Fighting back
CALA NOVA Cancer Care Charity recently donated a total of €46,000 to four local charities through their San Agustin shops.
The donations were divided among Aspanob (Children’s Cancer Support) and AECC (Spanish Association of Cancer Care), each receiving €20,000, while Dime (Palliative Care) and Cancer Support received €3,000 each.
These organisations provide vital services across the Balearic Islands, and Cala Nova Cancer Care is proud to support them.
Since opening in 2011, the charity has raised over €500,000, thanks to community donations, shoppers, and volunteers.
The charity thrives on the generosity of those who donate unwanted items, as well as volunteers who dedicate their time.
The team is always looking for more volunteers to help out, even for a few hours, from Monday to Saturday between 10.00am and 2.00pm.
In preparation for the festive season, Cala Nova Cancer Care is hosting a Christmas Market on November 9, from 11.00am to
4.00pm, at the Nova Restaurant terraces in the Port of Cala Nova.
The market will feature stalls selling Christmas decorations, a postbox for letters to Santa, entertainment from Izzie and the Balearic School Children’s Choir, and various food and drink options.
There will also be a tombola and raffle, with all proceeds going to
Aspanob to support children with cancer.
Visitors to the Christmas Market are encouraged to donate new toys for children with cancer, labelling gifts with the appropriate age and whether they are for a boy or girl.
The charity invites everyone to join in the festivities and help make this event a success!
Mallorca magic
A LEADING consulting firm specialising in tourism, Brainstrust, has released its latest report from the Tourism Barometer, forecasting record-breaking figures for Spain’s international visitors and spending in 2024.
Among Spain’s key regions, the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca, stand out as major contributors to this surge.
The firm predicts over 91 million tourists and around €125 billion in spending next year, with further growth anticipa-
ted in the coming years.
By 2040, Spain is expected to welcome 115 million international visitors, potentially surpassing France as the world’s leading tourist destination.
Tourism plays an especially vital role in the economies of the Balea-
ric Islands.
In Mallorca the tourism sector is already a significant economic driver, and this influence is set to expand further. The islands are focusing not only on increasing visitor numbers but also on promoting high-quality tourism.
Palma soars
THE sky’s the limit for tourism as recently released figures reveal that Palma de Mallorca Airport enjoyed a record-breaking September.
The airport saw 4,074,740 passengers which is a 5.5 per cent increase from the same month last year.
Of these passengers, 816,930 were on domestic flights within Spain, a 3.6 per cent rise.
International travel grew by a whopping 6 per cent, with 3,255,678 passengers flying in or out of the country.
Germany had the most international passengers, with 1,277,280 people. The UK followed with 816,306 passengers, and France with 172,434.
Poland saw the biggest jump, with a 35.1 per cent increase in passengers.
In total, the airport handled 28,191 flights, up 6.2 per cent compared to September 2023.
From January to September, the airport served 27,525,453 passengers, a 7.2 per cent increase, with 197,510 flights, up 6.5 per cent.
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Image: Cala Nova Cancer Care Charity Shop / Facebook
The Cala Nova team.
Tourism plays a vital role in the Balearics.
Mallorcan art meets Gaudi Room rush
IN Barcelona, the Sagrada Família is considering the addition of a significant ceramic mural by Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló as part of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece.
However, no final decision has been made yet, as the basilica is currently concentrating on finishing the Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest structure in Gaudí’s unfinished complex.
The sculptural elements for the façade will be inspired by Gaudí’s original sketches of heaven and hell, created before his death. With the centenary of his passing approaching in 2026, any developments involving the Mallorcan artist will be addressed after the celebration of Any Gaudí.
Miquel Barceló, a painter and sculptor from Felanitx, is known for his exploration of themes such as heaven, hell, and
purgatory. He illustrated the three large-format volumes of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy in an award-winning edition published by Galaxia Gutemberg.
He also has significant experience with large-scale projects in religious contexts, notably his renovation of the Santíssim chapel in Palma Cathedral, completed in 2007.
His work there includes a depiction of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, alongside the restoration efforts by
Gaudí in the early 20th century, which features prominently in the main altar’s canopy.
The planned sculptural work for the Glòria façade of the Sagrada Família will cover an area of 45 by 50 metres, with intentions for multiple artists to contribute to the various sculptural groups.
IN the third quarter, the supply of rooms in shared flats across Palma and Mallorca experienced notable shifts, according to a report by Idealista, a leading real estate marketplace in southern Europe.
Room availability in Palma dropped by 17 per cent year-on-year, highlighting a tightening market in the Balearic capital.
Despite this decrease in supply, rental prices in Palma surged by 22 per cent, one of the highest increases in the country, bringing the average cost of a room to €500 per month, making it the third most expensive city for shared accommodation after Barcelona and Madrid.
Nationally, the supply of shared rooms grew by 20 per cent, keeping rental prices relatively stable, with
a modest 5 per cent increase, averaging €400 per month.
However, Palma stands out with its significant price hike compared to other cities. In contrast, cities like San Sebastián (-27 per cent), Teruel (-22 per cent), and Bilbao (-20 per cent) also saw declines in supply, but none with such a notable impact on rental costs as in Palma.
Although Palma’s room availability tightened, other cities saw sharp increases in supply. Badajoz led with a 163 per cent rise, followed by Castellón de la Plana (83 per cent), Albacete (77 per cent), and Valencia (75 per cent).
In larger rental markets like Malaga and Barcelona, supply surged by 32 per cent and 11 per cent respectively.
Barceló is a painter and sculptor from Felanitx.
Image: Esteban Martinena / Shutterstock.com
Image Miquel
Barceló / Facebook
Mallorca motoring
THE Classic Car Club of Mallorca was unable to organise an event in September, so this will be the rst one after the summer break.
Since no one has volunteered to arrange a new run for this month, the group has decided to revisit a previous, well-loved event titled ‘Signs of Mallorca’, which will take place on Saturday, October 26. The run was originally organised by Stan Hunter and Pam Gardner, and the theme will focus on observation as participants will need to spot missing words from signs along the route.
The Car Run will cover a 70km distance along scenic roads both south and north of Esporles. It should take around 90 minutes to complete, with an opportunity for a coee break along the way.
The group will meet at Festival Park at 10.30am, where co ee and croissants will be available for purchase at the bar. The Car Run will start at 11.00am, ending at the familiar Quay Lofthotel Restaurant near Espor-
Need to talk?
WHEN Krista founded Cancer Support Mallorca, one of her primary goals was to provide emotional support to cancer patients. She devoted countless hours to counselling, meditation, and mindfulness, often making herself available 24 hours a day, all on a voluntary basis.
Tragically, Krista passed away due to Covid, leaving a signi cant void in the organisation. However, thanks to the support of The Gap Counselling, Cancer Support Mallorca has been able to continue o ering counselling to all patients in need.
Due to the growing demand for services and the need to now pay for most counselling sessions, even at a reduced rate, the organisation has reassessed its o erings. This re-evaluation has actually led to an
les, where a delicious three-course lunch will be served.
Lunch will begin at 2.00pm, and the cost is €35 per person for members and their co-pilot.
There will be an admi-
nistration fee of €15 per car for non-members.
If you encounter any issues while registering, email info@ccc-mallorca. com.
The Classic Car Club look forward to welcoming you on October 26.
expansion of services. Now, when a patient requests emotional support, they are not only o ered counselling but also assigned a buddy and given the opportunity to participate in group sessions.
All buddies are receiving ongoing training. If you have experienced cancer or cared for someone with cancer and are interested in becoming a buddy, contact Cancer Support Mallorca for more information.
The organisation currently o ers two di erent programmes for group sessions. Mosaic of Grief, which began in September, is designed for individuals who have lost their partners to cancer. If you would like to sign up for the next group, please reach out. The second programme, HELP, is aimed at supporting cancer patients at any stage of their journey. The rst session of this group will be held on November 15, so there is still time to sign up.
FOR MORE NEWS STORIES
ON Sunday October 27 at 03.00, Daylight Saving Time ends and the clocks will be turned back one hour to 02.00. There will be more light in the morning, however the dark nights will start to draw in.
Clocks go back Spain’s new driving points system
STARTING Monday, 4 November 2024, Spain will implement changes to its driving licence points recovery system, aiming to improve road safety. Drivers who have lost points will now need to complete 10 hours of training, divided into two parts: a seven-hour standard module and a three-hour course focused on speci c driving violations.
The standard module will include group sessions led by psychologists, featuring road safety education, and possibly testimonials from accident victims. The goal is to increase awareness and prevent future violations. The tailored section will address the driver’s speci c o ences, such as speeding or drink-driving.
Professional drivers, including those operating buses, taxis, ambulances and lorries, can take the recovery course once a year. However, private drivers are limited to once every two years, making it vital to complete the training carefully.
This update follows another change from Spain’s Dirección General de Trá co (DGT) this year, which now allows drivers to access their theoretical test results within an hour via the MiDGT app.
Expatriate drivers in Spain, particularly those driving for work, should be aware of these new rules. Stay informed about the latest tra c regulations to avoid penalties and ensure safer driving.
For more information, visit the DGT’s o cial website.
Transport strikes
TWO of the biggest unions in Spain have called road transport strikes for seven days over the next two months.
CCOO and UGT have called on road transport workers, including lorry, bus, and ambulance drivers, as well as members of the public in their own vehicles, to protest in favour of an earlier retirement age for drivers.
Strike organisers are demanding a change in the law on grounds of public safety, claiming that the rising age of retirement is far too high for many drivers and that there should be an exception in the retirement age for them.
The strikes are due to take place on Monday, October 28; Friday, November 11; November 28 and 29; and on December 5, 9, and 23. If, by the new year, their demands are not met by the government, the strike could continue inde nitely.
The demands of the unions are not without wiggle room for negotiation. They have already stated that semi-retirement or half days be considered until drivers have built up enough points to qualify for a full state pension.
“We ask for understanding from everyone in society for the negative e ects that the strike may cause, with which, ultimately, we are ensuring the road safety of everyone and a better quality of life for the working class.”
Image: Classic Car Club / Facebook
Image: Cancer Support Group, Mallorca / Facebook
Join the classic car run.
Autumn action
AFTER a quiet few months over the summer, events at the Cancer Support Group, Mallorca, have returned in full swing this autumn. The group was happy to attend the Calanova Coffee Morning on September 27, hosted their own meet-up on September 26, and held a volunteer training session on September 19.
There are plenty of exciting events coming up, including the Feria de Asociaciones Dando Vida a la Muerte on October 26, an open day at SFM Inca on October 31, a Movember football match on November 3, the Calanova Christmas Market on November 9, the Congreso Pacientes y Familiares AECC on November
23, and Dia del Voluntariado del Govern Balear on November 30.
You can find more details about these events on the website cancersupportma llorca.com and social media pages, and it’s likely more will be added to the list.
In addition to these events, the next volunteer
training session will take place on November 22, and an event planning meeting will be held on November 26 to discuss activities and events for 2025. If you’re interested in signing up as a volunteer and attending either of these meetings, contact the Cancer Support Group, Mallorca.
THE 13th Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF) is set to begin on Friday, October 30, with an opening gala at Palma’s Teatre Principal.
During the event, renowned actress Annette Bening will be honoured with the Evolution Icon Award, and Oscar-winning cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle will receive the Cinematography Icon Award. German actress Emilia Schüle will also be recognised with the Evolution New Talent Award.
The festival will conclude on Thursday, November 5, with the closing gala and awards ceremony at the Palma Congress Centre.
This year’s festival will showcase over 140 films, including five world premieres, nine national premieres, and five scree-
nings unique to the Balearic Islands.
The festival will also feature the Made in Balearic Islands section, which showcases 36 locally-produced films, both feature-length and short.
Tickets for screenings, as well as passes for the opening and closing events, can be purchased on the festival’s official website at evolutionfilmfestival.com.
THE Balearic Government is set to launch the ‘Safe Rental’ programme in November, aiming to make more affordable housing available to residents by bringing unused or vacant properties into the rental market.
Under this initiative, small property owners are encouraged to offer their homes at a rent that is 30 per cent lower than the market rate. In return, landlords will receive financial security, with the Administration guaranteeing timely rent payments.
The programme sets a maximum monthly rent based on property assessments carried out by real estate agents. For properties in Mallorca and Menorca, the cap is set at €1,500, with tenants paying no more than €1,050.
Landlords are assured of regular rent collection by the government, and they can opt for flexible payment options, such as monthly or annual payments, or even a seven-year advance.
Regional romance Screen dreams Homes for locals
WHILE love is often said to have no boundaries, being physically close can help strengthen relationships. In the Balearic Islands, 55 per cent of couples are made up of two people born in the same area, which is a bit lower than the national average of 64 per cent.
Many Mallorcans, however, also form relationships with people from other parts of Spain. The most common partners come from Barcelona.
An independent study by the dating site SugarDaters analysed data from the Active Population Survey (INE) over the past six
quarters and found that 4.2 per cent of couples in the Balearic Islands have one partner from Barcelona, the highest inter-regional pairing in the community.
Alexandra Olariu, marketing director of SugarDaters, explains that people are more likely to form inter-regional relationships with those who live nearby or share strong social connections.
She adds that love can often overcome distances, with many willing to make sacrifices, like moving away from friends and family, to be with
their partner.
After Barcelona, the next most common partners for people in the Balearic Islands are from Granada (2.1 per cent) and Valen cia (1.5 per cent). These three regions are the most frequent outside the BaIslands.
Additionally, the programme offers several incentives to landlords, including tax deductions and guarantees that their property will be returned in the same condition it was rented out.
To qualify, property owners must meet certain conditions, such as owning the property for at least three years and not being classified as large property owners. They are also required to cover property-related taxes and fees.
Balloon bonanza
MALLORCA is thrilled to host the Illes Balears Ballooning Festival. The festival kicked off on October 23 and will run until October 27.
This inaugural hot air balloon competition features 20 balloons from 12 different nationalities.
A highlight of the festival is its creative flair, showcasing balloons in quirky shapes such as a frog, a rocket, and even a child’s face.
On October 25 and 26, the first flight will take off at 8.00am.
The festival will wrap up on Sunday, October 27, beginning with a fli ght at 8.00am. and gas loading at 11.00am in preparation for the evening balloon display.
At 1.00pm, festival-goers can enjoy a farewell paella before the
nale at 6.00pm, featuring a spectacular night display at the Castell de Capdepera.
For more information, head to the website: ibballooningfestivalmallorca. com, or email: office@ib ballooning.net.
FOOTBALL fans will be delighted to hear that the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced that the 2025 Spanish Super Cup will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the King Abdullah Stadium, which holds 62,242 spectators.
The tournament will feature four teams: La-
Community compassion
CANCER Support Group Mallorca (CSG) is a registered association established to assist the foreign community living in Mallorca. Its mission is to support patients, caregivers, and anyone affected by cancer. CSG aims to reduce stress, enhance a sense of control, boost self-esteem, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and provide practical assistance.
Those facing cancer, or who have a loved one affected, are encouraged to reach out to see how CSG can offer support.
For inquiries, CSG can
be contacted via email at info@cancersupportmallorca.com or by phone on +34 659 887 455 (Mallorca) or +34 635 030 279 (Menorca).
The Cancer Support in Mallorca is operated by one part-time staff mem ber and a team of dedicated volunteers, which means 24-hour coverage is not available.
Mallorca meets Madrid
Liga champion Real Madrid, Copa del Rey champion Athletic Club de Bilbao, LaLiga runner-up FC Barcelona, and Copa del Rey runner-up RCD Mallorca.
RCD Mallorca is set to face Real Madrid in the first semi-final on
Wednesday, January 8, at 10.00pm local time (8.00pm in Spain). The second semi-final, featuring Athletic Club de Bilbao against FC Barcelona, will be played on Thursday, January 9. The final will take place on January 12, at the same time.
Responses to queries are aimed at within regular working hours (Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm) and within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
For urgent matters, individuals can call +34 659 887 455. If the call cannot be answered immediately, a voicemail can be left, and the team will return the call as soon as possible. WhatsApp messages can also be sent to the same number.
Finland’s music scene
‘THE Music Listening in Finland’ 2024 survey, commissioned by IFPI Finland and Teosto and conducted by Norstat, polled over 1,000 Finns between the ages of 13 and 75. The study aimed to shed light on Finnish music fans’ listening habits and dedication to the Finnish music industry.
The survey revealed that Finland is home to two million music enthusiasts, with more than 50,000 identified as superfans.
Superfans are not the same as other fans. They are far more dedicated to their favourite artists and will pay to join online fan
communities, purchase exclusive concert tickets, and actively engage with other fans online. “Superfans show exceptional dedication, travelling long distances for concerts and actively engaging in fan communities,” says Kari Tervonen, Roadmap Director at Omnicom Media Group. “Their commitment plays a crucial role in shaping the music industry, as record companies increasingly look to tap into this passionate demographic.”
Superfans are closely followed by what is deemed as ‘Hardcore fans.’
Hardcore fans are those
who collect merchandise and follow their favourite artists on free social media platforms. They are only a step away from becoming superfans. Hardcore fans will often sign up to their favourite artist’s newsletters and will purchase tickets as soon as they become available.
The survey discovered that Finnish-language pop is the favourite genre followed closely by hip-hop/ rap. Finnish music artists have made an impact during 2024 with many local artists topping the charts on Spotify.
Spain’s quirkiest road
Johanna Gardener FORGET optical illusions, cartoon drawings or Super Mario Kart racing games, in the Canary Islands there is a scene that seems like virtual reality. One building in the scenic town of Tacoronte, North Tenerife is not fascinating for the 60 apartments within it, but for the road spanning the length of its rooftop - making it one of the most extraordinary and eye-catching infrastructures across Spain.
This social media masterpiece was erected in the 1960s originally to house apartments during the growing housing crisis. At the same time, the demand for a support road towards the coastline was a budding priority. Voila! The two structures were merged. Despite being over 20 metres above ground level, this is no deterrent for drivers who skim the building’s rooftop on a daily basis. Connecting the neighbourhoods of Mesa del Mar to the coast, the construction has received mixed opi-
nions, both favourable and bitter. Understandably, criticism of the design has focused on safety and noise disturbance for residents in the building. Cars are no longer allowed to park on the road due to excessive weight on its foundations. Residents claim to be unperturbed by noise; those on the top floor only report vibration from heavier vehicles. Urban planners emphasise that whilst the structure may draw social media attention to the area and to Tenerife as an icon, it is important to find a compromise between functionality, safety and the environment in architectural developments such as these.
Local Finnish band performing.
Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash
Spain’s quirkiest road to be found in Tenerife above a building.
Trafalgar remembered
OVER 200 years after the Battle of Trafalgar, a memorial service has been held at the Trafalgar Cemetery in Gibraltar.
The ceremony took place on October 18 marking the sea battle which was fought on October 21 1805 between the navies of France and Spain and rival British naval forces.
The special ceremony was attended by residents of Gibraltar, as well as some renowned faces. Local dignitaries including the Governor; Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst, the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, Commander British Forces Gibraltar (CBF) Commodore Tom Guy, the Mayor Carmen Gomez, and British Forces Gibraltar representatives. Members of the Royal Navy commemorated the occasion by laying wreathes at the foot of the statue of Ad-
miral Lord Nelson and Commanding Officers of the Royal Navy and Commanding Officer of Gibraltar Squadron did the same inside the cemetery.
Prayers and blessings were read at the memorial service, led by Chaplain Father Danny Hernandez and Sir Ben, the
Chief Minister and Commodore Guy also participated in delivering readings and orations. The ceremony closed with a bugle rendition of the Last Post, prompting a two-minute silence before concluding the service.
Taking place in Cape Trafalgar in southwes-
Harry and Meghan in Portugal
PRINCE and Meghan Markle have purchased a new holiday home worth £3.6 million in Portugal, located an hour south of Lisbon.
Their villa is in the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, reportedly influenced by Harry’s close relationship with his cousin, Princess Eugenie. Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, already spend their summers at CostaTerra, splitting their time between London and Portugal. Jack also has professional ties to the resort.
CostaTerra, developed in 2019 by Denton House, spans 722 acres and is quickly becoming popular among the ultra-wealthy. Once completed, it will feature 300 homes starting from £3.6 million, along with amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, spa, and equestrian centre.
tern Spain, the Battle of Trafalgar ended with a British victory, allowing Britain to maintain its status as world’s largest sea power, which it had held for 100 years. Britain’s winning fleet were captained by Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson who was killed in the conflict.
The surrounding area has attracted celebrities like Madonna, indicating Portugal’s growing appeal in the luxury market. Mike Meldman, co-founder of Casamigos tequila and owner of CostaTerra, is also close friends with Princess Eugenie and Jack.
Before purchasing in Portugal, Harry and Meghan lived at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Their new home highlights the increasing allure of Portugal for the wealthy, seeking privacy and natural beauty. This trend could potentially impact the country’s reputation, property prices, and cost of living.
France’s border controls
AS Europe like the rest of the world starts to raise questions about national safety, France has become the latest country to announce that it will be implementing border checks at its frontier with Luxembourg.
In the midst of world con ict, this comes as no surprise, yet it’s indisputably a sad and worrying sign of worse to come. Not only has France chosen to introduce this security measure with Luxembourg borders, but also with ve other neighbouring countries as it tightens its belt against fears
of terrorist attacks.
The move will take place between November 1 2024 to April 2025 and will include Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. It will not only include land controls, but also air and sea routes, which will inevitably a ect travel.
The emerging picture is one of the EU gradually fracturing into individual nations, with restricted free movement, as countries within the Schengen area increasingly adopt border controls with their neighbours.
The French government
listed the following motives for enforcing border controls for the European Commission: “Serious threats to public policy, public order, and internal security posed by high-level terrorist activities, the growing presence of criminal networks facilitating irregular migration and smuggling, and migration ows that risk in ltration by radicalised individuals.” The situation mirrors Germany’s decision to reinstate border checks with Luxembourg and is among eight countries to have followed this initiative.
Border controls installed at France-Luxembourg perimeter.
Wreaths laid at the foot of Admiral Lord Nelson’s statue in Gibraltar.
Should mobiles be banned in schools? Your
VOICE
IT seems that phone usage in schools is somewhat of a contentious subject across Europe, with countries adopting different stances on the matter. For example, France recently decided to trial a complete ban on mobile phones in 200 secondary schools, requiring that students hand over the devices during morning reception.
If proven successful, they intend to implement the ban in all schools starting in January 2025.
Conversely, in Hungary a teacher was forced to resign when he refused to implement the government’s ban on smartphones in classrooms. In response, thousands of Hungarians gathered in Budapest to protest against his removal, arguing that banning phones is an outdated model that does not reflect modern society.
England is the latest country to put their head above the parapet on this matter. Their government has just ruled out imposing a ban on the use of mobile phones in schools, despite growing concern from parents and teachers. Instead, they have shifted the responsibility to teachers, claiming they already have the authority to control mobile device use in classrooms and that it would not be practical for the state to step in.
As far as Spain is concerned, the rules vary between autonomous communities. For example, Castilla-La Mancha was one of the first to ban phones in the classroom. In
Galicia, they banned the use of phones within the grounds of all schools from January 2024. However, phones and tablets are permitted in Madrid, but only for educational purposes.
With such divided opinions, Euro Weekly News asked their readers: “Should mobile phone use be banned in schools?”
Quite a number of readers were quick to say ‘yes,’ including Carole Penman, who added, “Yes, they are there to learn, not play.”
Others, like Christine Boyden, also agreed, stating, “I see no reason for them needing them while they are in school. It is a total distraction from schoolwork. Hand in and collect at the end of the day.”
Karen Poland shared: “My daughter’s school requires them to hand them in on arrival and get them back as they leave. Failure to hand them in results in detentions. The school understands that the children who come in by bus need phones to notify parents of delays etc.”
However, Deb Horses expressed a different view: “NO! Teach kids to use them as a place to find information for class. The teacher asks a question; the student looks for answers. The first to answer is the winner. Learn to use it as a positive tool!”
Hans Reis posed an interesting question when he said: “If we say yes, do we turn off our phones at work?”
MANY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SPAIN BAN MOBILES
BESIKI SUSHI, located in Palma de Nova, is a standout destination for lovers of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant combines a modern approach with traditional Japanese dishes, providing a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Besiki Sushi offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic sushi and sashimi to more creative maki rolls and tempura. Their menu is thoughtfully curated to cater to different tastes, making it ideal for both seasoned sushi enthusiasts and newcomers to Japanese food.
One of the unique features of Besiki Sushi is their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and supporting the local community. This dedication to quality is reflected in every dish they serve, from the meticulously prepared sushi to the flavourful ramen and udon noodles. The restaurant also caters to dietary preferences with vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal.
In addition to dine-in services, Besiki Sushi Palma offers takeaway and delivery options, allowing customers to enjoy their favourite dishes from the comfort of their homes. Their user-friendly website makes it easy to browse the menu and place orders online, offering a seamless experience for busy customers.
The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, blending minimalist Japanese design with modern touches. Whether you’re dining solo, with friends, or for a special occasion, the attentive staff ensures a memorable experience. For those looking to explore Japanese cuisine in Palma Nova, Besiki Sushi is an excellent choice, offering a perfect balance of tradition and modernity.
For more information you can contact by visit their website www.besikisushi.es or calling +34 871 052 191. You will find them in Avenida de la Playa 3 in Palma Nova. You can also visit on Facebook #BesikiSushiPalmanova.
ON October 26, Son Bauló will host a special performance by Hans Theessink, renowned for his masterful acoustic blues.
Theessink, one of Europe’s leading acoustic guitarists, has enjoyed a long and celebrated career in blues and roots music. Since the 1960s, he has played over 7,000 concerts and produced numerous acclaimed albums, establishing himself as a major figure in the genre.
Known for his authentic country and folkblues sound, Theessink stays true to the original traditions of blues music. His simple yet powerful chord progressions and natural
groove captivate audiences.
Theessink’s skill has earned praise from icons like Bo Diddley, who called him “one hell of a guitarist.”
Though widely celebrated in Europe, Theessink’s talent has also gained recognition in the United States. He has performed at prestigious American events like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Chicago Blues Festival.
His album Lifeline features a collaboration with blues legend Charles Brown, and in 2009, he became the first European to be nominated for the Blues Music Awards for Best Acoustic Album.
In Austria, he has been honoured with the Amadeus Austrian Music Award and the City of Vienna’s recognition for his contributions to music.
Son Bauló is located at Camí de Son Bauló, Lloret de Vistalegre, Mallorca. For more information, or to book tickets, call (+34) 971 524 206 or email son-baulo@ son-baulo.com.
Image: Hans Theessink / Facebook
Avda. de la Platija 4, 07181 Palma Nova | 871 052 191
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Shell case
RUSSIA is seeking more than €1 billion in compensation from Shell after the Londonbased company left the country following the Ukraine invasion, leading to a £3.8 billion write-down on its assets. The hearing is set for December 11 in Moscow although prosecutors have failed to explain the motives for the claim.
Saba deal
HOLDING company
CriteriaCaixa, owned by the La Caixa Banking Foundation, has sold its car parking operator to Belgium’s Interparking two years after an initial approach was made. The €800 million transaction will combine cash and shares, giving CriteriaCaixa an 18 per cent minority stake in Interparking.
Tough choice
DUBAI-BASED DP World, which owns P&O Ferries, explained that the company had “turned a corner” since it fired 800 staff without notice in March 2022. Thanks to this, DP World said it was now able to go ahead with its planned £1 billion (€1.19 billion) investment in the London Gateway container port.
Hold tight
SHARES in multinational Puig are now listed at €18.95 on the Spanish stock exchange, compared with last May when the cosmetics giant made its debut at €24.5. Despite these losses, Bloomberg reported that 73 per cent of investment experts did not advise selling, but recommended holding onto the shares.
Office hours
AS sales slump, Stellantis which owns Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot as well as Vauxhall, has told UK staff they will need to work in the office for an average of at least three days a week, or week-long if they are engaged on an urgent project. The directive originally applied only to engineers but now includes most areas.
STAT OF WEEK
€7.5 billion
Balmedie bailout
DONALD TRUMP bailed out one of his Scottish golf resorts with a £4.7 million (€5.6 million) loan to Trump International Golf Club Scotland in 2023.
The business, which operates an 18-hole resort in Balmedie (Aberdeenshire) and is building another golf course close by, received the interest-free loan from Trump-owned parent company, DJT Holdings.
Losses escalated from £738,000 (€882,330) in 2022 to £1.4 million (€1.7 million) in the year that ended in December 2023.
At the same time, revenue increased by 4.5 per cent to £3.75 million (€4.48 million) as income from food and drink increased at the Trump International resort. This covers an area of 1,400 acres (566.56 hectares) and includes a five-star restaurant and a 15th cen-
FC BARCELONA’S ticket sales will improve once the club returns to revamped Spotify Camp Nou. Takings amounted to €229 million during the last full Camp Nou season in 2022-2023 but fell to €126 million after matches switched to the Montjuic Olympic stadium for the 20232024 season, due to the renovations. According to figures announced on October 12, stadium revenue is expected to rise to €194 million this season, although matches will initially be played at the Montjuic ground. If all goes to plan, by March the club can return to Camp Nou, which will have a 90,000 capacity. The stadium
tury castle which is now a hotel. The company attributed last year’s mediocre results to the cost of the second phase of the ad-
investment by Blackstone in the first phase of a 224-hectare site for a data centre in Calatorao (Zaragoza) that will also provide 1,400 jobs.
joining MacLeod course, named after the former US president’s Scottish-born mother Mary Anne Macleod. There was also a ‘sizeable increase’ in outgoings related to last summer’s PGA tournament, the largest event Trump has ever hosted in the UK.
Putting on tournaments like these raised the profile and reputation of the business and would increase revenue, a spokesperson said.
In contrast, Trump’s Turnberry course in South Ayrshire reported higher 2023 earnings despite rising energy and utility costs, higher suppliers’ bills and an increase in the minimum wage.
According to recent figures, Trump Turnberry posted a pre-tax profit of £3.8 million (€4.5 million) for the year ending December 2023, compared with £186,000 (€222,457) in 2022.
Barça back in the money
will reach its full capacity of 104,600 once rebuilding has been completed for the 2026-2027 season, bringing a predicted €350m in ticket takings.
Another contender Waiting for 007
PROFITS for Eon Productions, based in Pinewood Studios near London, fell to £224,985 (€269,025) last year.
This was around 75 per cent lower than the £900,879 (€1.07 million) posted in 2022, although Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, who head the company, earned £3.7 million (€4.4 million) between them, plus a £600,000 (€717,279) dividend. Eon Productions has yet to find a successor to Daniel Craig as James Bond and there has been no 007 blockbuster for the company since 2021.
DOVID EFUNE, owner of the New York Sun website, is in talks to buy the Telegraph newspapers.
Efune has signed an agreement with RedBird IMI giving both parties six weeks to negotiate a deal worth approximately £550 million (€657.6 million).
AbuDabi-backed RedBird IMI hopes to recoup the £510 million (€609.8 million) it paid for the Telegraph in a complex transaction that settled £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion) in unpaid debts owed to Lloyds Banking Group by former owners, the Barclay family. RedBird IMI, which was obliged to sell the newspaper following new legislation banning foreign state ownership of UK publications, confirmed that they were talking to Efune without providing further details.
SANTANDER’S Private Banking service for affluent clients is offering the opportunity of participating in Rivoli Asset Management’s purchase of 50 per cent of Madrid Xanadu. The company is bidding €200 million for a stake in one of Europe’s largest shopping and entertainment centres, located in the capital’s Arroyomolinos district.
The UK’s Intu Properties, which was hit by the pandemic and went into administration in June 2022, owned half of Madrid Xanadu, with the remaining 50 per cent in the hands of US asset manager, Nuveen.
HAM specialists Industrias Carnicas Loriente Piqueras (Incarlopsa) posted sales of €1.17 billion in 2023, doubling revenues over the last seven years.
With a €1.45bn debt whose mandatory payments begin in 2025-2026 season, increased stadium revenue is essential, the club has admitted.
Choc horror
SPAIN’S Consumer Price Index (CPI) slowed to 1.5 per cent in September, falling by eight-10ths of a percentage point compared with August, the National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed. The reduction was mainly due to lower prices for transport and fuel, INE said, while food inflation went down by seven-10ths of a percentage point to 1.8 per cent, its lowest since September 2021.
Chocolate overtook olive oil as the household item which went up most, soaring 20.7 per cent above its August 2023 price, with olive oil - which retained its zero IVA added value tax - increasing by 10.3 per cent yearon-year.
Much of the family firm’s success can be traced to its alliance with Mercadona which accounts for 59 per cent of Incarlopsa turnover, said chief executive Jesus Loriente de la Ossa, who took over this year from his cousin Clemente Loriente. Loriente de la Ossa said Incarlopsa expects sales to exceed €1.2 billion in 2024, with hopes of reaching €1.5 billion before very long.
THE John Lewis Partnership has struck a deal with digital bank Zopa and will now offer personal loans on its website.
Customers can access between £1,000 (€1,196) and £35,000 (€41,855) within two hours, the partnership said, later making repayments in fixed monthly amounts. They will receive a quote in three minutes with no impact to their credit score and access the money once the loan is approved, John Lewis said.
DONALD TRUMP: Losses for one of his two Scottish golf courses.
Photo credit: Flickr/Gage
FC BARCELONA: Looking forward to increased stadium revenue.
3I Group 3.394,00 3.418,00 3.373,46 364,7K
Group 2.748,4 2.759,0 2.744,0 60,69K Airtel Africa 118,00 118,30 117,20 678,68K Anglo American 2.408,0 2.415,0 2.357,0 965,35K Antofagasta 1.841,00 1.860,00 1.814,00 518K Ashtead Group 5.848,0 5.912,0 5.842,0 115,35K
British Foods 2.352,0 2.370,0 2.333,0 457,95K
12.026,0 12.056,0 11.914,0 318,41K Auto Trader Group Plc 884,80 891,20 880,60 241,74K Aviva 487,30 489,50 483,50 1,57M
243,05 245,15 242,50 10,47M
Developments 483,90 491,07 480,30 1,72M
Beazley 798,16 802,50 792,50 244,81K
Berkeley 4.815,1 4.873,0 4.803,0 34,12K
BP 403,85 406,30 401,55 8,27M
British American Tobacco 2.640,0 2.693,0 2.637,5 1,78M
BT Group 146,83 147,92 146,45 2,38M Bunzl 3.552,7 3.590,0 3.530,0 124,35K Centrica 126,05 126,95 124,60 2,83M
HBC AG 2.810,0 2.814,0 2.796,0 66,1K
2.493,92 2.514,10 2.490,00 460,83K
455,40 459,80 454,20 542,04K
1.066,00 1.056,00 230,53K
829,50 831,11 815,00 554,35K
BUSINESS
EXTRA
Joint venture
SPANISH multinational Ferrovial and Interogo Holding, which manages the investments of Ikea’s founder, have created a joint venture named Umbrella Roads. This will handle the former’s stakes, which are worth €100 million, in motorways and parking concessions in Spain, Ireland, Canada and Scotland.
Pop chart
UPMARKET pawnbroker Suttons and Robertsons in South Kensington has seen a 30 per cent increase in new customers this year and has loaned 25 per cent more cash. Rolex watches accounted for 15 per cent of all pawned items.
De La Rue split up
CRANE NXT confirmed on October 15 that it had bought De La Rue, the company that prints the Bank of England’s banknotes.
The American industrial technology company paid £300 million (€358.9 million) for De La Rue’s authentication division, which produces secure documents, tax stamps and other security features used for validation purposes.
Prior to the deal, insiders predicted that this would result in a breakup of the
Talgo move
STEEL company Sidenor, based in Basauri (Vizcaya), is prepared to head a 100 per cent takeover of train manufacturer, Talgo. This followed earlier reports that Sidenor was considering acquiring a 29.9 per cent stake together with the Basque government, which already owns 3 per cent of another Basque train manufacturer, CAF.
Talgo’s chief executive Gonzalo Ur-
quijo announced on October 16 that he had contacted Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV,) informing them that Talgo had received a letter of intent from Sidenor.
At present Talgo, which specialises in high speed trains, has a portfolio of orders worth €4 billion but its two production plants are stretched to the limit and cannot deliver on time.
London-listed company that was founded in 1821, although Crane specified that the agreement did not include De La Rue’s currency business.
“The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions,” a statement continued.
The same insiders added that the deal would be regarded as a positive outcome for De La Rue, whose finances have been strained for some time, as the Crane deal would eliminate De La Rue’s debt.
De La Rue can now inject £30 million (€35.9 million) into its pension scheme, plus an additional £12.5 million (€14.9 million) in deficit repair contributions up to April 2027. According to Reuters, De La Rue has also agreed with the pension trustee not to return capital to shareholders until the pension scheme is entirely de-risked.
Sweet prospect
US private equity firm Advent International is reportedly preparing a bid for former UK sugar refiner Tate & Lyle, which now makes ingredients including artificial sweeteners. Shares rose by 13 per cent on October 16 at the prospect of a deal that would exceed Tate & Lyle’s current £2.8 billion (€3.35 billion) market value.
Not selling
BRITISH private equity company Alchemy is not selling its 41 per cent stake in global olive oil producer Deoleo, which owns Spain’s Carbonell. Although the deal struck when the group completed its recapitalisation in 2020 allows Alchemy to sell its stake in December 2024, there were no plans to sell over the next two years, the firm said.
DE LA RUE: Will still print the UK’s banknotes.
Photo credit: Flickr/Bank of England
Thank you all once again
LEAPY LEE
SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK
IT
DREAMS are funny things. Not generally being one who experiences nightmares (unless I’ve had a good old blue cheese late night overdose!) I usually drift o looking forward to what the next few hours of La La land has to o er. Sometimes I y; what buzz that can be.
Occasionally I fall gloriously in love. I often nd myself negotiating narrow ledges and subsequently plummeting from a great height. In fact, at one time this dream was so frequent, that now and again I would allow myself to actually hit the ground, just to see what happened. (Presumably nothing, as I was still lying in bed unscathed the following morning!) I’ve had tea with the Queen, talked my way out of some serious trouble and travelled in a spaceship.
Well folks all these nocturnal journeys pale in the light of the trip I took the other night. In an experience that was beyond my wildest dreams, (geddit!) I dreamt I was ha-
ving an illicit a air with Britain’snance minister Rachel Reeves! Yeah yeah, I know, I lied about the nightmares right!? Well, be that as it may, there I was in a packed hall, trying to blend into the background while she addressed the party conference.
After the meeting we both slipped o to the hotel and... No no, actually I didn’t - it wasn’t that much of a hallucination!
Oddly our bedroom seemed to be lled by what appeared to be large numbers of OAPs; no doubt hoping to jump in and warm up a bit! Anyway the real problem was me not rising to the occasion - in the circumstances pretty understandable, since this cold individual hasn’t actually managed to rise to the occasion since they were elected! Heaven help the UK with her approaching Budget nightmares.
A couple of Viagras would probably have got me out of trouble. She’ll need a great deal more than that to regain her popularity.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers and friends who have written conveying their condolences and commisera-
tions on the passing of my beautiful and beloved companion Nora.
I received so many it may take some time to answer them all. However I can write in true honesty they gave a tremendous boost in the easing of my sorrow and sadness at her early demise. So thank you all again.
Nice to know there are still a tremendous number of good and caring people still out there in this sometimes precarious and oft non compassionate world of ours.
Finally with the approach of the winter season I would like to thank all the venues who have used the ol’ boy for a bit of entertainment this past summer.
See y’all next year. I am also looking forward to the overall release of my new recording of ‘Santa’s Here’. Reactions have been quite superb. It is already available on a number of outlets, including Spotify and UTube. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think.
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.
Portugal’s popular Golden Visa
PORTUGAL’S Golden Visa continues to attract expatriates, with over one million foreign residents in 2023, a 33.6 per cent increase from the previous year. The scheme has seen a surge in demand, especially among US citizens, who led 567 applications - a 162.5 per cent rise. The UK followed with 234 applications, while China, Brazil and India also contributed signi cantly.
Global uncertainties and post-Brexit challenges have driven expatriates to Portugal, drawn by its secure investment options, access to the EU market, and desirable lifestyle. Over 63 per cent of expats settle in Lisbon, Faro, and Setúbal, with Brazilians making up 35.3 per cent of the foreign population.
Portugal’s Golden Visa o ers residency in exchange for property or business investments, with a lower investment threshold than some EU countries. A minimum contribution of €200,000 to cultural heritage in low-density areas quali es for the visa, making it accessible to a broader audience.
However, rising housing costs and growing competition for properties are challenges. Nonetheless, Portugal’s favourable climate, a ordable transport, and tax bene ts for property investors continue to make it a magnet.
INTERVIEW
Speaking EuropeanMonique Rittstam
The rst time that Monique Rittstam travelled from her home in Sweden to Marbella was 1998, when she and her parents enjoyed their rst holiday in Spain. THE two ladies enjoyed the beach whilst Monique’s father enjoyed the golf although everyone ended up with sunburn but that didn’t stop them from returning regularly
As Monique explained, “after my mother decided to move to Marbella permanently, it seemed crazy to keep travelling to see her, so I decided it was time to move and settled in my favourite Spanish city in 2007.
“Much as I loved Sweden and the people, it was the weather that was the nal decider and I am so pleased that I made the move, so much so that if people ask if I miss home, I say this is home.”
Monique set up New Age Beauty in Marbella, within walking distance of her apartment and her favourite assis-
tant is Bosco the Chihuahua who loves to help by greeting customers. The business which o ers everything a woman needs is popular but according to Monique “we were inundated by customers from The Netherlands who came over for the recent Marbella 4 Days Walking event.”
Although Monique speaks a number of languages including Spanish, she is careful to keep away from local bureaucracy by entrusting everything to a local and ecient Gestor.
When asked if she would advise other Swedes to settle in Marbella the answer was an unequivocable yes but warned “you will miss being able to turn on the tap and enjoy fresh, clear, drinking water.”
Monique and Bosco, a little dog with a big heart.
Portugal’s popularity with expats.
Wild horses
REWILDING Spain, an animal conservation NGO, is hoping to reintroduce a horse species in danger of extinction back into the Spanish countryside.
The Przewalski horse, also known as Takhi, is a direct descendant of the first domesticated horses in prehistory, and today, only about 2,000 to 3,000 remain in nature, distributed across Mongolia, China, and Russia, as well as in some zoos.
Spain is leading the field in the recovery of the Przewalski horse, undoubtedly the pride of global biodiversity projects.
Rewilding Spain is promoting a programme to extend the population of this species of wild equine at their farm in Villanueva de Alcorcón (Guadalajara), where they currently keep 26 specimens.
If their plan gets the go-ahead, the Przewalski horses of Guadalajara will be the only herd that is roaming freely in all of Europe, with the exception of the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
The benefits, Rewilding Spain points out, are that in their diet and movements, horses eat biomass such as forest undergrowth, which helps prevent
Przewalski, a species under threat.
forest fires. As well, they say, with the trend for eco-tourism, they could attract lucrative tourist numbers eager to see them in the wild.
Rewilding Spain continues to campaign as Spanish legislation does not currently allow the presence of wild horses, and, therefore, a reintroduction into the natural environment cannot be carried out yet.
The animals are classified under Spanish law as ‘livestock’ and so, not permitted to be released.
Ruff justice judgement
IN a landmark ruling, Spanish judges have taken the emotional attachment to pets seriously in divorce cases. After already awarding custody of pets and even ordering ‘pet maintenance’ payments, a court has now made history by compensating a woman for being deprived of contact with her dog.
The judge ruled that her ex-partner must pay €600 in damages and cover legal costs for denying her access to their shared Siberian husky for 10 months.
The couple had initially agreed to share custody, but the plaintiff’s ex broke the arrangement. The court has now ruled she can care for the husky every other month. The judge noted that depriving the plaintiff of her beloved pet had caused significant distress, especially during a time of personal health issues. This decision sets a major precedent in pet custody cases across Spain.
You’ll recall that pets are now on a tight leash under strict new Spanish animal welfare laws. Beware
The cheated heiress
CLEOPHEE HERRMANN, who inherited €11 million, now works at a kebab shop in Colmar in the east of France to support her young son.
The 34-year-old, whose mother died in 2001, was cheated out of her inheritance by her cherished ‘stepmother’ Josianne Seiler, who will serve a 30-month prison term imposed by a Colmar court on October 17.
She entered the young woman’s life as the mother of Cleophee’s best friend’s, later befriending the girl’s widowed father and leading a ‘sumptuous’ lifestyle paid for by the family’s money.
All of this went to Cleophee on her grandmother’s death in 2008 and Josianne Seiler, having inveigled her way into the girl’s affections, continued to take advantage of her ‘emotional emptiness’.
She manipulated the young girl, who had an ea-
NORA JOHNSON
BREAKING VIEWS
SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
hefty fines for leaving your dog tied up while you pop into a supermarket, for instance!
Which reminds me, a neighbour and her partner reluctantly decided to stay together because neither of them wanted to hurt their hamster’s feelings... Seriously, though, many are aghast that bullfighting itself - regarded as ‘cultural heritage’ and an ‘art form’ - continues unchecked and beyond the reach of laws designed to protect other animals.
Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-jo hnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
ting disorder and suffered from depression, for years, even using a medium and an African sorcerer with ‘supernatural’ powers, to contact Cleophee’s dead mother.
Eventually the money ran out and by the time Cleophee’s father died in 2021, Seiler and her daughters had distanced themselves from her.
After meeting Seiler’s ex-husband, who revealed that his former wife had
ruined him, she took legal action alleging ‘abuse of weakness’.
As well as a 30-month sentence, Seiler was ordered to pay Cleophee €5.1 million. Her daughters, Mathilde Hickel and Jullia Hickel, received 12-month suspended sentences and must pay their ‘stepsister’ €320,000.
“This is retribution and a relief,” Cleophee declared on emerging from the Colmar court.
COLMAR COURTHOUSE: Justice for duped Cleophee Herrmann.
Costa del Sol Tasha’s proud dad
TAREK GHOURI, father of Tasha from Strictly, and local resident, is possibly the proudest dad in Malaga Province. He decided to let the Euro Weekly News in on some of the highs and lows of his daughter’s road to everyone’s hearts.
Tasha who was born with profound deafness, has managed to overcome the odds to become the nation’s sweetheart. At five years old, she was offered a cochlear implant to give her broader scope for communication. She has since become one of the most celebrated women on TV, become an ambassador for numerous deaf charities and organisations, and has inspired deaf children as far afield as Malawi, showing them what they are capable of despite their deafness.
Tarek says Tasha found her path in life at a very young age, sensing the vibrations from her favourite Steps DVD through the laminate flooring. Years later, this led to her studying dance, and later embarking on a career as an influencer.
Axarquia A Place in the Sun
AXARQUIA recently took centre stage on the popular British TV programme ‘A Place in the Sun’, which airs on Channel 4 and draws an impressive average of five million viewers. Known for helping British people find their dream homes abroad, the show highlighted the stunning towns of Almayate (Velez-Malaga), Frigiliana, and Nerja, reinforcing the region’s appeal as a perfect spot for second homes or retirement.
For this episode, the filming team explored various properties and scenic locations, showcasing breathtaking views and local culture.
The popularity of ‘A Place in the Sun’ continues to grow, as it celebrates 20 years on air, connecting with audiences eager to find a slice of paradise. The show effectively promotes Axarquia as a desirable destination, perfect for those seeking a sunny escape or a peaceful retirement.
With its beautiful scenery and welcoming community, Axarquia is set to attract even more potential buyers eager to invest in their dream homes.
Costa Blanca North Wall of Solidarity
IT is true what they say ‘cancer does not discriminate’ and you only have to look at some of the celebrities who have had to face this sad reality to know just how true this is. It doesn’t matter how famous you are, how much money you have, or even how old you are.
That’s why it was so heartwarming to see 1,000 pupils at Lopa de Vega International School demonstrate their commitment to raising awareness during breast cancer awareness month. Moreover, they chose the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘Fight Against Breast Cancer Day’ on October 18 to make their message even more poignant.
Combining hundreds of pink scarves, they created a visual reminder in the form of a wall of solidarity. The children then decorated each scarf, conveying messages of strength, encouragement, and hope to all the brave women fighting this disease.
Costa Blanca South Alicante tourism explodes
THE Valencian Community is set to experience a tourism boom, according to a recent report from Braintrust’s Tourism Barometer.
The consulting firm predicts record levels of international visitors and spending across Spain in 2024, with over 91m tourists expected and spending projected to reach €125 billion. By 2040, Spain could attract 115 mn foreign visitors, potentially surpassing France as the world’s leading tourist destination.
Tourism’s contribution to Spain’s GDP is projected to exceed 15 per cent, with key regions like the Valencian Community, particularly hotspots like Alicante and the Costa Blanca, playing a pivotal role in this growth. Looking ahead, mature destinations like Alicante aim to shift their focus toward higher-quality tourism, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The report also states fewer tourists are arriving from traditional European markets such as the UK, Germany, and France but instead Asia and America.
Almeria Shell-ebrations
GARRUCHA will host the fifth edition of the Festival Gastronómico de la Gamba Roja de Garrucha from October 25 to 27, celebrating the iconic red prawn, a prized delicacy from the Levante Almeriense region. This three-day event offers a range of culinary experiences, live entertainment, and activities for all ages, making it a must-attend for food lovers. With over 30 stands, including local restaurants and producers from Sabores Almeria, visitors will have the chance to enjoy a variety of tapas, priced at €3.50 each. The festival will showcase the region’s culinary excellence and local produce, with live cooking demonstrations, workshops, and performances by local bands and DJs. The event will also feature a showcooking session for children.
Families with infants can enjoy the dedicated play area, which will offer activities from 1-6pm throughout the weekend. On Sunday, the festival will culminate with a tasting of the celebrated red prawns, alongside a performance by Almeria’s Orquesta El Norte.
Costa Calida Race for Life
GET ready to lace up those running shoes because the 19th MABS Race for Life is back, and it’s better than ever! MABS Mazarron, known for its incredible work supporting those diagnosed with cancer, and their families, is once again hosting this fantastic event. Mark your calendars for October 27 and join the fun - whether you’re walking, running, or even skipping your way around the course, everyone is welcome!
Registration kicks off at 9.30am with the race starting at 10.00am. For just €10 for adults and €5 for kids under 12, you’ll get a t-shirt, a medal, and a chance to be a part of something truly special. Plus, no worries about a price hike this year - your entry fee still covers the obligatory Liability insurance.
Entry forms are available at various locations, or you can easily download one from the MABS Mazarron Facebook page. Let’s come together and make a difference - see you at the start line!
PETS
Balance is key
THE question of how many pets are ‘too many’ depends on individual circumstances, including time, space, and financial resources. While pets can bring joy and companionship, they also require care, attention, and a proper living environment.
For many, a couple of pets are manageable, as long as they receive enough attention, exercise, and healthcare. However, when pet ownership exceeds a person’s capacity to care for them adequately, it becomes problematic. Over-
crowded living conditions, limited financial resources, and the inability to provide necessary veterinary care can negatively impact both the owner and the animals.
There’s no universal limit on how many pets one should own, but a good rule of thumb is to consider if each pet’s needs are met and whether their presence enhances the quality of life for both the owner and the animals. Responsible pet ownership is about balance and ensuring every animal is happy and healthy.
Superstitious tales
THE superstition about a black cat crossing your path has long been associated with luck, and the direction it crosses can supposedly change its meaning. In many Western cultures, a black cat crossing from left to right is thought to bring bad luck, while a rightto-left crossing might bring good fortune. This belief stems from
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medieval times, when black cats were linked to witches and misfortune.
Superstitions extend beyond black cats. For example, in some cultures, a dog howling at night is seen as a bad omen, thought to predict death or danger. On the other hand, some believe that if a dog walks between you and your partner, it
could cause confl ict in your relationship. Birds also carry their own lore; a bird fl ying into a home is sometimes believed to signify an impending death. These superstitions refl ect cultural beliefs and historical contexts, showing how humans have long assigned mystical meanings to animals and their behaviour.
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McGregor’s betting blunder
IRISH boxer Conor McGregor lost a high-stakes bet after backing Brazilian Renan Ferreira in a fight against Cameroonian powerhouse Francis Ngannou, but confidently declared he’ll win the money back soon.
Irish boxer, Conor MgGregor, has had to bite his tongue after a recent bet went pear-shaped and ended up losing him $500,000. Now he is determined to win the money back on other bets and insists he will be successful. Prior to the failing bet, McGregor had got lucky when a bet on Alex Pereira at UFC 307 had landed him $1.2million. With this success under his belt, the confident Irishman decided to test his luck with Renan Ferreira who he chose to fight against Francis Ngannou in his PFL opening game, hoping for a win-
ning kitty of $1.7million. This impulsive move came as he was watching the game. He is reported to have tweeted out a voice note: “Tonight’s bet for me. 500k on Ferreira to win by KO at 12/5. $1.7m return.” He then added: “Okay, folks, ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor here. Fight night, fight night, fight night. The Mac is back with his winning bets.”
However, Cameroonian boxer Ngannou slashed McGregor’s hopes when he won the fight with a first round knockout and won the PFL Super Fights title. Social media fans have expressed horror at the winning attack, criticising the referee, Dan Miragliotta for allowing such a prolonged series of punches against the Brazilian, Ferreira before intervening.
Sinner’s prize triumph
JANNIK SINNER, the world’s number one tennis player, made headlines after winning the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and securing a historic €5.5 million payout- the largest prize in tennis history.
Sinner triumphed over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-set match, winning 6-7, 6-3, 6-3. This victory adds to his already impressive 2024 season, which saw him win both the Australian Open and the US Open, cementing his dominance in the sport.
The Six Kings Slam is part of Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in sports, highlighting its ambition
to host high-profile events. This exhibition match, with its record-breaking prize, reflects the lucrative financial incentives offered in the Middle East, often surpassing traditional tournament winnings. For example, the winner’s prize for the 2024 US Open was only €2.6 million, less than half of what Sinner earned in Riyadh.
Despite Sinner’s incredible victory, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports has
faced criticism due to its human rights record, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. Tennis legends like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have raised concerns about the kingdom’s increasing role in the sport. Nevertheless, for Sinner, this win not only boosts his profile but also further solidifies his status as the top player in the world, setting him up for even more success in the future.
Emma Raducanu’s limiting injury
EMMA RADUCANU has been forced to withdraw from the 2024 Hong Kong Open due to a persistent foot injury, marking another setback in her challenging year.
The British tennis star had initially expressed excitement about competing in the event, but a recurring ligament injury, sustained during a match against Daria Kasatkina, has halted her return. This injury had already ruled her out of the Korea Open in September, leaving fans disappointed.
Raducanu, ranked 55th in the world, has struggled to maintain form following multiple surgeries on her wrists and foot. After missing much of the 2023 season, she had hoped to rebuild momentum in 2024 but has faced continuous injury issues.
American Sofi a Kenin, who defeated Raducanu in the 2024 US Open, will replace her at the Hong Kong Open, which begins on Monday October 28. Kenin, a for-
mer Grand Slam champion, joins a competitive fi eld despite other withdrawals, including Naomi Osaka, who also pulled out due to injury. Raducanu is expected to participate in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals next month, but her latest setback raises concerns about her fi tness for the competition. Fans will be watching closely, hoping for a stronger 2025 for the young star.
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