Costa Calida 28 Nov - 4 Dec 2024 Issue 2056

Savouring San Javea

“Tapas,

SAN JAVIER’S 2024 Patron Saint Festivities are in full swing, offering something for everyone in the community. The celebrations, which kicked off recently and will run until December 8, are packed with music, culture, and fun for all ages.

The festivities began with the traditional ‘pregón’ (opening speech) from the town hall’s balcony, followed by the popular ‘tapeo’ (tapas tasting) in the town square.

The celebration will feature performances by top artists like Camela (on December 7) and Efecto Mariposa (on December 6). One of the festival’s highlights is

Traditions, and Festive Rhythms”

culture, and togetherness.

the Remember Festival Intempo on November 30, where DJ sets will bring the best of 90s and 2000s music, with

Kate Ryan headlining. For families, there’s plenty to enjoy, including the ‘Ruta de las Ermitas’ (The Hermita -

ge Route) and a special ‘silent fair’ aimed at the neurodiverse community. The festival will also honour San Francisco Javier with a traditional mass and procession on December 3, followed by a concert by the Academy of Air Force.

The festivities will wrap up on December 8 with a spectacular float parade, which promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet.

With music, traditions, and community spirit, San Javier’s Patron Saint Festivities offer something for everyone and are set to make lasting memories for both locals and visitors.

Christmas with compassion

“Honouring Valencia and sharing the Joy”

MURCIA’s festive season kicked off with a touching tribute to Valencia, still recovering from recent DANA storms. During the Christmas light switch-on at Plaza de Santo Domingo, key buildings lit up in Valencia’s flag colours, recognising the region’s struggles and the teams from Murcia who helped with recovery efforts.

Stand strong

ON November 25, towns and regions across Murcia, and all over Spain, came together to mark Día Internacional Contra la Violencia de Género (International Day Against Gender-Based Violence). Across Murcia, many communities held events, talks, and workshops to raise awareness about gender violence and promote equality. Public spaces were decorated with purple ribbons and banners, and a minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims. Local authorities, schools, and community groups hosted discussions on preventing violence against women, highlighting the importance of respect and equality. The day served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against gender violence and the need for societal change.

The square was packed with locals and visitors enjoying the event, which featured a stunning light display and festive carols performed by the flamenco group Raya Real. Mayor José Ballesta praised Murcia’s community spirit, saying, “Murcians know how to give their all. Our generosity is what makes Christmas here so special.”

Vía Salzillo and Plaza de San Antolín dazzle with brand-new designs. Trapería itself shines with sparkling chandelier-style lights. Murcia’s lights don’t just decorate, they connect. By illuminating every corner of the city, they invite everyone to share in the joy and warmth of the holiday season, reminding us what Christmas is all about.

This year’s decorations bring traditional holiday magic to life

with over 1,300 light displays spread across the city and its 59 districts. Two 10-metre-tall angels now stand at the entrance to Calle Trapería, while streets like Gran

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2056 • 28 Nov - 4 Dec 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ

Murcia lights up. Image: Murcia.es

Image:

Aguilas Town Hall

25N in Murcia.

Image: San Javier Town Hall

A Mar Menor treasure

THE Villa del Conde de Campillos, one of the last century-old villas on the Mar Menor’s shore, is getting a new lease on life thanks to its new owner, businessman Ángel Miranda. Miranda, the founder of Murcia Fibra and CEO of Titán, is restoring the villa, which was designed by the renowned modernist architect Víctor Beltrí in 1903.

As a ‘Bien Catalogado de Relevancia Cultural,’ (Culturally Significant Catalogued Property) the property had to be carefully restored to its original design.

After investing hundreds of thousands of euros, the villa’s layout remains mostly unchanged, keeping its historical style intact. The space, once home to aristocratic families, will soon feature artwork by local painters and sculptors like Gaya and Beltrán.

The villa’s striking façade includes a noble

coat of arms and a spiral staircase leading up to the terrace. In addition to the restoration, the back of the property has been developed into six luxury apartments, which will soon be on the market. This investment is a rare example of private money helping to preserve the Mar Menor’s architectural heritage, a region where many historic villas have been lost to development.

Holiday cheer

THE Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus is getting ready to spread some holiday cheer with a series of festive a cappella performances this December. So far they have announced the following dates.

On December 12, they’ll be at the Overseas Supermarket (Iceland) in San Javier from 11am to 12.30pm, singing Christmas classics to get everyone in the festive spirit. They’ll also be raising money for charity, so it’s a perfect chance to enjoy some music while supporting a good cause.

Next up, on December 14, the chorus will make their first appearance at El

Valle Golf Resort, performing at 2pm and 3pm. This special Christmas event promises to be full of festive fun and great music, so be sure to swing by! The chorus will appear for the first time on December 19 at The Pavilion in Torre de la Horadada, from 4pm to 6pm. There will be plenty of audience participation, along with some of the best-loved holiday songs. Be sure to book your table early for the best spot! Whether you’re in the mood for some holiday tunes or just want to enjoy a fun afternoon out, these performances are a great way to kick off the Christmas season.

Spreading Christmas cheer together.

Timeless beauty.

Image: Catherine McGeer

Spain tightens grip on squatters

“New

crackdown sparks national debate”

SQUATTERS beware. Spain’s Congress has just dropped a legislative bombshell that promises to evict ‘okupas’ faster than you can say ‘desalojo’. In a move that’s sparking heated debate across the country, the newly approved ‘anti-okupas’ law aims to slash eviction times from months to mere hours.

This sweeping reform, which has already passed through Congress, now heads to the Senate for its final seal of approval. Once it lands in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), it’s game over for squatters.

Spain’s Congress saw unexpected alliances and embarrassing mishaps during the vote. The contro versial reform, backed by the PNV, won support from unlikely allies including PP, Junts, and even Bildu and ERC - though the latter two admitted their ‘inexcusa ble error’ in supporting it.

On the other side, PSOE, Sumar, Podemos, and BNG voted against allowing property owners to quickly evict illegal squatters, while Vox sat firmly on the fence with an abstention. With the PP holding a Senate majority, all signs point to smooth sailing for final approval.

The reform targets articles 245 and 202 of the Penal Code, making squatting a fast-track offence. Usurpation and unlawful entry will now be dealt with in

‘Adiós’ squatters: Thanks for the memories.

expedited trials - think eviction in 15 days or less. No more standard trials dragging on for months; it’s all about swift justice.

But, where will all these people go? Sure, some will be forced to do the unthinkable and actually pay for rent, but the truly vulnerable may be left exposed. Is it time for more social housing in Spain?

Growing concerns over public healthcare

NEGOTIATIONS over the contract to provide private medical insurance to some 1.5 million civil servants have not reached a positive outcome.

Therefore, it would appear that these workers are likely to be absorbed into the public health service over nine months following the end of their current insurance agreement in February 2025.

However, many doctors and nurses have raised concerns about the transfer of the Muface patients and the impact this is anticipated to have on current waiting lists. For example, Jose Polo, a family doctor and president of the Spanish Society for Primary Care

Doctors expressed: “There are provincial capitals or certain health centres, where there are already waiting lists for a certain number of patients and number

of professionals assigned to that centre. But if all of a sudden 5,000 or 3,000 more patients are added, we will have to calculate what that distribution is like or if there is a possibility of increasing staff.” Indeed, while it is estimated this number of additional people is a ‘reasonable’ increase of around 2.1 per cent, IDIS, the private health employers’ association, argues this volume of private patients “reduces the pressure on care in the public sector and avoids the increase in waiting lists for outpatient consultations by 266 per cent, surgical consultations by 115 per cent, and more than five million visits in Primary Care.”

However, the government’s lack of agreement with the three current service providers has left it having to consider the very real possibility of incorporating the mutual society population into public health care.

Tourist flats face extinction

AIRBNB have slammed Barcelona’s plans to axe tourist apartments by 2028, urging the city council to ‘rethink’ its restrictions. The holiday rental juggernaut made its fiery plea in a letter to Mayor Jaume Collboni, marking the 10th anniversary of the city’s moratorium on new licences for short-term lets.

The online platform didn’t hold back, branding the decade-old rules ‘ineffective’. Airbnb claims the measures have done little to solve Barcelona’s housing crisis or curb mass tourism. Instead, it accused the hotel industry of inflating prices to record highs while thousands of tourist flats sit in regulatory limbo.

The latest plan would see licences for over 10,000 tourist apartments in Barcelona disappear by the year 2028. The goal is to turn them into much-needed homes for local residents.

But Airbnb isn’t buying it. The rental giant hit back, pointing out what it called a glaring contradiction: while the city vows to crack down on mass tourism, it’s also eyeing up space for 5,000 shiny new hotel rooms.

Airbnb says it’s played by the rules, boasting that it has scrubbed over 7,000 illegal listings since 2018. However, the platform insists that Barcelona’s approach is all wrong. In their letter, they claim that what’s needed are ‘real solutions to the housing and tourism problem’, adding that its service supports thousands of locals who rely on extra income from letting out their homes.

This battle is far from over, and it could be a ‘dress rehearsal’ for what will unfold in the rest of Spain.

New driving rules introduced to curb rising accident rates

THE DGT is making some changes to driving rules in response to accidents and other issues that have been of concern for some time.

Under the new code regarding the use of lanes on highways and motorways, which will apply to all types of vehicles in situations of high congestion or adverse weather conditions, there will be two notable differences.

One point to be added to Article 31 of the General Traffic Regulations is that drivers will be prohibited from overtaking in heavy rain. All drivers will be expected to moderate their speed and occupy only the right-hand lane while maintaining a good distance from the

vehicle in front.

Another rule will be allowing access to emergency vehicles in slow or stopped traffic. Often a road accident will provoke tailbacks as drivers optimistically try to speed up their passage by zig-zagging from lane to lane. From 2025, this will no longer be permitted, and in the case of two and three-lane motorways that are jammed, the left lane must be kept empty in order to facilitate access by emergency vehicles.

Some good news for motorcyclists, however, is that in the event of stopped traffic on a motorway, motorcycles will be permitted to use the hard shoulder to overtake at a maximum of 30 kph.

Spain’s public health service could be under strain from 2025.

Credit: Shutterstock, sangriana

CARTAGENA saw an impressive turnout as 1,500 schoolchildren took part in the celebrations for World Children’s Rights Day on November 20. The day kicked off with a march from the town square, where Mayor Noelia Arroyo and some local councillors led the way alongside the young participants. The march was a powerful show of support for children’s rights, and a manifesto was read out by the Youth Council, with Africa and Hamza, two young members, delivering the moving speech.

The celebrations didn’t stop there. The children continued the day at the Palacio de Deportes, where a range of activities kept them engaged. Mayor Arroyo took the

Steps of support Young Voices

THE Pinatarense Club is organising a walk on December 1 to support a school in Valencia that was badly affected by the recent DANA floods. The walk will kick off at 10am from the Las Salinas Visitors Centre and cover a 6.6-kilometre route.

opportunity to reaffirm Cartage na’s commitment to its young re sidents, highlighting that the city has once again been recognised by

The goal is to raise money and collect school supplies for CEIP Paluzié in Catarroja, a school that was left in ruins after the DANA.

Participants can help by either paying €5 for a ‘solidarity bib’ or donating school materials like art supplies, school materials, books, and educa-

Olaf’s Tour

ON December 15, the Teatro Geli Albaladejo in San Pedro del Pinatar will host a delightful musical performance for kids, ‘Olaf and the World Tour,’ at 6.30pm. This fun-packed show follows Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen, as he goes on an exciting journey around the world, thanks to a magical gift from Elsa.

tional toys. It’s a chance for the community in San Pedro del Pinatar to come together and show support for the schoolchildren or join the walk, it’s a great way to give back and make a difference.

So, mark your calendars for December 1, grab your walking shoes, and join in to support this meaningful cause.

Joined by his friend Renata, Olaf visits famous landmarks in places like England, Spain, and Italy, meeting new characters and learning about different cultures along the way. After a whirlwind adventure, Olaf and Renata decide to return home, but they discover a new place to call home in the snowy Sierra Nevada. The production promises to be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. For tickets, visit eventoscle.compralaentra da.com.

Christmas countdown

THE holiday season is just around the corner, and Los Alcazares is already getting ready to celebrate in style. From festive lights to holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this

Christmas.

The fun kicks off on December 1 with the Christmas lighting ceremony, where the town will light up in celebration. Then, on December 2, Las Lomas del Rame will join in, followed by Los Narejos on December 5. The Belén Municipal (municipal nativity scene) opens on December 13, a must-see for families.

If you’re in the mood for some Christmas shopping, be sure to check out the Mercadillo Navideño (Christmas Market) running from December 18 to January 6, where you can find gifts, decorations, and more. For the kids, Navidadlandia (Christmas land) will be open from December 20 to January 6, offering fun activities all season long. To wrap up the celebrations, don’t miss the Baño de Navidad (Christmas Dip) on December 22, a unique way to dive into the Christmas spirit. It’s clear that Los Alcazares has plenty of festive plans to make this holiday season special. Keep an eye on the town hall social media pages for more information and events.

Empowering Youth.

Image:

Image: Cartagena.es

Flood protection

Catherine McGeer

FERNANDO LÓPEZ

MIRAS, President of the Region of Murcia, has urged the central government to act quickly on building key flood prevention infrastructure to avoid potential disasters from heavy rain. Speaking at the Regional Assembly, he pointed out the urgent need for flood prevention projects, including dams in Béjar, Nogalte, and Torrecilla, and improvements to local dry river beds like La Maraña and El Albujón.

“These are the measures experts have been asking for,” López Miras said, stressing that these infrastructures are vital to protect areas like the Campo de

Cartagena and Mar Menor from flooding. He also called for the cleaning of riverbeds and better cooperation between local and central governments.

In response to recent storms, more than 1,500 emergency responders from

Murcia were sent to affected areas, along with specialised vehicles and teams. López Miras expressed his full support for the efforts and urged everyone to focus on the safety of affected communities, putting politics aside for the greater good.

Get moving in Camposol

WITH the rain behind us, it’s the perfect time to get active! Camposol Free Community Sports is offering free light exercise sessions for all ages and abilities, so why not join in? Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a gentle way to stay active, these sessions are designed to be enjoyable and at your own pace – no pressure, just fun.

The sessions take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at

10am at the sports area on Camposol D7. Plus, there will be friendly experts available to help with any equipment and offer advice on how to use it safely and effectively.

It’s a great way to get outside, meet others in the community, and enjoy some light exercise to start your day. So, grab your trainers, come along, and enjoy the fresh air!

Magical Mazarron

MAZARRON has made history as the first town in Murcia to join Spain’s prestigious Red de Pueblos Mágicos (Network of Magical Villages). This honour celebrates the town’s rich culture, history, and stunning natural beauty, along with its efforts in sustainability and tourism.

Mayor Ginés Campillo and Culture councillor Jorge Durán see this as a big step forward for Mazarron, boosting its reputation as a must-visit destination. They highlighted ongoing efforts to im-

prove infrastructure, protect local heritage, and keep traditions alive.

With its breathtaking landscapes, delicious local food, and unique character, Mazarron now features on one of Spain’s 18 ‘magical routes.’ This recognition is expected to bring more visitors while encouraging the town to preserve what makes it special.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s never been a better time to explore Mazarron and experience its magic.

Building a safer future.

Cycle-friendly streets

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR is getting a €500,000 boost for road safety and other necessary upgrades on Doctor Artero Guirao Avenue. The project, which is part of the 2024-2025 Works and Services Plan, aims to make the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The upgrades will cover a stretch of the avenue between Calle Goya and Avenida del Puerto. The plan includes resurfacing the road, replacing old, worn-out paths with new, durable concrete pavers, and adding a bike lane to improve mobility. Tactile paving will also be installed at pedestrian crossings to help people with limited mobility.

In addition to these practical changes,

the project will also focus on making the area greener, with the planting of tall pine trees and other plants along the avenue to enhance its appearance.

This investment is part of a wider €18 million budget to improve infrastructure in smaller towns, with San Pedro del Pinatar seeing a 41 per cent increase in funding compared to the previous plan. Local officials, including Regional Minister Marcos Ortuño and Mayor Pedro Javier Sánchez, stress that the collaboration between regional and local governments is key to meeting the community’s needs.

These improvements will make life easier and safer for residents while making the street more pleasant for everyone who uses it.

Street transformation. Image:

A CHEESE made in Lorca has recently earned a prestigious spot among the world’s best, securing a ‘Supergold’ medal at this year’s World Cheese Awards. With over 4,700 cheeses from around the globe in the running, this recognition highlights the growing reputation

World’s Best Cheese

of Murcia’s culinary excellence.

The Region of Murcia is no stranger to acclaim for its rich gastronomy. From local products to traditional dishes, the region is gaining national and in-

Cartagena lights up

ternational recognition. Murcia’s capital is also to host the 2025 Michelin Guide Gala, bringing together top chefs from around the world to celebrate culinary talent.

In the world of cheese, the recent award is another testament to Murcia’s high-quality produce. The

World Cheese Awards, a respected event since 1988, brings together 250 industry experts to judge the best artisanal cheeses.

This year’s competition, held in Viseu, Portugal, saw Lorca’s cheese stand out, proving once again that Murcia is a leader in ne food.

CARTAGENA is getting ready to sparkle this holiday season! The Christmas lights will be switched on December 5 from 6.30pm, lighting up the city centre, and the surrounding areas all at once for the rst time ever.

This year’s display includes thousands of energy-saving LED lights spread across over 750 decorations. From giant ornaments to festive signs and perfect photo spots, the city is pulling out all the stops to create a magical atmosphere.

One of the standout features is the transformation of Cartagena’s streets into a glowing almond tree forest. More than 100 branches will light up the main streets, a unique touch that’s become a signature of the city’s Christmas celebrations.

Calle Mayor will be decorated with nine illuminated crowns, symbolising the arrival of the Three Kings. These will lead to Town Hall Square, where a 20-metre lighted Christmas tree will take pride of place next to the Palacio Consistorial.

Cartagena’s festive lights promise to bring a touch of magic to everyone this holiday season. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this stunning spectacle!

Ship shape

MARTIME traffic off Murcia has seen a sharp rise, with 15,000 large ships passing through in 2023, up 7 per cent in just five years. Most of these were bulk carriers and oil tankers, signalling a strong recovery in global shipping after the pandemic.

The ships follow strict safety routes, including the Traffic Separation Scheme at Cabo de Palos, designed to prevent accidents in these busy waters. The region’s location makes it a vital passage for ships traveling between Europe, North Africa, and beyond, heading toward the Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar.

This increase is good news for the Port of Cartagena, which has seen more ships and cargo in recent years. But it also raises concerns about environmental risks. In 2023, a potential disaster was averted when quick action stopped an oil-laden bulk carrier from entering the protected Cabo de Palos Marine Reserve.

With shipping traffic on the rise, balancing economic benefits with environmental protection is more important than ever.

A Christmas wonderland.

Grate news for Lorca.

Doggy in a well

IT was a pleasant early winter evening when a medium sized dog and its owner were out for a walk near the Belgium village of Alsemberg.

The dog had been let off its lead and like so many curious canines, it was running around exploring and enjoying all of the smells and messages left by other dogs.

Suddenly it disappeared into the undergrowth and then there was quite a noise as it fell eight-metres into the bottom of a hidden dry well.

Seeing that the dog appeared in reasonable condition after its unexpected fall, the owner immediately contacted the local Fire Brigade to explain what happened and to ask for help.

Officers arrived soon after and looking down the shaft of the well they could see that the dog

was standing and didn’t appear stressed which gave them hope that this would be an easy rescue.

One officer was strapped to a harness and winched down into the well, picking the dog up in his arms and then returning to the surface with the dog safely.

After checking the dog for injuries it was clear

that it was quite happy and suffered no damage from the experience, so an hour after the dog fell down the well the owner and pet set off for home.

Having been alerted to this potentially dangerous open well, the local council took immediate steps to cover it in order to ensure no further problems.

Copenhagen Christmas market war

WHAT makes a Christmas market truly Danish? Is it the scent of klejner (Danish doughnuts), or maybe the crisp taste of gløgg (mulled wine)? Or could it be the absence of curry, kebabs, bratwurst, fudge, and those ever-popular alpine huts?

This festive debate has sparked a major cultural clash in Copenhagen, with city leaders making it clear that they want a more ‘local’ flavour at the capital’s Christmas markets, and they’re not happy with the influx of foreign influences.

In a bold statement earlier this week, three key Copenhagen mayors - Mia Nyegaard (Cultural Affairs), Line Barfod (Environment and Technical Services), and Jens-Kristian Lütken (Employment and Integration) - launched the city’s ‘first truly local Christmas market’ at Kongens Nytorv.

According to their press release, “It’s time to stop allowing only foreign and standardised Christmas markets in Copenhagen that the locals can’t recognise themselves in.” But this festive crackdown on bratwurst, alpine huts and the like has triggered a fiery response from Michael Deutsch, the man behind the popular Højbro Plads market, located just a stone’s

throw from Denmark’s Parliament. Michael, who has been organising Christmas markets for years, has lashed out at the criticism, calling it “unfair” and “unsubstantiated.”

He insists that his market is anything but foreign. So, whether you prefer a Danish-style Christmas or you’re partial to the international fusion on display, it’s clear that Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are about to look a lot different in the years to come.

If this dog had been a cat it would have used up one of its nine lives.

Tension brews over Christmas markets in Copenhagen: Local leaders take aim at “foreign” traditions.

Most crackable passwords

Johanna Gardener

EVERYONE knows the importance of choosing a solid and foolproof password. Creating a mix of numericals, alphabet and symbols: the perfect fusion to generate the quintessentially unguessable and unbreakable passcode.

However, what if we told you that in Poland and across the world, the 14 most common passwords can be cracked in less than a minute. According to a new report published by no other than a password management website, the combinations chosen by some living or operating in Poland may be opening doors to hacking, phishing or other scam-like feats.

The firm, Nordpass, has released its sixth edition of ‘Top 200 Most Popular Passwords’ (look it up online!) - a list of the most frequently set passwords. Conducted across 44 countries, it studied 2.5 TB of data publicly available from both

personal and business accounts.

The report revealed that the most popular password in Poland and worldwide for personal and business accounts is 123456 - it strangely seems a ‘wise’ password choice for over three million people globally. A similarly popular choice is ‘password’, as well as adjacent key combinations. Among Poland’s top 20 crackable-in-a-second passwords are qwerty123 and zaq12wsx. Popular Polish name for men, ‘Bartek’ as a password was 57 seconds more difficult for a password hacker to crack, but was still under a minute.

In its report, Nordpass added: “(Passwords) should be at least 20 characters long and contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols. Avoid information that is easy to guess, such as birthdays, names or common words.”

E-scooter ban

ABLE to travel at potentially high speeds, the renting of e-scooters in the Finnish city of Turku is banned from December 1 until March 31.

Now, the three main renters of these scooters have applied to the city council for permission to continue to rent out the e-scooters during the whole of the winter period in areas where roads are regularly maintained.

They argue that roads clear of snow are generally safe and therefore, it makes sense to allow the scooters to be available to commuters during that period although they recognise if there is heavy snowfall they would remove the scooters and keep them in storage within 48 hours.

It seems however that this is not a plan likely to appeal to the Turku Council as the propo -

sal which is due to be officially presented to the urban environment committee is accompanied by a recommendation from officers that the plan be rejected.

The main objections are based simply on safety as the roads in Turku, even when cleaned, tend to stay slushy and there is often ice which could be hazardous to riders.

In addition, if there is heavy snow fall then the

undertaking by renters to remove the scooters within 48 hours is too long as far as the council is concerned.

The city estimates that there are between 6,500 and 7,500 rentable e-scooters on Turku’s streets during the summer months and doesn’t want to take the risk of untrained renters being unable to cope with difficult winter conditions.

Snowfall can be very heavy in Turku.

Nordpass has revealed its sixth edition of the most easy-to-crack passwords.

Why celebrate Thanksgiving?

BEHIND the face of the long-standing American custom is thankfulness, charity and family and behind every taste of turkey or piece of pumpkin pie is the true story of America.

Today, the festival is renowned for celebrating values of community and lending a hand to others - universal codes of conduct, tting for any culture. This is why the yearly event has spread globally, marking another important day on the calendar for Americans and non-Americans alike.

The story goes back to the 1600s when the Wampanoag (native Americans before the arrival of the Europeans) and Pilgrims (Pilgrim Fathers, many of whom were from the English Separatist Church) met at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 to commemorate a bountiful harvest. The three-day feast became known as the rst Thanksgiving, as it brought the new settlers and the native Americans together in a celebration of the new continent. However, despite the jovial occasion remaining in the memories of many, it was President Abraham Lincoln who formally declared Thanksgiving a national holiday - but not

Credit:Shutterstock: Victorian Traditions

Thanksgiving Day 2024 will be celebrated across the world this year on November 28.

until 1863, during the Civil War. It was set to fall on the nal Thursday in November and sparked the beginning of the Thanksgiving tradition as a national holiday for re ection and appreciation.

Across the world, the evening is characterised by the gathering of family and friends. Like all festivals, traditions can di er but on the centre table of all participating homes will be a Thanksgiving meal comprising roast turkey, stu ng, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes. And of course, for dessert, the quintessentially American pumpkin pie!

Housing crisis

AS housing prices soar in Portugal, many families struggle to a ord a home, particularly in the Algarve. This picturesque region demands some of the highest e ort rates - the percentage of income needed to buy property.

Lagos leads with a staggering 150 per cent e ort rate, meaning families earn far less than required to a ord housing. Other municipalities follow:

• Loulé: 137 per cent

• Albufeira: 128 per cent

• Silves: 127 per cent

Even Faro (99 per cent) and Portimão (91 per cent) pose challenges for homebuyers.

Beyond the Algarve, Cascais near Lisbon sees rates at 114 per cent, followed by Funchal (105 per cent) and Lisbon (101 per cent). High nancing costs, soaring property prices, and steep down payment requirements drive these unsustainable numbers.

For locals, this creates an impossible market. In areas like Lagos, where e ort rates exceed 100 per cent, families are priced out of their communities.

A ordable alternatives do exist. Rural regions in central Portugal o er relief:

• Idanha-a-Nova and Vouzela have rates of 15 per cent - the country’s lowest.

• Moura, Soure, and Guarda follow with rates of 19 per cent.

• Baião (Porto) is at 21 per cent.

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All Línea Directa insurance policies offer additional features specifically designed for expatriates living in Spain. Their home insurance includes Pet Assistance, IT Assistance, and Home Maintenance. All motorbike policies come with Replacement Motorbike, Technical Equipment cover and even Young

These areas present opportunities for a ordable homeownership, contrasting sharply with urban hubs. However, Portugal’s housing divide continues to widen. While cities like Lisbon thrive at the expense of locals, rural municipalities o er a lifeline. For prospective buyers, the choice is between steep city costs or exploring the countryside. The dream of homeownership, once accessible, now re ects a stark divide between urban and rural Portugal.

Change to Línea Directa and they will lower the price of your insurance. Línea Directa has been providing comprehensive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for over 25 years. With over three million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best possible price for the kind of insurance you really need.

Festive Fun

THIS December, animal lovers in Los Alcaza res are invited to join a festive event in su pport of abando ned dogs and cats through PAPS and their part ner organisa tions, Los In fiernos Dogs & Cats and Mal colm’s Cats.

On Friday, December 13, from 10am to 2pm, La Zona Terraza, located on Calle Penélope, will host a fundraiser featuring a variety of stalls, a raffle with exciting prizes, and plenty of opportunities to support these much-needed causes.

cognition at the event. Those wishing to participate in the event can book a stall for just €10, but advance booking is essential.

The event is looking for local businesses to donate raffle prizes or vouchers in exchange for re-

A variety of items are needed for the charity boxes, including wet and dry food, treats, flea and tick treatments, toys, collars, vet gift vouchers, and cleaning supplies.

COSTA CALIDA

Restaurante La Tropical

Catherine McGeer

RESTAURANTE La Tropical located on Calle Santa Teresa, has been serving up delicious meals since 1936, making it a true institution in Los Alcazares. With its warm, friendly service and a menu that caters to all tastes, it’s no wonder this family-run spot has become a must-visit.

For more information or to book a stall, please contact Elaine, Jacqui, or Lotta via WhatsApp.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back and help care for the local animals in need during the holiday season.

Contact Information Elaine: +34 711 069 906, Jacqui: +34 680 145 593, Lotta: +34 634 132 864.

The restaurant’s charm lies in its versatility. You can enjoy a casual meal at the bar, a more relaxed dining experience in the main restaurant, or soak up the sun on the spacious terrace. Each area offers something special, with a great atmosphere guaranteed.

La Tropical is famous for its grill, which earned it the title of Spain’s best after a prestigious win in San Sebastian. But being so close to the beach, the seafood is also a standout, with fresh, flavourful dishes that never disappoint.

Under the leadership of José Antonio and Carlos Méndez, who took over from their parents more than 16 years ago, the restaurant has kept its classic roots while adding modern twists to

the menu. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a leisurely meal, La Tropical never fails to deliver, making it a perfect spot to visit all year round.

Murcia ballet

ON Wednesday, December 11, the Laura Alonso Ballet Company will perform at the renowned Auditorio Víctor Villegas in Murcia. The performance, starting at 8pm, promises to be a captivating evening of dance, featuring some of the finest ballet talent in Spain. Tickets start from €24, offering a chance to experience the magic of ballet in one of the region’s

premier venues.

The Auditorio Víctor Villegas, located just minutes from Murcia’s city centre, is the largest in the region. Opened in 1995, its impressive architecture and state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect setting for such an elegant performance. The auditorium is part of a larger complex that also houses the Centro de Congresos, which be-

gan its activities in 2002. This event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy world-class ballet while supporting the arts in Murcia. Whether you’re a long-time ballet fan or a newcomer, the Laura Alonso Ballet Company’s performance is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unforgettable show in the heart of Murcia!

Support animals, spread joy.

Ballet showcase. Image: Facebook/ Teatro

Martí

NEWS Travel

Discover the beauty and culture of León

with

Hispavan Campers

LOCATED in the heart of northern Spain, the province of Leon is a captivating destination where history, nature, and tradition come together. Formerly the Kingdom of Leon, the province is rich in history, featuring ancient castles, monasteries, and picturesque streets, while also being home to stunning mountain ranges and peaceful rural landscapes, perfect for nature lovers to explore.

Hiring a camper from Hispavan Campers is the ideal way to see Leon, offering freedom and flexibility to travel without worrying about accommodation. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a getaway, Hispavan provides the perfect base for discovering the beauty and culture of Leon.

History and architecture

The Province of Leon offers a blend of rich history and diverse architecture, from Romanesque churches to Gothic masterpieces. A highlight is the Palacio de Gaudí in Astorga, a stunning example of modernist design by Antoni Gaudí. Visitors can also explore the famous Leon Cathedral, medieval castles, and charming villages. Hispavan Campers allows you to visit these sites without worrying about fixed itineraries, or finding new accommodation.

A paradise for nature lovers

Leon is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with stunning mountain ranges and landscapes. The Picos de Europa National Park offers scenic views and hiking trails, while the Bierzo Valley is known for its vineyards

and rolling hills. An important natural wonder is Las Médulas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its unique red sandstone formations, created by ancient Roman mining techniques.

Gastronomy

Leon is known for its hearty dishes like cocido maragato and botillo, and its rich tapas culture. Travelling with Hispavan Campers is the perfect way to explore the city’s tapas bars and rural villages where you can sample traditional foods, visit local markets or even find hidden restaurants.

Explore Leon with Hispavan Campers With a camper from Hispavan, you can easily access Leon’s remote natural wonders, historical sites and delightful villages, enjoying the freedom to explore at your leisure. Their camper vans are equipped with cosy sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and plenty of storage, making them the perfect choice for exploring northern Spain.

SUMMARY

Leon offers a captivating mix of rich history, beautiful landscapes and cultural traditions. Travelling with Hispavan Campers allows you to explore Leon with complete freedom, whether you’re visiting the region’s tourist hotspots, experiencing the local culture, or uncovering hidden gems.

DENMARK

Above board

THE medicinal cannabis programme introduced as a pilot scheme in 2018 could be made permanent following its increased use for pain relief. The Interior and Health ministry said the government wanted patients to continue using medicinal cannabis without having to acquire it on the illegal market.

Bad vibes

FREJA KIRK, singer and an LGBT role model, met homophobic abuse when she performed at an Odense school where, amongst other things pupils called her a freak. “There was a bad vibe and bad energy among some of them,” the singer said afterwards. “It makes me disappointed and sad for young people.”

PORTUGAL

Filling up

THE six reservoirs and dams that provide the Algarve’s water were at 34 per cent capacity by November 18, following recent rainfall, Portugal’s Environment Agency (APA) said. Between them they hold approximately 154 cubic hectometres of water, which equates to 35 per cent of the needs of tourism and urban areas.

Homes needed

ONLY 4.1 per cent of the 6,446 Portuguese children who are in care live with foster families, and their ages generally range from newborns to nine-year-olds. The government now hopes to ‘make great strides’ in reducing the number of children of all ages in institutional care by finding more foster homes for them.

ITALY

No slowdown

FIFTY-ONE per cent of Italians told a survey by ANAS, which manages the country’s motorways and main roads that they did not believe driving over the speed limit was dangerous. ANAS chief executive Aldo Isi said these figures highlighted the need for more investment in road education and awareness.

Climate clues

ITALY came 43rd out of 63 countries on the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) presented at the COP29 Conference in Baku. This was better than last year when Italy was ranked 44th but despite a medium rating for greenhouse gas emissions, it lost out on renewable energy and climate policy.

EURO PRESS

SWEDEN

Speak up

LAID-OFF workers from the Northvolt plant that makes batteries for electric vehicles in Skelleftea are flocking to the free Swedish for Immigrants courses organised by the municipality. Many of those made redundant are immigrants now hoping to boost their chances of finding work by speaking better Swedish.

NORTHVOLT FACTORY: Mass layoffs as demand drops for EV batteries.

IRELAND FINLAND

Barely shaken

THE Irish National Seismic Network (INSN) registered a mild 1.6 earthquake northeast of Brandon (County Cork) at 5.50am on November 19. It was only one kilometre below the surface and some locals reported noting the tremor, which was described as ‘unusual’ for Co Cork where seismic activity is rare.

Jobs record

IRELAND’S employment figures are rising, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed, with 73 per cent of the 15 to 64 age group working in the third quarter of 2024. With approximately 2.8 million people in jobs, this was 1.1 percentage points more than during the same period in 2023, the CSO said.

Game on

THE video game industry in Finland has developed from a few small operators 30 years ago to a multimillion industry that is one of Europe’s largest. Figures from Statista Finland show that in 2019 the sector was worth $185.74 million (€177.1 million) but will soar 91 per cent to $356.49 million (€339.9 million) by 2029.

Game over

FINLAND has recorded its highest number of corporate bankruptcies so far this century, with 2,700 companies declaring themselves insolvent by the beginning of November and overtaking 2023’s record number of 2,681 bankruptcies. Small businesses that have a turnover of less than €199,000 were the most affected.

BELGIUM NETHERLANDS

Try again

THE Sint-Joost-ten-Node municipal elections on October 13 were declared invalid as the current mayor Emir Kir has been accused of electoral fraud. As proxy votes at two of the town’s 12 polling stations were untraceable and another 226 proxy forms had errors, it is likely voters will have to go to the polls once more.

Still there

A GOLD tooth, all that remains of Patrice Lumumba, was not stolen from his mausoleum in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s capital, as previously feared. Lumumba, assassinated by Katangan separatists in 1961, was responsible for transforming the Belgian Congo into an independent nation.

Not here

SPOT checks on 115,000 people by border police between January and the end of October this year prevented 497 illegal entries at frontier crossings with Germany and Belgium. An additional 628 people who were stopped in vehicles went on to request asylum in the Netherlands, police statistics revealed.

Out of order

NONE of the lifts at 10 of Amsterdam’s 38 metro stations are working and are now totally inaccessible to wheelchair users, according to the NH Niews and local television station AT 5. The city’s public transport company GVB agreed that there was a problem and said they were waiting for spare parts for the lifts.

Pedal off

CYCLISTS are increasingly unpopular in France and are accused of treating other road users with contempt, especially in Paris where mayor Anne Hidalgo is reproached for favouring them. In contrast, the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB) claim cyclists are “routinely subjected to motorised violence.”

Enduring links

EMMANUEL MACRON finished his Latin American tour in Chile where he visited the Santiago home of the late poet and Nobel prizewinner Pablo Neruda, emphasising his links to France. The connection was political as well as literary, the President said, since France was both a refuge and a platform for Neruda.

GERMANY FRANCE

Bomb-proof

ENVIRONMENTALISTS opposed to extending Tesla’s Gruneheide plant were moved from their camp by police who explained that they needed to verify there were no more unexploded bombs in the area after two were found there last summer. Once pronounced safe, the activists could return, police said.

Pay cut offer

CRISIS-HIT Volkswagen, which hopes to save €18 billion by shutting down three sites worldwide, is also planning staff reductions, prompting its German employees to offer a cut in their salaries to avoid redundancies. Should this fail, the union that represents them warned they would take industrial action.

NORWAY

Pay attention

THE number of boys in the 13-17 age group taking medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown from 2 per cent to 5.5. per cent since 2004, Norway’s Institute of Public Health (NIPH) figures showed. The NIPH attributed the rise to growing awareness and improved diagnostic methods.

Metro mayhem

MODERNISING Oslo’s busy Majorstuen station, a new signalling system and completing the new Fornebu line will disrupt the metro system in 2025, public transport provider Ruter announced. “There will be detours and replacement buses on different sections throughout much of next year,” Ruter warned.

Photo credit: CC/Anders Utbult

Your

VOICE

SPAIN HAS SOMETHING TO OFFER FOR EVERYONE.

Do you think Spain is the best country for tourists?

SPAIN has long been celebrated for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm weather, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year. Whether you like busy, bustling cities or calm, serene beaches, Spain has something to offer for every traveller. For this reason, in 2023 alone, Spain welcomed over 85 million foreign visitors, and is already on track to break that record by the end of 2024.

Recently two Spanish villages were recognised among the World’s Best Tourism Villages 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This prestigious list highlights Ainsa, Huesca, and Mura, Barcelona, alongside other charming villages, as exceptional examples of sustainable and culturally rich tourism.

In order to create their list, the UNWTO evaluates nine key criteria, including tourism development, cultural and natural resources, and economic sustainability. But what really makes a country the perfect holiday destination? We asked our readers their thoughts, and whether they think Spain is the best country for tourists.

Angela Edgley, an ex-travel agent, says yes, citing a “massive choice of destinations... excellent choice of hotels or self-catering,” and “interesting excursions” as reasons, and adding that she later relocated here.

Brian Clarke agrees, mentioning other factors such as “the best beer in the world” and “great historical sites.”

Karen Joy Harley is also of the view that Spain is a great country for tourists, making the strong comparison that “if the garden of Eden was a place on Earth today Spain would be it.”

On the other hand, Sheree Ruiz notes that there isn’t an objective way to answer this question, as “... no two people would agree on the order of a list of the best countries to visit,” raising the point that everyone has different likes and needs, and therefore different criteria for the best place to visit.

Other readers, such as Adda Macchich and Peter MacGregor are of the view that it is not possible to make this judgement unless you have “visited most of the world’s destinations.”

Among very few negative comments, Michael Whitwell mentions that the only negative for him is that “the airports are not prepared for the influx of people through border control,” which is certainly an inconvenience to tourists but also supports the idea of Spain’s popularity among visitors.

Overall, there seems to be a general agreement among our readers that, while it can be difficult to decide which is the best country of all for tourists, Spain undeniably has something to offer for everyone.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Fusion promise

PIONEERING British nuclear fusion company, Tokamak, has raised £99 million (€118.8 million) from investors who include the fund that manages the wealth of Italy’s billionaire Agnelli family. Tokamak believes that within 10 years, a pilot plant could be producing almost unlimited amounts of clean electricity.

Strike looms

MORE than 100,000 meat packing employees intend to strike on December 4 and 5 unless unions and the sector’s business owners can decide on working conditions. The unions said they hoped the employers would seize “every chance” to agree terns if they wished to avoid conflict throughout the sector.

West End rents

LONDON’S New Bond Street, where rentals cost £14,384 (€17,210) per square metre, is now the world’s third-most expensive shopping street. Only Via Monte Napoleone in Milan, followed by Upper Fifth Avenue in New York, are more expensive according to US global estate agents, Cushman and Wakefield.

Foreign aid

OF 515,000 jobs created over the past year, 211,000 went to non-Spanish personnel. Representing 13.6 per cent of Spain’s workforce, foreign wage earners constituted 41 per cent of all new employees and also account for more than 15 per cent of workers in 20 Spanish provinces, Social Security figures showed.

Not for sale

LUXURY handbag maker Mulberry is slashing 85 of its 350 head office jobs following a dip of almost 20 per cent in half-year sales. In October company rejected a £111 million (€133 million) offer from 37 per cent shareholder, Frasers Group, after major shareholder, Challice, said it had no interest in selling.

STAT OF WEEK

investment by Spanish power company Endesa between 2024 - 2027 as it focuses on upgrading and expanding its networks and cutting back on renewable projects.

New role for Sharon White

DAME SHARON WHITE, who made an early exit from John Lewis last September, has been engaged to head Canada’s public and semi-public pension fund ma nager in Europe.

White begins her new role at Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) in January 2025, replacing David Morley who reti red as CDPQ’s European chief in April.

In an internal memo that was first disclosed by Bloomberg, Marc-Andre Blanchard, executive vice-president of CDPQ Global, said that White’s “expertise and collaborative approach” would boost the fund’s ambitions for growth in the UK and Europe.

The Canadian fund opened an office in London, its regional headquarters for Europe, in 2016 but moved to larger premises in 2023. In the same memo,

Blanchard pointed out that Britain was the fund’s “largest investment destination” outside Canada and

POWER company Iberdrola issued AUS$750 million (€460) in green bonds on November 19.

This has made Iberdrola the first non-financial Spanish company to carry out a “kangaroo” transaction, where a foreign company issues bonds in Australian dollars.

In Iberdrola’s case, these were green bonds that are earmarked for environmentally-friendly projects.

The Iberdrola bonds, which were 2.8 times over-subscribed, were issued in two tranches of AUS$350 million (€215 million) for a six-year term and AU$400 million (€245 million) for 10 years.

Clear as water

SEVERN TRENT WATER’S half-year profits tripled to £192 million (€230.4 million) despite not meeting water quality standards.

The company, which provides water for 4.7 million customers in an area between Bristol, mid-Wales and the Humber, said it expected to be penalised for failings at Strensham (Worcestershire).

A Severn Trent spokesperson predicted a “significant improvement” in water quality in 2025, thanks to the company’s “biggest ever” ultraviolet disinfection process.

By the end of 2023, CDPQ’s UK investments, which include stakes in the First Hydro Company as well as Eurostar and Heathrow, totalled C$34 billion (€23 billion).

White stepped aside as the John Lewis Partnership chair after revealing in October 2023 that she would leave the post at the end of her five-year term in February 2025. The announcement came shortly after she admitted that her turnaround plans for the Partnership would take another two years to complete and cost

In fact she left in September this year to make way for Jason Tarry, Tesco’s former chief executive who was brought in to complete the recovery that White, previous chief executive at communications regulator Ofcom, failed to pull off.

Iberdrola down under

Not enough

GRIFOLS said on November 19 that Canadian investment fund Brookfield’s takeover bid “significantly” undervalued its prospects and long-term potential.

The Barcelona-based pharmaceutical company said Brookfield’s €10.50 offer for every Grifols ‘A’ share, and €7.62 per ‘B’ share, put a too-low value of €6.45 billion on the company.

Following a board meeting, Grifols announced after the market closed on November 19 that it would not recommend that shareholders accepted an offer “at the indicated price.”

Brookfield and the Grifols family had, until now, intended to take the company private after the company lost 30 per cent of its market value following attacks from short-seller Gotham City Research in January and March.

AVIVA, one of the UK’s largest pension funds, has lost £368 million (€441.5 million) on ‘disastrous’ incinerator power plant investments.

The power plants were designed to run on biomass waste wood, but later converted to burn household waste.

The Guardian reported despite pouring ‘millions’ into three power plants in Hull, Boston and Barry (Wales) and after months of criticism from individual shareholders, Aviva is putting them into administration.

An Aviva source said the technology “posed significant challenges” that would require more investment to solve.

PETROINEOS, which owns Scotland’s sole oil refinery, rejected a US consortium’s approach only months before it is due to close.

Iberdrola’s Australian operation arrived less than a month after posting a net profit of €5.47 billion for the first nine months of 2024, with predicted growth of 14 per cent for the entire year.

As well as its eurozone operations, the Bilbao-based multinational headed by Ignacio Sanchez Galan has this year carried out transactions in Switzerland, the UK, Norway and now Australia, the only European utility company to do so.

Changed tactics

IN April, BBVA proposed an €11 billion takeover bid for all Sabadell shares which the Catalan bank rejected.

By May, the bid had turned hostile although Bilbao-headquartered BBVA still insists that from its point of view the offer remains friendly.

Following a media advertising campaign and accusations between both banks, BBVA is taking a more moderate approach, and now stresses how both banks would be able to face sustainability and technological challenges together.

Meanwhile Deutsche Bank analysts predict that BBVA will add another €2 billion to its offer, stating that it doubted the present offer had little chance of success.

According to Sky News, the consortium led by Robert McKee, a US energy industry expert includes The Canal Group and Trading Stack, a commodities trader based in the Middle East.

Sources close to the offer revealed that Petroineos, which is 50 per cent owned by Ineos, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s petrochemicals empire, intends to convert the 100-year-old Grangemouth installation into an import terminal for processed fuels.

CAIXABANK announced its 2025-2027 plans for maintaining profitability despite falling interesting rates affecting Europe’s banks. Spain’s biggest high street lender announced it expects its return on tangible equity (ROTE) to average 15 per cent over the next three years, anticipating “solid economic growth” to boost revenue and compensate for lower interest rates.

Although this is below its 16.9 per cent third-quarter ROTE, CaixaBank calculates this will have risen above 16 per cent by 2027.

IBERDROLA: Green bond issue in Australia for Bilbao-based companhy

SHARON WHITE: Appointed head of CDPQ in Europe.

3I Group 3.563,00 3.586,00 3.560,00 28,06K Admiral Group 2.455,0 2.456,0 2.438,0 5,91K

Airtel Africa 98,39 98,45 97,00 166,52K

Anglo American 2.368,5 2.381,0 2.360,0 57,34K

Antofagasta 1.683,50 1.699,00 1.683,50 28,03K

Ashtead Group 6.254,0 6.300,0 6.244,0 41,83K

Associated British Foods 2.189,0 2.196,0 2.182,0 28,02K AstraZeneca 10.223,3 10.230,0 10.140,0 108,86K Auto Trader Group Plc 817,60 820,00 814,00 52,5K Aviva 487,61 487,80 486,28 161,3K

B&M European Value Retail SA 347,10 348,70 340,60 375,43K

BAE Systems 1.326,29 1.332,00 1.323,25 338,74K Barclays 259,10 264,80 258,55 3,25M

Barratt Developments 408,40 409,10 405,00 154,17K Beazley 777,50 785,50 771,50 25,77K

Berkeley 4.338,0 4.340,0 4.258,0 11,53K

BP 391,45 394,90 390,95 2,43M British American Tobacco 2.936,7 2.937,0 2.928,6 129,82K

BT Group 149,73 149,73 148,35 1,15M Bunzl 3.480,0 3.486,0 3.466,0 11,9K Centrica 124,89 124,91 123,70 607,37K

16,23K

2.629,00 2.636,00 2.626,00 146,19K

Group 231,00 232,60 230,80 153,7K

Intl 3.510,0 3.521,0 3.488,0 8,14K

5.630,0 5.645,0 5.610,0 12,36K

2.363,8 2.368,0 2.348,5 128,34K

514,00 519,20 511,60

19,98K

743,50 745,00 738,00 8,35K

657,50 658,30 655,00 45,66K

BUSINESS

EXTRA

On track

SPAIN’S publicly-owned engineering company Ineco increased its presence in Morocco with a €2.275 million railway design project in partnership with local company

CID. This was Ineco’s third Moroccan contract this year, making the region its principal market outside Spain.

Light up

OFGEM ordered German power company

E.ON to pay its UK prepayment customers

£14.5 million (€17.4 million) in compensation after billing failures between early 2021 and late 2023. The UK’s energy regulator said that approximately 250,000 households would receive an average of £144 (€172.80).

Lidl GB is back in profit

LIDL GB reported pretax profits of £43.6 billion (€52.3 billion) for the year ending February 29, 2024.

The German-owned discounter, which a year ago announced losses of £75 million (€90 million) saw revenue soar by approximately 17 per cent to £10.9 billion (€13 billion) as it slowed expansion to concentrate on upgrading existing stores.

Only one new store opened last year, compared with 45 in 2022-2023 although

Patchy debut

SHARES in clean energy and water treatment company Cox, which debuted on the Spanish stock exchange on November 15, have recovered from initial setbacks.

Opening at €10.24, slightly above the Cox shares’ €10.23 reference price that gave the company a market value of €805 million, they fell within minutes to €9.86 with more than one million transactions that day.

According to insiders, the disappointing performance was due to market concerns regarding renewable energy following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election.

By close of day on November 18 the Cox shares closed at €10.22, a 7.58 per cent improvement according to Bolsas y Mercados Españoles (BME), which organises activities on Spain’s stock exchanges.

the company plans to open 18 in the coming months and 40 more next year.

On November 20 the group, now on the point of overtaking Morrisons as Britain’s fifth-largest supermarket, released figures showing that the chain gained 300,0000 new shoppers and 60 per cent of UK households visited a Lidl store at least once over the previous 12 months.

Lidl’s strongest growth came from fresh produce, where sales increased by 22 per cent, while baked items also rose, making the discounter the second largest retailer in that category ahead of Asda and Morrisons.

“We’ve come a long way since we opened our first stores here 30 years ago,” Lidl GB’s chief executive Ryan McDonnell said. “From stocking jars of frankfurters, over twothirds of our products are now sourced from British suppliers.”

Yes to STC

MADRID will approve the state-backed Saudi Arabian STC Group’s acquisition of a 9.9 per cent Telefonica stake and a seat on the board. As the deal involved a holding of more than 5 per cent by a foreign investor, and because Telefonica is of strategic importance owing to its telecoms, industrial and Defence contracts, government consent was required.

Car deals

SANTANDER UK has allocated £295 million (€354 million) to cover possible payouts to customers who took out car loans without knowing that the bank was paying commission to car dealers. The provision affected the bank’s pre-tax third-quarter profits, which fell to £143 million (€171.6 million) compared with £413 million (€495.8 million) in the second quarter.

LIDL GB: Two-thirds of products sourced from British suppliers.

Give us all a break

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

AS far as I’m concerned, these so-called graffiti ‘artists,’ are not only a blight on the landscape but a blight on our whole society.

Their daubs scrawls and indiscriminate obscenities, desecrate our buildings, bridges, rolling stock and just about anything else that gets in the way of their sanctimonious spray cans. I do admit that a small minority (ala Banksy) can indeed be creative, and sometimes even enhance buildings and structures that are otherwise gloomy and run down - but the majority are not.

Most are anti-social destructive louts, with nothing better to do than destroy other people’s creations and hard work. Far from it for me to declare that the three young men who were once rundown and tragically killed by a train deserved what they got - of course they didn’t, but there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that they simply shouldn’t have been there in

the first place. Apparently, the following day ‘tensions were running high’ at the Loughborough Junction, where well-wishers sprayed black hearts and RIP on shutters outside the station.

It appears extra police had to be brought in after youths defaced a flower memorial and daubed slogans criticising the police and Transport for London for their actions! Er, just a minute What particular actions were they actually objecting to? The way the police had the utterly disturbing and upsetting job of clearing the remains of the victims from the track?

The Transport authorities highly daunting task of dealing with the disruption and commuter chaos that ensued after the accident? Give us all a break.

The sooner these misfits put the spray cans away, smarten up and get down to learning something from all that mainly free education they take so much for granted, the better it will be for all of us. Personally, I would declare all-out combat on these people; using CCTV and any means possible to bring

them to book. I would like to see them named, shamed and made to clean off their filth, before being heavily fined, lose their student grants or even face imprisonment.

How dare these blots on society be allowed to deface other people’s property, particularly our memorials and cause an affront to our senses in the name of ‘art’. Perhaps something good will come out of this tragedy by discouraging others to splosh paint everywhere, but somehow, I doubt it. I dunno, perhaps it’s me. Sometimes I truly feel I’m getting too old for it all.

One totally unrelated action I would like to suggest before I finally check out, is to remove the words ‘well done’ and ‘amazing’ from the English language. That should strike most our so-called TV presenters and quizzers utterly dumb and make way for some proper talent, that can actually ad lib their way out of the proverbial paper bag! Thanks for all your mail. Keep it coming, I truly do read it all.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

An

AFTER losing a loved one, for many, scattering their ashes is a tender and meaningful way to honour their memory, say goodbye and find closure.

For expats living in Spain who are making funeral plans, it’s important to understand the legalities and cultural nuances of this heartfelt ritual. Should you wish to get cremated, you might have wishes in place of where your ashes will be scattered. However, your family and loved ones need to understand where in Spain they are allowed to scatter the ashes.

This straightforward yet sensitive guide is designed to help you understand the requirements and options for scattering ashes in Spain, allowing you to focus on planning a fond farewell.

Internet Saint

CARLO ACUTIS, known as ‘the patron saint of the internet’ and ‘God’s influencer’, is set to become the first millennial to be canonised by the Catholic Church.

The canonisation ceremony will take place on April 26, 2025, at the Vatican, officiated by Pope Francis.

Carlo Acutis, born in London and raised in Italy, gained recognition for using his technological skills to document miracles online and create websites for Catholic organisations. He passed away at age 15 in 2006 from leukaemia in Monza, Italy. After his death, his remains were moved to a shrine in Assisi, where they are displayed alongside other relics.

Canonisation in the Catholic Church requires two verified miracles attributed to the candidate’s intercession. Acutis’ first miracle, recognised in 2020, involved the healing of a Brazilian child with a congenital disease. His beatification was marked by a ceremony at St Francis Basilica in Assisi, where a tapestry bearing his image was displayed. The second miracle, involved a university student in Florence who recovered from severe brain bleeding.

Carlo Acutis’ life story has been described as a bridge for the Catholic Church to connect with younger generations in the digital era. Pope Francis, who has frequently praised Acutis, sees him as a model of faith and modern evangelism.

guide on scattering ashes in Spain

Is it legal to scatter ashes in Spain?

In short, yes, it is legal to scatter ashes in Spain, but there are certain regulations in place to protect public spaces. Spain has guidelines about where ashes can and can’t be scattered, particularly in popular and protected areas. Before you

scatter ashes, it’s essential to seek permission from local authorities if you’re planning to scatter them in a public place, such as a park, beach or mountain. Where can and can’t you scatter ashes in Spain?

- Beaches and coastal areas: Many people wish to scatter ashes along Spain’s

scenic coastlines. However, permission from the local council is typically required.

Ensure you contact the local town hall (ayuntamiento) in the area where you plan to scatter the ashes - they will inform you of the correct procedure.

- Mountains and countryside: The Spanish countryside and mountainous regions can provide a peaceful setting for scattering ashes. As with coastal areas, permission from local authorities is often needed. Nature reserves and historic sites may have restrictions, so check if a special permit is needed.

- Private property: Scattering ashes on private land is generally allowed, but always seek the property owner’s permission first.

The Spanish government places importance on pre-

serving the natural beauty of its public spaces, so please do not leave urns or other items behind. Be mindful that public beaches and parks are shared spaces, and scattering ashes discreetly is respectful to others.

How Compare Funerals Spain can help with scattering ashes

If you’re looking for guidance on scattering ashes in Spain, Compare Funerals Spain offers professional assistance.

They can help you understand local regulations and coordinate with authorities to make sure everything is handled respectfully and correctly. Their English-speaking team is knowledgeable about Spain’s regional requirements, making the process easier for you during a difficult time.

Carlo Acutis.

Image: Beato

Carlo

Acutis / Facebook.

EVERY year, a Norwegian spruce is sent to London as part of a Christmas tradition.

This year, the traditional felling ceremony took place with Oslo’s mayor, Anne Lindboe, and Robert Rigby, the Lord Mayor of Westminster.

The tree will be transported partially by an electric vehicle, and a new tree will be planted in Oslo to replace it.

The tradition began as a symbol of gratitude for Britain’s support during the Second World War. Upon arrival in London, the 56-year-old tree, standing 20 metres tall, will be set up in Trafalgar Square.

Organisers called the tree “one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees,” symbolising “friendship between cities and nations, peace, and solidarity.”

The tree will be adorned with energy-saving lights arranged in a traditional Norwegian style, hanging vertically.

Tree-mendous

The British Ambassador to Norway, Jan Thompson, confirmed: “The tree has brought joy to generations of Londoners,” adding that for many visitors to the city, seeing the Norwegian tree is as important as Christmas shopping on Oxford Street or attending a show in the West End.

Oslo’s mayor Anne Lindboe emphasised that the tree’s message of gratitude, friendship, and peace remains as meaningful today as it did 77 years ago.

Robert Rigby, the Lord Mayor of Westminster, thanked Norway for the gift, calling the tree “majestic” and praising their efforts.

Tree-mendous gift.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol For the love of Susan

SUSAN HANNAM was commemorated in Benalmadena, Thursday, November 21, for her more than 30 years of service in offering palliative care to those in their last days on the Costa del Sol and for having received the Order of the British Empire medal for her dedication, initiative, and love.

Councillor Áurea Peralta González said ‘she knows how to listen, she knows how to understand, and she has never said a bad word against anyone.’

Susan took to the stage to sit in conversation with trustee Liz Parry BEM for an informal conversation in a mixture of Spanish and English.

Susan also helped set up the first charity shop in Fuengirola. Liz pointed out that the hat Susan was wearing, the same she had worn on the day of receiving her OBE, was also a purchase from a Cudeca charity shop.

Congratulations, Susan Hannam of Cudeca. Your OBE, your recognition, is most deserved.

Axarquia Nerja v gender violence

NERJA has been collaborating in the battle against gender violence. To commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which took place on November 25, Nerja has ratified its commitment to the cause in a very special manifesto.

The local manifesto which had been drawn up conscientiously to reflect changing times and the current situation regarding gender violence in Spain was read allowed in Nerja’s town hall. It remembered the 41 women and eight minors who died at the hands of gender violence this year alone.

Women’s associations in collaboration with the Municipal Women’s Information Centre organised a moving tribute to victims of gender violence who were named and flowers and toys were placed in the Cerote tree on the Balcon de Europa in their memory.

Rather than being a sad reflection on a society still scourged by sexist violence, the day served as a reaffirmation that things are changing.

Mallorca

Britain extends season

THE Balearics ranked as the 6 per cent most popular Spanish destination for the week of October 7-13, accounting for 5.8-8.3 per cent of total bookings, according to the data sourced by booking platform TravelgateX.

The study shows a contrasting picture of booking trends for the Balearic Islands. Long-range bookings have fallen, with an overall 5.3 per cent decline in bookings compared to the same period in 2023. However, there has been a late surge in British tourism, with bookings increasing by 27 per cent in the past week, likely driven by warm October weather with temperatures reaching 30ºC in Mallorca.

Booking trends highlight diverse travel planning preferences: 28.2 per cent of bookings were made over three months in advance;12.6 per cent were made one to two months prior, and last-minute bookings accounted for 13.8 per cent.

This growing trend of unprompted travel has fueled the surge in bookings.

Costa Blanca South Expats choose Alicante

IN the 2024 Expat City Ranking by InterNations, Alicante secured the third spot among the best cities to live worldwide.

This annual report is based on feedback from over 12,500 expatriates living in 53 cities across 35 countries.

The ranking evaluates key factors such as quality of life, ease of settling in, affordability, and personal finance.

Alicante is celebrated for its affordable lifestyle, warm climate, and relaxed pace of life that appeals to expats from all over the world. The city ranks seventh in the ‘Expat Essentials Index’, which highlights the availability of affordable housing and efficient digital infrastructure.

Expats also find Alicante easy to navigate, with public transportation and digital services receiving high marks. This accessibility, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, makes it easier for newcomers to settle in and enjoy their new surroundings.

Almeria

Stars celebrate cinema

ALMERIA wrapped up its 23rd International Film Festival (FICAL 2024) with a star-studded closing gala, celebrating the best of Spain’s thriving film and TV industry. The event brought together over 600 professionals, including big names like Carmen Machi, Karra Elejalde, and Najwa Nimri, who praised the region’s stunning landscapes and the warm welcome from locals.

Held at the Maestro Padilla Auditorium, the gala showcased the province’s natural beauty as a filming destination. Highlights included awards for emerging filmmakers and series that captivated audiences. The feature film La Estrella Azul (The Blue Star) received top honours, including Best Film and Best Director, while popular TV shows were also recognised for their cultural impact.

The festival’s highlight was the ‘Almeria, Land of Cinema’ award, given to Karra Elejalde for his outstanding career. Earlier, he unveiled his star on the Walk of Fame, a nod to Almeria’s growing appeal as a film hub.

Costa Blanca North

The Monaco of Spain

COSTA BLANCA NORTH is fast emerging as a highly desirable option for luxury buyers. In fact, so much so, that it is now listed alongside Malaga, the Balearic Islands, Madrid and Barcelona as representing the pinnacle of luxury real estate in Spain.

Each offers unique lifestyle opportunities and investment potential for discerning buyers. When it comes to Costa Blanca North, this area is celebrated for its stunning beaches, golf courses, and laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect blend of leisure and investment potential.

With picturesque towns like Altea and Moraira, luxury villas and upscale communities are flourishing in this region. However, it is Javea that is making headlines for enticing affluent individuals, including actors, musicians, and professional athletes. With properties on the market for in excess of €6 million, it is no wonder it is attracting such an influx of wealth.

Affectionately known informally as the ‘Monaco of Spain’, Javea has a renowned upscale reputation.

Only one Kinder boy Dumping snow

MATTEO FARNETI, the face of Kinder between 2004 and 2019, finds himself compelled to reclaim his identity.

In an interview with Corriere di Bologna, the 31-year-old from Bologna expressed his indignation at having to repeatedly justify his identity as the blue-eyed boy featured on the packaging of Kinder chocolate bars.

The Bolognese model highlighted the controversy surrounding Alessandro Egger, a fellow model and actor who is currently a contestant on the Italian television show La Talpa. Egger posted a photo on Instagram of himself holding a Kinder chocolate bar bearing Farneti’s image. The post gained significant media attention, and Egger failed to deny the resulting assumptions he was the child on the packaging.

Farneti’s outrage is understandable. He contends that if others truly claim to be the ‘Kinder child,’ they should produce their own images rather than misusing his.

Farneti has spoken out because he is weary of such misrepresentations, which have impacted not only his private life - where he has faced accusations of dishonesty - but also his professional life, as they undermine his credibility in other advertising campaigns similar to Kinder’s.

To prove his identity, Farneti shared a video on his Facebook page in which he is interviewed by Kinder Cioccolato, where he reflects on his experience as Kinder boy.

ONE thing that is certain is that if you live in Finland there will be plenty of snow falling during the winter season.

The main problem of snow that hasn’t melted is in the capital Helsinki and the city council has for years organised for the snow to be collected and dumped into the Baltic Sea.

According to reports, between 25 and 45 per cent of all snow collected from Helsinki roads are currently dumped into the sea around the area of Hernesaari which during the winter period sees some 230,000 cubic metres of snow being deposited.

If it was just snow, there wouldn’t be such a problem but when scraped from the roads, it includes gravel, general waste and even microplastic, all of which can create pollution.

The Finnish government has therefore come up with a plan that calls for the total banning of dumping of snow by March 2028 which has the council up in arms as the Helsinki Council called for

the prohibition of dumping of the snow by 2033, a full five years later.

The problem is trying to work out where to put the snow that is cleared in order to allow traffic to flow smoothly and safely throughout the city.

One option is to dump it in parks across Helsinki but that certainly wouldn’t look attractive and another option is to simply let it pile up at the edge of roads, but that then narrows the space for vehicles and could be a potential problem for pedestrians.

Snow ploughs could simply create huge piles at the edge of roads.

PETS

Pet-friendly travel in Spain

TRANSPORTING pets in cars can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibilities, especially in Spain, where regulations mandate the safe transport of animals. To ensure a safe journey for both pets and drivers, here are some essential guidelines.

First, pets must be restrained while travelling. This can be achieved using a pet seatbelt, a harness, or a secure carrier. These measures prevent distractions and protect pets in the event of sudden

stops. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in fines of up to €500.

Before setting off, ensure your pet is comfortable in their restraint system. Gradually acclimatising them to the carrier or harness at home can help reduce anxiety.

It’s also important to never leave pets unattended in the car, especially on warm days, as temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Plan regular breaks to allow your pet to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.

Lastly, make sure your pet has proper identification, such as a microchip or tags, in case they escape during stops. By following these guidelines, pet owners can ensure safe and enjoyable journeys throughout Spain.

Talisker feels safe when the pet-sitters are in the house

TALISKER is a rather possessive cat and can get anxious in a cattery where he doesn’t feel at home. When his owners travel away from home, he prefers to stay at home looking after the pet-sitter and the three other resident felines, Lossit, Monty and Grouse. Talisker is very much in charge and always present making himself available to help the sitter in any capacity that might be needed.

HouseSitMatch Saves You Money - Pet-sitting is Free

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If you’re travelling in 2025 join now and get organised today:

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Technology for animal lovers

IN recent years, technology has transformed the way we care for our pets, making it easier and more efficient for owners to ensure their furry friends are healthy and happy. From health-monitoring apps to smart feeders, innovations are enhancing pet care like never before.

Wearable devices track pets’ activity levels, sleep patterns, and vital signs, helping owners monitor their pets’ health in real time and alerting them to potential issues before they escalate.

Smart feeders allow owners to manage their pet’s diet effectively by automating portion control and feeding schedules,

HouseSitMatch house-sitters don’t charge and keep your pets company - Talisker likes them.

2. Join for as little as £89/€99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

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Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

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We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process.

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TIP

reducing the risk of obesity. Interactive toys provide mental stimulation by allowing owners to play with their pets remotely through a camera and laser pointer.

Additionally, health-monitoring apps help pet owners keep track of vaccinations, vet appointments, and medication schedules.

As these technologies become more accessible, tech-savvy pet owners are better equipped to provide their pets with a fulfilling and active life, paving the way for a healthier future for our beloved companions

‘Windows to Wellness’

WHEN travelling with your pet, ensure they’re safely secured in a carrier or harness. Bring essentials like food, water, and medications. Keep identification updated and research petfriendly accommodations.

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CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078

or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www. aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

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Max Verstappen crowned

FORMULA 1 fans across Europe had to set their alarms for an early start on Sunday morning November 24 if they wanted to see the Las Vegas F1 race live. However, those that did were rewarded with the crowning of the World Champion of 2024, as Max Verstappen racing for Red Bull earned the coveted title for an impressive fourth time, marking his fourth consecutive title win.

Verstappen knew that in order to secure the title, he needed to finish ahead of title rival Lando Norris in the McLaren. This he managed to achieve with his fifth-place position, as Norris ended the race in sixth place. This put his points tally for the season so far at 403 points, with his nearest rival sitting on 340 points. Verstappen’s impressive 2024 season includes victories in nine of the 22 races. This included a dominant start

Verstappen secured a podium first at Sao Paulo 2024, keeping his title bid alive.

to the season with wins in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, Emilia-Romagna, Canada, and Spain. However, things did not always go his way and the summer proved to be particularly challenging when he failed to reach the top podium spot for several races in a row. Therefore, some would argue that this was one of his most

challenging seasons yet, making this World Championship title all the sweeter.

Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year but Max has been truly outstanding. I think it’s been his best and hardest world championship, he’s delivered on days where the car wasn’t quite there.”

SailGP kicks off

SIX European teams battle it out against the world’s best sailors as season 5 SailGP gets underway in Dubai.

SailGP is considered the F1 on the water, a worldwide competition founded by Larry Ellison - an American tech billionaire - and champion yachtsman Russell Coutts in 2019.

The best sailors in the world race the fastest boats in and above the water using hydrofoil technology which allows the boat to achieve

speeds over 50 knots (equivalent to 100 kilometres per hour). They race in the F50 catamarans which are exactly the same design to test the sailors’ skills in different venues across the globe.

Dubai’s Port Mina Rashid came alive as the Rolex SailGP’s fleet, featuring 12 national teams, started Saturday November 23 with New Zealand winning the first regatta and the Spanish team, winners of the last Season, in fourth place.