiar American-style bulk shopping with foods deeply rooted in Spanish culinary culture. A viral TikTok video by SnackEatingSnacks, showed an American tourist marvelling that Spanish warehouses have ‘an entire aisle of olive varieties’ - a sight that many UK and US Costco members rarely encounter. The renewed attention comes as Costco expands globally. According to data published by SGB Online, the retailer achieved $23.64 billion in net sales in November,
Costco Spain.
up 8.1 per cent year-onyear, and now operates 921 warehouses worldwide, including 29 in the UK, 633 in the US, and five in Spain. For many British and American residents in Spain, the shopping experience offers an unusual comfort: familiar brands from home stocked alongside Spanish
favourites traditionally found in local markets. Spain’s locations (Getafe, Las Rozas, Sevilla, Sestao and Zaragoza) carry standard Costco staples such as cereals, peanut butter, vitamins, supplements, and cleaning supplies. But the food aisles reflect Spain’s Mediterranean identity in a way expatriates say
makes the stores feel uniquely local. In Costco Spain, you can expect whole legs of jamón ibérico and a full aisle dedicated to olives. For expatriates who enjoy Spanish cuisine but also crave the familiarity of a US- or UKstyle warehouse, Costco Spain offers both worlds under one roof.
Illicit Finance Summit THE UK will host an Illicit Finance Summit in London on June 23-24 to build an international coalition against dirty money, the government has confirmed. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described illicit finance as the “lifeblood of crime,” linking it to drug violence, people smuggling, and international conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The summit at Lancaster House will unite governments, civil society, and major banks to strengthen global enforcement and disrupt laundering through illicit gold trading, property purchases, and crypto assets. Cooper said the UK is “committed to turning the tide,” citing sanctions and National Crime Agency operations that have seized over £20 million in cash and cryptocurrency.
Quantum tech THE UK and Germany have announced a £14 million investment package to deepen joint quantum research, confirmed during President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s State Visit. The funding includes £6 million for a joint R&D call launching in 2026 and £8 million to expand work at the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics in Glasgow. A new MoU between the UK’s NPL and Germany’s PTB will advance shared quantum standards. Science Minister Lord Vallance said international cooperation is essential to unlocking quantum’s vast potential.
ECB bid
SPAIN is seeking a top post at the European Central Bank as four senior roles open in 2025, including the vice-presidency held by Luis de Guindos. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told EFE that Spain wants a “relevant role,” arguing the country’s strong economic performance supports its bid. Potential candidates reported by the Financial Times include Joachim Nagel, Klaas Knot, and Spain’s Pablo Hernández de Cos, amid growing competition from Baltic and Nordic states.
Credit: Instagram / @Costco Spain
Powertrain findings
STAT OF WEEK
euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 December 2025
Business rate hikes
Credit: Alexey Fedorenko, Shutterstock.
BUSINESS EXTRA
10
Funding to support the fight against money laundering.
Ahead of the summit, the government announced £3 million to support Transparency International, OCCRP and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective, funding investigative journalism exposing transnational corruption and modern money-laundering networks.
Air-rail link
EUROAIRLINES has partnered with AccesRail to offer combined air-rail ticketing, integrating Spain’s Renfe and Italy’s Trenitalia services into its booking system. The agreement enables passengers to link Euroairlines flights with rail routes to major Spanish cities including Barcelona, Malaga, Sevilla and Valencia, as well as Italian destinations such as Florence, Milan and Venice. Euroairlines said the move supports its global expansion and wider intermodality strategy, with more markets and operators to be added soon. CEO Antonio López-Lázaro said the partnership boosts “flexibility” and provides more efficient and sustainable travel options.
Iberdrola funding IBERDROLA Spain has secured more than €170 million in Spain’s first Feder 2021-2027 auction for innovative energy storage, the company announced on December 9. The funding, granted by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), will support 11 BESS battery projects (€130m), three industrial thermal storage sites (€22m) and the expansion of a pumped-hydro facility (€18m). The company said the investment will accelerate electrification, highlighting storage as ‘a key lever for change’, and forms part of its broader strategy to scale both large- and small-scale storage technologies across Spain.
MAJOR UK arenas - including The O2, Co-op Live, Manchester Arena, and Wembley’s SSE Arena are set for some of the sharpest business-rate rises in 2026 after dramatic increases in rateable values, with Wembley up 300 per cent, according to analysis by tax firm Ryan. Practice Leader Alex Probyn said the rises reflect full post-pandemic trading. Despite transitional relief, Ryan warned bills could still more than double, adding further strain to venues already facing rising operational costs.
FCAS talks GERMANY, France and Spain met in Berlin on December 12 to break the deadlock over the €100 billion Future Air Combat System (FCAS) fighter jet programme, with a separate Franco-German meeting held beforehand, Berlin’s defence ministry confirmed. Talks have stalled amid public disputes between Airbus Defence and Dassault over workshare on the next-generation aircraft. Both governments insist a solution must be found by year’s end as pressure mounts to decide the project’s future.
FINANCE
12 18 - 24 December 2025
euroweeklynews.com
LONDON - FTSE 100
Closing Prices 15 December
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3I Group.....................................3.183,00............3.186,00......... 3.139,00......... 102,24K Admiral Group.............................3.122,0..............3.122,0........... 3.102,0........... 21,79K Airtel Africa................................. 311,40...............311,60............307,40........... 147,1K Anglo American...........................2.849,0..............2.853,0........... 2.824,0.......... 484,07K Antofagasta................................3.015,00............3.027,00......... 2.949,00.......... 89,06K Ashtead Group............................5.216,0..............5.230,0........... 5.128,0........... 99,39K Associated British Foods.............2.064,0..............2.068,0........... 2.046,0.......... 125,41K AstraZeneca...............................13.488,1............13.492,0......... 13.376,0......... 151,71K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 618,00...............621,25............603,40.......... 868,77K Aviva........................................... 660,60...............661,20............652,40.......... 460,65K B&M European Value Retail SA... 163,55...............164,30............156,85............1,91M BAE Systems..............................1.681,50............1.695,50......... 1.670,00......... 763,73K Barclays...................................... 452,88...............453,25............448,15............3,24M Barratt Redrow............................ 357,30...............360,89............352,71............1,14M Beazley........................................ 826,00...............828,00............814,50.......... 162,16K Berkeley......................................3.786,0..............3.794,0........... 3.744,0........... 27,25K BP............................................... 442,30...............443,45............441,25............2,65M British American Tobacco...........4.269,0..............4.289,0........... 4.257,0.......... 339,28K BT Group.................................... 183,65...............183,95............180,45.............. 2M Bunzl...........................................2.190,0..............2.192,0........... 2.148,0........... 41,62K Centrica....................................... 166,93...............167,70............166,45............1,18M Coca Cola HBC AG......................3.721,0..............3.724,0........... 3.708,0........... 60,13K Compass....................................2.341,00............2.342,00......... 2.318,00......... 742,72K ConvaTec Group......................... 230,60...............232,20............229,20.......... 826,53K Croda Intl....................................2.744,0..............2.758,0........... 2.722,0........... 21,93K DCC.............................................5.100,0..............5.110,0........... 5.050,0........... 20,01K Diageo.........................................1.678,0..............1.683,6........... 1.658,0.......... 417,66K Diploma.....................................5.425,00............5.430,00......... 5.340,00.......... 75,43K EasyJet........................................ 495,40...............496,10............488,70.......... 555,55K Entain.......................................... 741,60...............743,60............734,60.......... 160,61K Experian......................................3.402,0..............3.410,0........... 3.345,0.......... 368,84K F&C Invest.................................1.242,62............1.247,00......... 1.236,63........... 88,2K Flutter Entertainment..................16.710,0............16.770,0......... 16.585,0........... 1,55K Frasers........................................ 683,29...............689,50............635,50........... 99,06K Fresnillo.....................................2.882,00............3.026,00......... 2.880,00......... 223,69K Glencore...................................... 380,34...............383,05............378,45............4,79M GSK plc......................................1.819,00............1.820,07......... 1.810,00......... 714,56K HALEON...................................... 362,30...............362,90............358,80............1,93M Halma..........................................3.514,0..............3.514,0........... 3.466,0........... 41,04K Hikma Pharma...........................1.495,00............1.509,00......... 1.482,00......... 283,73K Hiscox........................................1.378,00............1.379,00......... 1.356,00......... 215,48K Howden Joinery.......................... 816,00...............816,00............808,50.......... 286,38K HSBC.........................................1.122,20............1.123,60......... 1.116,80...........2,95M IAG.............................................. 411,61...............412,50............404,50.............5,4M ICG PLC.....................................2.070,64............2.070,64......... 2.030,00.......... 39,17K IMI PLC......................................2.478,00............2.482,00......... 2.428,00......... 276,18K Imperial Brands..........................3.203,02............3.212,00......... 3.188,28......... 119,27K Informa....................................... 897,20...............898,40............886,80.......... 181,71K InterContinental.........................10.300,0............10.305,0......... 10.220,0.......... 23,67K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
Intertek........................................4.508,0..............4.512,0........... 4.430,5........... 30,49K J Sainsbury................................. 321,20...............323,56............319,80.......... 447,15K JD Sports Fashion........................ 81,76.................82,42..............81,18.............1,94M Kingfisher.................................... 304,50...............305,00............302,30.......... 360,79K Land Securities........................... 582,00...............585,14............578,50.......... 252,17K Legal & General.......................... 247,30...............247,70............244,20............1,78M Lloyds Banking............................ 94,56.................94,60..............94,20..............8,5M London Stock Exchange..............8.600,0..............8.610,0........... 8.474,0.......... 127,37K Londonmetric Property............... 182,70...............184,20............181,80.......... 717,98K M&G........................................... 277,70...............277,70............274,20.......... 527,77K Marks & Spencer........................ 321,10...............323,50............319,60.......... 659,71K Melrose Industries...................... 558,59...............562,40............554,40.......... 256,67K Mondi.......................................... 882,20...............884,20............877,20.......... 111,54K National Grid..............................1.125,00............1.126,00......... 1.121,00......... 581,31K NatWest Group........................... 622,00...............622,80............616,00.......... 982,71K Next...........................................13.392,5............13.405,0......... 13.160,0........... 20,5K Pearson......................................1.055,00............1.056,00......... 1.045,00......... 110,42K Pershing Square........................5.040,00............5.043,90......... 4.968,00........... 18,5K Persimmon.................................1.296,0..............1.310,5........... 1.289,0........... 82,09K Phoenix....................................... 691,50...............692,00............677,00.......... 270,77K Prudential...................................1.098,50............1.098,50......... 1.084,50......... 595,88K Reckitt Benckiser........................6.004,0..............6.016,0........... 5.938,0.......... 118,04K Relx............................................3.084,00............3.098,00......... 3.022,22......... 434,59K Rentokil....................................... 430,70...............430,80............426,60.......... 175,44K Rightmove.................................. 532,00...............535,80............530,40.......... 409,93K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.650,0..............5.658,0........... 5.625,0.......... 400,13K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.100,00............1.103,00......... 1.092,40...........1,01M Sage...........................................1.095,00............1.099,50......... 1.073,50......... 162,05K Schroders.................................... 388,8.................388,8..............385,8........... 159,13K Scottish Mortgage......................1.142,00............1.145,82......... 1.139,00......... 879,62K Segro.......................................... 688,00...............692,60............687,80.......... 166,57K Severn Trent...............................2.703,0..............2.716,0........... 2.698,0........... 24,47K Shell............................................2.713,0..............2.717,0........... 2.704,5.......... 573,34K Smith & Nephew........................1.219,00............1.219,50......... 1.203,22......... 303,79K Smiths Group.............................2.356,00............2.358,00......... 2.326,00.......... 69,21K Smurfit Westrock........................2.817,0..............2.818,0........... 2.791,0........... 46,26K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.795,0..............6.795,0........... 6.700,0........... 10,99K SSE............................................2.119,00............2.134,00......... 2.111,00......... 194,17K Standard Chartered....................1.764,00............1.766,66......... 1.741,00......... 543,81K Taylor Wimpey............................ 101,06...............101,90............100,16............2,22M Tesco.......................................... 437,70...............442,10............433,80............2,23M Unilever.......................................4.868,0..............4.874,5........... 4.835,0.......... 209,52K Unite........................................... 526,76...............534,50............524,00.......... 115,39K United Utilities............................1.177,50............1.183,50......... 1.175,13.......... 71,73K Vistry Group................................ 614,80...............621,75............611,60.......... 230,08K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 95,140...............95,386............94,480...........13,02M Weir Group................................2.874,29............2.878,00......... 2.840,00.......... 50,48K Whitbread...................................2.395,0..............2.406,0........... 2.341,0.......... 157,86K WPP............................................ 333,80...............333,90............328,81............1,03M
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DOW JONES
Closing Prices 15 December
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 168,90...............169,84............167,80............2,42M Amazon.com............................... 226,19...............230,08............225,12...........35,64M American Express....................... 382,56...............387,49............378,60............2,48M Amgen........................................ 317,74...............319,46............315,19............2,25M Apple........................................... 278,28...............279,22............276,82...........39,53M Boeing......................................... 204,38...............206,12............201,58............7,07M Caterpillar.................................... 597,89...............627,50............595,78............4,58M Chevron...................................... 149,99...............151,55............149,63............5,85M Cisco............................................ 77,80.................79,56..............77,72............16,67M Citigroup..................................... 111,80...............113,43............111,19...........11,23M Coca-Cola..................................... 70,52.................70,62..............69,04............18,44M Goldman Sachs........................... 887,96...............914,99............886,99............2,72M Home Depot................................ 359,65...............360,76............356,05............3,86M Honeywell................................... 193,66...............194,72............192,51............3,32M IBM............................................. 309,24...............311,05............303,33............2,95M J&J............................................. 211,58...............212,27............208,96............6,92M JPMorgan................................... 318,52...............320,27............316,60............8,98M McDonald’s................................. 316,72...............317,79............310,37............3,77M Merck&Co................................... 100,30...............100,66.............98,32............11,81M Microsoft.................................... 478,53...............482,45............476,34...........21,25M Nike.............................................. 67,47.................69,14..............67,12............14,83M NVIDIA........................................ 175,02...............182,82............174,62..........204,27M P&G............................................ 142,84...............143,11............140,84...........10,27M Salesforce Inc............................. 262,23...............264,49............260,91............6,01M Sherwin-Williams........................ 328,69...............331,42............326,83............1,63M The Travelers.............................. 285,31...............285,48............283,33............1,62M UnitedHealth............................... 341,84...............344,98............337,37............7,98M Verizon......................................... 40,89.................40,98..............40,10.............20,6M Visa A.......................................... 347,83...............349,84............345,97............6,94M Walmart...................................... 116,70...............116,95............115,02...........19,09M Walt Disney................................. 111,60...............113,34............111,15...........13,06M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 15 December
Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced TryHard Holdings............................................. 57,72 %........................476,91K NeoConcept International Holdings.................. 54,84 %.........................34,07M Canopy Growth................................................ 53,98 %........................165,58M RYTHM............................................................ 47,73 %..........................3,32M Tilray................................................................ 44,13 %..........................84,2M UrbanGro......................................................... 38,08 %.........................43,69M GrowGeneration............................................... 38,03 %..........................4,53M Hydrofarm........................................................ 35,95 %..........................1,06M Basel Medical................................................... 31,21 %..........................1,52M Climb Bio......................................................... 30,43 %..........................8,38M M - Million Dollars
Most Declined CCH Holdings...................................................-82,47 %..........................6,87M Argo Blockchain ADR.......................................-77,60 %..........................2,07M Oriental Culture................................................-75,85 %........................351,36M Jiuzi Holdings..................................................-52,04 %..........................10,8M Applied Therapeutics........................................-46,10 %.........................38,56M AlphaVest Acquisition......................................-44,47 %............................ 2M Tenaya Therapeutics........................................-37,50 %.........................66,59M Work Medical Technology................................-35,69 %........................127,59M Fermi America LLC...........................................-33,84 %.........................63,34M Black Titan.......................................................-33,25 %..........................2,02M Above Food Ingredients...................................-33,01 %..........................7,34M M - Million Dollars
FINANCE
euroweeklynews.com
Innovate Ukraine
THE UK and Ukraine have launched InnovateUkraine’s second round, investing £17m to support 14 new green energy projects. Announced at Rebuild Ukraine 2025, the 24-month programme begins December 2025 and develops scalable low-carbon solutions, adding to 12 earlier projects aimed at boosting Ukraine’s energy resilience.
Recovery plan
SPAIN has approved a recovery plan addendum to ensure full execution of €24.8bn in pending transfers, while requesting only 27.4 per cent of available loans. Madrid will seek €22.8bn of €83.2bn offered, citing cheaper market financing and reduced administrative burden.
UK rent growth UK rents have risen 2.2 per cent over the past year, the slowest pace since 2021, as rental demand hits a six-year low and more homes come onto the market, according to Zoopla’s December 2025 Rental Market Report. Zoopla reports that rental supply is up 15 per cent compared with
Credit: falco, Pixabay.
BUSINESS EXTRA
18 - 24 December 2025
UK housing.
G7 meeting
G7 FINANCE ministers met virtually on December 8 with the heads of the IMF, World Bank, OECD and FSB, joined in parts by ministers from Australia, Chile, Mexico, India, Korea and Canada. They backed recent G7 energy initiatives to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, warning that non-market practices and export controls risk global volatility and weaker growth. The ministers pledged coordinated action
to diversify and derisk supply routes. They also reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, welcoming the IMF’s latest Staff Level Agreement and exploring financing options, including potential use of immobilised Russian sovereign assets in line with legal frameworks. Strengthened coordination with international partners remains a priority under France’s upcoming G7 presidency.
last year, while demand has fallen by a fifth, easing pressure after several years of rapid rent rises. The average rent for new lets now stands at £1,320 a month. A major driver is a sharp fall in net migration. New ONS data shows net migration dropped 78 per cent in two years – from 924,000 to 204,000 in the year to June 2025 – reducing the number of new renters entering the market. Improved mortgage affordability is also shifting former renters into homeownership, with UK Finance noting a 20 per cent rise in first-time buyer mortgages in the first nine months of 2025. Homes are also taking longer to let, now 17 days on average, the slowest since 2019.
13
Algori funding
MADRID-based data platform Algori has raised €3.6 million, bringing total funding to €7.5 million, to scale its AI-driven shopper insights technology. The round includes Red Bull Ventures and other new investors. Algori will expand its purchase and behavioural data collection and accelerate development of its FMCG-focused AI insight tools for European market growth.
Investing in women
THE British Business Bank will commit £30 million to the Invest in Women Taskforce’s ‘Women backing Women’ Fund of Funds, led by Bootstrap4F. The anchor investment brings the Bank’s total support for female-led funds to £130 million, aiming to expand access to finance for female founders across key sectors.
FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
14 18 - 24 December 2025
euroweeklynews.com
An enduring appeal Journey from hell LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT MAKE no mistake, if there’s one thing this old world of ours needs right now, it’s a bit of fun - the real, uncomplicated, toe-tapping kind. And who better to dish it out than those four Swedish wonders who’ve been doing it for half a century? Yep, the ‘ol boy is talking about ABBA, a group so irresistibly wholesome, that even the grumpiest among us can end up humming ‘Dancing Queen’ under their breath when no one’s listening. During my recent visit to London, I was delighted to have been bamboozled completely by a well-kept, secret surprise visit to the group’s new wonderous pop coliseum in London’s East End. Now, when I first heard about Voyage the digital resurrection of the ABBAtars - I’ll admit it. I raised an eyebrow. Actually, I raised both. “Here we go,” I thought, “another gimmick, another attempt to squeeze nostalgia until it squeaks.” But when I went, let me tell you: it’s not nostalgia. It’s sorcery. There you stand in that arena, surrounded by all manner of
humanity; kids who discovered ABBA on TikTok, old rockers pretending they’re not excited, pensioners who once slow-danced to ‘Fernando’ in church halls. And then the lights drop, the music kicks in, and suddenly these four youthful Swedes appear, shimmering and strutting in a way that defies both physics and time. You know perfectly well they’re digital. And yet, five minutes in, you stop caring. Because what’s happening in front of you feels more alive than half the concerts I’ve seen with actual human bodies on stage. What got me about the whole phenomenon isn’t just the clever tech or the cleverer marketing. It’s the sheer decency of ABBA’s enduring appeal. In a world that revels in snarky cynicism, and controversy-for-clicks, ABBA remains gloriously unproblematic. No scandals, no late-night mugshots. Just four slightly awkward, intensely talented people who wrote great songs, sang them beautifully and somehow managed to return as digitally immortal twenty-somethings without reducing the whole affair to a circus. And let’s not ignore the crowd. Watching the audience is almost as entertaining as watching the ABBAtars.
Grown men - the sort who insist they prefer Led Zeppelin - suddenly soften during ‘The Winner Takes It All’. Middle-aged mums who haven’t danced publicly since the school disco are suddenly releasing decades of suppressed hip action. Teenagers, utterly free of any sense of irony, belt out lyrics written long before their parents met. And rest assured the ‘swing along’ also included my partner and myself. It’s a reminder that people, for all their faults, are still capable of collective joy without needing to be drunk, furious, or glued to a phone (which were in fact banned from the show) And perhaps that’s why the whole thing works. Because behind the lasers and holograms is something profoundly human: warmth. The same warmth that’s kept ABBA’s music alive through generations, marriages, divorces, dance floors and a million karaoke machines. So, if you want my advice - not that anyone’s ever asked for it, if you find you’re on a visit to the old country, get yourself to that arena, before the digital Swedes outlive us all. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
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From Paris to Benissa
From the cultural intensity of Paris to the sunlit streets of Benissa, David Alayrangues has built a life guided by creativity, independence and a deep commitment to art. A graphic designer, painter, illustrator and musician, he has spent more than three decades developing a distinctive visual language that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary digital tools. Cr e
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Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery - movie THE quietly eccentric but brilliant Benoit Blanc returns in Wake Up Dead Man, the third instalment of the hugely popular Knives Out film series. Played by Daniel Craig, Blanc must uncover the secrets of a baffling death inside a quaint church. It’s two and a half hour run time never feels bloated,
Credit: jr_amon_ceuta X STORM EMILIA turned a routine ferry crossing into a nightmare for passengers The ferry Ciudad de Mahón battling travelling beStorm Emilia. tween mainland Spain and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The Balearia ferry Ciudad de Mahón departed Algeciras late on Saturday, December 13, at around 10pm, despite rough seas in the Strait of Gibraltar. Earlier sailings had been cancelled due to the storm, leaving the vessel fully loaded. Normally a one-hour journey, the trip became harrowing as heavy waves battered the 3,500-tonne ship. For three and a half hours, it pitched violently, changing course repeatedly. Passengers described an ‘infernal’ ordeal: unsecured chairs slid across decks, people fell, and seasickness was widespread. Around 1.30am on Sunday 14, the captain announced the decision to abort the voyage and return to Algeciras, as entering Ceuta’s port had become unsafe. The ship docked in the early hours, but further delays followed. When vehicle owners reached the garage around 3.30am, they found extensive damage to cars from the extreme movements. No injuries were reported. Storm Emilia disrupted all maritime traffic in the strait over the weekend, with strong winds, high waves and heavy rain forcing multiple cancellations by operators including Armas-Trasmediterránea and Balearia. By Sunday afternoon, conditions had eased slightly, allowing some ferries, including the Ciudad de Mahón, to complete their crossings.
festive plan. Christmas movies can sometimes feel one note, but this one offers a fresh take on the usual Christmas rom-com, injecting a touch of hijinx into the holidays.
lence like in Paris,” he said. BORN in Paris 49 years While cultural options ago, David describes are fewer than in a himself as “franmajor capital, he is co-Spanish,” with certain he would strong roots on not return. “Life the Costa Blanca in Spanish towns through his mois richer, it’s easier ther, who is from to make friends, Benissa. Althouenjoy simple ough Spain had been tings, beaches and part of his life since incredible natural childhood, he made paths.” the move permanent David Alayrangues, a David has worked in 2003, “I came simgraphic designer, painter, online as a graphic ply because I like Spain illustrator and musician in Benissa. designer for over 20 more and I feel more years, helping busiSpanish than French.” Benissa is now home by choice. Su- nesses and entrepreneurs shape visual rrounded by family, Mediterranean identities. He also paints and plays landscapes and a slower rhythm of life, bass in experimental music sessions, he believes the move was essential. “I with a clear ambition: “To exhibit my needed a bit of adventure, without so paintings.” More information is at many cars, so much pollution and vio- www.david-alayrangues.com.
FEATURE
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18 - 24 December 2025
15
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A new chapter for premium real estate
FINE & COUNTRY MALLORCA has officially opened its doors, marking an exciting new chapter for premium real estate on the island. As part of Fine & Country Spain and the wider Fine & Country network of more than 300 offices worldwide, the Mallorca operation brings a globally recognised brand, renowned for its sophisticated marketing and lifestyle-led approach, to one of Europe’s most desirable property destinations. With its head office located on Park Lane, Mayfair, London, Fine & Country stands as the UK’s most recommended estate agency for the second year running. The brand recently achieved another significant milestone by joining Walpole, the official sector body for British luxury. This recognition underscores Fine & Country’s position as a true lifestyle brand, celebrated for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and a refined client experience. A modern presence with local roots Behind Fine & Country Mallorca is a leadership team with more than two decades of experience in the Mallorcan property market, supporting buyers and sellers from across Europe with a philo-
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comed clients, partners, and long-standing collaborators, a reflection of the strong relationships that have shaped the team’s reputation on the island. Boutique agency with global strength Fine & Country Mallorca operates as a family-owned and family-run boutique estate agency, supported by Fine & Country Spain and the wider international network. This foundation allows the team to deliver a truly bespoke, service-led experience while offering Mallorcan homeowners exceptional visibility across local, national, and global markets. “Real estate is deeply personal,” Dreckmann adds. “Every property has a story, and every client has a vision for their future. Our role is to honour both, with time, care, and a commitment to excellence. As Fine & Country Mallorca, this ethos remains at the heart of everything we do.” An Invitation to Experience a New Standard of Real Estate, homeowners and prospective buyers are warmly invited to visit the new Fine & Country Mallorca office to discover how a refined, lifestyle-driven approach, backed by global reach, can bring meaningful value in today’s property market.
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FEATURE/SPANISH LIVING
16 18 - 24 December 2025
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Removals made easy with Whites Moving and Storage
AS one of the UK’s largest privately-owned removal companies, White & Company PLC have been making relocating easier since 1871. With more than 150 years of experience and offering a range of professional services, the knowledgeable team carries out moves between the UK, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and throughout Spain. As the only Balearic members British Association of Removers we can be fully trusted. No matter where you want to live and what you need to move, Whites Moving and Storage has the experience and solution for you! Their professionally trained surveyors in Spain and the UK will visit your home and provide you with a free no-obligation quote, answering any questions you might have. Their fixed quote service means you can budget your move efficiently, advising you on packing, storage and any items that cannot be moved. If you are planning a move to Spain, Whites Moving and Storage operate a large fleet of vehicles, including Scania Road Trains
to Mallorca. Their smaller vehicles can deliver to some of the more difficult locations in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. Managing your move with care and consideration, the professional and experienced team are trained in packing everything from chinaware to items such as pianos and antiques. Carefully planned packing will keep your
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customs paperwork. With their trucks and road trains travelling between Spain, the Balearic Islands and the UK weekly, no one has more experience in this than Whites. Upon arrival at your new home, the team will unwrap your possessions and place them where you choose, removing all of the packaging and wrapping to be recycled or reused. Looking for somewhere to store your belongings securely and safely? With 34,000 cubic feet of storage in their purpose-built container warehouse in Mallorca, you can store short or long term to fit in with your move, giving you the peace of mind that your personal possessions are in the best hands. For storage in the UK, White & Company PLC have 19 dedicated locations across the country, all of which are clean, dry, safe and European standard BS EN 14873 accredited. Whites Moving and Storage would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
SPAIN is basking in the glow of being Europe’s unexpected economic sprinter for a second year, yet the celebration feels oddly hollow as its political engine sputters. The economy’s booming but the country’s fractious politics seem determined to prevent the momentum from maturing. Polarisation is currently widespread, but Spain executes it with almost operatic intensity. Still more worrying is the void where serious policy debate should be. Other advanced economies manage to pair theatrical politics with grounded discussions on education, housing, regulation. In Spain, barbs routinely eclipse ideas. Miquel Roca, an architect of the 1978 constitution, surveys the scene and sees an intellectual desert meticulously cultivated by both major parties. Sánchez governs without a majority;
the PP counters that everything would improve if he disappeared. Meanwhile, structural problems remain: feeble productivity, timid investment, bureaucracy and an education system struggling to produce graduates for a modern economy. On housing (the issue tormenting the young) trade lawyer Miriam González Durántez - better known to us Brits as wife of former deputy PM Nick Clegg and now exploring a political venture of her own - urges Spain to strip ideology from the debate. Neither camp, she argues, can resolve the crisis while refusing to recognise the other’s part in the remedy. Meanwhile, identity politics barges into every conversation: arguments driven by spectacle rather than substance. Finally, thanks for emails to my website! Thrilled you enjoy my novels too! Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
Christmas chaos Photo credit: Molly Grace
Spain: Booming economy but politics needs some help!
Early years in Spain were defined by improvised solution.
FOR many British expats in Spain, Christmas looks nothing like the festive scenes they left behind. Gone are frosty mornings and thick coats, replaced with blue skies, café terraces and palm trees wrapped in lights. Over time, communities across Spain have shaped a version of Christmas that blends familiar British traditions with the reality of Mediterranean life. Food is where expats notice the biggest differences. Early years in Spain were defined by improvised solutions: chickens replacing turkeys, home-made Christmas puddings with hard-to-find ingredients, and gravy experiments that ended in disaster. Items that were once impossible to source, mince pies, stuffing, sausage rolls, are now widely available online, yet certain staples like Brussels sprouts and double cream still spark frustra-
tion. Many look back with humour, swapping stories of failed attempts at mulled wine, DIY crackers and the struggle to recreate British flavours under the Spanish sun. Other traditions also needed rethinking. Advent calendars, once rare, are now easy to find but expensive. Christmas cards, largely absent from Spanish culture, led many expats to craft their own or send photo cards abroad before online services made the process easier. Today, Christmas for British residents in Spain is a comfortable mix of both cultures. Towns offer impressive lights, markets and nativity scenes, while British households keep their own customs alive. The festive season has become less about recreating a perfect UK Christmas and more about enjoying a familiar celebration in a different lifestyle.
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Costa Blanca South
THE Cudeca Foundation has successfully concluded its traditional Christmas tribute event ‘Enciende una Luz’ (Light a Light), held on Friday, December 12 at the Cudeca Palliative Care Centre in Benalmadena. Hundreds gathered for an emotional afternoon of togetherness and hope, remembering and honouring loved ones who have passed away. The event, starting at 6pm, filled the venue to capacity, highlighting strong community backing for the foundation’s palliative care work. Attendees enjoyed a heartfelt programme, including performances by the Sunny View School Children’s Choir, magicians Richard Granda and Juan Garrido, the energetic Quimirock band, and tenor Rodrigo Orrego. Traditional charitable activities featured a raffle and charity bar, with all proceeds supporting Cudeca’s programmes. Sources described exceptional generosity in a warm, reflective atmosphere.
TORREVIEJA once again lit up the holiday season with the 23rd edition of Carols in the Square. The beloved international Christmas carol concert drew hundreds of residents and visitors from across the country to Plaza de la Constitución, which, as always, was bustling with festive cheer and a little too small for all who wanted to attend. Since its debut in 2002, the concert has been organised by the Department of International Residents and has grown into one of Torrevieja’s most anticipated Christmas events, even in a municipality already known for its lively atmosphere year-round. This year’s event was hosted by local artist Shani Ormiston, who also performed some of her own songs. The edition featured new choral groups from several countries, showcasing the multicultural spirit of Torrevieja. Nations represented included Poland, the UK, Romania, Sweden, Norway, and Ukraine.
Axarquia
Almeria
NERJA Council is going to deliver festive cheer to vulnerable families this Christmas through its annual hamper distribution programme. The Social Services Department plans to deliver 60 hampers to households facing economic and social hardship in Nerja and Maro. This year’s initiative stands out due to direct collaboration with two prominent local groups: the Association of Presidents of Urbanisation Communities in Nerja (APCUM) and the Almijara Bowls Club. Both organisations have fully funded and packed the 60 baskets, filling them with non-perishable foods, traditional Christmas sweets, preserves, and cured meats. The popular Almijara Bowls Club, a hub for the expat community, has shown particular generosity in supporting the effort. Last year, 75 hampers were distributed. The project underscores Nerja’s commitment to ensuring the holiday spirit reaches every home.
UD Almeria football players took part in one of their most emotional but rewarding events of the year on Monday 15th, their annual visit to Torrecardenas University Hospital. Captains Fernando Martinez and Adrian Embarba arrived with their teammates, along with Paqui Campoy and Lucia representing the club’s women’s first team. Even with star footballers in the building, the day was all about the children. For UD Almeria and its players, visiting the children of Torrecardenas is a special day, a chance to bring joy to families during a difficult time. Players spoke with the children and their families, offering an empathetic ear and lifting their spirits as best they could. More importantly, and in the true spirit of Christmas, the UD Almeria players didn’t arrive empty handed. They brought with them a haul Father Christmas and the Three Kings would be proud of: toys, games, stuffed animals, and mountains of club merchandise such as jerseys and scarves.
Costa Blanca North
Costa Calida
HELP of Marina Alta celebrated a remarkable festive season with its Ultimate Christmas Fair, welcoming over 1,400 visitors and raising more than €6,000 to support the charity’s ongoing work in the Marina Alta. The event took place, at Salones Canor in Teulada, bringing together local businesses, volunteers and supporters for a day of joyful community spirit. Organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to Katie Jackson and SR Print & Signs for providing signage and coordinating the popular paella chefs from Alzira, Enrique and the comisión de Albuixarres-Cami Fondo. Appreciation was also extended to Tracy at Forn Vell in Orba for the Christmas baps, ZEN Outdoor Furniture in Gata de Gorgos, and sponsors Renvida and Vivespons for their continued support. Special recognition went to Jocelyn and Alex, who prepared 90 litres of mulled wine for the day.
THE Region of Murcia is enjoying an extraordinary run of good fortune after the national lottery draw on Thursday, December 11 delivered a share of the top prize to three municipalities in the region. The winning number, 98217, worth €600,000 per ticket (décimo), was sold in Yecla, Los Belones, and Cabo de Palos, spreading excitement and celebration across the area. This latest win adds to an impressive streak of lottery success for Murcia residents in recent months. The coveted top prize has also been claimed in Molina de Segura on Thursday, September 24; Cartagena on October 23; San Pedro del Pinatar on Thursday, November 13; and Lorca on Thursday, November 27, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a hotspot for lottery luck. In Yecla, the winning ticket was sold at the lottery office on Rambla Street; in Cabo de Palos, at the office on Balanos Street; and in Los Belones, at the lottery office on Marcos Sanz Street.
Cudeca tribute
Hampers for everyone
Giving together
Yuletide unity
Red and white Christmas
Lottery luck
• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •
21
PETS
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LIKE many of us, and our pets, Petey loves a sparkling celebration, and nothing entertains or attracts him more than spotting spangly lights on his daily walk. We all appreciate a festive light display, and Christmas delivers them in spades across town. But Petey? He’s absolutely besotted with the lights. So smitten, in fact, that one moment of unleashed freedom and he’ll bolt faster than you can say ‘Feliz Navidad’, prancing and pirouetting around every twinkling bulb like a canine ballerina on opening night. House-sitters beware: walking Petey requires the vigilance of a bomb disposal expert and the reflexes of a cat (ironically). Shopping centre displays, garden decorations, that one house on the corner with the blinding illuminations - all are magnetic north to Petey’s compass. Keep hold of the lead, because at the first glimpse of a twinkling tree or flashing reindeer nose, Petey’s off like Comet. He won’t stop when you call. He won’t see obstacles. He just... goes. Could you care for a dog like
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
Petey loves the lights, house-sitters beware
Petey is drawn to sparkly lights, wherever they are.
Petey? HouseSitMatch: Humans help pets thrive This is where HouseSitMatch comes in - quietly effective, always helpful. Homeowners find trusted sitters to protect property, water plants, and provide five-star care for pets. Sitters enjoy free accommodation and pets (Petey’s light-chasing theatrics included, no extra charge). And best of all, NO money changes hands.
Travelling in 2026? Join now: 1. Visit HouseSitMatch.com and register as a homeowner or sitter 2. Join for just £89 / €99 per year (approx.) - Compare this to kennel fees! 3. Create your profile and upload photos 4. Sitters apply, you chat via video - and bam - matchmaking success The Fair Exchange: Homes, pets and happy hearts Fancy a house-sitting adventure - or need sitters of your own - Join HouseSitMatch.com, a growing community of pet lovers. What our members say Rated 4.8 / 5.0 on Trustpilot “Housesitmatch is an amazing community of caring and supportive people who can take care of your house and pets in exchange for accommodation. “I’ve always met the loveliest people and never had any problems with handing over my house and my pet. Always in safe hands. Couldn’t recommend it more!” Juana, Dog owner
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Dogs keep us calm which can lead to heightened blood pressure. In excess, cortisol can have a negative impact on your body’s immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. However, just a few minutes in the presence of a dog can make cortisol levels go down, and our oxytocin levels go up.
Because dogs require a lot of exercise, having a dog is great way to get you up and out. You might not want to go on a walk for you own health, but you’ll readily take the dog, which in turn helps you. Regular walks will help you and your dog stay active, decrease your blood pressure and make you less vulnerable to disease.
Mental health can be drastically improved by having a dog too. Not only does the dogs companionship help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, but it helps socialise you. Whether it’s someone looking to pet your dog in the street or a fellow dog owner at the park, you’ll find yourself making stronger social tiles while out with your pup.
Credit: Shutterstock, Liuscene
WHILE you might not believe it when you come home from a long day to find your dog mid-zoomies and house a wreck, it is scientifically proven that dogs reduce stress and improve health. When we’re stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol
Man’s best friend.
Cat cafe craze
RIGHT now, cat cafes are all the range. Go to any major metropolitan area and you’ll see cat’s being pampered as people sip on their perfectly frothed coffees. Like many business ventures, Cat Cafes operate with varying levels of morality. Some have been deemed as unethical due to poor conditions, lack of vaccinations and for relying on breeders. Others, see themselves more as cat rescue facilities, prioritising the well-being of their cats over profits and allowing patrons to adopt the cats. If you’re visiting a cat cafe, it’s recommended you research to ensure you’re supporting ethical practices. The first cat cafe was founded in Taipei, Taiwan back in 1998, under the name Cat Flower Garden. While it took a while for the
Credit: Shutterstock, Phatthanun.R
business to gain traction, eventually their popularity soared. Asian tourists took the idea back to their home countries and the business model was soon replicated. Cat cafes soon become a booming business, especially in Japan, becoming tourist hot spots. It took a little longer for the idea to gain traction in the west. The first Cat cafe didn’t open in the US until 2014. Once again, the opening was a success of epic proportions, prompting more cafes to pop up all over the place, with their popularity continuing to rise.
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 - simple but striking ROAD TEST
Facts at a Glance
By Mark Slack YOU may have noticed that designers of EVs seem to be competing to produce the most striking design possible to make their cars stand out in the ever-increasing automotive EV crowd. Sometimes though the simple option proves the most striking, and so it is with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. It is probably the most normal looking EV and could easily pass for an ICE car at first glance, with the chunky appearance of a five-door hatchback. Inside offers lots of space and practicality and has the promise of a half-decent range too. Priced from €45,710/£39,995 for the 170PS Advance 63kwh model there are two 84kwh versions developing 228PS and a 325PS that comes with all-wheel-drive. Five trim levels include a sporty N-Line and N-Line S with standard equipment across the line-up including navigation, dual-zone climate, auto lights and wipers, Bluetooth, Apple Car Play
and Android Auto, smart cruise control, keyless entry and start, powered, heated and folding door mirrors plus heated front seats and steering wheel. On the road the Ioniq 5 has all the usual smoothness and power you would expect from a top-class EV, with the 84kwh 228PS model passing the benchmark 100kph/62mph in just 7.5 seconds and a potential range of 569km/354 miles. In reality I would say it’ll be more like 466-482km/290-300 miles in real world driving. Still a usefully de-
cent range. In 63kwh 170PS form it’s a second longer to 100kph/62 mph and a real-world range in the region of 354km/220 miles. The ride quality is excellent and although you wouldn’t want to blast across twisting country roads it’s more than capable. Inside there are numerous, clever details that maximise the already spacious layout from a sliding centre console and sliding rear seats to doors that open wide and make access and egress much easier. You even get
a useable ‘frunk’ or small luggage area at the front of the car on the two-wheel-drive models, it’s quite a bit smaller on the all-wheel-drive. As ever these days, touchscreen rules as far as most of the functions are concerned although there are some physical buttons. If you’re someone who has so far not been tempted down the EV route, but would like to be, then I don’t think you would be disappointed with the Ioniq 5. It’s not too left-field style-wise and for an EV, and what it offers, is sensibly priced. Add impressive inte-
• Model: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate • Battery: 84 kwh Lithium-ion 228PS • Gears: Automatic • Price: £53,055 • Performance: Max speed 185kph/114 mph 0 – 100kph/62 mph 7.5 seconds • Economy: Combined driving range 603km/375 miles • Range: Combined 530km/329 miles • Emissions: 0g/km Co2 Model tested was UKspecification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
rior space, refinement and quality, plus instant EV power and, if you charge largely at home, cheaper running costs. There’s little not to like!
Placing V16 to indicate emergency.
Guardia Civil (AUGC), a major traffic police union, has criticised the standalone use of V16 beacons as a ‘danger’. In a social media post with video evidence showing poor visibility on curves or in fog, the AUGC warned that the light may not give sufficient advance warning. It advised drivers to abandon the vehicle and seek safety if possi-
ble, adding: “Remaining in the vehicle is not at all safe.” Consumer groups have also highlighted fake or non-connected models sold as approved. Drivers must check the DGT’s official list for certified devices to avoid fines. As the deadline nears, the debate continues over whether the V16 alone will prove safer in all conditions.
SPAIN has introduced one of its toughest road safety measures in years, changing how drivers handle vehicle inspections. From now on, merely having an ITV appointment is not enough to drive legally. If your ITV has expired even by a day - your car cannot be on the road, even with a renewal slot booked. The DGT has confirmed officers will verify, vehicle by vehicle, that every car circulating has a valid inspection. For drivers used to last-minute appointments and unofficial flexibility, this is a shock. The message is clear: no ITV, no driving. The crackdown is part of a wider push to ensure all vehicles meet safety and emissions standards. Spain still records a high number of first-time ITV failures, and many accidents involve cars with overdue inspections or unresolved defects. Penalties are steep: driving with an expired ITV now brings a €200 fine with no typical 50 per cent early-payment reduction, and three licence points are lost. Vehicles over a year overdue face fines up to €500.
Credit : Azulblue, Shutterstock
SPAIN’s traffic authority, the Directorate General for Traffic (DGT), will make connected V16 emergency beacons mandatory from Thursday January 1, phasing out traditional warning triangles entirely. The compact amber flashing light is placed on a vehicle’s roof without the driver exiting the car. Connected models automatically transmit the location to the DGT’s 3.0 platform, alerting emergency services and nearby drivers via apps and road signs. The DGT says this will improve roadside safety, as placing triangles requires walking 50-100 metres along the road a risk linked to about 25 pedestrian deaths each year. Over 25 million vehicles are affected, with hefty fines for non-compliance. However, the Unified Association of
Credit: DGT
Police say V16 unsafe ITV rules tighten
ITV sticker valid until 2026 on a vehicle in Spain.
Consequences extend beyond fines. Insurers may refuse coverage in an accident if the ITV is out of date, leaving drivers personally liable for potentially thousands of euros. Police can also immobilise vehicles, adding towing and storage costs. With one in five cars failing for avoidable issues, mechanics urge drivers to plan ahead, check expiry dates and carry out basic pre-ITV checks. The days of “I’ll risk it a few days” are over.
SPORT
Palma’s San Silvestre Race. For further details, including registration and race regulations, interested runners can visit www. avaibooksports.com and secure their place in one of Palma’s most anticipated sporting events of the year.
Annual duathlon challenge Credit: Pavel1964 / Shutterstock
PALMA is set to host the FNG San Silvestre race on Friday December 26, inviting runners of all levels to take part in this popular annual event. The race begins at 11am on Carrer Castell de Bellver. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K route. Entry costs €17.00, and registrations are open until December 21 at 11.59pm. Runners are encouraged to secure their spot as the event has grown steadily in popularity. Organised by KUMULUS, the FNG San Silvestre Palma has become a highlight on the city’s sporting calendar. Both competitive and recreational athletes are welcome to join, creating a lively atmosphere along the course. The event is suitable for families, groups, and individual participants looking to end the year actively. The start line on Carrer Castell de Bellver provides easy access for locals and visitors, making i t convenient to combine the race with other holiday activities. Beyond the running itself, participants often enjoy the camaraderie and festive spirit that surrounds the event, making it more than just a race.
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San Silvestre race
THE Agrupació Esportiva Manacor is set to host the 16th Duatló de Nadal on Sunday, December 21. The event will start at 10.30am at the Polígono Industrial de Manacor, on Carrer Menestrals, opposite the FIAT dealership, where participants can also collect their race numbers from 9.15am. The duathlon will see athletes tackle a 4km run, followed by 18km of road cycling, and finish with a 2km run. Competitors can take part individually or in pairs. In the combined category, one athlete completes the cycling section while the other runs. Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times. Races are open to various categories: individual entries include Absolute, Sub23, Juniors, M40, and M50 for both men and women. Combined entries are split into male, female, and mixed teams. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in
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Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. each category, and all participants will receive a gift. Registration is available at www.elitechip. net or Triatloesports in Manacor. Entry fees are €18 for individual participants plus €2 for chip rental, and €27 for combined entries plus €2 for
chip rental. Non-FETRIB members must pay an additional €5 for accident insurance. Participation is limited to 150 athletes, and timing will be managed by Elitechip. For more details, email duatlodenadalmana cor@hotmail.es.
Mallorca on ice WINTER in Mallorca isn’t just about mild days and festive markets - it also brings standout ice skating attractions that locals and visitors look forward to each year. Ice Park Pista de Gel in Palma is open until January 11, 2026, welcoming visitors daily from 10am to 10pm. It is the island’s largest real ice rink of the season, set within Parc de les Estacions, making it easy to reach by public transport. Tickets start at €8, including skate hire for a 25 minute session. Gloves must be worn on the ice and can be bought on site. Sessions for schools and larger groups run throughout the day at a reduced rate, with special
bookings available. Over in Port Adriano, the Christmas Park returns from December 22 to January 7 with a free ice rink on the marina’s central square. This synthetic surface measures about 300 m² and runs alongside a three-metre-high, 30-metre-long slide that appeals to both children and adults. Skate and slide access are both free, and the attraction is open 12pm to 8pm daily, with earlier closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Activities are geared towards family fun, including seasonal characters and festive decorations. Both venues are lively seasonal highlights for anyone living on or visiting the island.
Advance booking for Ice Park is recommended as sessions fill quickly.
Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock
24 18 - 24 December 2025