ON Saturday December 14, a sea of Santas danced in motion in the Paseo del Born in Palma. More than 1,000 people from across Mallorca took part in the fifth edition of the Ball Important a Mallorca (BIM), an event that blends line dancing, Christmas spirit, and charity.
From 6.00pm, the promenade came alive with music and synchronised choreographies. Organised by Joan Morro from Linedance Balear, with the support of Palma Town Hall, the celebration united dancers of all ages, led by a team of 50 specialised instructors.
The evening began with the humorous performance of actor Madó Pereta, followed by the entrance of two glitter-clad stilt walkers. However, the highlight of the night came when 69 instructors
A sea of Santas
Christmas dance for charity”
took to the stage to lead the attendees.
Over two and a half hours, participants danced to a playlist of 36 songs, from timeless favourites to contemporary hits like Señorita.
Line dancing gained popularity in Mallorca thanks to Carmen Gallego in Can Pastilla. Since
then, the pastime has spread across the island, becoming a tradition that gathers enthusiasts in squares and promenades.
The 2024 edition of the BIM was no exception. Under the glow of the Christmas lights, the event reinforced its com-
Successful rescue mission
Brave team saves injured hiker in the Tramuntana
DESPITE the low temperatures in the Tramuntana mountains, hikers are still drawn to the beauty of the landscape, but not without risks.
An injured hiker was rescued from the Cavall Bernat mountain range in Pollença on the evening of Monday December 16.
The Salvament Marítim helicopter transported the victim to hospital.
Members of the fire brigade of the Consell de Mallorca and the Grup de Rescat en Muntanya (Mountain Rescue Group) of the Guardia Civil took part in the rescue operation at Pas de les Cabres,
in the Serra de Cavall Bernat, within the municipality of Pollença.
The successful operation involved eight firefighters from the Grup de Rescat en Muntanya dels Bombers de Mallorca and two officers from the GREIM of the Guardia Civil.
Thanks to their efforts, and the assistance of the
Salvament Marítim helicopter, the injured hiker was safely taken to hospital. Just in time for Christmas!
mitment by donating all funds raised to charity. With songs like Todo es Posible en Navidad bringing the night to a close, Palma bid farewell to an unforgettable celebration.
Santa bikers hit Mallorca roads
Festive ride from Palma to Inca
MOTORBIKE Santas on the motorway? You read that correctly. On December 15, the bikers of the Bribones Bikers Mallorca club hit the road, parading at full throttle from the heart of Palma to the town of Inca.
This tradition, active since 2012, is a pre-Christmas gathering where the island’s bikers share laughs on the tarmac and celebrate the festive season in a unique and playful way. The only requirements?
Membership in the Bribones club, a motorbike, and, naturally, dressing up as Santa, helmet included!
The bikers made a stop in Palma’s Plaza Cort, where they parked their motorbikes and posed for photographs at the gates of the town hall.
Organised in coordination with the Dirección General de Territorio y Paisaje of Palma Town Hall, the event unfolded without incident, bringing smiles and admiration from pedestrians and drivers along the route from Palma to Inca.
Mallorca
Victim taken by helicopter.
Thousands of Santas dancing in Palma.
Credit: Facebook/Ajuntament de Palma
Santas on the motorway.
de Palma
THE Classic Car Club’s final event of 2024, the annual Christmas drinks get-together, was a resounding success. The gathering took place on Sunday, December 8 at the newly opened Bendinat Urban Country Club, and was free for all members of the Classic Car Club, Mallorca.
The event saw an impressive turnout, with 54 members in attendance and 24 classic cars on display, making it a vibrant social occasion. The Bendinat Urban Country Club provided an elegant setting for the festivities. Many members fondly recalled previous enjoyable and delicious car run lunches at Santa Ponsa, and were delighted to see that their renowned chef Christian Denz is now the resident chef at Bendinat.
Classic Car Club’s Christmas event
Titled the ‘Christmas Tapas and Drinks’
event, the gathering featured a delightful selection of complimentary food and beverages. The combination of well-presented and delicious food, fine drinks, and the company of fellow classic car enthusiasts made for a memorable and festive conclusion to the year for the Classic Car Club.
The event not only celebrated the Christmas season but also highlighted the strong sense of community and shared passion among the club members. It was a fitting end to a year of camaraderie and classic car appreciation.
Green flag for autonomos
Aurelia Muñoz
AT last, the self-employed (autonomos) in the Balearics are receiving some good news.
It’s not quite a company Christmas hamper, but it’s close.
Margalida Prohens, President of the Govern de les Illes Balears, has unveiled the 2025 aid plan for the self-employed, aiming to support the islands’ economy.
The aid, strengthened by the positive results of 2024, will include programmes for the consolidation of the autonomo and the Cuota Cero (reduced flat rate of the Social Security monthly payment) initiative.
The consolidation programme focuses on innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and competitiveness. It has a budget of €1 million, and applications can be submitted from January 1 to March 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Cuota Cero plan for self-employed contributions will open in April 2025 and includes two measures: a zero quota for the first year and a zero quota for the second year, with dual aid provided.
This scheme has a budget of €1,400,000 for 2025 and 2026.
Applications for the grants can be submitted through the GOIB’s website: caib.es.
Christmas Tapas and Drinks for the classic cars.
hamper, but it’s close.
Cuota cero 2025.
Photo: Pexels/Anna Shvets
IMAGINE - making a difference this Christmas
From
30 years of living within this incredible community and providing you with
As a family, let’s take a moment this Christmas to think about those around us who might be vulnerable - the elderly, the needy, and those struggling quietly in our community. For many, the season can be a lonely time, but we can change that together.
Imagine living in a foreign land and, for various reasons, not having a family, a home, or even a warm meal. Imagine being homeless, feeling unseen, and having no one in the world to care for you. This dark and lonely place is a reality for far too many people. But we can make a di erence.
So, let’s make this Christmas one to remember, not just for ourselves but for everyone around us. Prepare an extra plate of food for a neighbour, or invite them to join you at your table. Share not only your food but your love and your time. There is something truly magical about opening your heart and home, creating memories that will last long after the Christmas lights are taken down.
Let’s remember that Christmas isn’t about how much we give in material terms but how much we give of our-
warmth
2025 electricity price surge
VAT rise impacts households and businesses
SPANISH households and businesses are bracing for a sharp increase in electricity costs starting January 1, 2025. The return of VAT on electricity to 21 per cent will end three years of reduced rates introduced during the cost-of-living crisis. This marks a signicant shift after VAT was lowered to 10 per cent in 2021 and further reduced to 5 per cent in 2022. The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has expressed concern, noting that other European countries like Portugal and Belgium maintain reduced VAT rates for electricity.
The nancial impact will be signi cant:
• Households: An average monthly increase of €5.42, amounting to €65 annually.
• Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: A monthly rise of €114, totalling €1,372 per year.
In addition to the VAT hike, changes to the social bonus will reduce discounts for
vulnerable consumers. Adustments will phase out extra support, leaving lower reductions:
• Vulnerable Consumers: From 50 per cent in January to 35 per cent by July.
•Severely Vulnerable Consumers: From 65 per cent in January to 50 per cent by July.
These measures will a ect approximately 1.8 million households, with projected nancing costs of €284.8 million in
To counter rising expenses, residents are encouraged to compare energy providers for better rates.
Services like Spanish Energy o er free price comparisons and assistance with paperwork.
Spain faces an uphill battle as electricity costs soar, pushing households and businesses to explore alternatives and reduce consumption.
selves. A simple act of kindness - sharing a meal, donating to a cause, or checking in on someone who might be lonely - can light up someone’s world in unimaginable ways.
‘And the world will live as one’.
Let’s set aside our di erences, extend a hand, and touch someone’s life with compassion, if only for one day. Imagine the ripple e ect of kindness, spreading warmth and hope where needed most. Together, we can bring more joy to the world, one thoughtful gesture at a time.
This season, let’s embrace the true spirit of Christmas by living John Lennon’s timeless dream: ‘To imagine all the people sharing the world’.
SPAIN is facing a growing labour market conundrum. Despite an unemployment rate of 11.2 per cent and over 2.5 million job seekers, the country has a record number of unfilled jobs. Experts warn that unless structural changes are made, this mismatch could harm Spain’s economy.
Spain’s job vacancies are projected to reach 153,000 by Q3 2024, a 4.3 per cent increase from the previous year. In 2023, the figure was 148,000, marking a 50 per cent rise since 2019. Despite this surge, Spain’s vacancy rate remains the lowest in the EU at 0.9 per cent, compared to the European average of 2.6 per cent.
Recruitment challenges are particularly severe in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and healthcare. Job shortages in these fields are threatening business operations and public services.
From all of us at Euro Weekly, thank you for being part of our family. We wish you peace, love, and a seasonlled with moments that truly matter.
High employment, yet record job vacancies light unimaginable ways.
Spain’s labour market paradox
Key reasons behind Spain’s vacancies include:
• Skills mismatches: Many jobseekers lack necessary qualifications.
• Unattractive roles: Jobs with low pay and tough conditions struggle to attract applicants.
• Demographic shifts: An ageing workforce means fewer younger workers entering demanding professions.
This shortage costs Spain’s economy billions. In 2023, unfilled positions were estimated to have cost €8 billion in lost GDP.
The Spanish government is implementing immigration reforms to address these gaps, aiming to bring 900,000 foreign workers into the workforce by 2026.
The challenge is clear: bridging the gap between unfilled jobs and available workers is crucial for Spain’s economic stability.
Lennon’s timeless dream: ‘To imagi-
Balearics’ housing burden
PAYING rent or a mortgage is the largest expense for most Spanish households. However, residents of the Balearic Islands dedicate a higher share of their income to housing than anywhere else in Spain, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
While the average household in Spain spends 26.3 per cent of its income on housing, this figure rises to 30.4 per cent in the Balearic Islands. This makes it the region with the highest housing costs, followed by Murcia, Madrid, and Catalonia.
The percentage includes not only the cost of purchasing or renting a property but also maintenance expenses such as water, gas, and other utilities.
From 2013 to 2022,
Preparing for LEZ
housing prices in Palma have risen by an average of 3.7 per cent, highlighting the persistent and significant rise in costs within the Balearics.
The situation is further exacerbated by the limited supply of rental properties and the high demand on the islands, which enables property owners to push prices even higher in the market.
PALMA’s ZBE (Low Emission Zones) will become effective in January 2025, targeting the area from the Avingudes ring to the seafront.
Approved in November, the project includes 19 number plate recognition devices and extensive signage. The ZBE restricts cars without an environmental sticker or with an A label (petrol cars registered before 2001, diesel before 2006) from 2025, with exceptions for services like ambulances and residents until 2026.
Additionally, special routes will ensure access to health centres.
To smooth the transition, a three-month grace period has been granted during which only warnings will be issued. By 2027, vehicles with B badges will be banned, and from 2030, only Eco and Zero Emission vehicles will be allowed.
The ZBE aims to improve air quality, favouring cleaner transport such as bicycles, electric vehicles, and public transit.
For more information visit www.mobipalma.mobi.
2025 Palma transport fares
TRAVEL by bus (EMT) will no longer be free from January 1, 2025.
Two weeks before the end of the year, the Ajuntament de Palma reminds users to ensure their citizen card profile is updated to access reduced fares. The city hall also highlights cards expire every three years.
Fares will remain the same as in 2022, the last year in which public transport was still chargeable.
Without the citizen card, the fare will be €2, except for journeys to the airport, which will increase to €5.
EMT fares for 2025, with and without the card, are now available at emtpalma.cat/en/tari ffs.
Finally, procedures related to the citizen card can be completed via the electronic headquarters of Palma City Council.
Photo: Pexels/Alina
Mallorca rebrands its identity
IN its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, aligned with the values of the island and its residents, the Consell de Mallorca unveiled a new tourism identity for Mallorca at the Palma Auditorium on Monday, December 16.
The Consell has worked together with branding expert Andy Stalman from Totem Branding to design the strategy and logo. The agency has worked in similar projects, including the rebranding of the area Panama Pacífico in Panama and the World Trade Centre in Madrid.
The strategy aims to position Mallorca as a sustainable destination that respects its natural environment and its inhabitants. Instead of focusing on attracting more tourists or promoting mass
tourism, the goal is to appeal to quality visitors who feel like ‘temporary residents’, experiencing the island in an immersive way that highlights its traditions and landscapes.
The chosen logo incorporates the ‘teles de llengües’ (cloth of tongues: a unique pattern found in traditional Mallorcan textiles), accompanied by two slogans: ‘ca nostra’
(our home, in Mallorcan) for residents and ‘the island of tomorrow’ for tourists.
This is a complex project, as it seeks to balance tradition and innovation while repositioning Mallorca as a model for respectful tourism. The aim is to create an environment that is equally ideal for its residents and its visitors.
Beloved cartoonist dies at his Alhaurin home
A MUCH-LOVED British cartoonist known for his work with Fleet Street publications, with Euro Weekly News and also hit children’s TV cartoons died peacefully at his home in Alhaurin el Grande, Malaga.
Born in Birmingham in 1928, Peter Maddocks loved drawing from childhood. In 1939, he began his formal studies at the Moseley School of Art. One of his tutors was Norman Pett, the creator of the highly popular ‘Jane’ cartoon strip from the time.
Although he earned a name for himself as a political satire newspaper cartoonist, he later had great success creating cartoons for children. Working with his sons, they set up Maddocks Cartoons and had long-running TV hits with series such as The Family Ness, Jimbo and the Jet Set and Penny Crayon.
After moving to Spain, aged 72 in 2000, to escape
‘London’s gloom and bustle’, Peter was asked to produce cartoon strips for both the newspaper SUR and Euro Weekly News.
Later, he began painting and became an active member of the local art scene. His paintings have been exhibited in the Artsenal Inoxis,
a cultural space and art gallery in Alhaurin al Grande. Peter passed away aged 96 after a short illness at his home in his beloved Alhaurin el Grande. He will be sadly missed by his family and the many friends he had made along the Costa del Sol.
Andy Stalman in Palma.
Credit: Consell de Mallorca
The much-loved cartoonist Peter Maddocks has died aged 96.
Paying your bills in Spain
DIRECT debits are the common way to pay utility bills in Spain. Upon signing the contract with a utility company, you will also sign a direct debit mandate. Direct debits are simple and convenient and require minimal input from the customer, ensuring that bills are always paid on time.
While setting up direct debits in Spain is fairly simple there will be utility companies which only accept payments from Spanish IBAN accounts so a Spanish account is often required. Bueno was the first non-bank in Spain to offer Spanish IBAN accounts with the same functionality as Spanish banks, offering foreign property owners an alternative to Spanish high-street banks.
Switching your direct debit from one bank to another
In Spain there is no Account Switch Service Guarantee, updating payment accounts can become complicated when switching banks. Most banks
will offer a switch service, often claiming it will be 100 per cent digital and only take minutes. The reality is that many utility companies have manual processes and an automated approach will often fail. In fact, it’s one of the reasons people don’t change banks, even if the benefits are much
Some service providers may allow the customer to change payment details on their online platform but many others require a lot more effort on the customer’s part. At Bueno, however, our goal is to simplify property ban-
king - including paying utility bills and switching over direct debits. We understand that different processes and languages can cause confusion and easily become time-consuming. That’s why we offer a dedicated service designed to help you easily transfer your direct debits to a Bueno account. You’ll work with one of our multilingual consultants who will happily make the switch for you or guide you through the process. They’ll need a couple of pieces of information, including your customer reference numbers, and will contact the service provider on your behalf. In the case that the service provider requires the customer to make the change, they’ll guide you through the process.
At Bueno, your money is always secure. Our services are powered by SEFIDE EDE SLU, a trusted electronic money institution authorised by the Bank of Spain (Reference: 6705).
greater elsewhere.
Bueno makes switching easy
Your
VOICE
WHEN you think of the Christmas period, it probably brings to mind memories of sitting indoors away from the frosty weather outside, sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine, enjoying a big roast dinner and feeling cosy by the fireplace. However, for people in many parts of the world, this isn’t the case.
In Spain, while temperatures don’t drop too low, we can still experience some chilly and rainy weather just enough to enjoy the traditional cosy feeling that Christmas usually brings. On the other hand, if you live anywhere on the southern hemisphere such as in Australia or New Zealand, Christmas is a summer holiday and traditions include barbecues, fireworks and trips to the beach. With these very different experiences in mind, we’re curious about your holiday preferences. Do you prefer cold Christmas with warm jumpers, hot drinks, and a festive winter atmosphere? Or do you prefer outdoor celebrations, beach trips and summer festivities? We asked our Euro Weekly News readers for their thoughts.
Judith Dominique Wolfenegg opts for warm Christmas, sharing
“I hate the cold [...] For me sun and warmth, all year round.” Edith Farminer agrees, but points out that “it does not feel as much like Christmas as in northern countries.”
Montserrat Llois Llevot also associates Christmas with the cold, sharing a memory of when she once celebrated a warm beach Christmas in Florida, and adding that “it didn’t feel like Xmas to me.”
While many readers think that a warm Christmas is the best, such as Juda Cats, Janet Howell, and Bridget White , others like Peter Vera Marsen and Carole Penman argue that warm or cold is not as important as dry weather, as the rain can put a damper on the celebrations.
In conclusion, while it seems that a majority of Euro Weekly readers would choose warm weather for their holiday celebrations, a common theme is that wintery weather is the key to creating that warm, festive feeling. At the end of the day, whatever your preference is, the thing that makes Christmas so special is spending time with family and honouring your Christmas traditions, no matter the weather.
Repatriation for Robyn
ROBYN, daughter of Anthony and Karen Sumner, made a pre-Christmas trip from the UK to see her parents and the family reunited and spent a lovely time together. However, the day before she was due to fly home, they found her collapsed in the bedroom and had to rush her to hospital. Out of nowhere, Robyn, just 34, had suffered a major stroke that then led to a brain haemorrhage. Worst was to come, though, as while recovering from the surgery, she had a second, far more serious brain haemorrhage, and Anthony and Karen found themselves having to give consent to life-saving surgery that would leave their daughter with brain damage. Unfortunately, Robyn, like so many other people who make short trips, did not envisage needing extensive travel insurance, so she visited her parents on a GHIC Card, which she thought would suffice. As things currently stand, Robyn does not have sufficient cover to get the rehabilitative brain treatment that she so desperately needs in Spain. Therefore, her family urgently need to get her repatriated to Macclesfield, where she lives in the UK. They have been in touch with UK Social Services, and bed-to-bed specialised repatriation will cost in the region of €12,500, and this is money they simply do not have.
Therefore, with the help of their nephew, her parents have set up a JustGiving page in the hope that the generosity of others will get their daughter the support she needs which will be covered under the UK National Health Service. As of writing, they have managed to raise €8,000.
If you want to support Robyn and her family, please visit www.justgiving. com and add ‘Stephen Sumner’ to the search bar.
Credit: Anthony Sumner
Help Robyn’s parents repatriate their daughter to the UK.
Autonomas Xmas Lunch
WHEN your friends or partner tell you, “I’ll be late this afternoon, I have my Christmas lunch on,” and you, working remotely and likely pulling double duty - housework alongside your job - are left without a day off and colleagues with whom to share a cocktail on these dates.
That’s why, two years ago, Noguer and Maria Antònia Reus of Duo Events, along with Virginia Moll of the agency La Indiscreta, launched a company dinner for self-employed women in Mallorca through social media.
Initially, they announced the event on social media, offering 20 places. This year, it has been a resounding success, they offered 35 places, which sold out in no time. In fact, next year, they plan to increase capacity further.
ONE of the most iconic spots for breakfast or merienda (afternoon snack) in Palma is Xurrerria Rosaleda.
The arrival of winter is unmistakable when
The Christmas dinner for freelancers in 2024 took place on Thursday December 12 at the Weyler Bonaire restaurant in Palma, and all the attendees were women.
As part of the event, they introduced the ‘la emprendedora invisible’, a Secret Santa for women entrepreneur: a €5 present for someone you don’t know, a real challenge.
It was an opportunity to connect with women in similar work circumstances, which are often undervalued and isolating, in a casual and festive environment.
So yes, the self-employed women on the island enjoyed their well-deserved company dinner this year. With any luck, they might even have been able to deduct it as a business expense for meals!
Chocolate with churros par excellence
queues begin to form on Calle Costa del Pols. Devotees of delicious chocolate with churros or fritters know exactly where to head: the Rosaleda.
The chocolate a la taza is as exquisite as the churros and buñuelos. But there’s no time to linger, others are eagerly waiting for their turn.
The history of this churrería dates back to 1966, when it not only served churros in Palma but also operated street stalls during the
summer. These stalls catered to city residents spending their holidays at second homes.
Today, the business is run by Antònia Gelabert, Joan Ferrer, and his son, Xavier Ferrer. In winter, hot chocolate takes centre stage, while in summer, traditional ice creams, almond granita, and sweets like coca de patata and ensaimada steal the show. However, with the chill in the air and the Christmas lights illuminating Costa de Pols, there’s nothing better than enjoying a good chocolate at the Rosaleda.
The best lamb
IF, in addition to a good meal, you are looking for a challenge, make sure to add this restaurant to your list of must-visit places in Mallorca this Christmas: Es Verger.
Specialising in grilled meats and Mallorcan cuisine, it is famously known as the ‘restaurant of the elbowman’, and the nickname is well deserved. The lamb shoulder (slow-roasted with beer in the restaurant’s large wood-fired oven) and the grilled lamb chops are unmissable highlights of the menu.
The restaurant, rustic in
MALLORCA
style and painted white, gained popularity among food enthusiasts when Rick Stein filmed a BBC programme here in 2012 and he declared that the Es Verger’s shoulder of lamb was the best lamb he’d ever tasted.
Reaching it isn’t easy - it’s located halfway up Puig d’Alaró, and driving there involves navigating winding bends and dealing with the challenge of passing oncoming vehicles on narrow roads. Alternatively, you can walk from Alaró towards Alaró Castle, a hike that takes around 90 minutes.
The views are spectacular, making it a popular destination for hikers and cyclists as the perfect end-of-route spot. If you choose to drive, Es Verger has a small esplanade where you can park. Reservations are not accepted, so if you plan to visit on a weekend or public holiday, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a table.
The lamb is well worth the effort.
Es Verger is located at Camí d’es Castell d’Alaró s/n, Alaró. For more information, visit facebook. com/EsVergeralaro/
Christmas circus
above all, a festive spirit.
magic to the island until January 6.
It is a show for all ages, featuring acrobatics, well-loved characters - from trapeze artists to clownsmusic, a light display, and
Christmas tree decorations come to life as circus performers, surprising both young and old alike. “It’s as if your Christmas tree suddenly turns into a circus,” explains Dicky Faggioni, Artistic Director of Circo Alegría.
Depending on the day,
performances take place at 12 noon and between 5pm and 7pm. Ticket prices range from €12 to €25, depending on availability and seating can be purchased both on the website circoalegria. es and at the Circo’s box office. The circo is located at Camí Vell de Bunyola s/n, Palma.
Aurelia Muñoz
CIRCO ALEGRIA: ‘Circo de Navidad’, under the large heated marquee in Son Fusteret, brings Christmas
Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
Tree traditions
THE Christmas tree, as we know it today, has its roots in Germany, where the tradition began in the 16th century.
Early records tell of devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes as part of their holiday celebrations. In areas where wood was scarce, people even built wooden Christmas pyramids adorned with evergreens and candles.
One of the most famous stories surrounding the Christmas tree is that of Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer. According to legend, while walking home one winter night, Luther was captivated by the sight of stars shining through the branches of evergreen trees. Inspired by this scene, he set up a tree in his home and decorated
it with candles to recreate the beauty he had witnessed for his family.
In the UK, the tradition is often connected to Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria, who helped popularise the custom in 1840. However, it was Queen Charlotte, a German royal, who introduced the Christmas tree to Britain earlier, in 1800, by decorating one in her home.
The earliest recorded decorated Christmas tree appears in a 1605 diary from Strasburg, which was then part of Germany. The tree was decorated with paper roses, apples, and candies, showing the creative ways people made their trees festive.
Record-breaking Santas
THERE are definitely worse things to be known for than holding the world record for both the largest and the smallest Santa Claus. Not only is the giant Santa Claus an impressive 21 metres tall but it is adorned with over 250,000 vibrant LED lights that twinkle and shine, creating quite the Christmas spectacle. It is no wonder then that it has become known as an iconic symbol of the town, Águeda in Portugal.
Between November 18 and January 7, this colossal Santa
Claus can be seen from, well, just about anywhere in the town, I would imagine! In reality, it is situated at Largo 1 de Malo, right along the banks of the Agueda River. At the other end of the spectrum, Águeda, not content with one Santa Claus-related world record, also holds another one. This time, for the world’s smallest Santa Claus, thanks to the help of British artist Willard Wigan.
This truly tiny Santa Claus, known as a nanostructure, can-
not be seen by the naked eye. In fact, it is so small that it has been created to fit in the eye of a needle, so it must be viewed through a microscope.
As well as a mini-sculpture of the ‘big’ man himself, the intricate design also features a decorated Christmas tree, complete with Santa appearing to be climbing down the inside edge of the needle to leave a gift taken from the sack he carries over his shoulder.
Family & food Nordic Noel
CHRISTMAS in Italy is all about food and family. The holiday begins on Christmas Eve with a big dinner called La Vigilia, which is traditionally meat-free. Following an old Catholic tradition, the meal focuses on seafood instead of meat.
Depending on the region, you might find dishes like marinated anchovies, tuna, baccala (salted codfish), mussels, clams with pasta, and risotto.
CHRISTMAS is an important celebration in Norway, especially in rural and coastal areas where traditional customs are still followed.
On Christmas Day, Italians celebrate with a huge family lunch in the early afternoon, which often includes over a dozen dishes. The meal starts with antipasti, featuring cured meats and cheeses, followed by frittata and baked pasta.
The main course is roast meat, often pork, beef, or lamb, served with vegetables like green beans, carrots, and roasted potatoes.
For dessert, Italians enjoy sweets like panettone (a sweet bread with candied fruits and raisins), pandoro (a similar bread without fruit), and in the south, mos-
On Christmas Eve, the workday ends in the afternoon, and families dress up for the occasion. A special tradition involves families making their own Christmas tree decorations, rather than buying mass-produced ones.
Christmas Eve (Julaften) is the main celebration in Norway. Families come together for a festive meal and exchange gifts. Singing Christmas carols is an important part of the evening, with everyone holding hands and walking around the Christmas tree in two circles moving in opposite directions.
For those who follow old superstitions, all brooms are hidden on Christmas Eve, as it was believed that witches and mischievous spirits would appear that night and use brooms for flying.
Another tradition features Nisse, an elf-like creature who takes care of farm animals. Children leave a bowl of special porridge for Nisse, or he might play tricks on them.
What a cracker
CHRISTMAS crackers are a festive tradition in the UK. They were invented around 18451850 by Tom Smith, a London sweet maker. During a visit to Paris in 1840, he saw ‘bonbons’ - almonds wrapped in decorative paper - and began selling similar treats in England, adding jokes or riddles inside. But they didn’t sell well at first.
In 1861, Smith introduced crackers with a ‘bang’. Inspired by crackling logs in a fireplace (or possibly buying the formula from Brock’s Fireworks), he added a popping sound to make them more exciting.
to find unique gifts for the inside.
The company also created themed crackers for bachelors, suffragettes, and even royal events. Luxury crackers sometimes contained extravagant items like gold jewellery, and the Royal Family still has custom crackers made.
The name ‘cracker’ may come from the term ‘cosaques’, referring to Cossack soldiers known for loud gunfire.
After Smith’s death, his sons improved the crackers. Walter added paper hats, possibly inspired by crowns from European Epiphany cakes, and travelled
Today, crackers are colourful cardboard tubes placed on Christmas tables. When pulled, they pop and release a party hat, a small gift, and a joke. The hats symbolise the Wise Men’s crowns from the Nativity story.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Murky waters
THAMES WATER warned that unless it secures £3 billion (€3.6 billion) in emergency funding it will run out of cash by March 2025. The UK’s biggest water supplier admitted that its net debts had grown to £15.8 billion (€19.2 billion) over its last half-year, compared with £14.7 billion for the same period last year.
Deal off
FRENCH sporting goods
retailer Decathlon put on hold its plans, announced in July, of acquiring Suma Capital’s 30 per cent holding in Tradeinn, Spain’s network of online sports equipment shops. “We are not interested in having them as partners,” Tradeinn’s chief executive David Martin said on December 11.
Harrods strike
NINETY-FIVE per cent of Harrods staff voted in favour of striking on December 21, 22 and 26 in a dispute over pay and perks. Unions said shop assistants, restaurant staff and cleaners all agreed that industrial action was their only option after Harrods management had refused to “recognise or engage in” negotiations.
No change
UVESCO, owner of the BM supermarket chain, remains in the hands of French private equityfirm,PaiPartners,which rejected Carrefour’s recent offer. Pai Partners bought a 70 per cent stake in Uvesco in 2020, with the remainder belonging to the Fernandez de Barrena family which founded the Basque chain.
HSBC cull
HSBC’s new chief executive George Elhedery intends to cut costs by $3 billion (€2.85 billion) by sacking hundreds of employees as part of a farreaching revamp. According to Bloomberg, managers learnt details of the overhaul which sets out to reduce HSBC’s $32.6 billion (€31 billion) overheads by 10 per cent.
STAT OF WEEK
€4.45 billion
net profit for Zara-owner Inditex between February and October 31, an increase of 8.5 per cent on the same period in 2023 but slightly below forecasts.
Boots sale in the air
WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE (WBA), owner of Boots the Chemist, is said to be in talks centring on a possible Sycamore Partners takeover.
Sycamore, which formerly held a stake in the UK shoe and handbag brand Kurt Geiger, has also made several unsuccessful bids for the Ted Baker fashion label in the past.
A deal with the US private equity giant could put a $10 billion (€9.5 billion) price on WBA, whose value has slumped from approximately $100 billion (€95.2 billion) in 2015 to its present $7.5 billion (€7.14 billion).
Sale rumours that were first reported in The Wall Street Journal had boosted shares by more than 20 per cent at close of business on December 10.
Sky News reported on December 11 that should the deal go ahead, Sycamore was likely to seek separate ownership for Boots, which WBA acquired in 2014 for $4.9 billion
THE Spanish government is selling some of its CaixaBank shares, insiders revealed.
The state became a CaixaBank shareholder via its €22.4 billion Bankia bailout during the 2012 crisis, followed by Bankia’s subsequent €4.3 billion Caixabank merger in 2020.
CaixaBank now has a €39 billion market value.
The sale would be minimal, but still expected to bring in between €75 and €100 million, the same sources continued, as the government does not wish to increase its holding which
(€4.6 billion).
The familiar UK high street chain, founded in 1849, currently has around 1,900 stores and employs 52,000 people.
The WBA’s chairman, Italian dealmaker Stefano Pessina, has been involved in several major transactions involving Boots that fell through after offers from parties including Apollo Global Management
were regarded as too low.
Pessina is expected to play a central role in any divestment of Boots, Sky News said, quoting a source who predicted that Pessina, owner of a WBA stake of around 17 per cent, “was likely to end up as Boots’ principal shareholder.”
This would be conditioned by the structure of the Sycamore deal, the source added.
Government business
has risen from the original 16.1 per cent through buybacks.
Buybacks are a common practice parallel to dividends where banks reduce share capital by buying their own shares, which gives investors both a larger stake in the company and a higher return on future dividends. This has increased the government’s CaixaBank holding to 18 per cent, a stake which it does not wish to continue growing.
SUPERMARKETS’ premium mince pies will cost up to 40 per cent more this Christmas thanks to the soaring cost of sultanas.
Two years of bad harvests in Turkey, the world’s largest sultana-grower, drove prices up to $4,060 (€3,864) a ton in July, compared to the $1,550 (€1,475) average per ton for 2022.
Although sultana prices have now fallen to $3,600 (€3,426) a ton, according to Expana Benchmark Prices, the reduction arrived too late to make a noticeable difference to the UK’s mince pie manufacturing sector.
UNIQLO will open a third store in Madrid next spring and also announced plans for further expansion outside the Spanish capital. This will be the seventh Spanish store for the Japanese fashion brand owned by Fast Retailing whose global sales place it third after Inditex and Swedish label H&M.
Uniqlo’s market value, however, place it second only to Galicia-based Inditex.
The new Madrid store will be located in the central and upmarket Paseo de la Castellano in a building that also houses Ireland-based multinational, Accenture.
HOPES of selling the City skyscraper, known as the Can of Ham owing to its shape, have fallen through.
Prospective buyer Blackstone had been talking to Nuveen, owner of the office block whose official address is 70 St Mary Axe, and was willing to pay £300 million (€364.5 million).
Nuveen, asset management arm of TIAA, the US pension fund, was unwilling to go below its £322 million (€391.2) asking price.
GRUPO DIA supermarkets has signed a refinancing agreement with 10 unnamed banks and investors for €885 million.
The retailer has undertaken to repay this within a period of between three and five years.
This substitutes the syndicated loan taken out in late 2018 when the group was immersed in an internal crisis, and which was refinanced in 2021 during recapitalisation.
Spain’s National Stock Market Commission (CNMV) revealed that Dia will use €755 million for early repayment of the outstanding balance due on the syndicated loan and redeeming 2017 bonds that mature in 2026.
Dia will also settle a €7 million bilateral loan with one of its creditors, the CNMV said.
CYVN Holdings, managed by Abu Dhabi’s trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund, bought British supercar manufacturer McLaren in a deal overseen by the Emirate’s crown prince.
McLaren, previously owned by Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s state-owned holding company, posted a record annual loss of £924 million (€1.12 billion) in 2023, compared with a £349 million (€424 million) shortfall in 2022.
Mumtalakat has repeatedly needed to pump in tens of millions of pounds to keep the carmaker afloat, The Telegraph said on December 11.
The holding company is selling McLaren’s automotive business but retains control of McLaren’s racing brand, which CYVN enters as a minority shareholder.
NOW that Nestle’s contract with Coca Cola to produce and distribute Nestea in Spain has expired, the iced tea will be produced by Damm.
The Catalan company has already begun manufacturing the full range of Nestea varieties at its Salem (Valencia) plant and will start marketing them in Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra on January 1. Meanwhile, Coca Cola launched a rival, Fuze Tea, in September which it claims “has the same bottle and flavour that consumers know and love.”
CARLOS CUERPO: Economy minister revealed ‘minimal’ sale of Caixabank shares.
BOOTS: Could be sold by owners Walgreens Boots Alliance.
3I Group 3.657,00 3.667,00 3.640,00 14,82K Admiral Group 2.655,0 2.658,0 2.651,0 4,14K Airtel Africa 107,26 107,50 106,90 56,84K Anglo American 2.462,0 2.471,0 2.455,3 65,16K Antofagasta 1.677,00 1.689,00 1.674,50 41,68K Ashtead Group 5.200,0 5.220,0 5.184,0 41,03K Associated British Foods 2.135,0 2.135,0 2.127,2 23,25K
10.550,0 10.570,0 10.508,0 42,63K Auto Trader Group Plc 817,60 817,80 815,40 20,02K Aviva 473,90 476,61 473,00 293,13K
B&M European Value Retail SA 366,40 371,70 366,40 62,06K
British American Tobacco 2.991,0 2.996,0 2.984,0 83,32K BT Group 151,55 151,80 151,00 778,58K
3.586,0 3.620,0 3.550,0 53,22K
130,05 131,05 129,77 173,54K
2.784,0 11,57K
2.662,00 2.669,00 2.657,00 62,81K
Group 232,60 234,40 232,60 59,94K
Intl 3.420,0 3.436,0 3.418,0 4,4K
5.360,0 5.435,0 5.350,0 18,03K
2.610,5
BUSINESS EXTRA
Rock
steady BLACKROCK, the US asset manager, arrived in Spain 30 years ago where its investments have reached €69 billion. It is a majority shareholder in several Ibex 35 companies, although investments are always made via funds and always in the name of its clients.
It’ll cost you
AN average UK family will spend around £32.57 (€39.54) on their Christmas dinner this year, according to Kantar. The higher cost of ingredients has pushed up prices by £2 (€2.43) or 6.5 per cent, the grocery data experts said.
ASHSTEAD GROUP, one of the UK’s leading FTSE 100 companies is switching its listing from London to New York.
The move that will take between 12 and 18 months to complete dealt a new blow to the London Stock Exchange (LSE), which has seen 45 companies decamp so far this year.
Ashstead, valued at £27 billion (€32.8 billion), rents out industrial equipment and was founded in Ashstead (Surrey) in 1947. It was first listed in the UK in 1986.
Since the beginning
Leaving London
Trawlers all at sea
AFTER long drawn-out negotiations, European Union member states reached agreement on trawling in the Mediterranean.
After an outcry from Spain, Italy and France, the European Commission backtracked on previous plans to allow trawlers to go out for only 27 days each year, which all three countries predicted would sink the industry.
The trawlers can now return to last
year’s 130-day quota, so long as boats commit to fishing sustainably.
Javier Garat, the Spanish Fishing Confederation’s secretary general, hailed the agreement as a “new chapter” for the sector, but warned that regulations were complex.
They required close analysis, Garat said, adding that not all boats would be able to comply with all the sustainability requirements.
of this century, the company has enlarged its US operations and most of its employees and executives are now based in South Carolina where it trades as Sunbelt Rentals, the second-largest equipment rental business in the country.
The North American market was Ashstead’s “natural, long-term listing venue” now that 98 per cent of its profits came from the other side of the Atlantic, the company said.
The departure from London was in the company’s best interests, giving access to “deeper US capital markets” while aligning the location of most of its business with its listing location, it added.
Meanwhile, Ashstead will retain a listing in the UK, although this would be on the LSE’s international companies’ segment.
Crying shame
MIKE ASHLEY, whose Frasers Group owns 28 per cent of the fashion group Boohoo, described its founder as an “egotist” who had run the online retailer “into the ground.” Ashley, who hopes for a seat on Boohoo board, pointed out that the firm’s shares had fallen 90 per cent in the last five years.
BASQUE steel company Sidenor would pay €4 per share for Trilantic’s 29.9 per cent holding in train-maker Talgo, compared to the €5 that Hungarian consortium Ganz-Mavag’s offered in a takeover bid vetoed by Spain’s government. Trilantic, Talgo’s majority shareholder, rejected Sidenor’s offer although this valued its holding at €148.13 million compared to the stock market’s current €131.1 million.
ASHSTEAD GROUP: Plant hire company will list in the US, not London.
Photo credit: Ashstead Group
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS
THINK IT
PRIOR of course to the horrendous storm incident, which mentally and I still believe physically, took me to the portals of death on my flight back to Mallorca last week, I had been visiting my old haunting ground of Londonthe city I resided in for over 30 years. I can honestly say my once favourite metropolis has now developed all the appearances of utter disaster.
I simply couldn’t believe that its Mayor Sadiq Khan has been recommended for a Knighthood! Frankly I’m convinced the majority of individuals who reside in the city, particularly those who conduct vehicles, would rather see him removed.
The whole place, particularly its highways, are an unmitigated disaster.
On Wednesday we set out from Fulham West London to traverse across the city to Sadlers Wells theatre, a journey which would normally take some 45 minutes. It took us over two hours and wasn’t even during the rush hour! Roads that used to be almost pleasu-
rable and fairly easy to negotiate are now jammed with traffic squeezed between cycle lanes that are virtually devoid of bikers, which, when they do materialise, sail past solidly jammed traffic at what appears to be a rate they should actually be arrested for. In many areas lorries and cars are of course now restricted to 20 miles an hour, which means precisely nothing, because for most of your journey you are lucky to get above two!
Vehicles are no longer allowed to ease the crush by negotiating the back roads as the fines for doing so can amount to as much as £140.
Periodically you squeeze past the ‘parkettes’, wooden constructions which jut into the road creating ridiculous seating areas which even cyclists have to navigate by walking out into the traffic.
I saw precisely no one using these areas to rest in, which didn’t surprise me, because the fumes from billowing exhausts and sitting to gaze inward at often boarded up shop windows really wasn’t the relaxing opportunity most people would jump at. Except of course the beggars and down and outs who now abound on many of Lon-
It’s an utter disaster
don’s pavements in Khan’s wonderful city of the future. As for the bridges over the Thames, they simply defy the imagination.
Hammersmith bridge, linking Barnes as a main route, has been closed for FIVE years. Putney Bridge has been full of chaotic road works for three months. Wandsworth bridge, another main artery, which used to have two lanes on either side, now has a bicycle lane and a bus lane on both sides thus cutting it down to two congested single lanes in the middle of the bridge.
There are now major roadworks all over London, bringing traffic in many places to a complete standstill. And they want to give the main instigator of all this a Knighthood!
Thank the Lord, I left it all over 40 years past. My views would have probably have found me jailed aeons ago. Most of these situations are of course those that arise when the low intellect woke brigade gain a foothold - and they are now everywhere. Stay alert.
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.
Most Instagrammable
TITAN Travel’s recent analysis has identified the European cities leading social media in 2024 and predicted the destinations that could dominate in 2025.
According to the Social Travel Index, which measures TikTok and Instagram posts, Google searches, and trending interest, the most popular cities to tag this year were all in Europe.
Nice, France, unexpectedly claimed the top spot, followed by London, UK, as the second most popular city, which also ranked as the world’s most Instagrammed destination. Paris, the host city for the upcoming Olympics, took third place.
Looking ahead to 2025, the study analysed Instagram post growth between 2023 and 2024 to predict which destinations might see a surge in tags.
Among the trending cities, Palma de Mallorca in Spain stood out, receiving over three million Instagram posts in 2024. The Balearic Island capital is admired for its stunning beaches and architectural highlights, though it has also been a focus of protests against over-tourism.
Rhodes in Greece is another standout, predicted to become the fifth most popular city next year after an 8 per cent increase in Instagram tags. The island remains a photogenic favourite, known for its medieval charm and rugged coastlines.
INTERVIEW
Ion and Aliona’s journey to Sotogrande
Ion And Aliona Vrabie, founders of Challenge Jet Charter, (private jet and helicopter charters) made their dream move from the UK to Sotogrande, Spain, in September 2023, seeking a sunnier and more fulfilling lifestyle with their two young boys.
ORIGINALLY from Moldova, the Vrabies were drawn to Spain’s weather, active lifestyle, and vibrant community. “The main reason was weather, longer days, good food, and living a more active life with energetic children,” they explained.
Life in Spain has been rewarding, thou gh not without challenges. Adjusting to the slower pace and navigating local paperwork took patience. Language has also been a hurdle, but their children are thriving in a local Spanish school.
One highlight has been the community. “We’ve made more connections here in a year than in 10 years in the UK,” Ion shared. Events and networ-
king in Sotogrande have introduced them to people from several countries across Europe.
Transitioning their private jet business wasn’t easy, but the proximity to Gibraltar and Malaga airports has been ideal for their VIP clients. While they miss family in Moldova and some UK conveniences, Sotogrande currently offers the perfect balance of business and family life.
Contact Challenge Jet Charter Centro Comercial Sotovila 4, Local 33, 11311 Sotogrande, Cadiz
Tel: 658 550 292
| fly@challengejet charter.com
| www.challengejetchar ter.com
Villefranche sur Mer between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera, Cote d’Azur, France.
Image: Armando Oliveira / Shutterstock.com
Aliona and Ion Vrabie.
Credit: Themselves.
Guide for a hassle-free visit to the Botanical Gardens Christmas production
Hello, folks!
Many friends have asked me about the Christmas lights at the Jardín Botánico de la Concepción, and let me tell you - it’s magical! If you love lights and nature, you’ll feel like you’re in a holiday movie (minus the snow).
FROM COAST TO COAST
LUCCA
THE Jardín Botánico de la Concepción is a peaceful escape just outside Malaga. It’s one of Europe’s best-preserved subtropical gardens, home to over 50,000 plants. You might leave feeling a little jealous of the garden’s social life (it’s that impressive).
Getting there:
The gardens are a bit outside the city, but don’t worry - I’ve got you covered.
• By Bus: Take Line 2 from Malaga to Ciudad Jardín, then hop on a local bus to the gardens (every 10 minutes). Or walk - it’s about a 15-minute stroll, but don’t wear your fancy shoes unless you want to look like a model on an uneven path.
• By Car: Set your GPS to Camino del Jardín Botánico, nº 3, 29014 Malaga. Just make sure you don’t take a wrong turn into a cactus field - trust me, it’s not the kind of ‘Christmas magic’ you want.
This Year’s Theme:
Ilusión (Illusion). Expect seven dazzling displays, including The Queen of Elves, Polar Station, and The Lighthouse of Illusion. If the lights were any brighter, the moon would feel left out.
Buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line behind the family taking 25 photos at the entrance. Prices range from €14 for adults and €10 for kids. Under threes enter for free.
The gardens are closed on Mondays, December 24, and 31. The Christmas production runs from December 1 to January 6. There are seven sessions daily, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. With only 400 people allowed per session, expect a quick wait.
Tips for a Great Visit:
• Bring your own snacks and water
(and maybe some gingerbread cookies).
• Wear comfy shoes - these gardens are huge, and you’ll need them for chasing down runaway Christmas decorations.
• Dress warmly - because nothing says ‘holiday spirit’ like being able to feel your toes.
• Visit earlier or on weekdays to avoid big crowds.
Malaga’s Christmas lights are just as spectacular as those in places like Rockefeller Centre. But here, you get all the magic with fewer crowds - like a VIP pass to Christmas! You won’t have to elbow your way through throngs of people to get that perfect photo, and there’s no need to pay $15 for a cup of hot cocoa (though, let’s be honest, you’d probably still buy it). Plus, you can see the lights on Calle Larios, making Malaga the perfect Christmas destination for both locals and tourists.
As you stroll through, you’ll also smell roasted chestnuts - basically, the scent of Christmas itself. It’s like Christmas perfume, but without the risk of a sugar overload. Spain’s holiday season kicks off on December 6 with Constitution Day, followed by Día de la Inmaculada on December 8. And then, just when you think you’ve had enough holiday magic, we gear up for Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings) on January 6. It’s like Christmas but with three more wise men and probably better presents.
Christmas Joke for You: Where do elves go to dance? Christmas Balls!
Note:
Please keep in mind that the details shared here are based on my personal experience. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, be sure to check the official website of the Jardín Botánico de la Concepción before your visit. Here: www.lucesdelaconcepcion.es/
Movaldi’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
SPANISH SEASONAL TRADITIONS
FROM the customary nativity scenes to the Santa Claus Race, here are some of the best Spanish Christmas traditions!
Nativity Scenes (Belenes) - The Spanish adore their nativity scenes and many town halls feature a traditional display in the run up to Christmas. Some towns even stage a ‘living’ Belen (‘Bethlehem’ in Spanish), using real actors and real animals.
El Gordo - The Spanish Christmas Lottery held on December 22 each year is the BIGGEST IN THE WORLD and has been held, without interruption, since 1812 even during Spain’s civil war (19361939).
El Gordo Lottery Numbers - Since 1771, students at the San Ildefonso School in Madrid are responsible for singing the winning Christmas lottery numbers and it’s televised - every bar and restaurant in Spain has the TV switched on this special day! Nobody knows exactly how this started, but according to legend students at San Ildefonso, originally an orphanage,
once chanted prayers through the streets in Madrid for alms.
Santa Claus Race - in Madrid each year, countless citizens take part in a traditional charity run dressed as Father Christmas or one of his elves. This year’s race is on December 22.
And as before, many thanks for all your welcome emails to my website! So pleased you enjoy my column and novels in all their formats: ebooks, Apple Books, paperbacks, audiobooks etc... HAPPY XMAS!
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.
Santa took a Brussels tram
BRUSSELS transportation company MIVB is embracing the Christmas spirit by putting a specially decorated (inside and out) tram into operation on six lines.
This tram has been really decked out with all of the decorations and trimmings and even the interior is festive as well as having specially created mood lighting.
Unlike the Czech Republic, for example, where Prague has a large number of differently decorated Christmas trams, Brussels is a bit more conservative but it has learned from negative observations which were received in 2023.
At that time it had one tram running on just one line, so it has learned its lesson and is now operating on six different lines to give more people a chance to enjoy a bit of Christmas fun whilst travelling across the Belgian capital.
For those who want to
own a souvenir of the ride or want to buy a different Christmas gift, there is a pop-up store at the Redgier metro station offering miniature trams for sale and on Saturday December 21, it can be gift wrapped in unique STIB-MIVB wrapping paper.
The really important news however is that on Wednesday December 18, Father Christmas decided to take a trip on the
Christmas tram on line 92 and between 12.30pm and 3.30pm passengers had the chance to have their photo taken with Father Christmas whilst his elf handed out candy canes to children.
The Brussels Christmas tram runs until January 10, but that’s not the only celebration as metro stations will be playing Christmas music on December 24 and 25.
MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA
All aboard the Santa Express in Brussels.
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers
Costa del Sol Estepona garden pride
ESTEPONA Council, for the fifth time, has received the highest award given by the ‘Andalucía en Flor’ awards, presented by the Multisectoral Association of Andalucian Gardening (AMJA) to towns that are committed to green management and the health of their citizens, an award recognising sustainable policies and environmentally-friendliness.
The western Costa del Sol town has been honoured for its positive evolution with regard to the extension and quality of its green areas, for the implementation of specific plans and measures aimed at sustainability, giving special emphasis to the rational use of water, phytosanitary treatments, and the management of green waste, soils and substrates.
Estepona is considered among the greenest towns in Andalucia for its management in urban green infrastructure, environmental awareness of its citizens, as well as for its sustainability.
Axarquia
Putting people first
RINCON DE LA VICTORIA’S 2025 Budget amounting to €57.24 million is its biggest ever and 3.47 per cent more than 2023’s.
Outlining the town’s economic plans for next year, Rincon de la Victoria mayor Francisco Salados, accompanied by Finance councillor Antonio Lopez, declared that the local government would, as always, put people and their needs first.
“We shall have the backs of the most vulnerable, going in the same direction we took seven years ago to improve people’s day-to-day lives but also embarking on large-scale projects,” Salado said.
It was essential to respond to the demands of the local population, he added. With this in mind, the mayor announced that there would be increased allocations for Social Services, Transport, Public Safety, Mobility and Sport, while also stressing that next year’s Budget would be balanced between income and expenditure.
Costa Blanca North A sprinkle of Xmas joy
IT’S been seven weeks since the devastating DANA impacted Valencia, and the road to recovery remains challenging for many residents still trying to regain some sense of normality. In the wake of this tragedy, fundraising has taken place through various events hosted at The Irish Tavern, Justabar both in Albir, and Buddies Bar in Benidorm, among others.
Wishing to spread some Christmas cheer and sprinkle a little joy to those who need it more than most this year, one of the coordinators. Sharon Bell (Coffee 4 All Homeless Support) joined Jonny Elraiz from City Streets Community Project on a very special trip to Catarroja, one of the badly affected towns.
They went along to deliver much-needed supplies and to give touching Christmas gifts to both adults and children. For the adults, the Justabar knitting group created 100 hats for men and women.
Costa Blanca South Alicante on the rise
ALICANTE has confirmed its position as the 10th most populated city in Spain, with 358,720 residents according to the latest official population figures. This represents a growth of 9,438 people compared to the 2023 figure of 349,282 residents.
With this increase, Alicante has surpassed Bilbao, which now has 348,089 inhabitants, positioning Alicante ahead in 10th place. The city remains above Bilbao, following Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which holds the ninth spot with 380,436 registered inhabitants.
Alicante’s population growth has been steady, mirroring the increase seen in 2023 when it recorded 349,282 residents. In 2022, the city had 338,577 inhabitants, marking over 20,000 additional residents in just two years.
Mayor Luis Barcala reinforced predictions that the population could surpass 500,000 by 2050, underscoring the city’s sustained development.
Almeria Singing for smiles
IT was all smiles and singalongs at La Inmaculada Hospital in Huércal-Overa on December 12, as the All Aloud community choir capped off a busy year with a concert to remember. This festive event, held to support the hospital’s children’s ward, brought together patients, staff, children, and the choir for a cheerful musical morning. All Aloud performed a mix of Spanish favourites and well-known classics, and it didn’t take long for the audience to join in. The children then took their turn, singing their hearts out for the choir, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. The hospital thanked the choir in style, presenting musical director Donna Walker with flowers and a special presentation piece that read, ‘Thank you for fulfilling dreams in paediatrics, for your altruism, your desire to help, and your enthusiasm.’ It’s been a year of giving back for All Aloud, from the laughter to the spontaneous singalongs, it’s safe to say this wasn’t just a performance, it was a celebration of community and joy.
Costa Calida Panto gives back
AFTER enjoying a festive Christmas lunch with the staff and students at Afemar, pantomime producer Eric Berg and scriptwriter Jane Cronin were pleased to present a donation of €2,000. The funds were raised during this year’s performance of Snow White and the Seven Guiris, a crowd-pleasing production that brought laughter to the Mar Menor community.
Afemar is a local association dedicated to supporting people with mental health challenges. Their day centre provides a wide range of services, including family support, specialised help for children and young people, and various projects aimed at promoting integration and understanding. This donation will help Afemar continue its vital work, which makes a real difference to many lives. To learn more about their efforts, visit afemar.org.
Meanwhile, the Adapt Theatre Group is already looking ahead to next year’s show.
PETS
Fresh furry fix
ELIMINATING stinky pet smells can transform your home into a fresh and welcoming space. Start by grooming your pet regularly and cleaning their bedding often to prevent odours from building up.
For immediate odour control, baking soda is a household hero. Sprinkle it on carpets, rugs, and upholstery, letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming thoroughly.
Baking soda effectively absorbs and neutralises pet smells.
Apple cider vinegar is
another powerful natural deodoriser. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist areas where odours linger. This solution breaks down the odour-causing bacteria without using harsh chemicals.
Additionally, ensure good ventilation by opening windows to let in fresh air. Consistent cleaning routines and these natural remedies will help keep your home smelling clean and pleasant, even with furry friends around.
Ruby likes staying home with the dog-sitter
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Pat Creighton, Pet owner.
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CARING for your dog’s joints is crucial for their overall health and mobility, especially as they age. Start with a balanced diet that includes nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health. Maintaining a healthy weight is equally important, as excess weight puts added stress on joints, increasing the risk of arthritis and other issues.
Regular, low-impact exercise, such as swimming or controlled walks, helps keep joints flexible and muscles strong without overloading them.
Avoid overexertion, especially for puppies or senior dogs, as this can lead to injuries or longterm damage. Providing a comfortable, padded sleeping area can also reduce pressure on their joints during rest.
For breeds predisposed to joint problems, consult your vet about preventative supplements or treatments. Early intervention, combined with a proactive approach to exercise and diet, can help protect your dog’s joints and ensure they stay active and happy for years to come.
Happy hips
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BUY & SELL
PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)
CAR HIRE
LEOCAR, CAR HIRE. Free airport service and competitive e rates!. www.leocar.com. Mobile 0034 609 622 746 (296370)
FOR SALE/WANTED
WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)
INSURANCE
STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www. abbeygateinsure.com
MISCELLANEOUS
GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)
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BLINDS
More money in women’s football
UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), like so many other international sporting bodies was created in Switzerland following discussions between the Belgian, French and Italian Associations in 1954.
A total of 31 Associations are credited as being founder members and since then this has grown to more than 50 European countries following the break up of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
Working on the concept, ‘the more the merrier’, UEFA has let in minnows such as Gibraltar and San Marino and has created a number of money making competitions so that every member Association has a chance to hit the big time.
Initially, it was all about the men, but now the growth of interest in women’s football has given UEFA a reason to push the promotion of the female teams as well and it has announced that for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 competition it will increase the prize money to €41 million, more than double that made available for the 2022 competition which England won.
Participating national associations will now also distribute a guaranteed percentage of the rewards (between 30 and 40 per cent) to their players for the first time.
Club benefit payments will increase to €6 million, compensating European clubs that release players for the tournament, making it the highest club benefit programme for women’s football worldwide.
The increased rewards reflect UEFA’s continued commitment to the growth of
Credit: @Lionesses X
Sports Personality 2024
OLYMPIC Gold Medalist Keely Hodgkinson has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.
Hodgkinson is the fourth successive woman to win the award after Mary Earps (2023), Beth Mead (2022) and Emma Raducanu (2021).
Sarah Storey, Alex Yee and Jude Bellingham were also shortlisted for the prestigious award with the final winner being decided by a public vote.
At the final presentation, second place was awarded to Darts player Luke Littler and third to England’s cricketer Joe Root.
Keely’s coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, also jointly took the title of BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year.
In addition to their success preparing Keely for her Olympic win, the married couple also coached 2024 Paris Olympic Team GB medallists
Manchester runner Keely Hodgkinson receives the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey from their Manchester M11 Track Club.
Twenty-two year old Keely said the Award had come as a bit of a shock. However, the athlete should be well used to success after her incredible achievements in athletics this year.
The pinnacle of this success was receiving a gold medal for the Women’s 800m race at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This was the first women’s athletic Olympic gold for Team GB since Jennifer Ennis’ 2012 gold. Keeley’s 2024 gold also made her one of only 10 other British women to ever win an Olympic gold medal for athletics.
113th Tour de France
BARCELONA will host the Grand Départ of the 113th Tour de France on July 4, 2026, marking the race’s historic return to Spain. This will be the second time in four years that Spain hosts the prestigious event, following Bilbao in 2023.
The first three stages of the Tour will take place in Catalonia, with Barcelona playing a pivotal role. This marks the first Spanish Grand Départ since 1992, when Miguel Induráin won the prologue in San Sebastian. Hosting the start
of cycling’s most iconic race highlights Barcelona’s commitment to promoting cycling culture, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and enhancing its international reputation.
Barcelona has deep ties to cycling. While the city has hosted stages of the Tour in 1957, 1965, and 2009, this will be its first time hosting the Grand Départ. The event offers an opportunity for the city to showcase its vibrant cycling scene and attract cycling tourism.
The city paid €9.68 mi-
llion to secure hosting rights, with payments staggered over three years.
The Tour’s global broadcast reach - spanning 190 countries - is expected to bring significant economic benefits, particularly to Barcelona’s tourism and cycling industries.
The deal with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) was finalised in June 2023 after years of negotiations. Now, Barcelona is gearing up to host the world’s most prestigious cycling event, promising an unforgettable start to the 2026 Tour.
