Mallorca 22 – 28 January 2026 Issue 2116

Five Guys fever Mallorca movie break

PIERCE BROSNAN and Helen Mirren swapped the intensity of the set for some sunsoaked sightseeing this week, taking a well-earned break from lming the second series of hit British crime drama MobLand.

The acclaimed actors were spotted enjoying Palma at a relaxed pace, starting their downtime at Palma Cathedral. There, they explored the soaring Gothic landmark and spent time inside the striking Barceló Chapel, whose bold contemporary design o ered a calm and contemplative pause from the high-stakes drama of their on-screen roles.

Next on their o -duty itinerary was the Joan Miró Foundation in Bonanova, where Mirren in particular appeared keen to soak up Mallorca’s artistic side. Set among pine trees overlooking the city, the museum is a favourite cultural escape for visitors seeking tranquillity and inspiration.

Filming for MobLand 2 is

centred at La Fortalesa, the dramatic forti ed estate near Puerto Pollensa whose sweeping Mediterranean views and imposing architecture provide a cinematic backdrop. Brosnan - forever associated with James Bond - and Oscar-winning Mirren are believed to be staying at a luxury Palma hotel and are expected to remain on the island until the weekend.

While the plot remains tightly under wraps, their sunsoaked sightseeing tour o ers a reminder that Mallorca continues to charm the world’s biggest stars - delivering culture, calm and a touch of glamour when the cameras stop rolling.

RUMOURS are gathering pace in Mallorca after reports suggested that Five Guys could be preparing to open its rst restaurant on the island. ‘Coming soon’ signs featuring the brand’s logo have reportedly been spotted in Magaluf.

Although the company has not yet made an o cial announcement, the branding is consistent with Five Guys’ international outlets.

The sighting has been enough to spark widespread speculation, particularly among the island’s large British and international expatriate community.

If con rmed, the opening would mark Five Guys’ debut in Mallorca, adding another global name to the island’s fast-growing dining scene.

Magaluf, known for its nightlife and high tourist footfall, is widely viewed as a strategic choice for a rst location, especially given its popularity with UK and European visitors.

If the opening goes ahead, diners can expect Five Guys’ signature made-to-order beef burgers, hot dogs and hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil, alongside its customisable milkshakes.

For now, nothing has been con rmed - but if the doors do open... make ours a large with fries, please!

Record graffiti removal

PALMA City Council has removed a record number of graffiti markings across the city, with nearly 9,300 incidents cleared during 2025, according to figures released on Friday.

The data was presented by deputy mayor and president of Emaya, Llorenç Bauzá de Keizer, who confirmed that municipal workers eliminated a total of 9,282 graffiti tags from building facades, street furniture and public roads over the 12-month period.

The figure represents the highest annual total recorded in Palma and marks a 78.6 per cent increase compared with 2022.

Bauzá de Keizer said the results highlight the effectiveness of the strategy adopted by the city council and Emaya, as well as the commitment of frontline cleaning staff.

The announcement was made during an information briefing attended by managers from Emaya’s Urban Quality department. Bauzá de Keizer also pointed to complementary initiatives, including the Palma a punt special cleaning programme, as key to the sharp rise in graffiti removals.

Year-on-year figures show a steady increase

in activity, with 5,198 graffiti removed in 2022, 5,294 in 2023 and 5,820 in 2024, before a significant acceleration last year.

The deputy mayor also reminded residents that Palma’s Civic Ordinance classifies graffiti as a very serious offence, with fines of up to €3,000, and thanked the public for continuing to report acts of vandalism across the city.

Brits boost winter tourism

BRITONS are continuing to drive tourism to Mallorca and the wider Balearic Islands, with new figures showing strong international travel growth despite ongoing costof-living pressures in the UK.

Balearic airports handled 16,135,792 international passengers in 2025, a 2.4 per cent increase on the previous year, according to data published by Turespaña. Palma’s Son Sant Joan Airport accounted for the bulk of this traffic, welcoming 12,411,824 international passengers, also up 2.4 per cent.

Growth accelerated towards the end of the year. In December, 260,852 international passengers arrived in the Balearics, a 6.1 per cent rise year on year, with Palma airport receiving 244,080 arrivals, up 5.4 per cent.

Booking trends underline the islands’ appeal. Data from Travelgate shows bookings to the Balearics rose 33.1 per cent week on week and 26.5 per cent compared with the same period last year. The region accounted for 12.7 per cent of all bookings in Spain,

MALLORCA once again came alive with fire, folklore and community spirit as the Sant Antoni festival returned, kicking off on Friday January 16 in spectacular style.

Celebrated annually in mid-January, the festival honours Sant Antoni Abat, the patron saint of animals, and remains one of the most im-

ranking fifth nationally. Spanish residents led demand with 39.9 per cent of bookings, followed closely by British travellers on 32 per cent, reinforcing the UK’s importance to the islands’ tourism economy. Nearly 45 per cent of bookings were made more than three months in advance, while last-minute travel fell to 7.1 per cent.

Low-cost airlines continued to dominate, carrying almost 70 per cent of international passengers, highlighting the Balearics’ strong year-round connectivity and growing December appeal.

portant dates in the cultural calendar of Mallorca. Major celebrations took place in Sa Pobla, widely regarded as the epicentre of Sant Antoni, where vast bonfires lit up the streets and dimonis - devil figures symbolising temptation and chaos - danced through the crowds to the sound of drums and traditional music.

Manacor also hosted large-scale events, including controlled correfocs and horse processions, while towns such as Arta, Pollença and Muro held their own bonfires, concerts and community feasts. In Palma, neighbourhood celebrations and animal blessings brought the tradition into the heart of the capital.

At the centre of the festival are the beneïdes, where animals - from pets to farm livestock - are blessed for health and protection in the year ahead. The bonfires and dimoni dances, meanwhile, are believed to have pre-Christian origins, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness as winter slowly begins to fade.

Sant Antoni again proved itself a powerful expression of island identity, bringing generations together around fire, music and traditions.

ETIAS delayed

UK VISITORS CAN TRAVEL AS NORMAL FOR NOW

UK travellers heading to Spain in 2026 can relax. The European Union has confirmed that ETIAS, the new travel authorisation system for visa-free visitors, will not be mandatory until at least spring 2027. The update means there will be no change to entry requirements for Spain or the wider Schengen area throughout the year. British tourists can continue travelling as they do now, using only a valid passport. ETIAS was designed to introduce extra pre-travel checks for non-EU visitors, similar to the US ESTA system. Once in force, travellers from the UK, US, Canada and Australia will need to complete an online application, pay a €20 fee, and receive authorisation before entering the Schengen zone. The permit will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires and will cover multiple trips. EU citizens are unaffected.

The EU confirmed ETIAS will begin rolling out in the final months of 2026, followed by a six-month transition, making April 2027 the earliest compulsory start. The delay is linked to wider border modernisation, including Spain’s new Entry/ Exit System (EES), which registers fingerprints and facial images of non-EU travellers and is expected to be fully deployed by April 2026.

Tourism authorities and airport operators welcomed the delay, citing the need for staff training and technology stabilisation to avoid congestion. Until then, UK visitors can travel to Spain in 2026 as before, with no permits, forms or extra fees. Read the full article at: https://euroweeklynews. com/2026/01/13/etias-delayed-until-2027-for-uk-trave llers/

Healthcare reality check

PUBLIC healthcare access in Spain is widely assumed to arrive automatically with time and permanent residence, but new January 2026 guidance from Citizens Advice Bureau Spain (CAB Spain) challenges this. Legally, Spain operates a residence-based healthcare system under Royal Decree-Law 7/2018, meaning entitlement depends on being legally and habitually resident, not on nationality or social security contributions. In practice, access is filtered by the Social Security authority, the INSS, whose interpretations and administrative checks can produce inconsistent outcomes. Two residents with similar profiles may receive different decisions depending on regional offices, documentation or local rule application. This gap between law and reality explains why entitlement often feels unpredictable for expatriates.

Confusion is amplified by the so-called ‘five-year rule’. Administrative guidance suggests EU, EEA and UK nationals gain healthcare rights automatically after five years, but this is not guaranteed. Non-EU nationals face stricter checks, and even permanent residents can be refused if their records fail INSS requirements. CAB Spain warns this risks indirectly linking entitlement to nationality rather than residence. Residents without employment, pensions or exportable healthcare can apply directly for assessment via INSS, though approval is discretionary. Family members may qualify if legally resident, financially dependent and registered. Emergency care, pregnancy care and minors’ healthcare remain protected. Digital services now allow residents to check entitlement and certificates, but many retain private insurance due to delays and regional variation. CAB Spain advises proactive verification to secure coverage. Read the full article at: https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/01/10/living-in-spain-why-your-public-heal thcare-cover-may-not-be-what-you-think-in-2026/

Holiday rights protected

Days can be taken later

SPANISH labour law confirms that workers who fall ill during annual leave do not lose their right to holiday time and can reclaim the affected days. The protection is set out in Article 38 of the Estatuto de los Trabajadores, which clearly separates holiday entitlement from periods of certified sickness. The rule applies whether illness begins before a scheduled holiday or during the holiday itself. When an employee enters temporary incapacity, those days no longer count as holiday and must be taken later once the worker has recovered. Importantly, recovered leave can be used after the end of the calendar year in which it was accrued, with workers having up to 18 months to take it.

To reclaim lost holiday days, employees must notify their employer and provide an official medical certificate. Without certified sick leave, the period continues to count as holiday, even if the worker was unwell.

Employers are legally required to allow rescheduling, although the timing must be agreed.

The rule applies equally to expats working in Spain, regardless of nationality, provided they are employed under Spanish law and registered with social security. Authorities note that disputes usually arise from missing documentation rather than legal ambiguity.

Courts have consistently upheld the principle that illness does not cancel the right to rest.

euroweeklynews.com

Hospitality closure crisis

MALLORCA’S bar and restaurant sector is heading into 2026 under mounting pressure, with industry groups warning that hundreds of businesses could be forced to close. Independent, family-run venues that depend on seasonal trade and local customers across the Balearic Islands are expected to be hardest hit.

Data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute shows that one in 10 bars and cafés in the Balearics has closed over the past decade, a decline that now appears to be accelerating. Business representatives estimate that between 500 and 600 bars and restaurants in Mallorca alone may shut during 2026. Tourism remains central to the problem, but visitor habits are changing. Travellers are arriving with less disposable income after rising flight and accommodation costs. Although visitor numbers remain relatively strong, spending on food and drink outside hotels has fallen. All-inclusive tourism continues to draw criticism from restaurateurs, who say it keeps holidaymakers within hotel complexes and limits opportunities for neighbourhood bars and cafés. Labour pressures are adding to the strain, with the small business association PIMEM calling for a separate collective bargaining agreement for bars and res-

Credit: Shutterstock Anna Mente

taurants, distinct from the hotel sector. In Palma, traders along the Paseo Marítimo report falling revenues following redevelopment works, while residents’ groups argue the area relies too heavily on nightlife-led businesses. For expats and residents alike, the outlook raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Mallorca’s hospitality sector.

Mallorca gains national recognition

MALLORCA has secured its place among Spain’s most celebrated destinations after being shortlisted for the Condé Nast Traveler Awards 2026, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a year-round place to live, not just visit.

The island is one of 12 finalists in the National Destination category, placing it alongside major Spanish cities and regions. In a break from tradition, Condé Nast Traveler Spain announced the shortlist ahead of the official voting period, drawing early attention to destinations with long-term appeal rather than seasonal popularity. Reader voting will open later this spring, with winners revealed at a ceremony in June.

For Mallorca’s international expat community, the nomination reflects everyday

reality. The island has evolved into a highly liveable destination, offering a strong balance of lifestyle, infrastructure and cultural depth. Reliable healthcare, international schools and excellent connectivity make relocation both practical and appealing. Condé Nast Traveler Spain praised Mallorca’s vibrant cultural scene, historic heritage and high-quality gastronomy as key reasons for its enduring popularity. Palma continues to attract residents with its mix of historic architecture, contemporary dining and thriving arts scene, while villages such as Valldemossa offer a slower, community-focused pace of life. Together, coast, city and countryside create a lifestyle that continues to draw expats seeking sunshine, culture and quality of living all year round.

Eclipse charters face scrutiny

MALLORCA is already seeing intense demand ahead of the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, an event expected to draw thousands of visitors as the island sits directly in the path of totality at sunset.

Luxury boat experiences have become one of the most talked-about ways to view the eclipse, with some online platforms advertising prices of up to €6,000 per person. However, local maritime associations and authorities have issued clear warnings: many of these offers may not comply with Spanish and Balearic maritime law.

Under current regulations,

licensed charter boats are hired as a whole vessel, not sold as individual passenger tickets unless the operator holds specific authorisation.

Officials say some third-party platforms are promoting eclipse cruises without en-

suring operators are legally permitted, insured, or licensed for night navigationa critical issue given the eclipse will occur at sunset.

Industry representatives estimate that around half of Mallorca’s legal charter fleet is already booked for the evening of the eclipse, intensifying pressure on both sea and land infrastructure.

Authorities have also raised concerns about congestion at sea, with many boats potentially gathering in the same areas, as well as safety

linked to low-light

Royals honour Princess Irene

SPAIN’S royal family gathered on Friday January 17, to attend a Requiem Mass in memory of Princess Irene of Greece, who died earlier this week aged 83. The service was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Saint Demetrius in Madrid.

Among those present were King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, accompanied by their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. Also attending was Queen Sofía, sister of the late princess, with whom she shared a close and enduring bond.

Princess Irene passed

away peacefully on Thursday January 15, at Zarzuela Palace, where she had lived for many years. Although born into the Greek royal family, she spent much of her adult life in Spain following the abolition of the Greek monarchy.

Known for her private nature, Princess Irene largely avoided public duties, focusing instead on academic, philosophical and humanitarian interests. She was widely respected for her intellectual work and dedication to charitable causes.

Following the memorial in Madrid, Princess Irene will be laid to rest at the Royal Cemetery of Tatoi Palace in Greece, alongside her brother, King Constantine II of Greece. The service marked a digni ed farewell to a royal gure whose life bridged two nations with quiet grace.

2026 travel trends

SPAIN is set to bene t from predicted travel trends in 2026, according to newly released Airbnb data. The report shows how Gen Z travellers, solo adventurers and social media-driven habits are reshaping travel across Europe, with Spain emerging as a key destination for short breaks, wellness trips and food-led experiences.

Published on January 15, the analysis draws on global Airbnb search and booking data.

rapid growth in one- to twoday international getaways. Instead of long beach holidays, younger travellers are choosing fast-paced city breaks centred on culture, nightlife and food. Airbnb links this to TikTok-driven trends promoting day trips abroad, designed to make the most of limited paid time o . Spain’s dense transport network, availability of budget ights and walkable historic cities make it especially attractive for this style of travel.

git growth in searches for several European locations. In Spain, the Costa del Sol is highlighted as an emerging solo travel hotspot for 2026. Solo travellers are drawn to destinations o ering wellness-focused activities such as yoga and hiking, mild climates, and a slower pace of life. Airbnb also notes growing interest in outdoor experiences, reinforced by the ‘touch grass’ social media trend.

Airbnb identi es Gen Z travellers, roughly aged 18 to 30, as the main force behind

Solo travel is also rising sharply worldwide, with Airbnb reporting triple-di-

Event-led travel is another de ning feature, with 65 per cent of top searches linked to major global events.

Explosive fault

A DRAMATIC electrical re erupted at Tortosa railway station in Catalonia on Saturday, January 17, after a fallen overhead power cable struck an empty train.

The incident began around 8pm, producing loud explosions, intense ames, and bright ashes that residents likened to a reworks display. Emergency services, including Catalan re ghters and Mossos d’Esquadra police, quickly attended the scene, bringing the blaze under control and cordoning o the area. No injuries were reported.

Adif, Spain’s rail infrastructure manager, attributed the re to a technical failure in the electrical system. The falling catenary contacted the train’s roof, causing electrical discharges, small explosions, and the subsequent blaze. Investigations are under way to determine the exact cause, including any possible maintenance issues.

Croqueta day

SPAIN recently celebrated International Day of the Croqueta , a celebration of one of Spain’s most cherished tapas.

While paella is often thought of as Spain’s national dish, it remains a regional speciality of Valencia. Across the country, the humble croqueta reigns supreme: crispy on the outside, luxuriously creamy within, and endlessly adaptable.

Rail tra c was immediately suspended both ways.

The croqueta is not originally Spanish. It originated in 17th-century France, where the term derives from ‘croquer’ (to crunch). Early versions, recorded in 1691, were simple fried balls of meat and herbs. By the 18th century, French chefs introduced béchamel sauce, and the modern luxurious form was popularised by Antonin Carême in 1817.

The dish reached Spain in the early 19th century during the Napoleonic occupation. Spaniards embraced it as economical ‘cuisine of leftovers’, transforming what was left into thick, creamy béchamel llings. By the 20th century, it had become an iconic tapa, with jamón ibérico emerging as the nation’s favou-

rite.

According to the 2025 Estudio Anual mo de Croquetas en Es- paña by croque tasricas.com, 72 per cent of consumers prefer jamón ibérico, far ahead of wild mushrooms (9 per cent), sh such as cod (6 per cent), and other varieties.

Yet Spanish creativity knows no limits. Alongside classics, bars o er daring specials: jet-black calamares en su tinta, chocolate or Oreo dessert versions, pistachio with jamón, chorizo with chocolate, and even snails or foie gras.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

MERCADER DEL MAR is one of those rare familyfriendly restaurants that genuinely delivers for parents and children. Set right on the Santa Ponsa coastline, it pairs sweeping sea views with a well-designed soft play area - meaning you can actually sit back, relax and enjoy your meal while the kids are happily entertained.

From the outset, the service is warm and accommodating. Staff are clearly used to hosting families and make the whole experience feel easy and unhurried. We requested a table near the soft play, but thanks to its clever placement at the back of the restaurant,

children are visible and safe wherever you’re seated.

On one side, little ones run off energy and make new friends; on the other, uninterrupted Mediterranean views create a calm, holidayready atmosphere. The food is crowd-pleasing and reliable. The pizzas were an instant hit with the kids, who tucked into classic Margheritas, while burgers are another solid option. For adults, shared starters like aubergine drizzled in honey

with goats’ cheese and a fresh salad were simple but satisfying. The wine list is standard yet well chosenperfect for a leisurely lunch. There’s also private parking, pet-friendly policies, and rice and paella dishes for those wanting traditional flavours. All in all, Mercader del Mar is a stress-free, seaside win for family dining in southwest Mallorca. www.mercaderdelmar.

com 971 692 313

MALLORCA

Help protect the beaches

ON Sunday January 25 the shores of Port de Pollença will welcome families, locals and visitors for a community beach clean-up that proves caring for the environment can be both meaningful and fun.

Set along one of the island’s most loved family beaches, the event invites participants of all ages to roll up their sleeves and take part in a relaxed, welcoming clean-up designed to inspire a sense of pride and responsibility for Mallorca’s natural beauty.

With gloves, bags and guidance provided, little ones can safely get involved while learning why protecting the sea and sand matters.

Rather than feeling like a chore, the morning is designed to feel social and uplifting. Volunteers can enjoy

Feel-good activity.

fresh sea air and community spirit while proudly see the difference they’re makingone bag of collected litter at a time.

Events like this have become a valued part of Mallorca’s social calendar, especially for families keen to connect with local life and give something back to the island they love. Once the

clean-up ends, many participants stay on to enjoy the beach, promenade cafés or a celebratory ice cream. Open to residents and visitors alike, the Port de Pollença Beach Clean-Up is a reminder that small actions - especially when sharedcan help protect Mallorca’s coastline for generations to come.

Celebrating 15 years of fire

Cultural calendar highlight.

FELANITX is set to blaze with light, sound and spectacle on Saturday January 24 as the town hosts its much-anticipated Correfoc, starting at 7pm at the Placa de sa Font de Santa Margalida.

This year’s celebration is especially significant as it honours 15 years of Espiadimonis.

Founded to preserve and promote fire culture in the area, the group has grown into a central pillar of local festivities, performing at Correfocs and community events across the region. Special elements are expected to mark the anniversary, reflecting both the group’s history and its deep connection to the town.

Correfoc - meaning ‘fire run’ in Catalan - is one of the Balearic Islands’ most dra-

matic traditions.

Devil-like performers, pounding drums and spinning fireworks take over the streets in a carefully choreographed display designed to immerse spectators in a ritual that dates back centuries.

In Felanitx, the Correfoc is a key feature of the winter fiesta calendar and offers a striking reminder that Mallorca’s cultural life doesn’t hibernate once summer ends. For many expats, events like this provide a rare opportunity to experience authentic local traditions, when town squares fill with neighbours rather than tourists.

As flames illuminate the streets of Felanitx, this winter’s Correfoc promises a powerful blend of tradition, community and celebration.

Spain and Africa colliding

SOUTHERN Spain, particularly Malaga, Almeria, Granada, and Murcia, experiences the country’s highest seismic activity due to the slow convergence of the African and Eurasian plates. This ongoing tectonic process builds stress in the Earth’s crust, released through frequent minor earthquakes, many of which are shallow and perceptible to local populations.

The region lies near a complex plate boundary under the Alborán Sea, featuring dense faults and fractured crust. The Betic Cordillera and surrounding areas experience deformation from compression and lateral movement, making the area geologically active.

Faults beneath the Granada Basin and inland systems like Alhama de Murcia contribute to localised tremors.

Continuous monitoring by Spain’s National Geographic Institute tracks thousands of quakes annually, although most are minor and cause little damage.

Scam warning issued

Authorities emphasise preparedness over alarm.

Buildings in Andalucia and Murcia incorporate seismic risk, and emergency response systems are designed for varying intensity levels. Public awareness campaigns encourage residents to adopt safety measures, understanding that small tremors may relieve some tectonic stress but do not eliminate the possibility of stronger quakes. The region’s seismicity

OASIZ, the largest shopping centre in Torrejon de Ardoz and across the Madrid region with 250,000 square metres, has o cially entered insolvency proceedings. The voluntary request came from its legal owner, Carlotta Iberia SL, submitted to Madrid Commercial Court No. 14, following pre-bankruptcy proceedings in July 2025. After negotiations with creditors, inclu-

is a permanent geological reality, re ecting millions of years of plate convergence. While disruptive, this activity de nes southern Spain’s natural landscape. Understanding the underlying geology allows for e ective risk management, ensuring residents and infrastructure are better prepared while acknowledging that occasional tremors are an enduring feature of life in this part of the Mediterranean.

Photo Credit: Molly Grace

EXPATRIATES in Spain are being urged to stay alert after a fraudulent letter falsely claiming to be from Spain’s Social Security authorities began circulating nationwide.

Spanish o cials have conrmed the letter is not genuine and forms part of a scam designed to steal personal and banking information.

The fake correspondence poses as an o cial notice from the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) and claims to relate to a supposed ‘change of bank details’. To appear legitimate, it uses formal language, an o cial-looking logo and references a recent cyberattack that allegedly resulted in lost data.

Recipients are asked to urgently resend sensitive information to ‘update their records’, including copies of both sides of their DNI or NIE, a bank statement showing account ownership or authorisation, and details of their last Social Security payment. The letter warns that failure to comply could a ect future payments and even promises a monthly increase

ding the Torrejon de Ardoz City Council and the Cale Street Fund, Carlotta Iberia led for liquidation to sell the centre and recover part of its debts, which exceed €320 million. A recent appraisal values Oasiz at around €140 million.

of between €75 and €150 - a classic pressure tactic. Crucially, victims are instructed to send this information to a private Outlook email address, something no Spanish government department would ever do. Authorities urged Social Security will never request personal or banking details by letter or email. Anyone receiving such a letter should not respond, should keep it as evidence, warn others, and verify concerns only through o

cial channels.

Oasiz faces liquidation

The debt stems from construction overruns, delays in attracting key retailers, and low footfall, which prevented the centre from meeting its targets. Cale Street Investment, the main creditor, has submitted an o er to acquire the centre, its retail spaces

and contracts. PKF Attest has been appointed as insolvency administrator.

Oasiz will remain open during the liquidation process, with around 80 per cent of retail space operating as usual, including Mango, Lidl, Fnac, and the Cinesa cinema chain. The centre’s opening was delayed four times, and occupancy and visitor numbers have consistently fallen short.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Creepy jellyfish

AN £8 children’s jellyfish toy bought via TikTok has been removed from sale after it was heard saying: “Live audio now being transmitted to data centre for analysis.” TikTok says it is investigating and has pulled the product while checks are carried out.

WTTC relocates

THE World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) will relocate its global headquarters from London to Madrid. The move, unanimously approved by its operating committee, cites Spain’s business environment, connectivity and proximity to UN Tourism and a larger international talent pool.

Wind & solar

A BANK consortium led by NORD/LB, Rabobank, and Siemens Bank has backed €135 million financing for a 199MW wind and solar portfolio acquired by ENCAVIS in Spain, supporting the country’s 2030 targets, including 62 GW of wind capacity and 76 GW of solar capacity.

Pub prices

UK pubs face fresh pressure after Diageo confirmed wholesale price rises from April 1, lifting the cost of Guinness Draught by 5.2 per cent and a 70cl bottle of Smirnoff by 13p. The firm cited rising business costs amid industry uncertainty.

AI advice

RESEARCH by Cleo AI finds UK adults aged 2840 are increasingly open to AI financial advice, amid weak savings and low confidence. While one in five are curious, trust remains a hurdle, with financial stress - not tech enthusiasm - driving interest, says founder Barney Hussey-Yeo.

STAT OF WEEK

The number of dissolved companies in Spain increased by 6.4% year-on-year. (2024-2025)

EU–Mercosur deal

SPANISH farmers are continuing protests against the EU–Mercosur trade deal, arguing it would put further pressure on European agriculture by opening the market to more imports from South America. In recent days, demonstrations have included tractor-led roadblocks in Catalonia on major routes such as the AP-7 and N-II, with disruption also reported near the port of Tarragona.

The protests come as the EU moves closer to formally signing the long-negotiated agreement. On January 9, the Council of the EU adopted decisions au-

thorising the signature of both the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement and an interim trade agreement, marking a major step after more than 25 years of talks.

The EU–Mercosur deal is a broad trade pact between the EU and the Mercosur bloc,

la Caixa updates

THE Board of Trustees of the la Caixa Foundation has renewed Isidro Fainé as chairman and approved a record €710 million budget for 2026.

According to an official statement published January 12, the board also unanimously re-elected Javier Godó as vice-chairman.

It also announced the Foundation’s 2025 financial statements, allocating €655 million to social programmes. These initiatives supported nearly 250,000 beneficiaries in Spain and Portugal through direct social intervention projects, including child poverty reduction, employment integration and elderly care, according to the same release.

led by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Its aim is to cut tariffs and expand market access, while including protections for sensitive sectors such as agriculture.

Farm organisations across Europe argue these safeguards are inadequate.

In Spain, protests have focused on Catalonia, where farmers have blocked key freight corridors near the French border, causing delays to cross-border traffic. Similar demonstrations have taken place in France and Greece.

Farmers’ groups say the agreement would expose EU producers to competition from imports produced under different cost and regulatory standards.

The European Commission says access for sensitive products such as beef, poultry and sugar will be limited through quotas and safeguard clauses.

The €710 million budget for 2026 represents an 8.4 per cent increase on the previous year and a 63.3 per cent rise since 2014. Nearly 60 per cent of the funding will be directed to social programmes, with 20 per cent each allocated to research and to cultural and scientific dissemination.

Drab Christmas UK hospitality

A NEW analysis from UKHospitality warns that six hospitality venues a day could close in 2026 without government action on business rates. The analysis forecasts the closure of 963 restaurants, 574 hotels, and 540 pubs following steep rate rises from April.

Chair Kate Nicholls said soaring costs risk forcing thousands of neighbourhood venues to shut, urging ministers to apply the maximum 20p multiplier discount to protect jobs and growth.

UK retailers endured a ‘drab Christmas’ as sales growth slowed for a fourth straight month, according to the British Retail Consortium. Total sales rose just 1.2 per cent year on year in December, well below last year’s performance.

While food sales were boosted by inflation, non-food spending fell as consumers delayed gift purchases in anticipation of discounts. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said households remained cautious, with Boxing Day sales providing only limited relief.

Alstom impact

ALSTOM has presented in Barcelona a new study by EY detailing its economic, industrial and social impact in Spain, with a strong focus on Catalonia. The report shows Alstom generated 7,316 jobs in Spain in the last financial year and contributed €400 million to national GDP, while purchasing over €530 million from Spanish suppliers. In Catalonia alone, the group supports more than 1,500 direct jobs, works with 320 local suppliers and spent €207 million regionally, while continuing to expand and modernise its Santa Perpètua industrial site with new production capacity and renewable energy investment.

SPAIN recorded €2.8 billion in hotel investment in the first three quarters of 2025, up 41 per cent year-on-year, according to recent research from Colliers.

Investment was almost evenly split between holiday hotels (54 per cent) and urban assets (46 per cent). The Canary Islands led capital attraction with 32 per cent of total volume, followed by Barcelona (17 per cent), Madrid (10 per cent) and the Balearic Islands (10 per cent). Domestic investors accounted for 61 per cent of activity, while investors increasingly targeted value-add opportunities, asset repositioning and secondary destinations.

Autonomous trucks Hotel investment

ITALIAN commercial vehicle maker IVECO has launched a new Level 4 autonomous driving programme in Spain with long-term partner PlusAI, aiming to deploy heavy-duty autonomous trucks in southern Europe for the first time. Working with logistics firm Sesé and the government of Aragon, the project will see IVECO S-Way trucks equipped with PlusAI’s SuperDriveTM system tested from 2026 on the Madrid–Zaragoza freight corridor, with safety drivers onboard throughout multi-year trials.

Seafood

exit

SPANISH seafood firm Nueva Pescanova is preparing to exit Mozambique, selling its subsidiary Grupo Pescamar and a fleet of 26 vessels, according to industry sources cited by Zitamar News. The move highlights the collapse of Mozambique’s once-lucrative prawn industry, which generated around $100 million annually at its peak before overfishing and environmental damage depleted stocks, reports Business Insider Africa.

3I Group 3.329,00 3.353,00 3.315,50 189,72K Admiral Group 3.062,00 3.068,00 3.030,00 43,47K

Airtel Africa 357,11 359,8 354,6 192,41K

Anglo American 3.220,00 3.255,00 3.186,00 262,97K

Antofagasta 3.584,00 3.604,00 3.535,00 88,3K

Ashtead Group 5.216,00 5.258,00 5.168,00 113,55K

Associated British Foods 1.872,50 1.873,50 1.849,50 62,19K AstraZeneca 13.964,00 14.188,00 13.960,00 159,53K

Auto Trader Group Plc 576,6 582,4 575,6 239,54K

Aviva 674,6 678,2 670,2 561,72K

B&M European Value Retail SA 168,6 170,99 165,8 673,05K

BAE Systems 2.129,18 2.159,00 2.105,00 1,39M Barclays 478,95 484,25 477,25 5,26M

Barratt Redrow 376,4 380,7 375,5 279,88K

Beazley 825,5 825,5 818 55,77K

Berkeley 3.948,00 3.982,00 3.932,00 9,87K

BP 436,85 439,9 435,45 2,86M British American Tobacco 4.368,00 4.375,00 4.306,00 349,07K BT Group 182 182,6 178,15 1,55M Bunzl 2.059,30 2.066,00 2.056,00 26,44K Centrica 181,35 183,05 181,25 1,09M

HBC AG 3.920,00 3.926,00 3.890,00 46,38K

2.302,00 2.307,00 2.281,00 181,04K

4.451,40 4.392,00 25,77K

5.485,00 5.635,00 5.483,48 31,33K

485,3 487,29 480 509,62K

14.207,40 13.635,00 11,6K

676,5 683 662,5 17,7K

3.902,00 3.950,00 3.842,00 306,33K

480,45

BUSINESS EXTRA

Recycling clothing

THE European Union will pilot clothing recycling incentives in Spain under the Horizon Europe-funded TexMat project, using smart containers that reward consumers with economic rebates linked to second-hand markets, supporting circular textiles and extended producer responsibility ahead of a possible EU-wide rollout.

TGI Fridays

TGI FRIDAYS has closed 16 UK restaurants, resulting in 456 job losses, after its UK operator entered administration. The remaining 33 sites will continue trading following a rescue sale to the brand’s global owner, safeguarding 1,384 jobs, administrators Interpath confirmed.

JD SPORTS Fashion plc has announced plans to let customers buy products directly through artificial intelligence platforms such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, starting in the United States in the coming months, according to a statement published by the retailer January 12.

The UK-based retailer said shoppers will be able to search for and purchase footwear, clothing and accessories in a single click without leaving AI apps, marking a significant shift in how online retail transactions are carried out.

AI shopping

Portion control

OCADO has launched a new range of GLP-1-friendly products, including a 100g extra-small steak, responding to growing demand for smaller, nutrient-dense portions among customers using weight-loss injections.

The launch follows Ocado research of more than 2,000 consumers, which found only 40 per cent understood how GLP-1 drugs such as Mounjaro and We-

govy work, while 42 per cent were aware weight loss can reduce lean muscle mass.

With up to 2.5 million UK adults estimated to be using injections by mid2025, Ocado has also introduced a dedicated Weight Management aisle, bringing together high-protein, high-fibre foods and meals designed to support healthier weight-loss journeys.

The initiative follows a global agreement between JD Sports Fashion plc, commercetools, and Stripe.

The deal will see JD become the first retailer to use commercetools’ Agentic Commerce Suite, which links AI-driven product searches directly to secure checkout and payment systems.

The rollout will begin with Microsoft Copilot, before extending to other large language models including Google Gemini and ChatGPT, as those platforms enable direct purchasing features.

JD said the US was selected as the launch market because it is the group’s largest, accounting for around 40 per cent of global sales.

Research shows rapid uptake among younger consumers, with consultancy KPMG finding that 30 per cent of people aged 25 to 34 used an AI-enabled chatbot to look for online deals in the past year.

UK Business Adviser

KATIE MARTIN has been appointed Business Adviser to the HM Treasury, working directly with Rachel Reeves from January 12. The unpaid, 12-month role aims to strengthen engagement with UK business leaders and support the government’s economic growth agenda, the Treasury said

AIRPORT operator Aena handled a record 321.6 million passengers in 2025, up 3.9 per cent on 2024, marking a third consecutive annual high. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport remained the busiest, as Aena prepares investment plans to meet rising demand.

Cloppers are here to stay

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I DO love my snooker. In actual fact, although I know of no one who plays it quite as badly as me, my never-failing attraction to those sportsmen and women who excel in the sport is one of my endearing pet habits. Unfortunately, it is a part of the audience that sticks in my craw. I warn you that once you are made aware of their existence your whole viewing experience will be changed for ever. These annoying little twaddles are the ‘cloppers’.

They are the audience members who are besotted with the ambition to always lead the applause. Generally, there are only one or two; annoying viewers whose handclaps sound like the more hollow and louder ‘clop’. A bit like horses’ hooves on the cobbles.

They are always heard first and generally manage one or two extra clops at the end of a burst of

applause. They don’t always get their own way. Occasionally, after a particular snooker shot, their clops are met with silence from the other supporters. ‘Clop clop’ and then nothing. But don’t worry they’ll be back again at the first opportunity. Boxing gloves would be a good idea, but don’t rush to supply, I’m afraid the cloppers are here to stay. Sorry to interfere with your enjoyment, but I can assure you from here on a round of snooker applause will never be quite the same again.

While we’re at it another stick in the craw for me is the practise of attaching plastic bottle tops to the neck of the receptacle. All right, all right, I know it’s been done to protect them being separated and consumed by unsuspecting species, but are they a darn nuisance or what! Firstly, the lids are almost impossible to re screw back on making any laid flat bottle leak all over the fridge. Pouring the liquid out into another receptacle can result in the liquid finishing up all over the worktop. Attempting to

actually drink from a plastic bottle presents all sorts of problems. If the still connected top is to the side the liquid dribbles from the corner of the mouth. If it is at the top it interferes with your nose and if you turn it around to the bottom the liquid spills down your chin. I dunno, has the ol’ boy completely lost the plot or couldn’t they have found some other way of protecting our endangered species?

Interesting to see that even though it’s a law passed in all the EU countries; it has also been adopted by a number of manufacturers in the UK. Is it yet another way for the Starmer brigade to slide the unsuspecting British public unobtrusively back into the clutches of our ever-hovering Common Market? Certainly, wouldn’t surprise me. Hang in there, stay as warm as you can. Try not to dribble too much. Keep that always very welcome mail coming and whatever you do, always

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.

INTERVIEW

Speaking European: Sasha Lindgren from Denmark

Sasha Lindgren, a Danish expatriate, has transformed her passion for baking into a thriving local success with the recent opening of her bakery business in Benalmadena.

SHE moved to the Costa del Sol with her family in 2014, keeping baking as a hobby. About 18 months ago, she began sharing creations with neighbours. The response was instant and enthusiastic.

Credit: EWN

“It started small, just for people I knew, but the reaction was incredible - everyone loved the cakes and the feedback has been wonderful. Word of mouth did the rest.”

Sasha & her creations.

Her rich, moist carrot cake and zesty lemon drizzle cake quickly became favourites, while Danish-style chocolate tru es, made to a treasured family recipe, have built a loyal following.

For Sasha, the key is balance: “A truly great cake must be fresh, moist and perfectly judged - not too dry, not overly

sweet. That harmony is what brings people back.” She introduced popular DIY boxes - tea sets with scones and Victoria sponge, birthday kits with mu ns and decorating supplies that delighted children, and Christmas cookie boxes with icing and sprinkles.

Determined to grow, Sasha has enrolled in a professional cake-decorating course to master piped icing and intricate designs. She dreams of creating wedding cakes. Through hard work, authenticity and a love of northern European baking, Sasha has found her place in Malaga Province, proving a heartfelt hobby can become a community success. There’s no going back now.

In flight bomb threat

ON Thursday, January 15, a Turkish Airlines ight from Istanbul to Barcelona made an emergency landing at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport after a bomb threat was detected on board.

The Airbus A321, operating as ight TK1853 with around 150 passengers, departed Istanbul about 30 minutes late at 9.22am Turkish time. As the plane approached Barcelona, crew detected that a passenger had created an in- ight wireless network with a name containing a bomb threat.

Spanish authorities activated full emergency protocols. Two Spanish Air Force ghter jets escorted the aircraft during its nal approach, after it circled over the Catalan coast for about 20 minutes. It touched down safely at 10.57am.

Passengers and crew were evacuated to the terminal without incident. A large-scale search involving Guardia Civil, Mossos d’Esquadra, National Police, re ghters, and Civil Protection personnel examined the aircraft, luggage, and all on board. No explosive device or other threat was found.

The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation to identify the passenger responsible for the message and determine the circumstances. Airport operations continued normally throughout, with no disruption to other ights, according to operator Aena. The all-clear was given and passengers were able to continue their journeys.

TOPTrending

Run Away

TWO things are certain in life: taxes, and Net ix releasing a thrilling adaptation of Harlan Coben’s best-selling novels.

Run Away is the newest limited series to Net ix’s Coben collection which has built a reputation for being must-watch TV.

James Nesbitt stars as Simon, a father tormented by the disappearance of his drug addicted daughter. While searching for her, Simon nds himself stumbling on secrets that could destroy his family for good. Over the course of eight episodes one thing is clear: everyone is hiding a secret.

The

THE doctors of The Pitt are clocking in for another shift, as season 2 of the hit medical drama returns.

Medical dramas are television staples, but The Pitt manages to feel fresh with the unique premise of each season taking place over the course of one shift in the emergency room. This allows for a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience which has made The Pitt so popular with viewers.

The second season takes place 10 months on from the events of the rst. With the shift taking

No planes? No problem: I crossed the World anyway

FROM COAST TO COAST

I’VE been writing about my challenge: crossing the world from Malaga to California - without planes. Pure madness? Maybe. Genius? Possibly. Absolutely absurd? Definitely. Every adventure, long ride, and unexpected friendship proved one thing: travel is far more fun when you ignore common sense.

A big scare on a transatlantic flight - nine hours from LA to Paris, sweating, choking, praying like a monk, wondering if my life insurance covered mid-air emergencies - made me swear: never again. And yet, California called. No wings? No problem. Bus, train, ferry, taxi, Queen Mary 2… let’s roll… literally.

The first leg - Malaga to Paris by bus - was almost heroic. Almost. Changing buses at 3am in the Basque Country, bleary-eyed, I nearly shouted at the police: “Yes, it’s me! Take me away, I give up!” Spoiler: they didn’t.

Paris to Caen? Bliss. Rolling countryside, train wine, the illusion that I was chic instead of insane. Caen greeted me with locked hotel doors, no staff, no phone. Midnight adventure: find the key or sleep with the potted plants. Classic.

Then came the ferry to Portsmouth. First sea crossing - no falling over board! Score. Southampton arrived with buzzing nerves and caffeine-fue lled exhaustion. I’d always thought transatlantic voyages were for billio naires, aristocrats, or people who whis per ‘Titanic’. Somehow, there I was.

And then… the Queen Mary 2. Red carpet. Champagne in the cabin. Roses. Towels folded like swans - or very confused seals. I wept. Possibly hugged someone. Every corridor screamed: Luxury! Do not touch! And yet, my main mis sion remained: find the buffet.

Days at sea became a delightful routine: heavy-china breakfasts, laps on deck, martinis at the Commodore Club, and my obsessive quest to locate the elusive buffet. Whisky tastings at 10am? Why. Line dancing afterward? Public hazard. Afternoon Tea? Chaotic and glorious. Then - revelation - Stilton cheese at midnight.

And suddenly… Manhattan. Tiny flickers in the dark mistaken for floating continents. Heart racing, wig nearly lost. As the QM2 slid under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York sparkled like it knew I’d earned it. From there, trains carried me west: Penn Station madness, Chicago gusts, Route 66 stretches, and tumbleweeds that looked suspiciously like aliens. Sleep? Optional. Luggage chaos? Guaranteed. Joy? Unquestionable.

Finally - California. Santa Monica. The spot where Interstate 10 ends, from the Atlantic to my beloved Pacific. Endless blue, salty air, and me, slightly emotional, still obsessed with snacks and Stilton after a world crossed without a plane.

But in my defence, the joy was never the destination but the journey… (Yeah, Lucca, what can you say - ha!)

The adventure isn’t over - if you’d like to follow the full eight-part series, you can read it here: https://euroweekly news.com/author/lucca-movaldi/.

Please follow me for more super absurd travelling ideas at aif2018@hot

Spain in mourning

IN the devastating high-speed rail collision near Adamuz, Cordoba Province, the death toll has risen above 40, as rescue operations continue. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday evening when an Iryo train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed, with its rear carriages veering onto the opposite track. Moments later, it was struck head-on by an oncoming Renfe Alvia train bound for Huelva, travelling at 200 km/h. The impact derailed the second train as well, sending carriages tumbling down a four-metre embankment and scattering wreckage over hundreds of metres. The tragedy moved the entirety of Spain as a national three days of mourning was announced. The cause remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest the derailment

originated in one of the Iryo carriages invading the adjacent line, though all hypotheses - including potential track or vehicle failures - are open.

Heavy machinery, including giant cranes, has been deployed to lift the twisted wreckage, particularly the Alvia carriages. The high-speed line between Madrid and Andalucia remains closed for at least two weeks as

investigations proceed and repairs are made.

Amid the grief, Spain has shown remarkable solidarity: blood donation centres across the country reported triple the usual number of donors in the aftermath, as citizens rallied to support the injured. This has been the worst train accident in three years, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Spooky Spanish Stone-Age supper story!

were found in about 650 bone fragments. The evidence? Clear butchery marks, human bite impressions and signs the bones were boiled and... chopped...

WARNING! You don’t like spooky stories? Go and have a cup of coffee or flick ahead to the crossword page... Still with me? Read on!

If you thought the neighbours in your Spanish village could be a little frosty, spare a thought for the unfortunate souls of El Mirador cave. Archaeologists from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution have uncovered what can only be described as the remains of the worst dinner invitation in history – a Late Neolithic cannibal feast!

Radiocarbon dating places the grim gathering at around 5,600 years ago, when locals were swapping spears for sickles and learning that farming didn’t always mean harmony.

The remains of 11 people - children, teenagers and adults, possibly one family -

These weren’t ancient ritual sacrifices: researchers found no ceremonial trappings. This was no solemn farewell, but systematic, neighbourly hostility - a suspected post-conflict menu choice.

The findings, published in Scientific Reports, suggest cannibalism wasn’t merely an occasional quirk of desperate times, but perhaps a more regular item on the Late Neolithic dining calendar. So, in an age before takeaway pizza, was this simply what happened when disputes over farming plots got… well… out of hand?

Either way, El Mirador offers a sobering reminder: always be nice to your neighbours - they might just invite you for dinner!

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.

Europe’s safest airlines

FOR passengers uneasy about flying, a new global safety ranking offers reassurance. AirlineRatings has released its list of the world’s 25 safest airlines for 2026, analysing data from over 320 carriers. Europe features strongly, with seven airlines in the top 25, reflecting high safety standards across the continent.

Leading Europe is Turkish Airlines, ranked 12th globally. Operating from Istanbul and flying to more countries than any other airline, it has not recorded a fatal commercial accident since 2009. Close behind is Virgin Atlantic, 13th worldwide, which has never suffered a fatal crash since its launch in 1984. Other European carriers in the top 25 include TAP Air Portugal (16th), SAS Scandinavian Airlines (17th), British Airways (18th), Iberia (20th) and Lufthansa (21st), reflecting

long-term operational consistency.

Low-cost carriers also perform strongly. European airlines make up 40 per cent of the safest budget operators. easyJet ranks fifth globally, with no fatal accidents since 1995. AirBaltic, Wizz Air, TUI, Vueling, Norwegian, Jet2, Ryanair, Transavia and Eurowings also feature, challenging the perception that cheaper fares mean lower safety.

Rankings are based on a seven-star system considering fatal accidents, pilot-related incidents, fleet age and international safety audits. Participation in IATA’s Turbulence Aware programme is included, while terrorism-related incidents are excluded. Etihad Airways tops the global list, but Europe’s strong showing reassures travellers choosing either full-service or low-cost carriers.

Dali in the dump

AN employee at a charity shop in Ghent has made an extraordinary artworld discovery after rescuing a Salvador Dalí lithograph that was just moments away from being thrown out.

Nicolas Bracke, who works at a branch of Kringwinkel on Getouwstraat, spotted the damaged artwork leaning against a container destined for disposal. The glass in the frame was broken and the piece appeared worn, but something about it caught his eye.

“I thought it was beautiful,” Bracke said. “Even though it looked ready to be thrown away.”

On closer inspection, he noticed the name Salvador Dalí engraved on the frame. Further checks revealed an edition number matching a known Dalí lithograph series, identifying the work as ‘La femme che

Artwork saved from the skip.

val’ (The Woman Horse).

The Dalí was not the only surprise among the donations. Bracke also uncovered Father and Son by Roger Raveel, one of Belgium’s most celebrated post-war artists. Both works are believed to have been donated unknowingly, likely during a house clearance.

“I did a little dance of

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joy,” Bracke admitted.

The artworks will be sold at a public auction on January 22, when the Ghent charity shop will be transformed into a temporary gallery. Proceeds from the sale will support Kringwinkel’s social employment projects, turning an almost-forgotten donation into a valuable cause.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Eyes on Mijas

MIJAS Council has announced plans to install more than 150 AI-equipped surveillance cameras to enhance public safety across the municipality.

The €2 million project, unveiled by Mayor Ana Mata will create a 24/7 monitoring network managed by the Local Police Coordination Centre (CECOM). Cameras will be strategically placed in the main population centres - Mijas Pueblo, La Cala, and Las Lagunas - as well as key urbanisations, public squares, high-traffic areas, and major access points.

High-resolution cameras with night vision and artificial intelligence will support crime prevention, protect public spaces and heritage, and aid traffic control through licence plate recognition. The system, developed with police input and a specialist company, will transmit images mainly via wireless networks to reduce costs and disruption. The council confirmed full compliance with data protection laws.

Axarquia Record breaking year

EL INGENIO shopping centre in Velez-Malaga enjoyed a standout year in 2025, posting record visitor numbers and sales as it marked its 25th anniversary.

The centre welcomed 9.2 million visitors last year, a 3.4 per cent increase on 2024. This strong performance significantly outpaced the national trend in Spain, where the ShopperTrak index showed only about a 2.5 per cent rise in footfall and the Cadlan index remained virtually flat.

Aggregate store turnover rose by an impressive 7.1 per cent, another record figure for the site.

Owned by Salsa Patrimonio and managed by MVGM, El Ingenio described the results as “very positive” and said they reinforced its competitive strength in a period of limited sector-wide growth.

Opened on Monday, November 6, 2000, the open-air centre has become a key retail and leisure destination on the eastern Costa del Sol. Its bright airy spaces, multiplex cinema and wide dining choices have helped it attract locals and visitors.

Costa Blanca North Wilder Cinema

CINE JAYAN in Javea has been chosen as one of the launch venues for Wilder Cinema, a bold new cultural brand dedicated to reviving cinema as a shared, community experience. Kicking off in five cities - Madrid, Barcelona, Guadalajara, Lleida, and Javea - the pilot phase offers films and events designed to be enjoyed collectively under the best conditions.

Wilder Cinema isn’t just a schedule; it’s a curated programming label running alongside Jayan’s regular lineup, showcasing classics, cult films, anime, family favourites, and pre-releases.

February and March feature timeless titles like Citizen Kane, Modern Times, and The 400 Blows, alongside contemporary hits such as Her and family favourites like Princess Mononoke.

Javea also hosts the Spanish premiere of Marty Supreme on January 22, starring Timothée Chalamet, Golden Globe winner and Oscar frontrunner.

Costa Blanca South Tourism transformation

TORREVIEJA has officially presented the strategy it will showcase at FITUR 2026, the largest international tourism fair in the world, to be held from January 21 to January 25 in Spain’s shining capital of Madrid. The strategy includes a reinforcement of Torrevieja’s tourism promotion, from its laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, its reputation as a Costa Blanca music hub, and its plans for a transformation of its urban landscape.

Torrevieja’s programme for FITUR 2026 will include the presentation of the video, ‘Torrevieja, the City We are Building’. The video will showcase an overview of projects that will redefine the municipality, including the renovation of the port of Torrevieja, the enhancement of the Salt Flats, the protection of the environment of the La Mata Lagoons Natural Park, the revitalisation of the Sport City, and the New University Headquarters i. The town is known as one of the places to be when it comes to music events and festivals.

Almeria

Carnival countdown begins

THE highly anticipated return of Albox’s 2026 Carnival has finally been confirmed. Taking place Saturday, February 7, the big day will commence at 6.00pm with a parade that will depart from Plaza San Francisco, bringing the streets of Albox to life as the Carnival spirit takes over. Costumed revellers will take over the town, passing through the historic streets, spreading an infectious joy and filling the whole town with music you can’t help but dance. The party really begins when it reaches the Water and Health Centre. Those in attendance are encouraged to dance and celebrate the Carnival. Dressing up for the occasion is also encouraged. In fact, it’s set to be rewarded as the Carnival is holding a group and troupe costume contest. Organisers welcome the wildest costumes that contestants can dream up. To register for the competition, scan the QR code on the Carnival’s official poster. The announcement generated a buzz of anticipation throughout town as residents eagerly await Albox’s most exciting event.

Costa Calida Pet processions

CARTAGENA experienced a lively day of community, blessings and tradition during the blessing of the animals, celebrating one of the most deeply-rooted traditions of the San Antón neighbourhood. The event, which took place on Saturday, January 17, is dedicated to San Antonio Abad, the patron saint of animals, and over time, the blessing of the animals has become a traditional event in many areas of Spain.

Various activities were held in honour of the event, including several processions and periods of prayer. Held at noon, the blessing of the animals was the main event, historically used to protect horses, oxen, and other animals on which the livelihoods of many households depended. Nowadays, most of the animals being blessed are companions or pets.

During these days, the traditional San Antón rolls were distributed to the citizens of Cartagena, a traditional Spanish sweet bread shaped into a ring or cylinder to bring the community together.

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Dog walk alternatives

THERE are some days when taking your dog on three long walks isn’t possible. Whether sickness or extreme weather conditions, these things happen. But your dog is still going to need to let out all that energy some other way.

Tug of war is a great physical work-out for you and your dog. It’s also a useful tool for teaching them impulse control as you can train them to ask permission to take the toy, and to let go upon command. Tugof-war lets your dog roughhouse in a controlled environment.

Another fun, interactive game to play with your dog is hide and seek. Maybe not ideal if you live in a studio apartment, but if you’ve got the space, this could pass the time and tire out your pup. You can either hide yourself, a favourite toy, or treats around your house for an impromptu scavenger hunt. Just make sure the breakables are put away before they zoom around the house.

Knock it off

CATS are like teenagers. Loving one minute, making you want to pull your hair out the next. Much like teenagers, they act out for attention. One such act of rebellion is by purposefully knocking things off tables.

You scolding or punishing your cat could be reinforcing these negative behaviours. You’re giving them the attention they want and will act out to get. Instead, try to divert their attention. If you see them lock in on your favourite vase, distract them with toys or treats. Reinforce the idea that they’ll be rewarded for not causing chaos and destruction.

cry for attention or animal instinct?

lation to keep them entertained. More than buying them toys and equipping your house with scratching posts, use interactive toys to challenge your feline-friend. To a certain extent, pushing things over is instinctual. They might see objects around your home as prey, or simply be curious as to see how they feel under their sensitive paws. Again, keeping them entertained will distract them and let them exercise their instincts elsewhere.

Spend the time you’d normally be out on a walk to teach your dog a new trick. The challenging aspect of these lessons will get their bra-

ins working. Not only will they master a new skill, but it will keep them entertained and the mental exercise eventually tire them out.

Another reason could be that they’re bored. Cats are intelligent creatures and need a lot of mental stimu-

Curbing your cat’s bad habit of knocking things off the table could be as simple as giving them a little extra love and attention. Don’t wait until they demand it, seek them out and regularly interact with them.

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Improving health

PALMA’S Municipal Sports Institute and the Ministry of Health are collaborating to get the population moving. Their new initiative, the B@ les programme, is aimed at helping adults adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and works to reduce sedentary behaviour in the population.

The B@les Palma programme is specifically targeted towards adults over the age of 18 who are overweight, obese or physically inactive in their day to day life. Participants are accepted into the programme following a referral from a healthcare professional. They will then undergo an initial assessment to understand their needs. From there, they will be supported by expert professionals who will help tailor a workout plan that best fits the needs of each individual partici-

pant.

For six months, continuous monitoring is carried out. The overarching aim of the programme is for all participants to be equipped with the necessary tools to continue their practising healthy habits even after their programme has ended. Results from the programme’s pilot phase were extremely positive, leading Palma City Coun-

cil to expand the programme to now operate in three municipal sports centres - Son Moix, Germans Escalas and Rudy Fernandez.

Overhauling your life in such a transformative way can be daunting, but the B@les Palma programme aims to support, encourage and help citizens to improve their health and their quality of life.

Nordic walking tour

CALVIA City Council are running Nordic walking tours through the month of February, in an effort to promote physical exercise and community bonding.

Nordic walking is a great form of exercise that involves walking with poles, strengthening and conditioning your arms and upper body as well as your legs. It’s easy to pick-up, especially when guided by an expert instructor.

Each walk will begin with a warm up and end with stretches to ensure all participants are in peak physical condition and to avoid injury.

The routes are easy, having been adapted for maximum accessibility for all ages and abilities. The focus is on im-

proving health through movement, natural spaces and community spirit rather than competition.

Taking part in the Nordic Walking programme is completely free of charge and the Nordic walking poles will be provided to all participants. The only thing participants need to take part is water, and suitable workout attire.

The initiative begins Saturday February 7 with the tour leaving from the Centre de Salut de Palmanova at 4.00pm. It will continue every Saturday throughout the month. Organisers recommend staying updated on social media or through their website www. calviadeportes.com/nordic-walking.

First round success

MALLORCAN tennis star, Jaume Munar, has got off to an excellent start in the Australian Open, progressing to the second round in both the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles.

Born in Santanyi, Mallorca, Jaume Munar is currently ranked 39th in the ATP standings. His impressive performance in 2025 saw him lead Spain to the Davis Cup finals.

In his opening Men’s Singles match, Munar staged an epic comeback against Czech tennis player, Dalibar Svrcina who had match point in the fourth set. After four and a half hours of play, Munar won 3-6, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 and 6-3.

This is just the third time in his career that Munar has advanced to the second round of the Australian Open, having previously done so in

2020 and 2024.

Not only did Munar have to fight against a significant points gap, he also had to contend with distraction from spectators. In the fourth set - trailing 2-4, 15-40 - he turned to the crowd and cried “will you shut up?” before taking his serve. Additionally, Munar also advanced through the first round of the doubles draw. Alongside his Valencian teammate, Pedro Martínez, the pair defeated the duo of Pruchya Isaro and Niki Kaliyanda Poonach, 7-6 and 7-5.