Axarquia 26 Dec 2024 - 2 Jan 2025 Issue 2060

Axarquía ascent FREE

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GRATIS

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FREI

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LIVREE

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Image: xbrchx / Shutterstock.com

The Valencian Community still feels the effects of last autumn’s freak weather, which claimed 223 lives.

In the wake of the destruction wrought by the high-altitude isolated depression (DANA), recovery in the hardest-hit towns will take time.

To aid the effort, the Parador in Nerja and the Red Cross have launched the “Una taza de ayuda – A cup of help” campaign to raise cash for still-needed supplies.

Until January 15, the Parador is selling hot chocolate and donate proceeds to the Red Cross.

Local Red Cross president Damian Toboso, Nerja Parador’s manager Emilio Mojon, and Commerce and Participation councillor Antonio Lopez were among the first to participate.

Funds will provide food, hygiene kits, clothing, and psychological support for those who lost homes and possessions, with special attention to children in temporary housing and efforts to restore and rebuild.

Nerja Town, Andalusia

International tourists made up the majority, with 672,355 visitors, while 360,174 came from other parts of Spain. The main international markets visiting the area were the United Kingdom (104,971 visitors), Germany (95,254 visitors), France (61,262 visitors), Bel-

gium (56,564 visitors) and the Netherlands (40,276 visitors).

Popular towns like Nerja, Vélez-Málaga, Torrox, and Rincón de la Victoria attracted the most tourists. Even smaller inland villages like Cómpeta and Alcaucín saw a boost in visitors.

APTA hopes to enhance the region’s appeal by focusing on identifying areas for improvement and creating strategies for sustainable tourism growth, ensuring Axarquía remains an attractive destination for years to come.

NERJA PARADOR: Hot chocolate initiative to help Valencia’s DANA victims

A feast of food, music and spirit 55,000 celebrate Torrox’s Migas festival

AN incredible 55,000 people gathered in Torrox’ Plaza de la Constitucion to celebrate its unusual Fiesta de las Migas (breadcrumb festival) on Saturday, December 22.

Thousands of people gathered around huge pans to receive their plate of ‘migas’, the fried breadcrumb dish which the festival is named after.

A traditional Torrox dish, this was a favourite of local farmers. The breadcrumbs are accompanied by ‘ensalada arriera’ a salad made from vegetables and bitter orange from the area.

All washed down with a glass of good, local red wine.

The mayor of Torrox describes the Fiesta as ‘a hallmark of our city’ and said that its success was due to a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. He also gave thanks to all the

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Torrox’s breadcrumbs drew crowds of 55,000 people this weekend.

people and groups involved whose hard work make this popular festival possible.

Afterwards, the community joined together for an evening of music and

dancing. Guest performer, Malaga singer songwriter Maria Pelae, was so impressed with the community’s spirit she declared she would buy a t-shirt reading ‘I love Torrox’.

GRATUIT G

A cup of help

Tourism Surge in Record-Breaking Style

THE Axarquía province is becoming a hotspot for both Spanish and international tourists. Between September 2023 and March 2024, tourist numbers rose by 17 per cent, according to data from the Association for the Promotion of Tourism in the Axarquía (APTA).

This region offers a mix of stunning coastlines and rugged mountains. In just 20 kilometres, you can go from the beaches to La Maroma, Málaga’s highest peak at 2,064 metres. The area also features lively coastal towns like Nerja and Torre del Mar, alongside quiet villages like Salares, home to only 200 residents.

Tourism reached record highs during this period, with over one million visitors staying in the Axarquía.

This represents 17.4 per cent of total arrivals at Málaga Airport, where nearly 6 million passengers landed.

GRATUITO

Photo credit: Nerja town hall

Axarquia • Issue No. 2060 • 26 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025

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26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Events & excursions

LOCAL NEWS

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Reopening after storm Photo credit: juntadeandalucia.es

LUX Mundi continue their regular activities: Spanish practice groups (limited spaces) Wednesday and Friday. Time 10.00 to 13.00.

Wednesdays – the art, crochet, and craft groups meet at the Centre. All are welcome to join. 10.00 to 13.00.

The shop is open Wednesdays and Fridays offering a good selection of Household goods, spring/ summer clothes, shoes, handbags and fashion accessories at great prices.

Donations are welcome. 10.00 to 13.00.

Every Friday – Conversation group 10.00 to 11.00. (donation of 3 euros per session).

Every Friday – Coffee morning. Meet friends in our beautiful garden. 10.00 to 13.00.

Every Saturday - Catholic Mass in English in the Lux Mundi Centre. 16.00.

Friday 27th December – New Year Coffee Morning. Welcome the New Year. At 12.00, the gong will sound and there will be, “Lucky Grapes”, Cava and cotillón. Tickets available at the Centre. (3 euros for fundraising).

Thursday 9th January – Gibraltar January Sales Shopping. Join us for day out and pick up bargains, ride the cable car, visit the Military Tunnels or Gorham’s Cave. Returning from Gibraltar at 16.00. Tickets available from the Centre, 22 euros with a Friends card or 25 euros for visitors. Proceeds for fundraising. Departure times: Algarrobo (Lidl) 07:45, Caleta (Vets) 07:50, Torre del Mar (Bus station) 08:00.

DANA DAMAGE: Junta has allocated millions to restoring the region’s roads.

THE Junta de Andalucia’s Public Works department continues to repair main roads affected by the autumn storms.

Two high-altitude isolated depressions (DANAs) in late October and November affected five of Andalucia’s eight provinces, including Malaga where work on emergency repairs have cost €1.7 million.

Of this, €300,000 was spent on reopening the A-7207 between Competa and Torrox, cut off on November 13 when the drainage system burst and

washed part of the road away.

After weeks of work, it reopened to traffic on December 11 and drivers no longer need to make a detour via Algarrobo.

The A-7207 repairs are ongoing and partial closures will be necessary while an improved drainage system is installed to prevent a repetition of last November’s damage.

The November DANA, which arrived only two weeks after an earlier storm at the end of October, was considerably more virulent, bringing

much of the province to a standstill.

This included Axarquia where 132 millimetres of rain fell in Benamargosa on November 13 and the river of the same name burst its banks.

More than 500 people have been working to restore communications since the October DANA announced Rocio Diaz, who heads the Junta’s Public Works department which has allocated €11 million for repairs caused by the first episode of destructive weather conditions.

NEWS

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Spanish workplace changes 2025 Workweek cut to 37.5 hours and tensions flaring between Díaz and the Ministry of Economy, the fight for shorter hours is far from over. Read on to find out what’s happening and how this could affect working in Spain as a foreigner.

In a bold move that’s already ruffling feathers around the country, Spain’s Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz has clinched a historic deal with major unions to reduce the maximum working week to 37.5 hours by 2025. The agreement, which excludes employers’ associations, marks the first major shake-up of Spain’s workweek in over 40 years.

With the ink barely dry, this agreement is already shaping up to be one of Spain’s most controversial moves. Will it deliver a better work-life balance for Spain’s workers, or will businesses buckle under the strain?

Stay tuned - 2025 could be the year Spain’s workplaces It’s official: Spain’s workplaces could change forever change forever. in 2025

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A New Year of Hope:

“Gratitude in Every Moment”

Credit: Shutterstock, Fernando Astasio Avila

SPAIN is set to wave goodbye to the 40hour work week - but not everyone’s celebrating. In a deal that’s left employers fuming, Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz has teamed up with unions to cut the maximum workweek by 2025. This is at least in theory - a win for workers. Or is it a ticking time bomb for businesses?

Signed and set to be sealed, the agreement marks the first overhaul of Spain’s workweek in over four decades. But with employers walking out of talks

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Transport Discounts Extended “Fares reduced until June 2025” SPAIN HAS confirmed an extension of its public transport discounts until June 30, 2025, offering financial relief to millions of commuters amid rising living costs.

The scheme includes free travel on commuter and medium-distance trains, 50% discounts on Avant train tickets for regular travellers, and half-price fares on metro and city buses.

Subsidies are jointly funded by local councils and the national government.

Initially introduced in 2022, the programme aimed to reduce reliance on private cars while making public transport more accessible. However, its impact on reducing car usage has been modest.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente stressed that affordability alone isn’t enough to shift preferences.

“If someone paying

Public transport discounts extended

€0.36 for a bus ride is offered a faster, more comfortable service for €0.70, I believe they’d choose the better option,” he explained. Puente highlighted the importance of investing in improved punctuality, frequency, and comfort to attract more passengers to public transport.

Looking ahead, the government plans to launch a new subsidy model starting in July 2025. The revised scheme will focus on supporting frequent users and the most vulnerable groups, ensuring ongoing accessibility while balancing costs and quality improvements.

For now, the extension offers a temporary reprieve for commuters. As Spain works to modernise its public transport system, the challenge will be balancing affordability with longterm investment in service upgrades.

As you read this, the joy and whirlwind of Christmas will already be a memory, and we stand on the cusp of a new year—2025 is calling. For most, this is a season of reflection, celebration, and planning. It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved, take stock of what we’ve lost and set intentions for where we want to be this time next year.

But 2024 has been a year marked by pain, loss, and unimaginable challenges for many in our community and beyond.

Here in Spain, the devastating storms of Dana tore through lives, leaving thousands homeless and grieving the loss of loved ones and possessions—priceless memories that no storm could ever truly replace.

Yet, amid the devastation, one thing shone brightly: **hope.** Communities came together, united by love, kindness, and the belief that tomorrow could bring healing and restoration.

Hope is what allows us to move forward, even in the face of heartbreak.

For those who have lost loved ones, it is hope that helps us adapt to a new life we never anticipated. As we approach 2025, let us all embrace hope and gratitude as

guiding lights for the year ahead.

This is the moment to remind ourselves that life is fleeting and precious.

Let’s commit to living fully in the present—cherishing today as its gift. Let us appreciate the people we have instead of longing for what we don’t. Let’s practice gratitude for the blessings around us and extend kindness to those less fortunate.

2025 is not about chasing perfection— it’s about *progression*: - Progressing in loving our neighbours.

- Progressing in cultivating gratitude.

- Progressing in finding peace and joy in the present moment.

The past year has shown us how quickly life can change, but it has also reminded us of the strength we find in togetherness. Wherever you are on December 31st, whoever you may be with, raise a glass—not just to the year that has passed but to this moment, right now.

Let us spread the greatest gift of all: **hope**. Let us make 2025 a year filled with gratitude, kindness, and love for ourselves and one another.

Happy New Year, dear reader. May it be a year of abundance, inner peace, and boundless hope for all.

#Lifecanchangeinamoment so let us appreciate our time now

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26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

BEST OF THE YEAR

2024 Ed: 2012 Carnival spirit

New Year cheer Image: Nerja Town Hall

February

2024 ARRIVES: Embracing the New Year throughout Axarquia.

2024 Ed: 2009

January

THE spirit of celebration swept through the picturesque towns of Axarquia as residents and visitors welcomed the arrival of 2024 with music and merriment. From Nerja’s iconic Balcón de Europa to the charming streets of Frigiliana and beyond, the region was alive with festivities.

Nerja’s Balcón de Europa transformed into a hub of excitement as thousands gathered to bid farewell to 2023. DJ Toulalan’s infectious tunes resonated through the air, amplifying the jubilant atmosphere.

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The Great New Year’s Eve Party, which began at 11.00pm, brought the town together with laughter, and anticipation for the fresh year ahead.

Meanwhile, Frigiliana featured live music that reverberated throughout the town. The Plaza de las 3 Culturas echoed with the sounds of joyous partygoers counting down to midnight, embracing the start of 2024 with joy.

Velez-Malaga had its own taste of New Year’s Eve with the Pre-New Year’s Eve Party at Plaza del Carmen. The early afternoon festivity, including the lively flamenco and music performances, finished in a spectacular celebration with confetti and surprises galore.

ALMUÑECAR is gearing up for a spectacular Carnival celebration on February 9 and 10, promising a weekend filled with excitement. On February 9, festivities kick off at 11am with a Disney-themed children’s show. In the afternoon, the Children’s Carnival takes centre stage with tributes to Toy Story and Barbie, featuring various activities and bouncy castles from 5pm onwards.

February 10 marks the grand Carnival day, beginning with a ‘Carnival on Bikes’ at 6pm, followed by the Carnival Parade at 8pm, featuring the Grand Showman. All events will take place at the Río Verde fairground. The Carnival will conclude with the ‘Carnival Fest,’ a lively party featuring special guests and renowned DJs. Almuñecar is not alone in embracing the Carnival spirit. Throughout the Axarquia region, towns are

Image: Shutterstock/ Luciano de la Rosa

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CARNIVAL TIME: Masks on, spirits up!

gearing up for their festive fiestas and parades. Each town has crafted a unique celebration, adding their local flair to the festivities.

To discover more about the Carnival events happening in each town, be sure to check out your respective town hall’s social media

pages for detailed schedules and exciting updates.

‘Carnaval’ in Spain is a festive and lively celebration that typically takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, which is the period of fasting and reflection observed by Christians before Easter.

Celebrity cheers 2024 Ed: 2019

March

THE charming Rula Lenska, a renowned British actress and TV per-

sonality, added a touch of glamour to the Trapiche weekly market recently.

The lovely Rula, with her unmistakable grace, was spotted indulging

in some wine shopping at the bustling marketplace.

Notably, she chose to explore the delightful offerings at ‘Tastes of Spain & Olé’.

The actress known for her roles in Coronation Street, Minder, Special Branch, and much more was happy to stop, chat, and take pictures with fellow shoppers.

The Trapiche market is held every Tuesday from 9.30am to 1.30pm, at Carretera de Benamargosa, Km 0.5 29719 Trapiche (Malaga).

There you can find, artisan products, handmade gifts, fruit and vegetables, local businesses, and second-hand stalls. For more information call 627 877 164 or email TrapicheMarketSpain@ gmail.com.

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BEST OF THE YEAR/FEATURE

Lifesaving legacy 2024 Ed: 2024

Image: gofundme

May

THE town of Comares recently hosted a remarkable event as Jesús Calleja and his team from the Spanish TV station Cuatro graced the town with their presence.

Their mission? To capture the essence of this inland rural town for the popular TV programme ‘Volando Voy,’ (I’m Flying).

This show, renowned for its exploration of unique places and cultures, couldn’t have chosen a more fitting locale than Comares.

Against the backdrop of the picturesque Plaza Balcón de la Axarquia, the crew flew in by helicopter to the heart of the community and conducted interviews with both locals and those from neighbouring towns. They focused on a local animal charity Protectora

significantly bolster the town’s capacity to respond to critical situations swiftly and effectively.

With access to this equipment, the community gains a vital lifeline in moments of medical crisis, potentially saving precious minutes that can make all the difference in someone’s survival.

By equipping the town with these resources, Cathy McCabe and her family ensure that Darryl’s passion for safeguarding lives continues to resonate, fostering a safer and more resilient community for all.

Flying high

Image: Comares Town Hall

2024 Ed: 2030

Darryl McCabe a lifesaving legacy.

committed to saving lives.

In honour of his legacy, Cathy and her children are determined to ensure that his dedication lives on. The funds raised will go towards providing much-needed emergency equipment, ensuring that Darryl’s passion for helping others continues to have a meaningful impact, safeguarding the community he held dear.

If you would like to donate to this special cause go to their gofundme page on the following link: https:// gofund.me/b5d1a94e.

The addition of essential emergency equipment will

Volando Voy captures rural charm.

de Animales de Lorena to support their cause.

For Comares, this spotlight represents more than just a television appearance.

It’s an opportunity to showcase the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people to a wider audience.

Moreover, the visit comes as a testament to the efforts of the local government and

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

April

IN just under a week, the community of Canillas de Albaida has rallied together to raise over €12,000 for a heartfelt cause.

The fundraiser, initiated

by Cathy McCabe and her four children in memory of their beloved husband and father, Darryl McCabe, aims to equip the village and neighbouring areas with essential emergency equipment.

At 54, Darryl McCabe tragically passed away due to a sudden heart attack, leaving behind his family and a community deeply touched by his presence. Residing in the picturesque Andalucian village, Darryl had become a beloved member of the Canillas de Albaida community.

Dedicated to health and safety throughout his life, Darryl was a trained CPR and AED first responder,

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

the community as a whole, who have worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.

While the exact air date of the episode remains pending, the buzz generated by the event promises to leave a lasting impression, not just on Comares, but on all who tune in to experience its charm through the lens of ‘Volando Voy.’

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BEST OF THE YEAR

One Million Steps June

ONCE again, Rincon de la Victoria has joined the ‘One Million Steps for Epilepsy’ march to mark National Epilepsy Day. Under the slogan ‘Epilepsy: Do you know it?’, the event kicked off from Pepe El Boticario Square, featuring local residents, the Malaga Epilepsy Association (AMADE), the Social Welfare councillor Olga Cervantes, and other local officials.

This initiative, driven by the Spanish Epilepsy Federation and organised by AMADE and the Social Welfare department, aims to raise awareness about epilepsy and calls for more support for research, inclusion, and recognition of the challenges faced.

Councillor Olga Cervantes explained that the walk began at 11.00am from Pepe El Boticario Square, reaching the Granadillas stream before returning to the starting point.

Weekend Beach Image : Rincon de la Victoria Town Hall.

2024 Ed: 2033

Rincon de la Victoria rallies for epilepsy.

Here, participants enjoyed a day of activities, music, and dance performances.

Mayor Francisco Salado emphasised the progress made in recent years in diagnostic tests and treatments for epilepsy, but highlighted the need for continued efforts in early diagnosis due to the various types of epilepsy.

The ‘One Million Steps for Epilepsy’ campaign aims to raise public awareness about the need for more research

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support, the establishment of necessary epilepsy units, and greater inclusion and recognition of the social, work, and educational challenges faced by those with epilepsy.

It’s estimated between 5 and 10 per cent of the Spanish population will experience a seizure at some point, and up to 20 per cent of these individuals will have recurrent seizures, highlighting the need for comprehensive attention to epilepsy.

2024 Ed: 2036

July

WEEKEND BEACH Festival kicked off on July 4, with a record-breaking attendance of 75,000 music fans gathered along the shores of the Mediterranean.

Over three days of non-stop music and festivities in Torre del Mar, the festival showcased an eclectic lineup spanning rock, fusion, Latin music, urban sounds, and electronic beats across three stages.

The event, hailed as a summer musical staple in the country, owes its success to a dedicated team of over 500 professionals and local suppliers, highlighting its economic impact estimated at around €9 million.

From the opening night featuring Europe to the energetic performances by Steve Aoki, Mora, Lola Índigo, and much more, the festival offered unforgettable moments. Highlights included Europe’s timeless hits, the vibrant rhythms of Lola Índigo, and the emotional farewell tour of Rayden.

It was a celebration of the best Latin and urban music with Lola Índigo, Beret, and Maka, while the final night of the festival saw explosive performances from Melendi, Carlos Tarque, and the electrifying Steve Aoki.

The festival grounds, spanning over 30,000 square metres, were equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and innovative lighting technologies, ensuring an immersive audiovisual experience for the attendees.

Organisers expressed gratitude to the local authorities, sponsors, security forces, and most importantly, the attendees for their continued support and enthusiasm, promising an even more special 10th-anniversary festival next year.

Weekend Beach Festival not only delivered on its promise of music but also emphasised safety and community, incorporating initiatives like the Punto Violeta (Purple Stand), safe places as public gatherings to combat gender-based violence, and innovative security protocols, making it a standout event on Spain’s summer calendar.

Unforgettable moments Unforgettable Fair, Storms and All

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An unforgettable fair, storms and all.

by the traditional around 5.00am when the 2024 Ed: 2039 formance Spanish singer Óscar Calde- area was empty. The storm

August

THE Feria & Fiestas of Santiago y Santa Ana 2024 took place from July 24 to July 28 at the Velez-Malaga Fairgrounds, delighting attendees with a variety of activities. The event began with the inauguration of the Paseo de la Feria and the lighting ceremony on July 24 at 10.00pm. Over the five days, the fair offered something for everyone, equestrian events, a per-

rón, a concert by El Cañejo, and much more. Thursday, July 25, featured reduced prices on attractions for Children’s Day. However, the festivities were briefly interrupted by a weather incident on July 29. A sudden warm burst of air, accompanied by strong winds from a summer storm, caused some destruction in the Torre del Mar fairground. Fortunately, there were no injuries, as the incident occurred at

also caused a wall to collapse at IES Joaquín Lobato school.

Despite this, the Feria remained a memorable event for locals and visitors, who enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, food stalls, games, and rides.

The fairground was filled with laughter and music, creating a lively celebration that made the Feria y Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana 2024 an unforgettable success.

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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A soaring success r You VOICE 2024Ed: 2045

September

Jingle bells or when the clock strikes twelve

Which one do you like more: CHRISTMAS or NEW YEARS? As the holiday season reaches its peak, many of us are reflecting on the festivities we’ve enjoyed and those yet to come. Christmas, with its festive decorations, family gatherings and exchanging of gifts, brings a feeling of warmth, nostalgia and love. Meanwhile New Year’s brings excitement with the idea of fresh beginnings and lively parties.

With Christmas day now behind us and New Year’s Eve fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to consider which of these two special and highly anticipated days we truly enjoy the most. We asked our Euro Weekly News readers to share their thoughts.

Not everyone gets caught up in the excitement of these holidays.

Tom Langston, for instance, feels that “both are just another day in the week.” He’s not the only one with this view, as fellow reader Gordy O’Keeffe shares that he would much rather enjoy some quiet time at home than out partying. He also raises the point that “for chefs and hospitality workers, both are awful busy times.”

Valeria Olivares Piñeiro is on team Christmas, stating that New Year’s is “just another day in the diary.” Judith Dominique Wolfenegg agrees, highlighting some of the negative aspects associated with

New Year’s celebrations - she criticises the traditional use of fireworks, saying that they “scare all the animals to death and are also more than just unpleasant for old.”

Karen Callander, however, is a fan of New Year’s Eve and enjoys saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new. She shares that “every year hopefully brings health and happiness.” She also adds that while Christmas is a nice time to spend with family, it has become “too commercialised.”

Some of our readers, like Deb Horses and Tim McMahon, prefer not to choose a favourite. Deb explains that after the excitement of Christmas, she starts looking forward to the next celebration, and Tim enjoys both holidays equally, each for different reasons.

In contrast, Norman Munns takes a very different stance, simply declaring, “Neither!”

In conclusion, this week’s EWN Sunday Poll has received very mixed reactions, with some readers choosing one celebration over another, some enjoying both equally, and others happy to skip the celebrations altogether. Regardless of your choice and how you celebrate it, Euro Weekly News wishes all of our readers a joyful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

MORE than 300,000 spectators flocked to Torre del Mar for an unforgettable day at the International Air Show.

This year’s festival featured an exhilarating lineup, including fighter jets, acrobatic teams, historic planes, and cutting-edge aircraft performing dazzling aerial manoeuvres.

The event unfolded over three thrilling hours, showcasing the skills of over 30 aircraft. The crowd was especially impressed by the Papea Patrol, whose helicopters and skydiving routines kicked off the festivities.

The Royal Aeroclub of Sevilla and National Police helicopters also soared through the skies, along with several paramotors that drew enthusiastic applause.

A highlight of this year’s show was the Saeta H220

Image: Tenencia de Alcaldía de Torre del Mar

BEST OF THE YEAR

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Torre del Mar dazzles.

jet, Spain’s first-ever jet aircraft, with only two still in operation. The ASPA Patrol, a unit of the Air Force with five Euro copter helicopters, also delivered a remarkable performance. Various civilian aircraft rounded out the impressive lineup.

The festival’s economic impact was substantial, estimated at around €5 million.

Jesús Pérez Atencia, the deputy mayor of Velez-Malaga,

highlighted the event’s success, noting the high turnout and economic boost for local businesses. “The festival has firmly established Torre del Mar on the national and European air show map,” Atencia said.

With nearly full bookings and bustling local businesses, the Air Show not only delighted aviation fans but also boosted the local economy, setting the stage for an even grander 10th edition next year.

AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST

EXCHANGE a toy or €5 for a sightseeing trip and help those children most in need this Christmas.

Rincón de la Victoria residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a sightseeing double-decker bus and take a tour of historic destinations, for just a newly bought toy or for the price of a €5 ticket.

The bus returns for Christmas on December 30 and will travel the main streets of the town with the aim of collecting as many toys and donations as possible.

The proceeds of which, whether gift or monetary donation will go to help those families in most need.

Departures will be made from the Casa Fuerte Bezmiliana at 11am 12am and 1pm.

Councillor of the area Olga Cervantes

has said that this is “the second consecutive year we will carry out this solidarity initiative which was well accepted and got a good response last year.”

She also said that the charity initiatives aim is to ensure that no child is left without a toy for Christmas.

The mayor of Rincón de la Victoria Francisco Salado has said that “the town is characterised by being a supportive place.”

All of the toys will be delivered on January 3 to the families by the municipality’s social services.

City Sightseeing the company working alongside the local council to bring this charity campaign into fruition have asked that everyone help to bring Christmas magic to those who most need it.

Abigail Frazer AXARQUIA is gearing up for the 7th San Silvestre charitable race, it is a five-kilometre track through Rincón de la Victoria in aid of the charity Caritas.

It is going to be held on Sunday December 29 and the starting point will be at the tourist office of Rincón de la Victoria from 12 midday.

Registration to be part of the race is still available, it is advised that you sign up online before the race day to avoid disappointment, buy a €5 tic-

ket via the website dorsalchipES. Alternatively, and subject to ticket sales online, there will be an opportunity to purchase tickets on the day of the race for €7 from 10am until 11:30am at the tourist office.

Trophies will be given out for the first second and third place runners and all child participants will be given a medal.

There is also a present raffle for children taking part at approximately 1:15pm.

The race follows the

live music Walks with the Shamrock Roamers Quizzes, and a dash of

Irishness

THE Shamrock Roamers Walkers Club will be donning their hiking gear this week to embark on more exceptional routes across the stunning Axarquia region. If you’re a lover of hiking amid good company, laughs and a few drinks, join the Shamrock Roamers every week on one of several refreshing treks to meet lifetime friends and of course, get that body into action.

If you’re based in Nerja, the group meets every Tuesday at 09:30 at Marazul Fitzgerald’s for a moderately-paced stroll through the stunning countryside, led by local residents who really know what they’re talking about.

Closer to Maro, Thursday is the day and Nerja Caves carpark is the place to be at 10:30. Note that there is a bus everyday from Nerja to the caves at 10am.

For those hailing from Frigiliana, the club will see you at the Restaurant Tres Cultu-

Credit:Facebook:@Jon Keo Walking tours

ras in Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Frigiliana every Friday at 10am for an easy-going 10km or three hour walk through the local hills around the quintessentially-beautiful Frigiliana region ending in Frigiliana village.

Walks cost €10 and take between two to three hours with a light meal provided for an extra 5€. Get ready to learn some interesting local history and knowledge, keep fit and fall upon hidden gems and quaint corners that you didn’t even know existed.

No need for reservations. Just bring yourself, comfy gear, some snacks, water and payment.

IF you’re a lover of music, laughter and a good old trivia night, come on down to Irish Annie’s bar in Nerja. Irish music, beer and coffee are all on the cards to make for the perfect night, any day of the week.

On Monday nights from 9pm, get ready to rack your brains with the weekly fun quiz night. Here you can join a team or make your own and put your extensive knowledge to the test (without getting too competitive!).

If it’s live music you’re looking for, Wednesday and Saturday are the perfect evenings. From 9:30pm, a rolling variety of

live bands take centre stage at Annie’s to provide you with the best musical melodies.

To top if off, the bar offers a wide variety of drinks including two top Irish choices: Guinness and Murphy’s Red, alongside all of the usual favourites. Annie’s never falls short of its popular selection of Irish whiskies and knows how to make a proper Irish coffee too.

Annie’s bar can be found in a quiet pedestrianised plaza in Calle Chaparil, Nerja with its own outside terrace for warmer

path from the tourism office to La Sala Male Nostrum and back again to the tourism office, there will be local authorities and organisers there to direct runners.

Don’t forget to dress up in costumes because there are trophies for the best ones, prize categories include adult, child and a group made up of a minimum of 6 people.

Even attendees that are not able to complete the race are encouraged to go and enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on the participants.

Credit:Google images

Photo Credit: Flickr

XII San Silvestre Charity Race

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Alexander Zhukovski

Sightseeing for Christmas toys

evenings this winter. All major Irish sporting events can be shown too, so bring along a few friends!

(No children after 9pm).

The bar is open every day from 12noon until late.

Looking forward to see you there and good luck with the quiz!

Irish Annie’s, Nerja offers nights of live music and trivia throughout the week.

C. Almte. Carranza, 28, 29780 Nerja Tel: 952 526 747 irishanniesnerja@hotmail.com

BEST OF THE YEAR

euroweeklynews.com

2024 Ed: 2051

October

MAYOR Francis Salado of Rincon de la Victoria joined a charity walk to support breast cancer awareness.

The event, which began at the

Walking together Tourist Office and ended at Mare Nostrum hall in La Cala del Moral, saw participants wearing pink t-shirts to show unity in the fight against breast cancer.

Alongside the mayor were Social Welfare councillor Olga Cervantes, Sports councillor Antonio José Martín, and other local officials.

They were joined by members of

2024 Ed: 2055 Axarquia stands strong November

RECENTLY the town of Benamargosa became the epicentre of the recent DANA extreme weather event that swept through the Axarquia region. The area saw a staggering 132.5 litres of rain per square metre, with the Benamargosa River overflowing, flooding streets and causing significant damage. It was a sight no one expected, as the water reached historic levels, peaking at over five metres, even submerging vehicles and affecting local homes.

But in the middle of the

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Benamargosa Town Hal / Asociación Esperanza

Unity through the storm.

chaos, something beautiful happened.

The community came together in ways that were no-

thing short of inspiring.

The Guardia Civil worked tirelessly, rescuing people in boats as the water overtook

streets. The town’s church, Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, turned into a hub for donations, collecting cleaning supplies, gloves, buckets, and anything that could help with the cleanup.

Local businesses quickly jumped in to help. Generous donations flooded in, including crates of fresh fruit, hundreds of loaves of bread, bottled water, and juices.

Volunteers, many of them neighbours, came out in force to lend a hand.

They worked side-by-side, clearing debris, cleaning up affected homes, and making sure no one was left behind.

9

the Spanish Association Against Cancer, as well as local residents and community groups.

The march reflected the town’s strong sense of community and the importance of coming together for such a meaningful cause, showing how local efforts can help raise awareness and make a difference.

FEATURE

10 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Rules relaxed DRIVERS of ambulances and fire engines do not risk penalty points or losing their licence when speeding to an emergency but are responsible for damage to persons or other vehicles. Under updated traffic regulations the Transport Ministry revealed that they could now be exempted in ‘harmless’ situations.

Time off A BUPL trade union survey of 1,000 parents with children aged under six found that half took sick leave when their child was ill, although 20 per cent admitted to leaving them in daycare because they could not take time off from work. It was vital to make it easier for parents to stay at home with a sick child, BUPL said.

PORTUGAL

EUROPRESS FRANCE

Photo credit: FB/Artcurial Paris

DENMARK

euroweeklynews.com

Times past A GOLD electronic watch once worn by Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), France’s wartime hero and former president, fetched €537,920 at auction in Paris on December 16. His descendants decided to auction this and the other personal objects they inherited on the death of De Gaulle’s son Philippe last March.

LEGENDARY OWNER: Charles de Gaulle’s watch sold at auction.

IRELAND

FINLAND

BELGIUM Puss in Boat HET POEZENBOOTJE, a cat sanctuary on a barge moored at Nieuwevaart on the outskirts of Ghent, will remain some months more at the present site which it has occupied for 28 years. The Waterways Authority has found a new home for the barge but must still install mooring bollards at the new location.

Wi-Fi off CITING the ‘exorbitant’ €173 million cost of equipping trains with Wi-FI, national rail operator SNCB is instead launching a new scheme that will focus on enhancing mobile data connectivity. It plans to do this by modifying the coating of train windows to provide improved access to 4G and 5G networks.

SWEDEN

Cry wolf

Toxic spill

ICE Pact

Mega expansion

IDENTIFIED wolf packs fell from 63 recorded between 2002-2003 to 58 between 2019-2021, according to the National Wolf Census coordinated by the Nature Conservation and Forests Institute (ICNF). Findings suggested a 20 per cent reduction in wolves’ presence, particularly in Tras-osMontes and south of the Duero.

WATER company Uisce Eireann admitted responsibility for a chemical spill in Cork last June which killed tens of thousands of fish along eight kilometres of the River Allow. An Environment official said water quality recovered within days, but the longterm effects on the fish population would last for several years.

FINLAND, which signed the ICE Pact with the US and Canada to develop a joint icebreaking programme to halt Russian and Chinese advances in the Arctic, will replace one of its eight vessels. “Functional winter navigation is part of the overall security of all Europe,” Transport minister Lulu Ranne declared.

DATA centre services company atNorth has acquired 30 hectares of land at the industrial park in Hamre where it will build a mega-data site. The same company, which already runs data centres in Stockholm, Denmark and Finland, recently expanded its installations in Iceland where it currently operates three sites.

Bard in Lisbon

Class struggle

Cold outside

No mystery

LETTERS found by Barcelona University professor, John Stone, revealed that John Preston from Lisbon’s English College ordered two copies of Othello from London in 1765. The request hinted at British and Irish communities in Lisbon and a wider local community that read in English at that time, Professor Stone said.

AN Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report found higher levels of prejudice against Travellers and Roma than any other ethnic group. It also became clear that parents were reasonably comfortable with having both groups in their child’s class at school but were less happy to have them as neighbours.

FINLAND experienced its lowest temperature this winter on December 15 when the Tulppio weather station near Savukoski registered 38.2 degrees below freezing.

Lapland currently fluctuated between extreme cold and relatively mild weather, the Finnish Meteorological Institute explained, bringing rapid changes.

A POLICE investigation ruled out wrongdoing in the deaths of three employees within six months at the Northvolt factory that produced electric-vehicle batteries. The case was closed following extensive tests by the National Board of Forensic Medicine which found no signs of exposure to any dangerous substance.

ITALY

GERMANY

NETHERLANDS

NORWAY

Getting on

Early proof

Fly rights

No bangs

ITALY’S population aged in 2023 to the extent that there are now six over-64s for every child under six, while the average age of 46.6 years had grown by 0.2 per cent on the previous year. The National Statistics Institute also found that the overall population of 58.97 million had declined by 25,971 compared with 2022.

AN AMULET found at a Roman burial ground in Frankfurt dating back to between 230 and 270AD contained a minute silver scroll with a Latin inscription referring to Christ and St Titus. Predating earlier finds by at least 50 years, it is considered the ‘oldest Christian testimony found north of the Alps’.

THE VNV union called for changes in the regulations that bar pilots with type 1 diabetes from flying. The union claimed the Transport Ministry’s refusal to join a European trial created an unfair situation and the Netherlands should have joined the UK, Ireland and Austria in assessing how safely diabetic pilots could fly.

OSLO will see in the New Year with a sound and light display instead of fireworks in a joint celebration that is costing 1,750,000 kroner (€148,522) and features powerful lasers over large sections of the city. Residents are also encouraged to watch from their current locations instead of gathering at Radhusplassen Square.

Demo data

Diesel deal

Still growing

Cabs capped

THE Interior Ministry revealed that 260 police officers were injured during protests held during 2024, a 195.5 per cent increase on 2023. There have been 11,556 full-scale protests in Italy so far this year, up 12.1 per cent, although the 299 serious incidents occurring during demonstrations were 14.8 per cent lower.

OIL company Neste’s renewable diesel fuel is being used as the initial fill for new diesel vehicles leaving BMW manufacturing plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig, and Regensburg. The Neste-BMW collaboration affecting more than half of BMW’s global production has already begun, the companies announced.

POPULATION projections from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) show that the present 105,000 annual growth rate will decline over the next five years to 82,000. Nevertheless, CBS predicted that the country would have 19 million residents by 2037 and 20 million by 2058, driven by immigration and longer life-expectancy.

BEGINNING in January, the government has announced that there will be a maximum charge for taxi fares in cities and large towns, together with limits on tariffs for distance and time. The Trade and Industry Ministry said it was introducing the new regulations to deter abusive prices charged by rogue operators.

Bowing out

THE taxpayer’s stake in NatWest, rescued by a government £45 billion (€54.5 billion) bailout in 2008, has dropped to below 10 per cent, chief executive Paul Thwaite revealed. The Treasury has gradually reduced its stake, Thwaite said, and the bank could be fully privatised during the first six months of 2025.

Drink up

STARBUCKS, which has opened 20 new coffee shops in Spain in 2024, announced that it planned to open another in Lloret de Mar (Girona) this month. The US chain, based in Seattle, arrived in Barcelona 2002 and has 180 Spanish outlets, making Spain Starbucks’ third mostimportant market after the UK and France.

Yes and no

BOOHOO has finally relented and said Frasers Group, which holds a majority stake of 28 per cent in the online fashion company, can have a seat on its board. However, it also stipulated that the “appropriate candidate” could not be Frasers Group owner, Mike Ashley, or his associate, restructuring expert Mike Lennon.

Jobs lost

BSH will close its Esquiroz (Navarra) factory which produces Bosch, Siems, Balay, Gaggenhau and Neff household appliances. In a letter to its 600 employees, the German company said the “persistently difficult evolution of its markets” and “fierce competition” meant that production was no longer viable in Esquiroz.

Second attempt

GREETINGS cards and gifts retailer Card Factory was forced to defend its chairman Paul Moody after shareholders, who voted against his re-election in June, attempted to eject him again.

On this occasion, they said that Moody was a white male and the company had failed to meet diversity targets.

STAT OF WEEK

BRITAIN’S farmers, already reeling from the future implications of changes to the inheritance tax, are preparing for huge losses following the second-worst harvest in 25 years.

Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show that the harvested wheat crop fell to 11.1 million tons this year, compared with 14 million in 2023.

According to Tom Lancaster from the non-government organisation, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, farmers will lose £600 million (€722.8 million) between them this year.

Only the pandemic-hit 2022 harvest was worse than 2024’s, when the wettest September-May period ever registered prevented farmers from sowing on time and later impaired growing conditions for winter crops.

Consumers, apart from those following Jeremy Clarkson’s popular farming series, were largely unaware of the problems, as imports compensated for shortfalls.

AIR EUROPA announced on December 16 that it foresaw a record turnover of €2.9 billion by the end of 2024.

With a gross operating income of €205 million and sales of €2.76 million, this was 6.3 per cent more than last year. Although Spain’s second-largest airline omitted to add a 2024 profits forecast, the company posted a €165 million net profit last year, compared with €470,000 in pandemic-hit 2022 and €28.6 million in 2019.

€36 billion

paid in dividends in 2024 by companies quoted on Spain’s stock exchange, €6 billion more than last year and well above pre-pandemic 2019’s €31.7 billion.

Growing pains

Inside story Photo credit: X-Joshua Huminski

BUSINESS EXTRA

euroweeklynews.com • 26 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025

LONDON PROTEST: UK farmers demonstrating on December 11

“The farmers have had to bear the brunt of the bad weather,” Lancaster told The Telegraph.

Meanwhile, wheat-growing acreage plunged by 11 per cent and total wheat, oats, barley and oilseed rape production fell by 13 per cent compared with the previous year.

Added to the prospect of immediate financial losses, farmers must face the consequences of the government’s decision to reverse the

Flying high

Photo credit: aireuropa.com

FINANCE

12

AIR EUROPA: Airline predicts record revenues for 2024.

Agricultural Property Relief, which meant that family farms could be inherited without paying death duties.

A parent will still be able to pass tax-free land on to their children, but only if they live for another seven years.

The tax changes will kill the family farm, farmers have warned in a series of protests, the latest on December 11.

“Air Europa’s operating figures continue to improve in terms of passenger numbers and occupancy volume as it responds to a continually growing market,” chief executive “Jesus Nuño de Rosa said.

The company, which is 80 per cent owned by the Hidalgo family’s Globalia, with the remaining 20 per cent in the hands of IAG, prepares to take delivery of three Boeing 787 Dreamliners for longhaul flights and a Boeing 737 MAX for medium and short-haul routes.

Bare minimum

Losing patience

Favouritism

THIRD-QUARTER figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) showed that each employee now costs a Spanish business-owner €2,205 every month.

This was 4.1 per cent more than during the same period last year, and analysts assessing the Ministry of Labour will take that into account when increasing the minimum interprofessional wage (SMI).

This is calculated at 60 per cent of the average salary and is aimed at maintaining purchasing power.

BASQUE steel company Sidenor could scrap plans to acquire the 29.9 per cent stake belonging to train manufacturer Talgo’s majority shareholder, Trilantic.

Talking to the EFE news agency on December 15, Sidenor’s chairman Jose Antonio Jainaga said that acquiring the Talgo holding “wasn’t a matter of life or death.”

Sidenor would pay Trilantic €4 per share, putting a value of €150 million on its holding and €500 million on Talgo itself, compared with Hungarian consortium’s €5 per share proposal that was vetoed by Madrid, but would have paid Trilantic €185 million. “If the shareholder doesn’t want us in Talgo, we’ll step back and stop wasting time and energy,” Jainaga declared.

MEINRAD SPENGER, MasOrange chief executive, complained that Telefonica received preferential treatment.

Spain’s government now has a 10 per cent holding in Telefonica, which was privatised in 1997, and the Markets and Competition Authority recently approved a 20 per cent increase in the charges for accessing its cables, towers, duct chambers and ducts.

The escalating cost of using this infrastructure came at a time when Telefonica had 50 per cent profit margin on duct charges, Spenger said.

“More than 17 million households have MasOrange fibre and we want to roll out more, but they are penalising us and that’s not right.”

NATIONWIDE, whose £2.8bn (€3.4bn) Virgin Money takeover was finalised in October, has injected £650m (€787.4m) into Virgin’s Clydesdale Bank division.

At the time of the deal, which created the UK’s second-largest savings and loans group, Virgin Money’s board was accused of selling out for too low a price.

The Mail on Sunday has +revealed most of this capital infusion was necessary to maintain the bank’s financial strength and bring Clydesdale’s accounting system into line with Nationwide’s ‘more conservative’ approach.

H&W afloat BELEAGURED Harland & Wolff (H&W), forever famous for building the doomed Titanic, is nearing a £70 million (€84.8 million) government-backed rescue deal.

This includes job guarantees for H&W’s 1,000 workers, Sky News said.

Ministers announced following months of negotiations, H&W and its four UK shipyards would be acquired by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia after going into administration last September.

State-owned Navantia will benefit from improved terms on a government contract to build three Fleet Solid Support vessels for the Royal Navy.

Carlsberg green light THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved Carlsberg’s £3.3 billion (€4 billion) takeover of soft drinks maker Britvic.

The CMA decision on December 17 arrived one day before the deadline for the first phase of its investigation which began last October.

Having confirmed the deal, which will be completed on January 16, the regulator said it would not be carrying out an in-depth scrutiny of the Danish company’s takeover of the Britvic, known for Robinsons squash and 7UP labels.

FINANCE

14 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 23 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3I Group.....................................3.548,00............3.569,00......... 3.486,00...........2,48M Admiral Group.............................2.597,0..............2.611,0........... 2.568,0.......... 956,99K Airtel Africa................................. 105,30...............105,70............102,90............19,3M Anglo American...........................2.333,5..............2.340,5........... 2.279,0.............6,7M Antofagasta................................1.613,50............1.613,50......... 1.567,50...........1,88M Ashtead Group............................5.030,0..............5.054,0........... 4.946,0............1,92M Associated British Foods.............2.054,0..............2.060,0........... 2.037,0............1,81M AstraZeneca...............................10.256,0............10.280,0......... 10.084,0...........3,83M Auto Trader Group Plc................ 786,80...............791,60............778,00............3,16M Aviva........................................... 457,20...............459,10............451,90...........13,98M B&M European Value Retail SA... 362,70...............364,10............351,60...........29,22M BAE Systems..............................1.156,00............1.165,50......... 1.149,50...........12,5M Barclays...................................... 260,25...............261,25............254,80...........68,23M Barratt Redrow............................ 432,90...............435,90............426,30............8,94M Beazley........................................ 808,00...............809,00............792,50............2,57M Berkeley......................................3.898,0..............3.916,0........... 3.880,0.......... 965,78K BP............................................... 379,05...............380,00............373,75...........89,56M British American Tobacco...........2.879,0..............2.891,0........... 2.856,0............5,69M BT Group.................................... 145,00...............145,70............143,15...........40,02M Bunzl...........................................3.268,0..............3.276,0........... 3.236,0............1,74M Centrica....................................... 124,95...............125,55............123,85...........35,74M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.694,0..............2.702,0........... 2.666,0.......... 913,65K Compass....................................2.648,00............2.649,00......... 2.623,00...........4,45M ConvaTec Group......................... 221,00...............223,00............219,00............7,09M Croda Intl....................................3.344,0..............3.360,0........... 3.308,0.......... 569,51K DCC.............................................5.160,0..............5.190,0........... 5.110,0........... 737,5K Diageo.........................................2.504,5..............2.543,5........... 2.493,5............7,43M Diploma.....................................4.304,00............4.328,00......... 4.254,00......... 496,16K DS Smith.................................... 538,00...............543,50............532,00............4,97M EasyJet........................................ 571,60...............574,20............566,00............2,85M Entain.......................................... 707,60...............714,20............700,00............3,49M Experian......................................3.508,0..............3.517,0........... 3.452,0.............3,5M F&C Invest.................................1.112,00............1.112,00......... 1.094,00......... 843,36K Flutter Entertainment..................21.120,0............21.120,0......... 20.540,0......... 295,74K Frasers........................................ 626,50...............635,00............606,00............3,54M Fresnillo...................................... 638,50...............641,00............623,50........... 982,7K Glencore...................................... 352,90...............354,25............348,35...........50,45M GSK plc......................................1.320,00............1.323,50......... 1.302,50............ 14M HALEON...................................... 381,10...............381,80............376,90...........39,77M Halma..........................................2.725,0..............2.735,0........... 2.691,0............1,95M Hikma Pharma...........................1.953,00............1.959,00......... 1.919,00.......... 801,6K Hiscox........................................1.084,00............1.106,00......... 1.080,00...........1,49M Howden Joinery.......................... 790,50...............794,00............781,00.............1,7M HSBC.......................................... 760,80...............764,70............749,60...........75,96M IAG.............................................. 305,80...............305,80............300,60...........24,39M IMI PLC......................................1.829,00............1.829,00......... 1.797,00...........1,08M Imperial Brands..........................2.573,00............2.578,00......... 2.542,00...........4,32M Informa....................................... 803,20...............806,20............792,60............5,99M InterContinental..........................9.956,0..............9.984,0........... 9.768,0.......... 814,01K Intermediate Capital...................2.050,00............2.070,00......... 2.030,00...........1,33M

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

Intertek........................................4.660,0..............4.686,0........... 4.624,0.......... 484,26K J Sainsbury................................. 270,20...............273,00............269,80............9,75M JD Sports Fashion........................ 95,00.................97,08..............94,24............30,09M Kingfisher.................................... 250,70...............251,00............247,70............9,82M Land Securities........................... 566,00...............567,00............557,50............5,51M Legal & General.......................... 223,90...............224,80............221,40............. 37M Lloyds Banking............................ 54,20.................54,32..............53,36...........349,34M London Stock Exchange.............11.320,0............11.415,0......... 11.240,0...........1,39M Londonmetric Property............... 178,40...............179,20............175,00............11,2M M&G........................................... 192,80...............193,60............190,40...........12,54M Marks & Spencer........................ 379,40...............381,10............375,70...........18,05M Melrose Industries...................... 547,20...............547,80............535,80...........11,83M Mondi.........................................1.146,00............1.155,50......... 1.134,50...........2,26M National Grid............................... 928,60...............931,20............919,20...........21,58M NatWest Group........................... 395,50...............398,90............391,90...........81,29M Next............................................9.806,0..............9.806,0........... 9.730,0.......... 940,07K Pearson......................................1.269,00............1.275,50......... 1.257,00...........4,07M Pershing Square........................3.706,00............3.738,00......... 3.670,00.......... 276,4K Persimmon.................................1.211,5..............1.218,0........... 1.197,0............1,36M Phoenix....................................... 500,50...............502,00............493,40............3,42M Prudential.................................... 628,40...............632,20............619,60...........13,22M Reckitt Benckiser........................4.808,0..............4.822,0........... 4.759,0.............2,6M Relx............................................3.629,00............3.660,00......... 3.594,00...........5,61M Rentokil....................................... 399,60...............401,30............392,80...........10,67M Rightmove.................................. 656,00...............657,20............647,80............5,32M Rio Tinto PLC..............................4.668,0..............4.692,5........... 4.620,0............4,38M Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 575,40...............579,00............562,80...........23,87M Sage...........................................1.290,00............1.302,00......... 1.287,00...........4,85M Schroders.................................... 312,2.................313,2..............309,2.............3,56M Scottish Mortgage....................... 940,20...............948,40............921,00............5,07M Segro.......................................... 695,60...............697,20............681,00............8,66M Severn Trent...............................2.516,0..............2.571,0........... 2.463,0............1,82M Shell............................................2.394,5..............2.409,0........... 2.375,0............20,9M Smith & Nephew......................... 972,80...............981,00............967,60............4,11M Smiths Group.............................1.730,00............1.735,00......... 1.713,00...........1,18M Smurfit Westrock........................4.145,0..............4.152,0........... 4.027,0.......... 588,21K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.950,0..............7.000,0........... 6.840,0.......... 337,02K SSE............................................1.606,00............1.609,00......... 1.585,50...........3,98M Standard Chartered..................... 972,00...............977,40............961,20...........17,15M Taylor Wimpey............................ 122,15...............122,75............120,75...........17,57M Tesco.......................................... 366,40...............368,80............364,60...........40,05M Unilever.......................................4.559,0..............4.583,0........... 4.522,0............7,43M Unite........................................... 802,50...............804,00............789,50............2,09M United Utilities............................1.045,50............1.060,50......... 1.028,00...........4,62M Vistry Group................................ 659,00...............665,50............639,00...........10,43M Vodafone Group PLC.................. 66,500...............66,940............66,120..........153,39M Weir Group................................2.204,00............2.212,00......... 2.178,00......... 655,05K Whitbread...................................2.914,0..............2.917,0........... 2.859,0............2,24M WPP............................................ 833,20...............839,00............829,20............7,72M

0.8278 1.0401

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DOW JONES

Closing Prices 23 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3M.............................................. 129,28...............130,35............125,75............8,35M Amazon.com............................... 224,92...............226,21............218,73...........88,28M American Express....................... 298,65...............302,72............292,00............6,23M Amgen........................................ 263,38...............269,61............262,21...........13,69M Apple........................................... 254,49...............255,00............245,69...........147,5M Boeing......................................... 177,35...............182,00............175,31...........23,23M Caterpillar.................................... 366,04...............371,49............357,24............5,14M Chevron...................................... 142,85...............142,85............140,55...........32,21M Cisco............................................ 58,52.................58,78..............57,27............69,54M Coca-Cola..................................... 62,55.................63,06..............62,28............42,46M Goldman Sachs........................... 566,10...............572,90............553,38............4,52M Home Depot................................ 392,60...............393,29............383,05............8,05M Honeywell................................... 228,32...............229,75............224,62............6,83M IBM............................................. 223,36...............227,68............221,68...........12,42M J&J............................................. 144,47...............145,47............142,75............17,7M JPMorgan................................... 237,60...............239,21............231,59...........32,35M McDonald’s................................. 292,68...............296,10............289,30............7,68M Merck&Co.................................... 98,05.................99,68..............97,90............29,29M Microsoft.................................... 436,60...............443,74............428,63...........64,26M Nike.............................................. 76,94.................78,00..............74,86............49,88M NVIDIA........................................ 134,70...............135,28............128,22..........306,53M P&G............................................ 168,06...............169,87............167,50............. 22M Salesforce Inc............................. 343,65...............346,45............331,14...........14,93M Sherwin-Williams........................ 345,47...............349,35............339,30............3,29M The Travelers.............................. 240,76...............242,55............234,17............2,34M UnitedHealth............................... 500,13...............502,64............488,73...........10,96M Verizon......................................... 39,93.................40,39..............39,92............47,59M Visa A.......................................... 317,71...............320,00............312,28...........24,39M Walmart....................................... 92,24.................93,75..............91,63............49,35M Walt Disney................................. 112,03...............112,97............110,43...........17,96M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 23 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Nvni................................................................ 221,35 %........................78,06M My Size........................................................... 214,81 %.......................121,04M TPI Composites................................................ 96,72 %........................... 34M Helius Medical A.............................................. 89,58 %........................122,25M Intchains ADR.................................................. 88,60 %........................527,94K Syntec Optics Holdings.................................... 80,41 %.........................38,88M Aptose Biosciences.......................................... 64,63 %........................306,25M Edible Garden................................................... 61,90 %........................354,33M HomesToLife.................................................... 49,40 %........................249,63K Prelude............................................................. 46,17 %..........................4,44M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Cyngn..............................................................-70,81 %.........................27,97M Molecular Templates........................................-54,29 %..........................8,75M Painreform.......................................................-52,51 %..........................2,94M Galectin............................................................-48,00 %..........................9,27M FingerMotion....................................................-46,50 %..........................4,48M Bioatla..............................................................-42,02 %..........................6,25M Zoomcar Holdings............................................-38,58 %...........................2,6M Eshallgo...........................................................-33,27 %.........................450,4K Polyrizon..........................................................-32,62 %..........................1,38M Hyzon Motors..................................................-32,53 %...........................1,7M MGO Global......................................................-32,14 %........................261,57K M - Million Dollars

FINANCE

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Other plans

ALEJANDRO CORCOSTEGUI, Spanish head of JPMorgan Chase’s Infrastructure Coverage for Europe, Middle East and Africa, leaves the US bank in the New Year. According to an internal memo, Corcostegui was leaving to “pursue a project outside the firm” although further details were omitted.

Saga continues

SAGA agreed on December 16 to a 20-year partnership with Belgian insurance company Ageas, which will pay the over-50s specialist £80 million (€54.5 million) upfront. This would be followed by £30 million (€36.3 million) in both 2025 and 2026.

CANAL+ shares fell 16 per cent when the French media giant debuted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on December 16.

Shares dropped from an opening price of 290p (€3.50) to 241p (€2.91), putting a £2.4 billion (€2.9 billion) value on the company behind the Paddington Bear films.

This was considerably lower than the £6.7 billion (€8 billion) that parent company Vivendi had been aiming at and means Canal+ has been overtaken by UK rival ITV, worth £2.8 billion (€3.4 bi-

15

Initial slump for Canal+ Naming names Photo credit: studiocanal.com

BUSINESS EXTRA

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

CANAL+ FLOAT: Initial share slump for company behind Paddington Bear.

Bouncing back SHARES in pharmaceuticals company Grifols rose 5.5 per cent to almost €10 on December 16 before eventually settling at €9.71.

Grifols has finally begun to bounce back after refinancing its debt with a €1.3 billion guaranteed bond issue which will fall due in 2007.

The Barcelona-based global leader in blood plasma-derived medicines continues its recovery after Brookfield Cor-

poration dropped takeover plans in late November. The deal fell through because Grifols rejected the Canadian asset management company’s €10.5 per share offer as “significantly undervalued.”

The company saw its shares plummet by 37 per cent since January this year after short-seller Gotham City Research questioned the size of Grifols’ debt and the veracity of its bookkeeping

llion).

Vivendi sources pointed out that share price volatility was to be expected in the initial weeks of trading as Vivendi investors sold their shares.

Canal+, which operates in Europe, the French Overseas Territories, Africa and Asia-Pacific, has 27 million subscribers.

Two-thirds are located outside France, hence its decision to float in London owing to the City’s access to international investors.

Chief executive Maxime Saada also maintained that the UK was more attractive when compared with what he called “an unfavourable regulatory and tax regime” in France.

Parent company Vivendi, founded in 1984, began as a French pay-TV channel but has since then become a streaming platform, teaming up with rivals including Netflix and Disney to offer bundled subscriptions.

MOVISTAR will pay a rumoured €50 million for the naming rights for the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid, which in 2025 will change its name from the WizInk Centre to Movistar Arena. Online bank Wizink had the option to renew its contract but instead plans to take a “new strategic direction” for the 2025-2028 period, sources said.

Grim outlook UP to 316 people, 90 per cent of Lycamobile’s personnel, could lose their jobs owing to ‘pretty serious challenges’. The company sells pay-asyou-go sim cards for cheap overseas calls but lost £24 million in 2022 and is engaged in a clash with the taxman over an allegedly unpaid £51 million (€61.8 million) VAT bill.

16 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

FEATURE/NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

Blessed are we LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT Well. Here we are again, hopefully most of us are still rejoicing in the birth of our Lord as we celebrate Christmastide. I hope you have all had a happy and joyful few days, relaxing in the company of friends and family as we stuff ourselves with the ginormous indulgencies that will subsequently take us months to shed off, but who cares? Think ourselves lucky it’s all still legal and not offending anyone! It did get me thinking about former Christmases. Deep in my past of course, the worst Yuletide I can recollect is without doubt the one I spent whilst incarcerated in the early seventies.

Not probing too deep into the whys and wherefores for my internment, I had actually found myself behind bars after being tricked by Diana Dors and her conniving lawyers into pleading guilty to and offence I had not in fact committed. And there I was for Christmas. Almost unbelievably on Christmas Eve,

the guvnor had presented the cons with an actual menu of the repast we could expect on the following day. And what a menu it was. Turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, greens and gravy, followed by Christmas pud and custard. Both I and my fellow ‘guests’ could hardly believe it. Prison fare at the time, mainly prepared by the inmates, was questionable to say the least, so this previously unheard-of event was certainly something to look forward to.

I had already let it be known that I would tear down any decorations that miraculously appeared in the block, so the doom and gloom which permeated the whole miserable place was very much in evidence the following day; Christmas trees, paper chains and sparkling presents didn’t exactly abound as we arose to share the birthday of our Lord!

However, as a special treat cell doors were left open for longer periods and, as an exceptional luxury, prisoner’s beds could be left unmade for the whole day – what paradise! We approached the advent of dinner with a certain trepidation; could it perhaps be a somewhat riot

Harry Potter expanding

encouraging joke on behalf of the authorities? It wasn’t; what it actually turned out to be was a demonic disaster. The metal impregnated tray that the whole thing was served up on was responsible for the lumpy gravy slopping into the custard, the sprouts were overcooked and utterly waterlogged, the roast potatoes were burnt offerings and the turkey was slice so thinly when you held it up it resembled the folds of a curtain with the light showing through, and it was all cold, (don’t ask what the pud represented!) I couldn’t eat mine. As we all filed out the guvnor was handing out boiled sweets. I refused those as well. After returning to my miserable cell, I lay on the bed and joined the other prisoners as we relapsed into total silence, all gazing at the ceiling and visiting the realms of imagination that contained our loved ones and friends. Thank the Lord it never happened again. Have a wonderful time and stay safe and free. Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year.

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.

THE magic of Harry Potter is spreading even further over the next year.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set to Credit: Instagram @cursedchildldn cast its spell on audiences in Harry Potter and the Cursed Brazil in 2025 Child production in London. and the Netherlands in 2026.

Dutch audiences can look forward to an immersive experience with stunning visual effects. Arthur de Bok, CEO of Stage Entertainment, highlighted the production’s universal themes: “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child offers an intense experience with a globally beloved story about friendship and making your own choices. We aim to create unforgettable memories for Dutch audiences.”

Since its debut in London in 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has mesmerised audiences worldwide. The play has sold over 11 million tickets and earned 60 major theatre awards, including nine Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards.

The story, created by J K Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, follows Harry Potter’s next generation at Hogwarts. Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender expressed their excitement about the play’s international growth: “The story and themes of Harry Potter - friendship, courage, sacrifice, and the challenges of parenting - resonate globally. We’re thrilled to bring the magic to new audiences in Brazil and the Netherlands.”

INTERVIEW

Speaking European: Making Music: Rainnaídh O’Connor NOT getting the flight back from holiday led Rainnaídh from Ireland to the Orihuela Costa 18 years ago.

“I’m a very spontaneous person, I’d She’s also a member of the Fire and completed my second degree and came Rain show where she’s teamed up with over for a break, I just didn’t get Dragon Girl, Natasha Oliver, a back on the return flight.” fire performer and danRainnaídh says she locer to bring incredible ves Spanish culture: shows to the Costa “The Spanish Blanca. are so welcoming Like the icons and relaxed about show, a fire perforeverything… and mance combined I’m a night owl, I with an homage to like the culture of the women who’ve eating late in the shaped pop muevening and that the sic over the last 40 Photo Credit: Rainnaídh O’Connor food is about spending years both spectacuA busy life in Spain as time with family and lar and not to be misa singer and musician friends.” sed.

Rainnaídh is a full-time Fire and Rain travels singer. from Orihuela Costa to anywhere wiIn a pivotal moment 7 years ago, she thin a two-hour radius for their very made a country track that shot to numsuccessful shows visit their Facbook to ber one in the Irish country charts. book with them.

Now, she sings and plays percussion Her New Year’s resolutions are “to in No Fences a Celtic pop rock duotravel to her fiftieth country and to keep where she works with musician Wayne developing her shows so they remain Stewart. exciting and fresh.”

euroweeklynews.com

BEST OF THE YEAR/FEATURE

Campaign thanks AS Christmas time draws near, it’s a time to be generous and think of our nearest, dearest and perhaps those who have less than ourselves.

In Nerja and Maro, this spirit of benevolence and kindness has been warming the air with a festive glow as the area has been thanked sincerely for their copious donations to the recent Great Collection 2024.

The local coordinator of Bancosol, Eli Villasclaras, who led the Great Collection campaign has paid special thanks to the area, for an outstanding contribution to this year’s collection.

Last weekend, many local supermarkets participated in the event, allowing customers to contribute to a worthy cause.

Villasclaras, Bancosol’s Head of Volunteers, Mari Fe Rico said: “Thanks to the support of our neigh-

Credit:Facebook:@Ayuntamiento de Nerja

Bancosol gives thanks for Nerja and Maro’s kindness in Christmas Collection.

make this Great CollecEd: 2057 tion a resounding success.” They also went on December to thank the volunteers: bours, Nerja has been the “Their dedication and municipality in the Costa commitment, from the del Sol Oriental Axarquia first moment to the last region that has raised the minute of the collection, most during this cam- have been fundamental. paign.”

Each one has made it They thanked the many possible for this campaign supermarkets “for ope- to be a success.” ning their doors, for proBancosol proceeds will viding us with the space, go towards financing miand for working side by cro and small enterprises side with Bancosol to led by women in Bolivia.

2024

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

17

Don’t blame it all on red underwear!

LIKE Brits, the Spanish are fairly superstitious by nature, but what brings good or bad luck can be quite different...

First off, let’s delve into the world of magpies, those black and white birds with a reputation for their supposed mystical influence. In Britain, the saying ‘one for sorrow, two for joy’ reflects the superstition the number of magpies you encounter can predict future fortune.

Victorians were so panic-stricken they nearly hunted them to extinction, but the Spanish aren’t bothered at all...

Our four-leaf clover finds its Spanish counterpart in the horseshoe.

Both are talismans of good luck.

But while we scour the fields for our elusive clover, Spaniards hang their horseshoes over doorways to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.

And what about New Year’s Eve? While we Brits sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and toast the New Year, Spaniards traditionally eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight, one with each chime, each one repre-

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

senting a month of prosperity for the coming year. And to boost their chances of even more good luck they don red underwear that night too! Oops!

Finally, the differences in good luck superstitions between Spain and Britain highlight the fascinating tapestry of beliefs that shape both cultures. Whether it’s grapes for prosperity or magpies for predictions, these superstitions add a layer of charm to everyday life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

23

20 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers • Costa del Sol

Costa Blanca South

Community together

Sun, sand and success

A heartfelt Facebook post from Animal Heroes drew attention to the devastation caused by the DANA floods at Last Chance Animal Rescue in Pizarra, urging the community to help.

The post inspired Buena Vida Spain, a Marbella-based property and renovation company, to step in. What started as a small effort to help quickly grew into a large-scale operation, with 38 volunteers and numerous local businesses joining forces to restore the shelter and improve conditions for the animals.

The initiative showcased the power of community and compassion, as people from different backgrounds came together with a shared goal. Despite the progress made, the shelter still requires ongoing support, including donations and professional help from electricians, roofers, and other skilled workers. To adopt a pet or contribute, visit lastchanceanimalrescuespain.org.

Throughout 2024, the Costa Blanca has solidified its position as one of Spain’s top destinations. Alicante was recently named the second-best city in the world to live in, according to the InterNations survey, which included over 5 million expatriates.

The city ranks among the top 50 globally for quality of life.

Alicante was also named Capital of Spanish Gastronomy for 2025, highlighting its rich culinary heritage and growing prominence in Spain’s food scene. The Costa Blanca leads Spain with 86 Blue Flags in 2024, with municipalities like Guardamar del Segura maintaining these awards for over 15 years.

Alicante earned recognition through the SICTED Awards for Best Destination and Best Management Team in tourism. The Costa Blanca property market remains dynamic, with a predicted 5% growth in 2025. It is poised to maintain its status as a sought-after destination in 2025.

Costa Blanca North

Almeria

Benefit Concert

Spirit of giving

The Rafael Domenech auditorium in Benidorm hosted a benefit concert on December 21, featuring the Symphonic Band and the Musical Union of Benidorm (UMB). This event was a highlight of the forty-third Music-Cultural Days, running from November 25 to January 1, which celebrates musical culture in the region.

The concert attracted around 400 attendees, including the mayor, the Councillor for Culture, and members of the Municipal Corporation. UMB introduced a Row 0 initiative, allowing attendees to donate to support musical entities affected by the DANA on October 28. The funds will be managed by the Federation of Musical Societies of the Valencian Community.

Under conductor Rafa Gomez, the band performed works such as ‘A mi madre’ by Roque Baños, ‘Symphonic Overture’ by James Barnes, and ‘Leonardo Dreams’ by Saul Gomez. During intermission, UMB president Mª Carmen Garcia presented Paula Garcia with the Musician of the Year award.

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Gingerbread Man joined Los Bandidos this Christmas to deliver joy to the Red Cross in Mojácar. Thanks to their efforts, 48 local kids received gifts from Santa or will get presents from the Three Kings.

Los Bandidos went beyond toys, supporting the Red Cross all year with food, toiletries, and essentials. For Christmas, they raised funds through a run, party sales, and a bottle raffle. Local businesses like the Alfaix Village Store and Blu pitched in with prizes, while members donated generously over the past few months.

John and Marie, who organised the donations, shopped in Almería and Roquetas del Mar, bringing back bags of toys, games, and books. The delivery brought tears to the eyes of volunteers, with caroling, dancing, and festive treats to celebrate.

Mallorca

Costa Calida

THE charity campaign Hoteles de Narices has achieved a historic fundraising total of €83,399 this month, surpassing last year’s results by €18,284.

The name Hotel de Narices (hotels of noses) stems from the collaboration between FEHM (Mallorcan Hotel Business Federation) and the NGO Sonrisa Médica, an organisation whose hospital clowns with red noses bring humour and joy to hospitalized children in the Balearics.

The campaign, running for 3 months, includes raffles, gastronomic buffets, and marathon fundraising activities.

This year’s edition involved 15 hotel companies, including nine chains: Protur Hotels, Mac Hotels, All Sun, BQ Hoteles, Garden Hotels, Mar Hotels, Viva Hotels, Zafiro Hotels, and Hipotels; as well as six independent establishments: Playa Esperanza, Rei del Mediterrani, Houm Plaza Son Rigo, Amic Horizonte, Sea Club Mediterranean Alcudia, and Icon Rosetó.

On December 22, two hikers, a 58-yearold man and a 6-year-old girl, were airlifted to Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena after accidents on local trails. At 12:22 pm, emergency services were called about a hiker who had fallen on the Peñas Blancas to Perín trail in a hard-to-reach area.

Firefighters and a helicopter rescued the man and transported him to the hospital.

Meanwhile, an environmental officer helped the man’s companion, a woman, back to her vehicle.

At 1:08 pm, another call reported a 6-year-old girl had fallen on the Monte Roldán trail and was bleeding. The helicopter was rerouted, and she was airlifted to the hospital. Both hikers are recovering thanks to the quick response of local emergency teams.

Record-breaking charity

Helicopter rescue

• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •

22

PETS TIP

euroweeklynews.com • 26 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025 SPONSORED BY

‘Windows to Wellness’

BE cautious with wrapping paper around your pet, as they might chew or swallow it, causing choking or digestive issues. Ribbons and bows can also be a strangulation hazard. Always supervise.

Shutterstock Beton Studio

Perfect pet gifts

THE holiday season is the perfect time to show your furry friends some extra love with thoughtful gifts. Whether you’re shopping for your playful dog or your curious cat, there are plenty of options to make their tails wag and whiskers twitch.

For dogs, consider durable chew toys or interactive puzzle feeders that challenge their minds and keep them entertained. Cosy blankets or

orthopaedic beds can provide extra comfort, especially for older dogs. If your pup enjoys outdoor adventures, a new leash, harness, or winter jacket could make the perfect gift.

Cats love gifts that appeal to their playful and curious nature. Feather wands, laser pointers, or catnip-filled toys are great for keeping them active and happy. For added comfort, consider a plush cat bed or a win-

dow perch where they can relax and watch the world go by. Scratching posts or cat trees are also excellent choices to keep their claws healthy and their minds engaged.

Don’t forget treats! Healthy, pet-friendly snacks are always a hit. By picking gifts that match your pet’s personality and needs, you can make this holiday season extra special for your four-legged family members.

Happy holidays to all our customers, pet owners and pet-sitters WE want to close this year by wishing all our customers past, present and future a wonderful holiday season.

Thank you for your support during these recent years.

We enter 2025 with a renewed energy and excitement at helping many more customers in Spain, the UK and beyond.

HouseSitMatch Saves You Money - Pet-sitting is Free Happy holidays to all our friends!

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SPORTS

24 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Football piracy blow

Padel fastest growing game Credit: Shutterstock, Sodel Vladyslav

IN a historic ruling, Spain’s Supreme Court has ordered Puerto Projects and its notorious administrator, Igor Seoane, to pay a jaw-dropping €31.6 million in damages for streaming LaLiga matches illegally.

This was a big win for media giant Mediapro, coming after nearly a decade-long legal wrangle over stolen broadcasts from the 2014-15 LaLiga season. The once-popular pirate sports streaming site, was at the heart of the racket, offering free access to premium content and cashing in on sneaky ad revenue.

The illegal streaming service showed La Liga, Premier League, and Champions League football among many others. All streaming was offered for free in exchange for viewers watching pop-up ads.

euroweeklynews.com

Credit: BearFotos - Shutterstock.

Padel pairs game Pierluigi Collina’s face was used as the streaming service’s logo.

They raked in millions in ad revenue and became a cult website in the process.

Barcelona-based Mediapro, which spearheaded the legal fight, has emerged victorious in what’s being hailed as a pivotal moment for intellectual property rights. The ruling not only shuts down Rojadirecta in Spain but also secures a hefty payout for the damages caused by the si-

te’s sneaky operations.

The Supreme Court ruling cites massive financial losses for LaLiga and Mediapro, with the illegal streams siphoning viewers from legitimate broadcasters. Mediapro’s courtroom triumph marks the culmination of a campaign to not just banish Rojadirecta but to hold its operators accountable for their years of dodgy dealings.

IN terms of popularity, Padel is the fastest-growing sports in the world, not least in Germany, Sweden and Italy.

In 2023, the number of padel courts in Germany rose to 420, and the number of players licensed by the German Padel Association grew from 1,100 in 2022 to 2,500 in the following year. These increases indicate that Germany could play a central role in the European padel scene in the coming years.

And the game’s boom doesn’t stop there. In a report published by Deloitte, in 2023 alone, over 2,657 new padel clubs were opened worldwide; basically, more than 50 new clubs opened per week.

This explosion in popularity is helping to revive some flagging tennis clubs.

The smaller courts are similar to tennis, with a net in the middle and two service sides, but the court is partially surrounded by glass panes, which can be used as barriers to bounce the ball off. Players use a short, plastic, lightweight racket making it more accessible and like a lighter form of tennis. It is also a social event in which, often, competitively is outweighed by the friendships struck up on court.

Originally invented in the early 60s in Mexico, the sport spread through South America and then travelled to Spain via Argentina, where it was promoted in the 1970s by Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a real estate developer of many tourist complexes on the Costa del Sol in Malaga.