Costa Blanca North 26 Dec 2024 - 2 Jan 2025 Issue 2060

Community of Givers

“Costa Blanca North shows its charitable spirit in 2024”

THEY say that ‘charity begins at home,’ and never a truer word has been spoken about the community of Costa Blanca North. Throughout 2024, kindhearted organisations have worked tirelessly to raise much-needed funds for local charities, ensuring they can, in turn, continue to provide their vital services to the community.

Euro Weekly News has had the honour of sharing the inspiring stories of these remarkable initiatives and the heartfelt contributions that have made such a difference. The total amount raised vastly exceeds €100,000, thanks to the unwavering commitment of dedicated fundraisers such as Giving4giving, The Lions Clubs, Jalon Valley Help, The Freemasons,

and U3A organisations, among many others.

Moreover, when the towns of Valencia were devastated by the effects of the DANA, the community rallied

in a powerful display of solidarity. Men, women, children and local businesses came together, united in compassion, demonstrating just how big a heart this community truly has.

Costa Blanca North •

Credit- Facebook/Asociacion Benefica Corazon Expres Credit- Facebook/Rainbow Animal Rescue 2 Giving4Giving, one of the organisations that made a vast difference in 2024

Christmas lottery winners

Donna Williams IN the Marina Alta region, the Christmas Lottery drawn on December 22 has already begun to spread joy and fortune. Notably, the third prize has found its way into the town of Javea where it was sold at the lottery administration located on Santisimo Cristo del Mar street.

Meanwhile, the fourth prize has been celebrated in several locations: Denia, through a lottery outlet on Candida Carbonell Street, Pego, where it was sold at the administration on Avenida Fontilles, and once again in Javea, from the administration situated on Avenida.

Furthermore, the excitement continued with the fifth prize, which has also brought fortune to multiple locations in Javea, specifically at the Jubama administration on Santisimo Cris -

to del Mar and another outlet on Avenida Libertad in Arenal. Additionally, luck reached Calpe, where this prize was sold at the administration on Gabriel Miro Avenue.

As participants ea -

gerly anticipate their potential winnings, it’s important to understand the distribution of these prizes. The third prize offers a substantial 500,000 euros (50,000 euros per tenth). Additionally, the -

re are two fourth prizes, each amounting to 200,000 euros per series (20,000 euros per tenth), and a total of eight fifth prizes, each valued at 60,000 euros for the series (6,000 euros per tenth).

Tourist housing permit suspension

IN light of the recent problems experienced with the growing number of houses used for tourist accommodation, Ondara Town Council feel they need to take action. Therefore, they intend to put forward a proposal at the next plenary session requesting agreement to suspend the issuance of tourist housing permits for one year.

At present, there are 22 licenced tourist homes within the urban centre of Ondara and 25 more on rustic land.

The Council believes that these homes are detrimental to young people who are struggling to find affordable housing. They liken this situation to the one that is also being experienced in Denia and Javea.

Therefore, they believe measures must be taken to regulate tourist accommodation before the problem becomes more significant. To allow sufficient time to study the current situation properly, they propose to suspend tourist housing permits as a precautionary measure. This suspension will also cover licences for renovation or rehabilitation works of properties being used for this purpose.

The territorial scope of application will be all the urban land delimited in the current General Plan of Urban Planning of Ondara.

Marina Alta has been lucky in the Christmas Lottery 2024

Ondara in the Marina Alta region

Credit: Shutterstock: MiniMoon Photo

Spanish workplace changes 2025

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 isat 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

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 change forever.

Transport Discounts Extended

“Fares reduced until June 2025”

SPAIN HAS con rmed an extension of its public transport discounts until June 30, 2025, o eringnancial 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 a ordability alone isn’t enough to shift preferences. “If someone paying €0.36

A New Year of Hope: “Gratitude in Every Moment”

for a bus ride is o ered 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 o ers a temporary reprieve for commuters. As Spain works to modernise its public transport system, the challenge will be balancing a ordability 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 reection, celebration, and planning. It’s a time to re ect 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 eeting 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 nding 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 nd 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 lled 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.

It’s official: Spain’s workplaces could change forever in 2025

Installation approved

Donna Williams

AFTER requesting permission back in 2022, Calpe Town Council have finally received authorisation for the installation of the Mare de Deu del Carmen sculpture in the port area. The sculpture has been designed by artist Arturo Serra Gomez, and pays tribute to the seafaring families of Calpe.

It was hoped that it would be in place to celebrate the Centenary of the Brotherhood, but now it will not be possible to install it before the end of 2024. To get to this point, the Council has had to be very persistent, having written to the General Directorate for permission in January, March, and then again in June 2024. Now, finally, it seems that they have the authorisation they have longed for, albeit delayed.

The €155,000 sculpture represents the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors. In accordance with tradition, she is seen holding a child in her arms and a scapular in one hand, accompanied by three ‘costaleros’ and a child. These are intended to represent multiple family generations.

The mayor, Ana Sala, has pointed out that “although our intention was to install the sculpture in 2024 to celebrate the centenary of the Brotherhood it will not be possible but we will try to place it as soon as possible as a tribute to the fishing sector that is going through so many difficulties.”

MUCH like children write to Father Christmas, there is a tradition in Spain for youngsters to also write to Gaspar, Melchior, and Baltasar, the Three Kings of the East. With this in mind, Finestrat Town Council are collaborating with AVIVA, the Office for the Promotion of Valencian, to encourage the letters to be written in the Valencian language.

For this purpose, AVIVA Finestrat and the Department of Culture have distributed letter packs to all the municipal schools as well as

Letter to the Kings

the municipal nursery school, Emufi. In these letters, the senders outline how

well they consider they have behaved throughout the year using phrases such as ‘like an angel’ or ‘like a demon’. They then outline their wishes and what they want to improve in their town, such as having more books in the library, more streets to play in, or even more trees. This year’s letter pack also includes some coloured stickers to help them creatively illustrate their wishes.

Finestrat has also introduced a special initia-

tive in the municipal library to further support the use of the Valencian language. Children who borrow a book in Valencian will receive a banner with the message ‘Three Kings of the East pass by here’ that they can place on their balconies or windows.

More than 30 AVIVA offices throughout the Valencian Community collaborate in this campaign, which is supported by the Ministry of Education, Universities, and the Generalitat Valenciana.

tten in the Valencian

Sculpture designed by Arturo Serra Gomez

Letters to the Kings are written in Valencian

THE Department of Social Services and Equality of Villajoyosa has successfully delivered diplomas to participants of the recent Spanish workshop designed for migrant citizens. The latest edition of the Spanish workshop saw a remarkable turnout, with 46 participants from 20 different nationalities. This event took place on December 18 in celebration of International Migrants Day. It also featured a lunch of traditional dishes representing the attendees’ diverse origins.

During the event, Mayor Maite Sanchez personally presented diplomas to the graduates of the Spanish language workshop organised by the Villajoyosa Town Council. The workshop’s aim was to facilitate learning the Spanish language and promote

Benefit Concert International Migrants Day

social inclusion within the community.

Mayor Sanchez underlined the municipality’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive environment for all cultures. Currently, Villajoyosa is home to citizens from 88 different nationalities, with registered migrants making up 23% of the total population.

The Department of Social Services and Equality is excited to announce a new edition of this popular workshop, scheduled to run from January 20 to March 27. Registrations are now open at the Llar del Pensionista social centre and will remain available until January 10.

THE Rafael Domenech auditorium of the Cultural Centre of Benidorm was the chosen venue for a benefit concert held on December 21. This event featured the combined talents of the Symphonic Band and the Musical Union of Benidorm (UMB).

It was a highlight of the forty-third Music-Cultural Days, an initiative running from November 25 to January 1 aimed at celebrating and promoting musical culture in the region. The concert attracted an audience of around 400 attendees, including the mayor of Benidorm, the Councillor for Culture, and several members of the Municipal Corporation.

Furthermore, the Musical Union introduced a Row 0 initiative, allowing attendees to contribute donations to support musical entities adversely affected by

the DANA on October 28. These funds will be managed through the Federation of Musical Societies of the Valencian Community.

Under the expert baton of principal conductor Rafa Gomez, the band first performed pieces including ‘A mi madre’ by composer Roque Baños and ‘Symphonic Overture’ by James Barnes. Following the intermission, the concert continued with the composition ‘Leonardo Dreams’ by the talented Saul Gomez.

During the intermission, a special moment unfolded when the Musical Union honoured Paula Garcia with the esteemed title of Musician of the Year. This accolade was presented to her by Mª Carmen Garcia, the president of UMB, marking a significant recognition of her artistic contributions.

Participants of the Spanish workshop

2024: Year of success

THROUGHOUT 2024, the Costa Blanca has continued to shine on the global stage, solidifying its position as one of Spain’s top destinations.

Alicante has received widespread acclaim, recently being named the second-best city in the world to live in, according to the prestigious InterNations survey. With over 5 million expatriates contributing to the survey, Alicante was ranked among the top 50 cities globally for o ering an exceptional quality of life.

The spotlight remains on the Costa Blanca for its culinary excellence, as Alicante has been awarded the title of Capital of Spanish Gastronomy for 2025. Alicante’s rich culinary heritage and growing prominence in Spain’s food scene are expected to attract food enthusiasts from around the world.

The Costa Blanca also excels in environmental quality, leading Spain with 86 Blue Flags in 2024. Municipalities like Guardamar del Segura have consistently maintained these prestigious awards for over 15 years.

Alicante has also received recognition through the SICTED (Comprehensive System for Spanish Tourism Quality in Destinations) Awards. With over 9,700 participating companies and destinations, Alicante was honoured for its excellence in tourism management, earning awards for Best Destination and Best SICTED Management Team.

The Costa Blanca property market remains one of Spain’s most dynamic regions. As we move into

Lotto lures

2025, experts predict continued growth, with sales volumes expected to increase by around 5 per cent. This sustained demand ensures that the region remains a top choice for international buyers. While the future is uncertain, one thing is clear: The Costa Blanca will continue to captivate visitors worldwide. Whether it’s the thriving property market, the growing reputation as a culinary destination, or its commitment to excellence, the Costa Blanca is poised to maintain its status as a sought-after destination in 2025 and beyond.

ASPE Town Hall would like to reminds us that the safest way to buy Lottery tickets is from authorised establishments, such as Lottery Administrations. If purchasing online, the safest option is through the official Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website loteriasyapuestas.es.

messages, or calls claiming you’ve won a prize, especially if you didn’t enter the draw.

Buying tickets from unauthorised places can expose you to scams, as counterfeit tickets often look similar to genuine ones but lack important verification elements like logos, codes, and the phrase ‘Fraccionamiento autorizado por Loterías y Apuestas del Estado’.

Phishing (via email), smishing (via SMS), or vishing (via phone calls) are cybercrime tactics where scammers pretend to be official entities like Loterías y Apuestas del Estado to trick people into providing personal or banking information. Always be wary of emails,

If you receive suspicious emails or messages, delete them immediately without clicking any links. Never share personal or banking information.

Winnings of less than €2,000 can be claimed from the point of sale the day after the draw. For prizes of €2,000 or more, you need to go to authorised financial institutions. If you have purchased a share of a ticket, you’ll need to collect the prize from the individual or entity that sold you the share, as the sale of shares is considered a private agreement between individuals.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Aspe

Lotto lures

Image: Turismo Costa Blanca / Facebook

Dynamic and captivating

300,000 Milestone

IN its unwavering dedication to supporting Costa Blanca charities, Giving4Giving has left a lasting impact on 2023.

December alone witnessed the organisation extending its generosity to eight different charities, providing each with a substantial €1,000 donation.

This collective effort resulted in a total of €8,000 in contributions for the month.

The cumulative effect of Giving4Giving’s charitable initiatives has now reached an impressive milestone, with the

overall sum donated exceeding €300,000 in 2023.

The diverse range of beneficiaries for December includes organisations such as Finestrat Social Services, Project4All, Red Cross Altea, Rainbow Animal Charity, Caritas Bees Benidorm, Alfaz Social Services, and, not to be overlooked, the Men’s Shelter Gandia.

Exceptional effort by the Charity both for their Christmas appeal and for the outstanding overall amount raised during 2023. For more

The New Hollywood

ALICANTE witnessed a surge in cinematic activity in 2023, hosting a total of 50 filmings.

The filming ranged from movies and series to documentaries, television programmes, promotional advertisements, and photographic reports.

In 2023, the Alicante Film Office successfully processed five international productions, including notable films such as ‘Camino a Belén’ featuring Antonio Banderas, the French production ‘Sharks in Paris’, and a Bollywood film.

National cinema and series also found a welcoming home in Alicante, with the entire filming of ‘Enemigos’ and six series, boasting star-studded casts like Luis Tosar and Blanca Portillo in ‘La Ley del Mar’.

Notable mentions include ‘The Immortal’, “‘Camilo Superstar’, ‘The Long Shadows’, ‘A History of Crimes’, and ‘The Crime of Benejúzar.’

Looking ahead to 2024, the city has already secured the filming of ‘El Cautivo’ by Alejandro Amenábar.

2024 January Ed: 2010

Beyond the realm of fiction, Alicante played host to the filming of two short films, three documentaries, and several television programmes. The city also provided the backdrop for television advertisements, videos, and reports

for renowned brands, with a standout being the

Giving4Giving has left a lasting impact.

Gioseppo footwear company’s report featuring actress Elsa Pataki on the picturesque island of Tabarca in 2023.

Image:

Ayuntamiento de Alicante.

Alicante mayor, Luis Barcala, with film star, Antonio Banderas.

2024 February Ed: 2014

SAX dived headlong into its Moors and Christians Fiestas, dedicated to San Blas, with a grand entrance on February 1 that marked the start of the celebrations, lasting until February 5.

The town enjoyed five days filled with parades, processions, gunpowder, music, and lively festivities.

The events began with an emotional prelude the weekend before, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Garibaldinos troupe.

Eight troupes, including Christians, Garibaldinos, Alagonese, Knights of Car-

FINALLY reaching his hometown town of Moraira on the Costa Blanca after 13 days on the road, long-distance charity walker Lee Harker received a hero’s welcome on Saturday February 10.

A large crowd gathered to cheer him as he wearily completed the last 100 metres of

Fiesta fun

dona, Arab-Emirs, Turks, Morocco, and Moors, filled the streets of Sax during the spectacular entrance.

This year’s Sax Festivals also marked the 150th anniversary of the Garibaldinos troupe, founded in 1874.

The troupe has played a pivotal role in the festival’s history, and commemorative events included the premiere of a special pasodoble and a historical parade showcasing the evolution of festive costumes over the years.

Captains, pages, sergeants, and ladies of the troupe paraded through the streets, reflecting the changes in attire from the mid-20th century to the present.

The celebrations captured the spirit of tradition and history, adding a special touch to the Moors and Christians Festival in Sax.

Heroic homecoming

2024 February Ed: 2015

a phenomenal journey.

Averaging 48,000 steps per day, Lee tramped around 500 kilometres from Barcelona to Moraira, raising almost €16,000 for local dog’s charity, Akira, a cause that is dear to his heart.

“This is what kept me going when I was on the road,” said an emotional Lee, surrounded by friends, family and well-wishers, “picturing this moment.”

Lee and his family are

energetic helpers for Akira, fostering and walking dogs as well as raising awareness and funds.

“I will not stop,” added Lee passionately, “until I have tried my very best to help in every way I can.”

A heartwarming surprise awaited Lee on his return too. His own hero, former Manchester United and England footballer Lee Sharpe had sent a personal video message of support.

Akira President Lin di Stefano added, “Lee’s an amazing person.

“Every single penny he raises goes directly to Akira and that is going to make such a difference. We are really proud and so grateful to him.”

Is this the end of the road and will Lee be hanging up his hiking boots and putting up his feet for a well-earned rest?

Not a chance. Rumour has it new plans are afoot!

Lee surrounded by well wishers.

The Moors and Chriatians fiestas.

La Nucia - to the future!

THE

released its budget for 2024, amounting to €31.8 million of investment in the future of its residents.

2024 March Ed: 2019

The mayor, Bernabe Cano, announced the town’s plans: “The municipal accounts will continue to combat the economic situation and unemployment with €1.9

million investment in job training.”

Part of the €2.1 million will benefit families of low income, creating 10 subsidies, including benefits for schools, special needs students, and day centre users.

Your power to change

JONNY ELRAIZ, the co-founder of Benidorm’s Project4All, reached the €3,509 fundraising target within five days, aiding his contribution to homeless people.

2024 March Ed: 2020

Jonny Elraiz is a rock musician and a friend to all who need support: he has been taking care of approximately 35-40 homeless people around Costa Blanca, delivering meals and hope to those in need.

“Every living person has a power. And I don’t think that people realise the power that they have to change the things around them,” said Jonny in a video filmed by the

popular English YouTuber, Mr Wendall, who joined him for a food run.

Jonny shared that he was struggling to meet the costs of renewing his van: essential to his delivery work. Together, Mr Wendall and Jonny started raising funds and reached their target within five days.

Jonny has expressed his gratitude to all who contributed. He continues to educate people on the ways to help the homeless, emphasising the human approach of “acknowledging” people, no matter their living circumstances and social divides.

Anna Akopyan

town council of La Nucia

Investing in La Nucia.

Credit: La Nucia Council,

Jonny Elraiz cooking with Sherilee Ann Lynn.

Credit: Jonny Elraiz, Facebook

Benidorm boost

Anna Akopyan

BENIDORM has authorised the largest development plan in its history, building more than 2,300 homes, 20 hotels, 660 public houses and more.

The Ensanche Levante plan was approved on March 27, revitalising more than 570,000 square metres of underdeveloped land.

“This is the most important urban sector in the municipality in terms of surface area,” said the mayor of Benidorm, Toni Perez.

Some 1,564 holiday homes and at least 780 residential apartments will be built, alongside 20 new hotels and three shopping centres.

The mayor revealed: “The properties will have a minimum hei -

ght of 20 floors, so the vertical city model characteristic of Benidorm will be followed, which has made us a benchmark in terms of sustainability.”

The plan will also generate 660 public housing units and educational centres, as Toni Perez emphasised: “The most important in

Benidorm in the democratic stage.”

To continue the city’s sustainability focus, a central park of 61,629 square metres and 13,000 square metres of gardens will be installed, transforming the city.

The time scale for the project is yet to be released.

2024 April Ed: 2023

Anna Akopyan

THE Ghost Pipers of the Somme marched the streets of Denia to the sound of live bagpipes and the colours of the Scottish flag, commemorating their ancestors lost to the First World War.

On April 5, the centre of Denia united the community in the streets where native music, costumes and flags were exhibited to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme during the First World War.

With the collaboration of Denia’s Culture Department and the Denia-Fane Ouverture Francophone Association, the day was marked to remember some of the bravest Scottish and Irish soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme and who after the war had to rebuild their lives in France.

Traditional Irish hymns swayed the town, performed live by the French band made up of descen-

The Ghost Pipers

dants of the courageous Scottish and Irish soldiers.

The 1916 Battle of the Somme, fought by the British Empire and the French Third Republic against the German Empire, marked one of the largest and most tragic war losses in all human history.

The consequences of the Battle resulted in British soldiers relocating to France and played a large part in creating diversity in the French population.

To this day, families whose ancestors had witnessed the terrors of the War, continue to pay tributes to the

cultural heritage, strength and unity of the British and the French nations.

With Denia being a town which not only holds Spanish citizens, but many of whom include the Scottish, the Irish, and the French, the event gathered the international community to uplift and honour the tragic past, to never be repeated.

The mayor of Denia, Vicent Grimalt, spoke out on the event on X: “When the ghost of a possible third world war is being discussed again on TV today… MEMORY.”

Benidorm city is set to expand.

The Ghost Pipers in Denia. Credit: Denia Council, X

Saving my life

2024 May Ed: 2024

Anna Akopyan BENIDORM welcomed Save My Life 11, uniting more visitors than ever to raise funds for vulnerable animals.

Though it rained heavily on Sunday April 28, a bustling crowd lined up, waiting to enter the Benidorm Palace.

Dona Sandland, one of the organisers, shared a video of Benidorm Palace on Facebook. From table to table, people waved with joy, revealing once again the kindness of the community.

Dona was delighted: “A big thank you to everyone who bought a ticket.” She affirmed that the concert was “one of the busiest yet,” welcoming approximately 1,000 people.

THIRTY women rowed 32 kilometres from Benidorm through to Venice, raising more than €6,000 to aid cancer patients.

The Anemona Marina Baixa rowing team, the Self-Help Group for Women Affected by Breast and Gynecological Cancer of Benidorm and the region, undertook a rowing challenge starting from Benidorm and ending in Venice.

Amongst the talented musicians, Beauty and the Beast with Jonny Elraiz rocked the stage, once again contributing to charity and Save My Life’s anthem, composed by Christ Pile was debuted by Tasmin.

The charity shared: “So much talent and, so much kindness and generosity.”

One of the supporters Linda Metcalfe commented: “You did us proud,” and Peter Hepworth added: “Great show as usual and raising thousands for a great cause.”

The charity hasn’t released the raised funds yet but will be posting on Facebook.

The hosts Paul Thacker and Mark Ellis aka Ruby Rox, presented Benidorm’s best acts.

Stay in touch with Save My Life at https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100090504343125

An inspirational journey

2024 May Ed: 2029

The project took a month to complete, as the women travelled through Italy, joined by the Benidorm Nautical Club, the mayor Ana Pellicer and the councillors of Equality and Sports, Angela Zaragozi and Javier Jorda.

Each of the participants voluntarily donated a minimum of €100, and Anemona as a group, contributed €6,000 to support the battles of cancer patients.

“Multitudinous and memorable,” the journey raised funds for Geicam, a breast cancer research group consisting of more than 900 researchers who work across 200 centres in Spain.

Not only has their inspirational journey left a mark in medical advancements but it also contributed to ecological sustainability, coinciding with the Vogalonga 2024 route, raising awareness of the negative impact of motor boats.

THE NON-RESIDENTS INCOME TAX

As we do every year-end, we wish to remind our readers who are Non-Tax Residents in Spain - perhaps only visiting for holidays - that they are still required to pay Non-Resident Income Tax in Spain. This obligation applies even if they do not earn any income in the country, simply for owning a property here.

Wealth Tax. If you are nontax resident in Spain, or even if you live in Spain but are not registered with the taxman as a tax resident, or you do not submit taxes as tax residents, you could be legally

considered as Non-Tax Resident, as no notice has been given to the Tax Authority. Non-Tax Residents could be liable to pay Wealth Tax, but only if the value of their assets in Spain (after deducting debts, i.e.: pending capital of the mortgage, etc.) is above €600,000.

Income Tax. If you are Non Tax Resident in Spain (or you are not legally tax resident in Spain), you will need to pay tax for income in Spain (Income Tax for Non Residents, IRNR): i.e.: rents from a letting, interest on bank

accounts, etc. If you do not have any income but you own a property or a share on a property, your tax bill will be based on a calculation as per the Cadastral Value (value that appears on your Spanish Local Rates receipt from the Town Hall, the SUMA office or the equivalent).

Even now it is quite common for people who are Non-Fiscal Residents in Spain (or not legally Tax Residents in Spain) to simply not pay this tax; usually due to ignorance or neglect, and especially when they have

no income in Spain and only own a house.

Until recently, if you rented your property in Spain, you had obligation to submit the taxes every threee months and not only once a year. Now, when letting the property, rentals for the same property can be grouped and declared annually, between January 1st and 20th of the next year.

If you are not sure if you are legally or officially tax resident or non-tax resident, or if you want to know what the most

convenient course of action for you is, we can assist you and study your personal situation and circumstances.

If you are non-tax resident, do not forget to meet your tax obligation so that you avoid a possible tax inspection, penalties, etc. Contact us and check our website www.white-baos.com for more information, and we will help you.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

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A TOURIST in Benidorm stumbled upon a wallet brimming with cash and did the right thing by handing it over to Local Police.

The remarkable story unfolded recently along Levante Beach, where the honest finder spotted the wallet and immediately alerted patrolling officers. Inside, they discovered approxi -

mately €6,300 in bills and bank cheques, but no identification, making it a challenge to locate the rightful owner.

Quick to act, Benidorm’s Local Police launched a search, eventually tracing the wallet’s owner - a fellow tourist from the Basque Country - within two hours.

The owner expressed immense gratitude to both the police and the conscientious tourist who ensured the wa -

llet’s safe return. The incident, hailed by police with a touch of humour on social media, highlighted the area’s efforts to promote honest behaviour among visitors.

‘Found!! If this wallet was also yours... you’re too late. We’ve returned it to its owner with over €6,300 inside. Cheers to the good people who visited Benidorm and alerted us,’ the police posted online, celebrating the positive outcome.

Good deeds shine bright along Levante Beach.

Ed: 2034

ALICANTE concluded its Hogueras festivities with record-breaking attendance and a hotel occupancy rate exceeding 93 per cent.

La Nit de la Cremà, held in the early hours

Global appeal

of June 25, marked the end of the Bonfire celebrations, which saw over 1.5 million visitors.

The festivities also

achieved full capacity in the accommodation and catering sectors, with more than a million people participating in the main events daily.

Cristina Cutanda,

councillor for Festivals of the Alicante City Council, praised the festival’s unique global appeal, noting the historic records in hotel and restaurant occupancy.

She also highlighted the absence of significant incidents and the high artistic quality of the monuments as notable aspects of the 2024 Bonfires.

The response from

both residents and visitors during the main days of the Bonfires exceeded expectations, the councillor stated.

Participation in the different events held during the holidays has been massive. The streets have been packed, with records of more than a million people per day

This sentiment is echoed by figures from the Provincial Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations of Alicante (APHA) and the Hotel and Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community (Hosbec), which confirmed near-full capacity in hotel accommodations and apartments over the weekend.

Additionally, the Alicante Restaurant Association (ARA) reported surpassing last year’s figures, with most city restaurants fully booked and many having full reservations weeks in advance.

Hogueras.

Euro champs

2024 July Ed: 2035

ON June 29, the Spanish Basketball Selection composed of players over 45 years old clinched the 12th European Veterans Championship in a thrilling final against the host team, Italy.

The championship-winning team is made up of players from Calpe and Altea, as well as Ukrainian residents in these cities.

Their jersey proudly displayed the motto CALP-ALTEA-KÍEV, reflecting the diverse origins of the players.

Spain’s journey to victory was flawless, starting with wins in all three preliminary matches against Great Britain, Italy B Team, and Poland.

In the semifinals, they overcame Greece in a

Champions.

hard-fought contest, securing a 10-point victory.

In the final, Spain triumphed over a professional Italian team with a score of 90-81. The Italian squad included notable players such as Corvino, Abbio (formerly of Pamesa Valencia), and Rambaldoni (silver medalist at the Athens 2004 Olympics).

The championship showcased a high level of basketball, with the Spanish +45 Selection demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, ultimately claiming the gold medal.

Among the European Champions are Juan Antonio Sánchez, Chief of Police in Calpe, Ruben Marín, also an officer in the force, and well-known players like Antonio Prieto, Miguel Ráez, and Ukrainian player Víctor Savchenko.

Ed: 2039

2024 August

AUGUST means one thing in Calpe - fiesta time, with the Virgen de las Nieves taking place from August 1 to 11. Of course, no fiesta is complete without a royal presence, and this year, not only were two queens selected, but for the first time, a young king too.

Unlike the title may suggest, the selection is not based on a beauty contest but is one of a lottery, ensuring that every candidate for a queen, young queen or young king has

By Royal Appointment

The Wow Factor

Donna Williams

THE 36th edition of the Castell de l’Olla was an extraordinary spectacle that captivated all who were fortunate enough to attend. The sheer scale and grandeur of the event left a deep and lasting impression on every single individual present. Unanimously, the resounding sentiment expressed by attendees was that the event was nothing short of ‘impressive’.

Drawing an astonishing crowd of over 80,000 people, the event attracted a diverse mix of individuals, including prominent gures from a wide array of societal sectors. In addition to those in atten-

dance, the event was also seen by many more thanks to a broadcast on À Punt in a dedicated threeand-a-half-hour programme.

Notably, the esteemed President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazon, graced the occasion with his presence, further underscoring the event’s immense signi cance and widespread appeal.

President Carlos Mazon’s closing remarks were particularly poignant. They captured the essence of the Castell de l’Olla and

its ability to astound and captivate year after year. He described it as a harmonious blend of all the elements - our Altea, our sea, our re - in a way that never ceases to amaze.

The organiser of the event, President of the Brotherhood of the Castle, also expressed how happy he was when he described this edition of the Castell de l’Olla as ‘possibly the best’.

He congratulated Vulcan Pyrotechnic on their breathtaking choreography, and in particular, the awe-inspiring nale which he said brought stunning new shapes and colours.

a fair chance of being appointed.

More than 2,000 people attended the Gala at the Plaza Mayor, which the 2024 Festival Commission organised to make the selections. They waited with anticipation to see who would be chosen for the royal honour.

Last year’s Queens, Maria Crespo and Abril Mestre had the privilege of drawing the names, their final royal act, before bestowing the tit-

le on the new King and Queens.

Anticipation overflowed into excitement as the names of the Queens and the King were announced.

The lucky ones chosen were Maria Avargues Llopis and Martina Maragon Yuste, along with Leandro Bonaldo Chico.

Following the selections, the crowd were treated to a breathtaking display of fireworks illuminating the night sky in a magnificent crescendo.

The crowds gathered to see who would be crowned.

Credit: Calpe Town Council

THE Castell extraordinary that were to and left pression

2024 September Ed: 2045

THE vibrant and energetic Benidorm Pride parade brought together thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. The parade featured a spectacular display of colours, with not only rainbow flags but also an array of dazzling costumes and spirited dancers, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere that took over the streets of Benidorm.

Walking Proud

Drawing an estimated crowd of 20,000 visitors from various parts of Eu-

rope and the UK, the town became a bustling centre of celebration and advocacy. The dynamic para-

de, proudly led by Mayor Toni Perez and Minister of Tourism Nuria Montes, traversed through the city’s streets, culminating in a joyous gathering at the Julio Iglesias outdoor auditorium.

The vibrant event showcased the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity and left a lasting impression of unity and pride, demonstrating the city’s unwavering support.

The parade was the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the final European Pride of the

summer and was the culmination of a five-day extravaganza featuring lively celebrations and activities, including a vibrant pool party and the renowned ‘White Party’.

The official Closing Party, a climactic and unforgettable conclusion to Benidorm Pride, took place at the Amphitheatre. The jubilant crowds were treated to sensational performances by various artists.

The evening’s most poignant and heartfelt moment arose when Miss James McDonald delivered a stirring rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ in a beautiful tribute to the late Stevie Spit.

Solidarity brother

DURING the Fiestas de la Cala 2024, the inaugural Caritas Solidarity Fun Race was held on September 15, a combined initiative between the town councils of Finestrat and

Villajoyosa. Participants of all ages, from children to seniors came together on a day brimming with excitement and compassion. The event was a blend of friendly competition, camaraderie, and playfulness, creating a truly extraordinary atmosphere that resonated with all who attended.

More than 150 individuals gathered at the beautiful beach promenade of La Cala de Finestrat

at 11.00am to enthusiastically participate in the 3km fun race in aid of Caritas. This organisation sets up programmes to offer assistance and support to vulnerable families. The event not only provided much-needed financial assistance, but it also helped to raise awareness about the realities of poverty and social exclusion. In this way, it aimed to encourage empathy and solidarity as fundamental values in moving towards a fairer and more equitable society.

While it was a day of fun, it was also a race. The mayor of Finestrat, Juanfran Perez Llorca, and the mayor of the town hall of Villajoyosa, Marcos Zaragoza, were present to award the trophies, underscoring their support for the event and the cause it represents.

Aside from the race itself, attendees were able to enjoy inflatables, games, Zumba, karaoke, face painting, and live music, all of which added to the lively and joyful atmosphere.

Pride Parade 2024.

Palatial Honour

2024 October Ed: 2048

ON September 27, Benidorm Palace celebrated a momentous occasion: it was the day it was honoured with the prestigious SICTED distinction. This award, a testament to its unwavering commitment to tourism quality, was presented under the newly established ‘Permanent Scenic Spaces’ category. They will now be able to proudly display the SICTED badge of honour for the next two years, a symbol of their dedication and excellence.

SICTED is a project set up and promoted by the Secretary of State of Tourism (SETUR) to improve the quality of tourist destinations within Spain’s municipalities and provinces. The badge is awarded to the chosen for their effort and commitment to continuous

improvement while distinguishing their tourist service from the competition.

Euro Weekly News spoke with owner and founder Christine Climent who said, “I am so blessed

and proud of our two children, Jo and David, who have taken Benidorm Palace to greater heights than Vicente and I could ever have imagined. We are so blessed that our legacy will live on.”

Drones redefine safety

IN the breathtaking Puig Campana de Finestrat, drones have revolutionised rescues. The Local Police now harness the power of these unmanned aircraft to swiftly guide lost hikers and locate individuals in remote and challenging terrain within the natural landscape.

They have also delivered crucial supplies such as food, medicine, and thermal blankets to those in

2024 October Ed: 2049

need, all before the arrival of rescue teams.

Recently, a thrilling demonstration showcased the incredible capabilities of these unmanned aircraft in supporting security forces and emergency responders.

The municipality’s forward-

thinking approach to embracing cutting-edge technologies was on full display as the mayor explained how Puig Campana is set to become an ‘intelligent’ space, ensuring comprehensive geolocation coverage for heightened security and enhanced emergency response.

Exciting times lie ahead as this innovative technology transforms the region into a safer and more secure haven for all.

SICTED distinction awarded to Benidorm Palace.

NEWS Travel

BILBAO - Perfect city for art and nature lovers

with Hispavan Campers

BILBAO is a charming city located in the heart of the Basque Country. With its scenic riverfront, world famous museums and proximity to breathtaking landscapes, it is a perfect destination for both art and nature-lovers.

Exploring Bilbao with a campervan from Hispavan is a unique experience, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the city’s cultural and natural wonders while also discovering the Basque coast and countryside at your own pace.

Explore Bilbao’s city centre

One important tourist attraction is the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. With its stunning architecture and incredible art collection, this is definitely a must-see. Afterwards, head to the historic Casco Viejo and explore its narrow streets, beautiful architecture and peaceful squares. Stop at one of the local restaurants in the Plaza Nueva to sample some tapas, or visit the Gothic-style Bilbao Cathedral - the oldest building in Bilbao.

Relax by the river and walk along the Ría

Take a relaxing walk along the Ría de Bilbao, which runs through the city. Stroll along the banks and enjoy some incredible views of the city, or take a break in one of the many riverside parks.

Hike in the surrounding nature

Near the city, you can find the Pagasarri mountain, which offers panoramic views

of the city and surrounding countryside. Alternatively, visit Aralar Natural Park located in the Sierra de Aralar mountain range, where you can explore the famous prehistoric caves or visit San Donato Chapel.

Visit the Basque Coast

If you’re planning a trip during the summer months, why not drive to some nearby beach towns and enjoy some sun, sand and surfing? Plentzia is known for its clean beach and calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, whereas Sopelana is famous for its dramatic cliffs and strong waves, making it a perfect spot for surfing.

Visiting Bilbao with a campervan from Hispavan offers the perfect blend of freedom, comfort and flexibility. With Hispavan’s fully equipped campers, you can experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene and also easily access nearby natural wonders at your own pace, and without feeling restricted by accommodation bookings and schedules.

SUMMARY

From its iconic museums to its beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges, Bilbao has something for everyone. With a campervan from Hispavan, you can experience Bilbao for yourself, combining comfort, convenience and flexibility.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

New Year’s festival: Dénia

JOIN hundreds of people in celebrating the New Year in Dénia at La Glorieta del País Valencia.

Every year residents and visitors alike gather at the centre of Dénia to celebrate the New Year together and keep the streets, bars and restaurants bustling and partying till the early hours.

And December 31st 2025 will be no different.

The Town Hall have announced that celebrations will start as early as 11am December 31 with a performance by local children playing bells.

Following them from 1:30pm to 3pm the-

re will be live music from DJ Pitt Franco and Pepe Nacho to get crowds dancing.

The music will continue all through the evening and afternoon with a performance by the band Loli Pop from 3pm until 5pm. Loli Pop have played at the celebration previously and were well received by revellers.

Later starting just before the big countdown to the New Year at 11pm right up till 3am there will be a performance by the Óxido orchestra.

Doubtless, the area around la glorieta del páis Valencia is going to be packed with people so a party atmosphere will be felt throughout the town.

Live Entertainment on New Years Eve from 7:00pm

Carrer Paris, 2 Centro Comercial Alaire, l7, 03726 Benitachell / 966 495 299 / 602 661 599

If you want to get warm and out of the night chill, it is recommended that you sample the local night life near the roundabout where the atmosphere will be at its best.

This is one of the biggest street parties in the region and it is completely free to attend.

Christmas pastry tour: Benissa

LOOKING for an extra sweet treat this Christmas? Benissa, has the perfect activity planned for visitors and residents with their Christmas pastry tour.

The tour is the last of six visits put on by the town hall to encourage locals and visitors to learn about traditional Christmas sweets from Benissa.

The tour will begin January 4 at 11am in the centre of the town and take you to multiple destinations of culinary importance. Given in Spanish it will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the town and give attendees the opportunity to taste typical Christmas pastries in the local bakeries.

The price for the tour is just two euros. You are asked to arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the start of the

tour. The meeting point is at the fountain in Plaça Rei Jaume I.

This tour is the last of six other visits that have been done over the Christmas season to bakeries around Bennissa which have been given in multiple languages. Named experience visits by the council, they have been to Panadería Navarro, Panadería Dulcipan and Padesucre.

Don’t miss out, on this purely festive treat. Explore the sweeter side of Bennissa and the festive season between Christmas and the New Year by joining the tour today.

You must book in advance through tourist information at Benissa their contact details are telephone 96573 222 5 or e-mail turismo@ajbennissa.es or WhatsApp: 627 307 511.

Tour Calpe’s Historic Centre

Abigail Frazer

FREE guided tours around the historic centre of Calpe have been organised by the town council to ensure as many visitors as possible engage in the town’s history.

This isn’t the first time that the council of culture have created scheduled guided tours of Calpe and those of 2024 have been so popular that they’ve created a schedule for January 2025.

The town hall has said “you can get to know the history, fiestas and customs of Calp” during the tours.

And it is a fantastic way to while away a morning whilst learning about one of the most beautiful towns in the Costa Blanca.

The tours start from Sunday January 5 at 11AM and run every subsequent Sunday in January at the same hour. Tour guides can be met at the Casa de Cultura.

The culture council have said it is obligatory for visitors to pre-register with them via telephone on 965 83 69 20 or via e-mail: turismo@ajcalp.es

The free visits and guided experience will continue into February and can also be booked in advance.

Calpe’s historical centre boasts the remains of a fortification Torreó de la Peça, the collections museum, the museum of history and archaeology in Calpe, a beautiful church and some stunning, traditional Spanish streets.

All of these destinations come with gorgeous views out to Calpe’s Peñon de Ifach, the famous rock formation at its coastline and the old town is within walking distance of the beach.

Credit: diputacionalicante.es

Photo Credit: Flickr wwilliamm

Photo Credit: Flickr Eva Cooking

Benidorm Palace- End of Year Gala

Abigail Frazer

INCREDIBLE performances guaranteed during the highly anticipated New Year’s Gala at Benidorm Palace.

The Benidorm Palace are putting on their biggest show yet for New Year’s Eve with exclusive menus for a gala dinner, stunning shows and live music.

Starting at 8PM on December 31 there will be a spectacular dance performance all the way through to midnight, with dinner served alongside the show.

After midnight, guests are invited to dance until dawn with the help of two orchestras the Happy’s and Benidorm Palace’s newest addition Bambu.

But that’s not all, they will be followed by video DJ Ralph to get you into party mode for the beginning of 2025.

With three menus to choose from and exclusive elements added by chefs

specifically for this event there’s something to suit everyone.

There are meat, fish, vegan and children’s menus all available to view in advance on the Benidorm Palace website.

There are multiple ticket options to build an event tailored to individual tastes with prices starting at €80 for children and €135 for adults.

There will also be party favours, a party bag, traditional lucky grapes to eat as the clock strikes midnight, Christmas sweets and an open bar included in the price.

Guests will be looked after all the way through to the early hours with chocolate with churros being offered in the early morning, free parking is also available.

Grand New Year’s Day Concert

CLASSICAL music lovers are in for a treat on January 1 when the Strauss Festival Orchestra and Strauss Festival Ballet Ensemble come to the Palau Altea.

The New Year’s Day performance will feature more than 80 artists, musicians, singers and dancers who are part of an ensemble that has brought music to Europe for 35 years.

Billed as the most famous tour in Europe, they have accrued over 5 million audience members world-wide to date.

On January 1, they will spend 120 minutes giving a thrilling concert and covering well-known works like the Festival of Flowers, The Emperor Waltz, The Beautiful Blue Danube and the Radetsky March.

The musical marvel will begin at 7pm and continues, with a 20-minute interval, until 9pm.

The Orchestra have en-

joyed packed venues in some of the most famous theatres in Europe, selling out tickets to their performances in Madrid’s Teatro

Real and Barcelona’s Palau de Musica.

Tickets for the event cost €41 and can be bought online from the theatre’s website Palau Altea.

The Strauss Festival Orchestra have said that their music enriches the New Year period and is “Music for happiness.”

And that it “has grown in prestige over recent years and found its place in the tradition of New Year Celebration.”

Made up of professional musicians with the best musical qualifications the orchestra has helped to

Photo Credit: Jeff Keenan

An Archaeological Christmas: Gandia

IT might seem a unique perspective but archaeologists and council members agree that the festive period is the perfect time to get children and families learning about their heritage.

in the museum and in local history.

Joan Negre explains that they want children to be left with a permanent memory of the museum.

New Year’s Eve Programme: Mutxamel

Abigail Frazer

MUTXAMEL have a busy programme planned for families between Christmas and the New Year.

On December 30 there will be a free escape room experience that has been set up by the Town Hall for the enjoyment of local children and families.

Those taking part in the fun have to infiltrate a safe house, steal all the evidence and erase all traces of themselves before police arrive, all to become an official member of the Ponte Rosso family.

The escape room, set up in the Casa de Joventut is available to book between 4pm and 10pm and usually takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Groups of up to 8 people are accepted with anyone over the age of 12 welcome

Check

Check

to play this free experience.

The Mutxamel Town Hall have said “it will test your cunning” and that people can register to join and take part in this experience at Taquilla Portgenius.

And on Tuesday December 31 there will also be a New Year’s Eve celebration in the town centre.

Starting with an afternoon of music, children’s performances, a DJ, Australian bells and children’s workshops from 11am until 8pm, no tickets necessary.

And from 11pm until 5pm for an entrance fee of €10, including a drink or two soft drinks there will be the main street party.

The location will be in Zona Matadero where there will be more music, dancing and the perfect atmosphere to start your New Year 2025.

Fishy Fishy is a very popular traditional Fish and Chip restaurant and takeaway in the heart of Moraira, with TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence for 9 years from 2014 to 2023!

Serving top quality fish and chips at the best value, plus a range of home-made sauces, fish cakes, delicious burgers, roast chicken and pies etc plus a great value kids menu.

A proposal to rediscover local heritage during the holidays has led to an archaeological Christmas programme in Gandia.

The councillor for heritage Alicia Izquierdo has joined forces with Joan Negre, the municipal archaeologist, to create the archaeological Christmas initiative.

Izquierdo says “the initiative will use the festive period to highlight outstanding historical sites in Gandia” through activities and tours.

There are guided tours every weekend to various sites around Gandia for example the Castillo de Bairén.

Plus, educational workshops for children to be held at MAGa- Gandia’s Museum of Archaeology.

There will be two workshops for children on Saturday December 28 at 10am and Saturday January 4 at 11am.

Children will be able to learn how to make small Roman mosaics and complete other similar crafting activities.

The programme has been put together with a view to getting children more involved

He also said that the museum will remain open throughout Christmas from December 21st until after the Three Kings Day.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 7pm and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm and admission to the museum and the tours is free.

To find out more about the activities offered and to book a tour in advance see Visit Gandia

Photo Credit: Shutterstock LightField Studios

Universal Lounge Bar

Abigail Frazer

THE Universal Lounge Bar of Albir first opened its doors in 2008 and has since become a highly recommended staple of the local food and drink scene.

They have an extensive menu, crafted daily with fresh ingredients by their two chefs who make homemade food, with the only best of ingredients.

Food options feature good lunch options and evening meals like a 3-course menu for under €10 and their famous large rack of ribs smothered in Barbecue sauce with sides for under €15.

And for those who enjoy dessert, they have amongst other things Crepes and Waffles with different toppings options.

As well as serving delicious food Universal Lounge bar is also a beer lovers paradise and that is not surprising given their extensive beer options.

beer for you.

They are open every day barring Thursday. Their hours are Monday- Saturday from 9am to 9pm and Sundays 9am to 4pm.

The Universal Lounge Bar are reliable, competitively priced and have a fantastic menu to enjoy right in the centre of Albir.

They have over 150 beers available to choose from in their 28-page Beer Menu and their staff are enthusiastic about beer too, so you can ask questions and will be given good advice on the right

They have a large outdoor terrace to enjoy and an airconditioned bar, that is well stocked with international beers and other drinks. If you want to make a reservation, please phone: 966865910

Avenida del Albir 68

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Food Fantasy

Bodega Tour: Alfaz del Pi

Abigail Frazer

FILL the lull between Christmas and The Three Kings with a trip to the Enrique Mendoza Bodega.

The winery, based in Alfaz del Pi, was first opened in 1989, but is set on land with hundreds of years of cultivating history.

This award-winning bodega is the perfect place to spend a day socialising with friends and family in an exceptional environment this New Year.

The wine tour lasts for two hours and begins with a welcome upon arrival.

Then there’s a guided tour of their pruning fields, the air-conditioned room where the wines are stored, the bottling room and an underground Ageing cellar.

This is followed by an educational tasting in the garden area with seven of their best wines.

These are paired with extra virgin olive oil, goats cheese toast

and a selection of other locally sourced food produce, including Valor chocolate.

The Enrique Mendoza bodega says their “Wine tourism experiences are designed to provide a calm and educational environment for all participants.”

Tours are given in Spanish or English and they are reasonably priced with tickets costing just €25 per adult and €12.50 per child.

They also have an onsite store where wine can be bought after your tour to continue the experience in the comfort of your own home.

Visiting hours are Monday to Friday at 10am 12am, 4pm and Saturdays at 10am and 12am. All visits must be booked in advance via their website Bodegas Mendoza.

Avda.

Pla

Blq. 12, Jávea.

Cultural explosion! #Fightingforcancer

2024 October Ed: 2050

GET ready for an explosion of colour and culture in l’Alfas del Pi on Sunday October 20. It’s International Day, and representatives from over 90 nationalities are expected to join in the celebrations. Taking place at the House of Culture between 11.00am and 5.00pm, this will be one of the most colourful and liveliest parties of the year.

Originating in 2007, International Day is a pioneering festive and cultural extravaganza of a fiesta. It brings together people from all walks of life as they share and learn about each other’s culture, folklore, and gastronomy, as well as national costume, hence all the colour.

There is a more serious side to the event though as it encourages and celebrates co-existence and diversity, in what is arguably one of the most multi-cultural regions of Spain. For this reason, although held in l’Alfas del Pi, all of the regional municipalities are invited to be a part of this momentous day.

Spanning several different continents, the list of countries is impressive and reads like the participants of a world sporting event and includes, Venezuela, Colombia, Nepal, Romania, India, Ukraine, Paraguay, France, Dominican Republic, Syria, Algeria, Morocco, Norway, Ivory Coast, United Kingdom, Peru, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Romania, Bulgaria, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Germany, Cuba, Brazil, Moldova, Colombia, Vietnam, Mexico, Netherlands, and of course Spain.

Councillor for the International Area of l’Alfas, Martina Mertens expressed her excitement for the upcoming event encouraging everyone to come along and enjoy the food tastings, craft items and live musical performances from the participating countries.

The full schedule is obtainable by visiting, www.lalfas.es.

2024 October Ed: 2051

IT is true what they say ‘cancer does not discriminate’ and you only have to look at some of the celebrities who have had to face this sad reality to know just how true this is. It doesn’t matter how famous you are, how much money you have, or even how old you are.

That’s why it was so heartwarming to see 1,000 pupils at Lopa de Vega International School demonstrate their commitment to raising awareness during breast cancer awareness month. Moreover, they chose the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘Fight Against Breast Cancer Day’ on October 18 to make their message even more poignant.

Combining hundreds of pink scarves, they created a visual reminder in the form of a wall of solidarity. The children then decorated each scarf, conveying messages of strength, encouragement, and hope to all the brave women fighting this disease.

As its coordinator, Laura Murillo, explained, “This initiative aims not

only to show support but also to educate young people about the power of solidarity and how small gestures can have a significant impact on the lives of others.”

This initiative was also in collaboration with Anemona Marina Baixa, who has been working with Lopa de Vega International and other schools for a number of years. In this way, they hope to raise awareness among the younger generation of a cancer that affects one in every

12 women. Aside from the scarves, students also took part in a host of classroom activities, designed to further heighten their awareness and understanding of this disease. This included discussions and debates on what the disease involves and how it affects the female (and, to a much lesser degree, male)population. Students were also given an opportunity to express their thoughts through creative writing projects and posters.

Your

VOICE

Jingle bells or wehn 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!

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

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.

Bare minimum

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.

€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

“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

Losing patience

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.

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.

Favouritism

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.

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.

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.

Photo credit: aireuropa.com

AIR EUROPA: Airline predicts record revenues for 2024.

LONDON PROTEST: UK farmers demonstrating on December 11

3I Group 3.548,00 3.569,00 3.486,00 2,48M

Group 2.597,0 2.611,0 2.568,0 956,99K Airtel Africa 105,30 105,70 102,90 19,3M

American 2.333,5 2.340,5 2.279,0 6,7M Antofagasta 1.613,50 1.613,50 1.567,50 1,88M

Group 5.030,0 5.054,0 4.946,0 1,92M

British Foods 2.054,0 2.060,0 2.037,0 1,81M

10.256,0 10.280,0 10.084,0 3,83M

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

260,25 261,25 254,80 68,23M

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

3.268,0 3.276,0 3.236,0 1,74M

124,95 125,55 123,85 35,74M

2.648,00 2.649,00 2.623,00 4,45M

BUSINESS EXTRA

Other plans

ALEJANDRO CORCOS-

TEGUI, 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-

Initial slump for Canal+

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.

Naming names

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.

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

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

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.

Harry Potter expanding

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

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set to cast its spell on audiences in Brazil in 2025 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.”

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production in London.

Credit: Instagram @cursedchildldn

2024 November Ed: 2052

Donna Williams

CAPTAIN Peter Langley

DFC enlisted in the RAF when he was just 16 and spent much of his life serving his country. During that time, he fought in the Second World War and the Korean War and even had the privilege of being HRH Elizabeth II’s pilot for a period of time. The stories he could tell would ll a book; in fact, they do as he proudly told me.

Now, at the grand age of 100, he celebrated his birthday surrounded by family and friends, and I was honoured to attend on behalf of Euro Weekly News

The afternoon celebration took place at Kawana in Javea on October 24 and was put together by neighbour and friend Julie Keene. Ian Hunt provided the entertainment, and the atmosphere was truly wonderful.

Speaking to some of the guests, I asked them to sum

INTERVIEW

The Legend

up Peter in one word, and some of the words I heard were ‘amazing, unique, special, a card, cheeky and incredible’.

However, the expression used the most was that he is ‘The Legend’, and I couldn’t agree more.

I was fortunate enough to share a brief conversation with this gentleman, and after hearing about all of his escapades, I asked him

what his biggest challenge in life had been. He replied with a cheeky glint in his eye, “women”. He then proceeded to tell me that he had two ex-wives and was not planning on having a third! The secret to a long life, he shared, was “to be peaceful, deal with problems as they come along, and remain true to yourself… oh, and a Jack Daniels now and then

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 completed my second degree and came over for a break, I just didn’t get back on the return ight.”

Rainnaídh says she loves Spanish culture:

“The Spanish are so welcoming and relaxed about everything… and I’m a night owl, I like the culture of eating late in the evening and that the food is about spending time with family and friends.”

Rainnaídh is a full-time singer.

In a pivotal moment 7 years ago, she made a country track that shot to number one in the Irish country charts.

Now, she sings and plays percussion in No Fences a Celtic pop rock duowhere she works with musician Wayne Stewart.

She’s also a member of the Fire and Rain show where she’s teamed up with Dragon Girl, Natasha Oliver, a re performer and dancer to bring incredible shows to the Costa Blanca.

Like the icons show, a re performance combined with an homage to the women who’ve shaped pop music over the last 40 years both spectacular and not to be missed.

Fire and Rain travels from Orihuela Costa to anywhere within a two-hour radius for their very successful shows visit their Facbook to book with them.

Her New Year’s resolutions are “to travel to her ftieth country and to keep developing her shows so they remain exciting and fresh.”

doesn’t hurt either!”

As is customary for British citizens who reach the age of 100, Peter was presented with a very signi cant birthday card from HRH King Charles III. Mayor Rosa Cardona, who made a special appearance, handed the card to him to much applause from those in attendance. The surprises did not stop there though,

as singer Ian, accompanied by Lorraine, one of Peter’s very close friends, sang a unique rendition of a Frank Sinatra classic, one of Peter’s favourite artists. They cleverly and humorously adapted the lyrics to Come Fly With Me to re ect Peter’s life story. This was aptly followed by a speech by the Chairman of the Javea branch of the Royal British

Legion (RBL), who shared some of Peter’s incredible accomplishments during his illustrious career in the RAF.

The nal word came from Captain Peter Langley himself, who thanked everyone and said, “I have a feeling it is somebody’s birthday!” Captain Peter Langley, you are without doubt, ‘The Legend’.

A busy life in Spain as a singer and musician

Photo Credit: Rainnaídh O’Connor

Home hair masks

CREATING your own hair masks at home using common kitchen ingredients is an easy, cost-effective way to nourish your hair and restore its shine. Here are a few simple recipes tailored to different hair needs:

1. For Dry Hair: Mix two tablespoons of coconut oil with one tablespoon of honey. Apply this mois turising mask to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo.

2. For Oily Hair: white with the juice of half a lemon. This mask helps balance oil produc tion and adds shine. Apply to your scalp and hair, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water to avoid cooking the egg.

3. For Damaged Hair: Mash half an avocado and mix it with two ta blespoons of olive oil. Rich in vitamins and fatty

acids, this mask repairs and strengthens hair. Apply evenly, leave for 30 minutes, and wash out. Using natural ingredients allows you to avoid harsh chemicals while pampering your hair. For best results, use these masks once a week and enjoy healthier, shinier locks.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPICES

SPICES have long been a staple in both traditional cuisines and modern wellness trends. From turmeric to chilli peppers and ginger, these spices are increasingly hailed as superfoods with health benefits.

But do they truly live up to the hype, or are these claims overstated?

Turmeric, for example, is known for its active compound curcumin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. While laboratory studies show that curcumin may have potential

cancer-fighting effects, its low bioavailability means that the benefits of consuming turmeric in regular meals are limited. Chilli peppers, on the other hand, are packed with capsaicin, which is thought to aid in weight management and heart health. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of chillies can lower the risk of mortality, but eating too many can cause memory issues in some people.

Ginger, frequently used to alleviate nausea, is also gaining attention for its potential role in reducing inflammation, particularly in autoimmune diseases. However, it’s important to note

that consuming large amounts of spices can lead to negative effects. For example, daily consumption of over 50g of chilli peppers has been linked to cognitive decline. Similarly, turmeric’s therapeutic effects are often exaggerated unless consumed in concentrated supplements. Experts recommend moderation, as spices should complement a balanced diet rather than replace medical treatments. While they do contribute to antioxidants and flavour, expecting spices to be miracle cures is unrealistic. Overall, more research is needed to fully understand their health benefits.

Weathering well

COLD weather can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. Proper care during these months is essential to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Start by switching to a gentle, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping natural oils. Follow up with a rich moisturiser containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in hydration.

Apply sunscreen daily, even in winter, as UV rays can still damage your skin. Use a humidifier indoors to combat the dryness caused by heating systems, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from within.

Protect your skin from harsh winds by wearing scarves or masks and opt for non-irritating fabrics like cotton or silk. For hands and lips, which are particularly vulnerable, use thick hand creams and lip balms.

Avoid long, hot showers, as they can dry out your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and pat your skin dry gently. With these steps, you can maintain healthy, resilient skin all winter long.

2024 November Ed: 2054

COSTA BLANCA NORTH’S big-hearted community raised over €20k for those affected by the recent tragic events in Valencia. In a story of charity and camaraderie that’s warming hearts across the Costa Blanca, the tireless efforts of local residents and generous businesses have drummed up an incredible €20,511.53.

Every euro counts, every euro is appreciated and every euro is going straight to the people who need it most.

The massive total, gathered through a combination of online donations and local fundraisers, shows just how much this community cares. From the rallying

Aid for Valencia

power of the GoFundMe page to the lively fundraising nights at The Irish Tavern in Albir and Buddies Bar Benidorm 2021, it’s clear the Costa Blanca’s giving spirit is alive and well.

A number of supporters

donated €1,000 each to this worthy cause, including Help Benidorm, Olivers Bar, Ibrox Bar, and Giving4Giving.

In addition, Victorious International School in Altea raised in excess of €1,200, which was input

Costumed craziness

ON November 14 the lively streets of the English area of Benidorm came alive as over 30,000 participants, including a significant number of Spaniards and individuals from various nationalities, took part in the much-anticipated Fancy Dress Party.

2024

November Ed: 2055

This colourful event was organised collaboratively by local hotels and entertainment venues, supported by the Abreca Cobreca association and the Benidorm Town Council.

Irene Carreño, the manager of Abreca Cobreca, expressed her delight at the vibrant atmosphere fostered by the inclusion of 14 elaborately decorated floats in the parade. Accompanying the floats was a dynamic group of batucada (type of Samba) performers, ad-

ding to the excitement and energy of the event.

Irene noted that participants embraced the spirit of the occasion with creativity, dressing up in costumes that showcased a spectrum of styles, but always maintaining a cheerful demeanour. She expressed, “In the realm of British tourism, there’s a palpable sense of good cheer; no one gets angry here.”

In a heartwarming development, this year’s organisers wanted to draw in on the community spirit of the Benidorm Fancy Dress Party by initiating fundraising efforts aimed at supporting victims of the DANA in the central Valencian regions. Throughout the event, all participating establishments, set up ballot boxes to collect donations.

into the overall total.

Thanks to these donations, the team has been able to fund projects like City Streets Community Project Benidorm, Project 4 All, and the remarkable World Central Kitchen, which has already dished out a whopping 3,500 warm meals to those in need, with another 4,000 hot meals on the way this week. With heavy storms predicted,

the funds are ready to roll out for any urgent needsensuring those who need it most are kept warm and fed. From every euro raised to every meal served, the difference is felt right here in the community.

Thank you to everyone who’s stood by the project and opened their hearts and wallets.

HELP Benidorm with their donation of €1,000 as part of the Aid for Valencia cause.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Community together

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.

Axarquia

One train away

A proposed train between Nerja and Algeciras could transport up to 60 million passengers annually, significantly alleviating road congestion. In a key move to enhance mobility along the Costa del Sol and in southern Andalusia, the Ministerio de Transporte is advancing plans for the coastal railway.

This project could improve connectivity by extending the existing Cercanías line from Málaga to Estepona and potentially to Algeciras. This would connect Tarifa with the Costa del Sol as a more efficient transport option.

The 183-kilometre network, potentially extending to 195 kilometres with Algeciras included, would reduce traffic on the A-7 motorway and local roads. A recent feasibility report highlights the Málaga-Estepona section as the most viable, with extensions to Nerja and Algeciras requiring additional measures.

Still in the planning phase, this would modernises the region’s transport infrastructure.

Mallorca

Record-breaking charity

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.

Costa Blanca South Sun, sand and success

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.

Almeria

Spirit of giving

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.

Costa Calida Helicopter rescue

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.

2024 December Ed: 2057

ON November 29, a spectacular charity dinner was held at the Club de Tennis in Villajoyosa in support of the charity initiative ‘Valencia for Valencia’. Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, an incredible €25,000 was raised for this significant initiative. The event attracted a lively crowd of 203 passionate supporters, all coming together for a noble cause while enjoying a carefully curated culinary experience.

Ten local restaurants, including the Michelinstarred El Xato located in La Nucia, worked

Gastronomy and Goodwill

“Charity dinner raises €25,000 for DANA relief”

together to prepare a delectable menu, showcasing highquality ingredients sourced from generous donations by various local companies in La Nucia and the broader province.

The participating restaurants, which included Llar del Pescador, El Posit, Ca Marta, Made, Casa Elordi, Cabannon by Samoki, T-Class, DRoca, Kyomu, and El Trebol, collaborated closely, uniting their kitchen and dining room teams to create a memorable

evening of gastronomy and goodwill.

This initiative, orchestrated by the Gastronomic Village, was part of the greater ‘From Valencia to Valencia’ project, spearheaded by

illustrious Valencian chefs such as Ricard Camarena, Begoña Rodrigo, and Quique Dacosta.

Renowned chefs from around the globe have also joined this effort, which aims to

Benitachell’s Young Heroes

THE children of El Poble Nou de Benitachell have genuinely embraced the spirit of solidarity. For the past three years, the diligent students of CEIP Santa Maria Magdalena have been actively engaged in fundraising efforts through their annual solidarity race, and this year, they chose a significant cause: assisting those impacted by the devastating DANA.

Inspired by having two teachers from Algemesi - a town that suffered extensive damage due to recent flooding - the students decided to establish a twinning

2024 December Ed: 2058

initiative with the Algemesi-based Blasco Ibáñez school. They aimed to support the students there, facilitating the repairs needed to restore their school environment.

On Thursday, December 5, the streets of the urban centre of Benitachell transformed into an energetic racing circuit, where the joy of sport, the warmth of family, and the vibrant sounds of music came together to celebrate community spirit.

with the Valencian Association of Entrepreneurs (AVE) to assist in the recovery efforts for businesses, entrepreneurs, shops, and small enterprises severely affected by this natural disaster.

The response to this year’s event was nothing short of remarkable; the young participants successfully raised a staggering total of €3,105, which is noteworthy as it is double what was collected in the previous year and the highest raised to date. Participants of all ages, from the littlest ones in Infant classes to the older students in Sixth Primary, joined in on the fun, with paths designed to accommodate different age groups.

Teachers and family members were also encouraged to participate, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the entire school community.

raise critical funds for those impacted by the catastrophic DANA that occurred on October 29.

Further, this initiative collaborates closely

An emotional highlight of the evening came when the mayor introduced the chef Lola Gonzalez from Alfafar, a town significantly impacted by the DANA. Following her warm acknowledgement of the support, attendees united in a rendition of the regional anthem, creating a powerful sense of community and solidarity.

Kitchen and dining room teams from 10 local restaurants united .

Don’t blame it all on red

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 -

underwear!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

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.

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

TIP ‘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.

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.

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.

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

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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 window 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.

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Happy holidays to all our friends!

ALARMS

THE SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) has come a long way in the 50 years since its inception. Once a niche market for rugged off-road enthusiasts, SUVs have now become one of the most popular vehicle types on British roads, accounting for one in three cars. But how did

Not so popular

these bulky vehicles rise to such prominence, and is the tide beginning to turn against them?

SUVs gained popularity for their commanding road presence, spacious interiors, and perceived

safety. Families found them ideal for their versatility, while advancements in technology made them more luxurious and efficient than their predecessors. Automakers capitalised on this trend, offering a wide range of models to suit different budgets and

However, their popularity has sparked growing concerns. Critics argue that SUVs are less environmentally friendly than smaller cars due to their higher emissions and fuel consumption. Additionally, their size can pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas. As awareness of climate change and road safety grows, some cities are introducing measures to discourage SUV ownership, such as higher taxes and res-

While SUVs remain a dominant force, shifting priorities toward sustainability could signal a future decline in their popularity.

ITV cost differences

THE dreaded ITV (Spain’s version of the MOT) is more than just a legal headache; it’s a financial minefield, apparently. Shocking new data from consumer watchdog FACUA reveals that ITV costs can more than double depending on where you live.

From Madrid’s sky-high fees to Mallorca’s budget-friendly rates, drivers are being hit with a postcode lottery.

Where’s the priciest ITV pump-up?

In Madrid Municipality, where ITV stations are free to set their own rates, drivers of diesel cars fork out a whopping €66.02 - the highest in Spain. Madrid’s liberalised market means no price caps, leaving diesel drivers paying 40.1 per cent more than the national average of €47.12.

Even discounts for online bookings or off-peak slots aren’t enough to soften the blow for many.

Petrol car owners aren’t far behind, with rates in the Basque Country topping out at €52.68. Meanwhile, sunny Mallorca shines for the thrifty motorist, with prices as low as €17.01 for petrol vehicles. How to get cheaper car inspection rates in Spain

Your ITV might be uniform across the board, but the costs are anything but. Before booking, check out rates in nearby regions and look for discounts. And don’t leave it too late - driving without a valid ITV risks hefty fines, void insurance, and sky-high repair bills if something goes wrong.

ITV by the numbers: Petrol and diesel inspections in 2024

• National average petrol inspection: €39.29 (+10.5 per cent from 2023)

• National average diesel inspection: €47.12 (+9.3 per cent from 2023)

• Cheapest petrol: Mallorca (€17.01)

• Most expensive diesel: Madrid (€66.02)

To find your nearest public ITV test centre go to: https:// www.dgt.es/conoce-la-dgt/ con-quien-trabajamos/itv/

Spanish vehicle inspection card with adhesive sticker to be placed on the windshield of the car.

Credit: Shutterstock, Prisca Laguna

The all-new Škoda Elroq

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

ŠKODA’S founding fathers Vá clav Laurin and Václav Klement gained their first experience with electrification 116 years ago. In 1908, two electric motors joining forces with a 4.5-litre petrol engine made the Laurin & Klement E the company’s first hybrid. In the late 1930s, electric beer lorries were built in Mladá Boleslav. Between 1991 and 1994, several hundred units of the Škoda Eltra 151L, based on the Fa vorit and the Pick-up, were sold first in Switzerland and later in other Eu ropean countries.

The modern era of electric mobili ty at Škoda began in 2011 with the Octavia Green E Line. The engineers built 10 prototypes to test the feasibility of electric powertrains. Škoda’s first fully electric production model was the Citigoe iV launched in early 2020.

des a rear-view camera, Blind Spot Detection and SmartLink. Elroq prices start from €37,952/£31,500.

The all-new Elroq is the Czech brand’s first all-electric model in

Elroq is the latest addition to Škoda’s growing electric portfolio, which will include various new models over the coming years. The compact SUV is the electric alternative to the Karoq and offers list price parity with its ICE counterpart. Available with

tputs start at 170 PS for the entry-le vel Elroq 50 model.

The excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.26 are the result of many design tweaks, among them specially moulded exterior mirrors. An active cooling roller blind behind the front apron opens automatically when cooling air is required for the battery system.

The Elroq always comes with a central, 33cm/13inch infotainment infotainment display as standard. Drivers can define up to five shortcuts for frequently accessed vehicle functions and up to four for

A physical button bar below the infotainment display provides quick access to menus controlling the assistance systems, driving modes, parking functions and climate con -

The Elroq 50 with rear wheel drive and a 55 kWh battery is the entry-level model, offering a range of up to 370km/230 miles. Located on the rear axle, its electric motor develops a peak output of 170 PS and a maximum torque of 310 Nm. The Elroq 60 has a battery capacity of 63 kWh and offers a range of around 418km/260 miles. Its motor develops 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque.

Padel fastest growing game Football piracy blow

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.

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

Barcelona-based Mediapro, which spearheaded the legal fi ght, 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.

test-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.

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.

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

Padel pairs game

Credit: Shutterstock, Sodel Vladyslav

Credit: BearFotos - Shutterstock.