Costa del Sol 26 Dec 2024 - 2 Jan 2025 Issue 2060

Costa del Sol • Issue No. 2060 • 26 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025

FFREE

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

Donkey Dreamland Gala

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVREE

FFREE

GRATIS S

A night of sound healing, music and generosity

A GALA charity event was held at La Scala in Marbella on the night of Thursday, December 19, attended by a whole host of personalities from Costa del Sol and some donkeys too.

In the spectacularly decorated forecourt, the guests and donors began arriving, including Mario Bravo from Mijas council and Jorge Manzur, director general of the luxury hotel Anantara Villa Padierna. Everyone stopped to greet and photograph the stars of the evening, the three Mijas donkeys, Ander, Sabanero, and Lucía, who had been brought to La Scala especially as this night was in honour of them, as well as to raise funds for the

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Get a quote The donkeys taking centre stage.

rebuilding of parts of the Donkey Dreamland centre in Mijas.

Among the beautiful, festively lit grounds of La Scala, we were treated to the soothing sound healing of Leonnie Schuman, brought in not only to spellbind the arriving donors but also to keep the donkeys calm in these unfamiliar surroundings.

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GRATUIT G

LOCAL NEWS

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Poignant fundraiser Credit: Alan BoardmanGarcía Urbano

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Penultimate charity walking tour.

ALAN and Jenny Boardman hosted a poignant dinner and quiz night at the Bad Ass Bistro in support of the Benalmádena-based palliative care charity Cudeca.

Hosted by Alan and Jenny, the fundraiser collected €610 for the charity.

The night itself had been the brainchild of the restaurant’s owner, Paul Crumpler, whose father, David, was battling cancer at the time. Readers may recall that David established and owned the popular restaurant ‘Crumps’ in Fuengirola for some years. Sadly, David succumbed to the disease and passed away just a few days before the charity event took place. Paul’s tribute to Cudeca and the care and support that his family

received from them drew the loudest applause of the evening.

Bad Ass Bistro now plans to hold another charity quiz night and dinner in the spring with the help of Alan and Jenny.

A few days before the Cudeca event, a large group joined one of Alan’s Mijas walking tours for charity. In this case the beneficiary was the charity El Vuelo De las Libélulas, which is dedicated to helping families in need in Benalmadena.

The walking tour managed to raise €187 for the charity. Alan still has one more charity walking tour to do this year, which should bring the number up to a total of €1116.

Pedal power DAVID Segorbe from Benahavis has just completed his challenge of a 24-hour cyclothon in Las Lagunas, Mijas, to raise money for little Adán, a small child from Mijas with an extremely rare illness.

The sports fanatic began the challenge on Friday, December 19, at 12pm at the Ciudad Deportiva. Surrounded by friends and well-wishers, he completed 24 hours pedalling on his exercise bike at 12 pm on Saturday.

David, the director of MaxFitness in Mijas, is said to be a fan of extreme fitness challenges, and the

Credit: David Segorbe

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David with Adán.

last time he did something similar was a 12-hour session on the exercise bike.

He was so moved when he heard about the case of little Adán a few months before and that his family had to face €20,000 a year

for treatment in a Sevilla hospital that he felt he just had to do something to help them, whatever he could do. Adán suffers from a condition named ethylmalonic encephalopathy, a disease so rare that he is currently one of only two people in the world that has it.

David has started up a GoFundMe page to pledge support for Adán and his family, who currently have no way out of this incredibly expensive burden.

Search for ‘Adán nos necesita’ on the GoFundMe page to chip in.

From front page

Gala success As the guests in the filled-to-capacity restaurant began their meals, Jazz singer Rocio Starry charmed the room with her sultry voice.

Upcoming Danish talent Antonia took over afterwards, followed by the multitalented Leonnie Schuman, singing this time having left her singing bowls aside this time.

After the à la carte meal, which included all of the culinary joys of La Scala, including crispy pork belly, Prosecco sea bass, and chicken penne all’arrabbiata, it was time for the raffle. There were plenty of luxurious and Christmassy prizes that had been generously donated for the Donkey Dreamland cause.

Up for grabs in the auction was 2 nights of pure luxury at the spectacular Anantara Villa Padierna hotel in Benahavís, generously donated by Jorge Manzur.

Altogether, the Donkey Dreamland charity Christmas dinner raised €2,500. That, coupled with the €2,500 raised by Ron, the man who did a sponsored cycle ride from Holland to the donkey sanctuary in Mijas earlier in the autumn, has gone a long way towards Donkey Dreamland’s target of €20,000 to pay for fencing around their entire enclosure.

Currently, the fences are severely weather-worn and in a dire state of repair and desperately need replacing to keep the donkeys from escaping. For that reason, in the new year, Donkey Dreamland will be back with more big fundraising initiatives, as well as looking to the generosity of the Costa del Sol community to organise events for the donkeys too.

NEWS

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

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

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

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

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A New Year of Hope:

“Gratitude in Every Moment”

Credit: Shutterstock, Fernando Astasio Avila

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

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

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

“If someone paying

Public transport discounts extended

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

guiding lights for the year ahead.

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

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

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

- Progressing in cultivating gratitude.

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

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

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

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

#Lifecanchangeinamoment so let us appreciate our time now

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NEWS

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

No festive fireworks TORREMOLINOS has issued a ban on fireworks during the festive period in order to protect vulnerable groups, such as children with autism, babies, the elderly, and animals.

The regulations are to avert risks, disturbances,

and accidents, such as the blaze caused during last year’s New Year festivities in Mijas.

Prohibited are the sale and use of unauthorised pyrotechnics, including firecrackers and rockets.

The regulations are clear:

prior authorisation from the council is required for both the sale and use of these products.

Torremolinos local police are cracking down on the sale and use of pyrotechnics. From December 20 until after the Three Kings celebrations, inspections and follow-ups are being carried out in both authorised and unauthorised stores to ensure that fireworks are not sold to minors and sanction establishments where appropriate.

Fines vary between €100 and €3,000, depending on the severity of the situation. In cases of individuals, fines can reach up to €1,500. As well, in case of non-compliance, local police have the power to intervene and enter premises where suspected illegal use of pyrotechnics is suspected.

Similar local ordinances exist this year in Benalmadena, in all of the districts of Mijas, Fuengirola, and Alhaurín el Grande.

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Soroptimist support Credit: Soroptimists

4

Soroptimists Internacional La Cala.

IN Mijas, 100 families receive help from the municipal Red Cross-run food bank, but since the European Union cut funding, the charity relies solely on private donations and help from local businesses.

Soroptimist International (SI) Costa del Sol has long been supporting the food bank, as it will this year, preparing a special bag with Christmas goodies.

‘Imagine having a family with children and being dependent on a food bank; it must be very difficult and frustrating,’ says Daphne Theunissen, president of SI Costa del Sol. ‘So, we like to add some sweetness to the holiday season. We are not able to do this alone; GM Cash always gives us a good deal, and we received financial support from La Cala de Mijas

Lions Club and Mijas Reiki & Therapies.

Besides participating at the charity tables in La Cala de Mijas, we have been at the Food Co, where we collected a good amount of food items donated by customers.’

The local association Nueva Cultura para el Desarrollo Social (NCD), based in Las Lagunas, supports around 150 families and holds a special event for the 3 Kings, which takes place at Cortijo Don Elias on January 3. The Soroptimists are preparing a special gift for the children, which is a surprise!

If you’d like to donate towards any of the Soroptimist projects, you can contact the association directly via their e-mail: soroptimist.costadelsol@gmail.com.

LOCAL NEWS

Rejoin AREME Estepona

Credit: EWN Media

FOREIGN residents of Estepona are represented by AREME (Foreign Residents Association of Estepona) and the Council Foreigners Department with a deputy mayor based in Cancelada.

Membership costs just €5 per annum for which you will receive a monthly newsletter and access to the AREME Facebook page which give details of all of the lobbying undertaken by the association.

It must be stressed that all foreign nationals are very welcome to join, but because of its charitable stratus, Spanish passport holders cannot be accepted.

Membership renewal and also applications from new members can be undertaken at Ricks Bar, Estepona Port on Mondays January 13 and 27 at 11am where there will also be a coffee morning.

For those living on the other side of the town, visit Neli G’s, Benavista, on Wednesdays January 15 and 29 also at 11am and stay for coffee.

Deputy mayor joined an AREME coffee morning in 2024

INSPIRATION came from a heartfelt article shared on Facebook by Animal Heroes. It was a call to action, highlighting the devastation left by the DANA floods at the Last Chance Animal Rescue shelter in Pizarra and the desperate situation the animals were left in.

The plea for help immediately grabbed the attention of Buena Vida Spain, the property and renovations specialists from Marbella. The result was a day donating hard work and time to get the shelter back on its feet.

What started as a simple act of caring quickly turned into a large-scale operation involving 38 hard-working volunteers and numerous local businesses, all united by their shared commitment to helping animals in need.

This event showcased the power of community and compassion, proving that when we come together, we can achieve extraordinary things.

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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Community together Local heroes rebuild animal shelter after floods

many beautiful, loving animals in desperate need of a home.

If you’re considering adopting a pet, this shelter is a wonderful place t o find your new Credit: Frank.

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Last Chance Animal Rescue volunteers.

On Saturday, December 21, an extraordinary volunteering event took place at the animal shelter in Pizarra. This initiative brought together people from different backgrounds, all with one goal: to improve the lives of the animals and create a better environment for them.

Despite the incredible progress made, the shelter still requires ongoing support. More

volunteers are desperately needed - not just for construction and repairs, but also for daily tasks, including walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and caring for cats. Every little bit of help makes a massive difference.

Last Chance Animal Rescue may not be as well-known as larger shelters, but it is home to

companion.

Last Chance is still taking donations for items lost in the floods, and also, they still need donated time from professionals, including electricians and roofers.

So contact them via: lastchanceanimalrescuespain.org. to volunteer or donate.

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

MARBELLA NEWS

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No fines this year MARBELLA council put signs up for the new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) a year ago, but there has not been much movement since.

In 2025, the council will start work on studies imposed on all European Union cities over 50,000 inhabitants, limiting access to many vehicles that contribute to air pollution.

The intention is to activate the restrictions according to air quality, which will be measured daily with sensors.

In mid-December 2023, both the centre of Marbella and San Pedro, streets received the new signs marking the limits of the Low Emission Zones to comply with the basics of EU regulations.

The mayor explained that they want to deploy ‘a minimum of fifteen sensors’ in strategic places to measure air quality. So, while the LEZ

Credit: Capturing Images - Shutterstock

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New LEZ rules out old vehicles from entering centre.

signs are currently up in Marbella and San Pedro, there is no fines being dished out, or a date for when.

Therefore, the intention of the government team is that, according to pollution data, they will block some access to streets that are most vulnerable to high levels of pollution, such as at rush hour, and fine the drivers

who do not respect the restrictions.

Malaga city has already brought in strict rules for their central LEZ area, which mostly blocks older cars and motorcycles from entering.

Nonetheless, whenever the restrictions come in, there is still no word on if the rules will be applied to diesel-smoke-chugging tourist buses or not.

Population boom

MARBELLA, Spain, has expethe AP-7 toll road free hit the rienced continuous popuheadlines on an almost dailation growth over the ly basis. last decade, with the Marbella has beCosta del Sol city come a far more now home to multicultural 159,000 inhabiand diverse tants, making city than ever it the seventh before, with largest city in 83,097 regisAndalusia. tered women The Natioand 75,903 nal Institute of men, from 153 Statistics (INE) different natiohas reported nalities. that Marbella has The Costa del seen an increase of Sol city is the third 2,705 people since the most varied in terms Credit: tupatu76 - Shutterstock. last check of the muniof different nationalities cipal register in January compared with other ciMarbella from the air.

2024. Marbella council ties in Spain. also noted the increasing Almost 30 percent of number of residents, indicating that Marbella residents are foreigners, the city has reached nearly 165,000 with places of origin including small over the last ten years. principalities like Liechtenstein, miDespite this positive economic im- cro-states like San Marino, Caribbean pact, public administrations are con- islands such as Trinidad and Tobago cerned about the lack of infrastructu- or Saint Lucia, and even distant conre development, particularly the daily tinents like Oceania with people from jams on the A-7 motorway in both Mar- Vanuatu. bella and San Pedro de Alcántara, and 78.4 percent of all the countries in arguments between the city council the world are represented within the and central government over making boundaries of Marbella city.

FEATURE/LOCAL NEWS

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Selina MacKenzie’s year

Remembering the highs and the lows of 2024

angel. I miss her so much.

EWN: What plans do you have for New Year’s Eve? Selina: I’ll be spending it with close, dear friends that I have spent most of this year with. Real friends are there for you during both good and bad times.

EWN: Do you have any upcoming charity

events?

Selina: Yes, too many to mention. But, no doubt, Euro Weekly News will be featuring them.

EWN: Do you have a wish for 2025?

Selina: A close family member has been ill recently, and my only wish at the moment is that they will get better soon and be OK.

Credit: PLP

Marbella villa style

Villa for rent in Golden Mile.

FOLLOWING a record-breaking summer, Marbella has successfully reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s top destinations for celebrating Christmas. This is particularly true for British, Dutch, Belgian, Nordic, and American visitors, who have significantly increased their bookings on the Costa del Sol from late December through to early January 2025.

Private villa and premium apartment accommodation has seen a notable surge in demand for the upcoming Christmas season. Some real estate agencies are seeing a 15 percent increase in bookings compared to the previous year, particularly from emerging markets such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States. These properties,

strategically located, offer complete privacy, personalised services, and spacious living areas, making them the ideal choice for enjoying Christmas in Marbella with family or friends.

Real estate gencies have already started scheduling viewings for late December and early January, with high demand in premium areas such as the Golden Mile and Puente Romano. These visits often lead to formalised transactions weeks later, contributing to an increase in luxury property sales at the beginning of the year.

During Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to visit luxury properties with a view to future investment and the market is not foreseen to be slowing down anytime soon.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE Credit: Selina Mackenzie.

SELINA MacKenzie, presenter of the ‘Lifestyles’ show on Talk Radio Europe, has been reflecting on 2024 and looking forward to the new year ahead.

The popular talk radio host has had the chance to interview some world icons such as Tony Hadley, Midge Ure, Kate Adie, and Gilbert O’Sullivan.

But today, she has let the Euro Weekly News turn the questions on her.

EWN: Coming to the end of 2024, what has been the best thing about your year?

Selina: Lots of charity work. I’ve been helping to raise a lot for charity this year.

EWN: And the worst aspect of your year?

Selina: Sadly, my little dog of 11 and a half years, Mika, died a couple of weeks ago. Everyone knows I am a massive animal lover, particularly dogs, and she was a little

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

NICOLE King, British journalist, television producer/presenter, has been a true force on the Costa del Sol for more than a decade. These days she is also famous for being the presenter of Good Morning Spain, as well as our very special and much-loved columnist at Euro

NEWS

Nicole’s amazing year Weekly News.

We caught up with Nicole to chat about how 2024 has been and how she sees 2025 will be.

‘2024 has just flown by.

I can’t believe the summer is over; Christmas is here, and then it’s going to be

r and ea n ts n ie cl y m ll a g in h Wis as and tm is r h C l fu er d n o w a far ew Year.

N s u o er p s o r P & y h lt ea ah Best Wishes Ruth +34 693 715 718 ruthforder@comparefuneral.org www.funeralplansbyruthforder.com

another New Year.’

‘In general, this past year has been excellent for me, with my new TV project, Good Morning Spain, the continued success of Marbella Now, my beloved column in the Euro Weekly and another successful United Nationalities of Marbella summit.

‘I’ve had many challenges, which I think is healthy, as I feel that I have been able to rise to the occasion and become better for it.’

‘So on the work front I’m delighted, and on a personal note, my family is all well and happy, and I’m feeling totally blessed.

euroweeklynews.com

Expat generosity THE British Society International Club presented two cheques to the Cudeca Hospice Foundation and Age Concern, reaffirming its commitment to local social organisations.

The Cudeca Hospice Foundation received a cheque for €87,005.87 from the sale of a properMaría Luisa Martín receives cheque from British ty owned by The British Society.

Society International milies.

Club.

The British Society International The generous donation underlined the strong commitment of the foreign Club in Benalmadena was founded community to non-profit organisations in 1967 is one of the oldest expatriate in the province of Malaga. Indeed, fo- clubs on the Costa del Sol. Its aim is to reigners have been instrumental in the encourage mutual help and informadevelopment of numerous organisa- tion sharing among its members, as tions in Malaga, as demonstrated by the well as organising social and sporting case of the Cudeca Foundation, where activities.

Cudeca Hospice is a non-profit orgaits founder, Joan Hunt OBE, together with the British community, managed nisation that offers professional medito create the first palliative care cen- cal care to patients suffering from cantre in Spain, importing key concepts of cer or other advanced illnesses, as well care from the UK. The Cudeca Hospice as support to their families. CUDECA currently cares for and accompanies uses the palliative care approach, a more than 1,900 people with cancer field in which it has long experience and other advanced illnesses each year, and expertise leading to its ‘special as well as offering support to their fa- kind of caring’.

Credit: Cudeca.

8

BEST OF THE YEAR

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2024 Ed: 2011 January

Cudeca lifeline 2024

Ed: 2011 January

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

9

Fancy a dip?

Kevin Fraser Park THE Provincial Council of Malaga has allocated €180,000 to the renovation of the Cudeca day centre in Benalmadena which had been closed since 2020.

The work has consisted of improving the facilities and removing architectural barriers, resulting in a larger space connected to the outdoor terrace and access to the garden, all on the same level.

The president of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the work carried out

by Cudeca and pointed out that this investment “is very well used” to remodel this space and to improve the quality of service provision. He also said that the Malaga Provincial Council will continue in this line of work and is aware that ,”the needs of the third sector and its users are

Cudeca day centre to be renovated.

infinite.”

The investment of €180,000 is part of a €4 million programme for the rehabilitation of social entities in the province. The works have been undertaken to improve the quality of life of people with cancer and other advanced diseases through physiotherapy, complementary therapies and social and cultural activities.

Since 2020, as a result

of the Covid-19 pandemic, the centre had been inactive, so the closure was used as an opportunity for refurbishment.

Manager, medical director and Cudeca co-founder, Marisa Martín, said that, “the Cudeca family is very happy today,” and stressed that these facilities, “are going to be a light for many people, especially for the children and their families.”

Photo: Facebook / The Smuggling Raisins

The Smuggling Raisins braved the sea.

Kevin Fraser Park THE Smuggling Raisins Cold Water Swimming Club would like to give a big thank you to everyone who came and braved the cold sea to raise money for the St George’s Feed a Child Campaign.

The final amount raised from the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day dips was a brilliant €792 which was transferred to the charity on Friday January 19 and which will help feed so many local children over the coming year.

The St George Charity was founded at the beginning of 2013 initially as a fundraising organisation to provide funding, equipment and services to worthy causes within the local community.

The Smuggling Raisins is a group who want to go swimming in the sea (and possibly rivers too) all year round. They are based in Estepona, Playa de Cristo and say that cold water swimming is (apparently) good for us!

10 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

BEST OF THE YEAR

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Marbella voted best Well deserved award Photos: Marbella Town Hall

2024 Ed: 2015

February

Kevin Fraser Park MARBELLA has been chosen as the best European destination to visit in 2024 in the edition of the award given by the prestigious travel website European Best Destinations with the highest number of votes in its 15-year history, exceeding one million participants from 172 countries.

The city has climbed to the top of the podium, along with Monaco (in second place) and Malta (in third place) from a selection of 20 destinations.

Marbella received a total of 149,192 votes, a record number since this award was created, and becomes the first Spanish city to achieve this recognition, after occupying second place two years ago.

In his official announcement of the award, Maximilien Lejeune, CEO of European Best Destinations, told Marbella’s mayor, Án-

Best European destination.

geles Muñoz, that Marbella, “is a leader in tourism excellence in Europe.”

Lejeune also praised Marbella’s capacity, “to please all travellers, from three to 103 years old, from sports and shopping enthusiasts to gourmets.”

In this 2024 edition, according to European Best Destinations, a total of 1,096,938 votes have been obtained, 59 per cent of them from outside the continent, which is also a record since the creation of this event that reflects, “that this year more than ever, foreign travellers are

showing great interest in travelling to Europe.”

The award-winning destinations are promoted not only on the organisation’s travel website, but also in partner media such as Forbes USA, Condé Nast, Corriere Viaggi and Yahoo, with a cumulative audience of approximately 420 million travellers. Ángeles Muñoz said that, “We are delighted to receive this recognition,” adding that this, “will contribute to 2024 being even better in tourism than 2023, in which record figures were recorded.”

ANNE BOWLES, member of la Cala Lions, was surprised and honoured to receive an award from Ana Mata the mayor of Mijas.

Anne was selected with five other ladies to receive an award for their services to the community at a gala event in Mijas celebrating International Women’s Day. “These are indispensable women for Mijas as they carry out outstanding social work, carrying out Anne Bowles of La Cala Lions. tasks that help to promote culture, sport, traditions increase the awareness of and helping people in vulEd: 2019 this potential silent killer, nerable situations,” said by providing much needed March Ana Mata, adding that, information through regu“Anne Bowles, founder of lar talking and testing. the diabetes group of the Lions Club of La Thanks were also given to her nurses Cala, has been chosen for her more than Fay and Mercy, the volunteers Max, Jon, 20 years of raising awareness about this Dot and Diane who are always available disease.” to help, together with her friend fellow In her address, after thanking the ma- Lion Anita. Katja and Lauro of the La Cala yor, Anne explained that the award was Town Hall Foreigners department were only possible because of all the enormous also warmly thanked. help La Cala de Mijas Lions Club have giAnne said, “Without all the collaboven to her and her late husband Frank in ration from these people I would not be the fight to raise awareness of the hidden here receiving this welcome award today causes of diabetes.

- so once again very big thanks to you all The Diabetic Support Group works to and Viva Mijas!”

2024

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BEST OF THE YEAR

20 million passengers 2024 Ed: 2020 March

Record figures again for Malaga-Costa del Sol airport.

11

2024 Ed: 2023 Chefs for children April

airport operator Aena.

In January and February, the airport recorded 2.7 million passengers ( an increase of over 20 per cent) and remains the third in the Aena network in terms of passenger volume, behind Madrid and Barcelona.

In total, in Andalucia, airlines have scheduled 28.6 million seats and 160,200 flights for the 2024 summer season and both Malaga and Sevilla’s schedules will have once again reached record figures by the end of the season.

Photo: Shutterstock/ Ivo Antonie de Rooij

RECORD figures again at Malaga-Costa del Sol airport: airlines have offered 20 million seats in almost 110,000 flights for this summer, which represents an increase of 11 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

Connections with the main European markets have increased, including: Germany with over 20 per cent more seats, Netherlands 14 per cent more seats and Italy up 23 per cent. However, the

United Kingdom remains the main market for Malaga-Costa del Sol airport, with 4.7 million seats for summer 2024.

By destinations, London remains the city with the most seats and flights offered by airlines, with almost two million seats on more than 10,000 flights. Paris, Barcelona, Dublin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Madrid, Manchester, Stockholm and Copenhagen complete the ranking of the 10 cities with the most seats offered from the airport according to a report from

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

MALAGA Provincial Council is promoting the sixth edition of the Chefs for Children charity cooking event, to be held on Monday April 22 with 55 Michelin Star chefs.

The event, which will take place at Anantara Villa Padierna in Benahavís with the participation of 150 schoolchildren, Photo: Malaga Provincial Council will donate its profits Some 150 schoolchildren will take part along with 55 to Autism Spain.

The launch of the Michelin Star chefs. event was held at the Benahavís Sabor a Malaga Catering In addition, as every year, a gala dinSchool, where some of the participating ner will be held in the evening with a chefs held a meeting with the school’s menu prepared by eight of the Michestudents including: Benito Gómez, lin Star chefs. During the dinner, the 55 from Bardal; Mario Canchinero, from chefs will share a table with the guests Skina, David Olivas, from Back; Diego and will raffle an experience in their del Río, from Boho Club; and Manuel restaurants. Bookings are now open at Navarro, from Anantara Villa Padierna. ht tps://chefsforchildren.es/ The 150 children from Autismo MalaThe profits from this gala will be doga and the Daidín and Atalaya schools nated to Autismo España, a state-wide will participate alongside 55 Miche- association that brings together more lin Star chefs in a cooking workshop than 180 organisations that provide which, under the slogan ‘Eating healthy specialised services to the 470,000 auis fun’, aims to promote healthy eating tistic people living in Spain and their among children. families.

12 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

BEST OF THE YEAR

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Celebrating cultures Triathlon record

and more.

The crowd, while April enjoying the food THE threat of rain from the different didn’t dampen annations were treayone’s spirits on ted to music and Foreign Residents dancing by perforDay held in Estepomers from over 30 na’s Parque del Calcountries, all resivario on Saturday dents of Estepona.

April 20.

The mayor posInterviewed by ted on social media: Photos: EWN and Estepona Town Hall EWN, the mayor of Este“Thanks to all of you pona, José María García Urwho made this day possiEstepona Mayor José bano, who picked up a copy of María García Urbano ble, which allowed us to get Euro Weekly News while saying picked up his copy of to know the culture, gastrohello to stall holders, said, Euro Weekly News. nomy and traditions of many “Estepona is an example of coexistence of the nationalities that are represented between different nationalities and the in our town.”

Foreign Residents’ Day is a good example ‘Foreign Resident of the Year’ awards of this.” were also presented by the mayor to two Asked about the more than 120 diffe- Estepona residents: Stephen Evans from rent nationalities which currently make UK and Marina Bruynooghe from Belup Estepona’s resident population, the gium. Stephen played electric guitar with mayor replied: “Actually it’s now 135 na- a group in the UK before he settled in Estionalities, all the countries in Asia, Afri- tepona where he formed Spanish bands ca, Europe and the Americas are repre- and brought his experience here. sented. It is truly a multi-cultural town.”

Marina has been resident in Estepona The day featured food from 20 coun- for 27 years and is a 400 metre champion tries including: gnocchi from Italy, tacos athelete. from Mexico, empanadas from ArgentiBut, as Deputy Mayor Begoña Ortiz na, as well as stands from Hungary, Ro- said to EWN: “All foreign residents of Esmania, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ukraine tepona are prize winners today.”

2024 Ed: 2026

Photo: Torremolinos Town Hall

2024 Ed: 2025

May

Kevin Fraser Park THE Torremolinos Triathlon broke its participation record on Sunday April 28, with 334 registered participants, 10 per cent more than in 2023.

The race started at 9am and consisted of a swim in open water at Los Álamos Beach; road cycling and finishing with a 5.2 km run along the Paseo Marítimo.

In the women’s category, first place went to the Czech international Julie Balcarova, for the third consecutive year.

In the men’s category, the first place on the podium, also for the third consecutive year, went to Alejandro Cañas.

This competition has been followed avidly by representatives and technical staff of World Triathlon and

The race included a swim in open water.

the Spanish Triathlon Federation, as Torremolinos will host the World Triathlon, Paralympic Triathlon and Aquabike World Championship Finals in October 2024.

“Many people from the province of Malaga and Andalucia have participated who will also take part in the World Triathlon which will take place here from October 17 to 20, something

we are very proud of,” said the councillor for Sports, Ramón Alcaide.

Throughout the day there was a great atmosphere in the central area of the race, with the Triathlete’s Fair and, at the end of the triathlon, the participants were able to enjoy a massage service, live music performances, food trucks, a great paella and a prize draw.

BEST OF THE YEAR

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2024 Ed: 2028

An early start Photo: Facebook / Darkness into Light

May

Darkness into Light.

EVERYONE who took part in the walk ‘Darkness into Light’, got up early on Saturday May 11. At six o’clock in the morning, the walk was held simultaneously in towns along the Costa del Sol including Mijas, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Estepona with the participation of 500 people.

This is the ninth year of the ‘Darkness into Light’ walk, five kilometres long and which aims to help prevent suicide. “We continue to work to prevent the whole issue of mental illness. I am pleased to see that today has seen something spectacular because there has been a great turn out,” said the president of Afesol, Conchi Cuevas.

The walk is an international initiative

promoted by the Pieta House Foundation and which is held on the Costa del Sol thanks to Afesol. It starts at dawn, in the dark, and ends in the light, as its name suggests.

“We go out in the dark and come back in the light to symbolise that there is darkness but that there is also light that you can see,” Cuevas said. “This is very important because there are always people who don’t see a way out,” added an Afesol worker who participated in the walk, Víctor Manuel Martín.

As another of the participants said, “You are never alone, no one is ever alone. Ask for help because people will be happy to help you.”

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

13

BEST OF THE YEAR

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PM Visits Glorious 95 2024 Ed: 2031

WITH literally a few days to go before the European Elections take place on Sunday June 9, politicians have targeted the Costa del Sol for last minute campaigning.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had planned to appear with Minister Teresa Ribera and former mayor of Sevilla, Senator Juan Espadas at a rally in Malaga City on Wedenesday June 5.

His advisors however decided that as it would potentially clash with a nearby campaign meeting being held by Vox leader Santiago Abascal that it would be better to move the venue to Benalmadena.

So in the early evening of June 5, the three politicians arrived at the Los Nadales fairgrounds in the

Credit: PSOE Spain

June

Pedro Sánchez and Teresa Ribera on the campaign trail.

knowledge that the coast from Malaga City to Estepona is a Partido Popular stronghold as is the Junta de Andalucia, so they weren’t going to be preaching to the converted.

They would also have been aware that current PP leader in the European Parliament Dolors Montserrat had the previous week spoken to committed party members at Olivia’s Restaurant in La Cala de Mijas.

For this election the

number of MEPs overall has been increased to 720, of which 61 will represent Spain which is an increase of two from the last election in 2019 where the PSOE gained 20 seats and the PP 12, but to a great extent MEPs tend to vote with European colleagues than on a country basis.

A full report covering the matters raised by the three PSOE politicians will be available on the newspaper website www.euroweeklynews.com.

Photo: Torremolinos Town Hall

14 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

95,000 people attended.

our DNA’ .

2024 Ed: 2032 P2024R I D inE ofThe town is bidding to host Euro-

June

To r r e m o linos, the first to be held after being declared an Event of Tourist Interest in Andalucia, has broken records with 95,000 people attending the event, a hotel occupancy rate of 95 per cent and an economic impact of €95 million.

This news was revealed by the Torremolinos Council on June 11 to demonstrate the incredible success of this year’s PRIDE which was held under the banner ‘Embracing cultures, building bridges. Diversity part

Pride 2027 and on this evidence of the event held between May 27 and June 2, it stands a very good chance of success.

EuroPride is the most important event for the LGTBQ+ community in Europe and is held every year in a different city. The election will take place in October 2024, during the General Assembly of the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA).

More than 40 activities formed its programme including Proud Pets Contest, Race in Heels, and hand painting for diversity.

16 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

FEATURE

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r u o Y VOICE Jingle bells or when the clock strikes twelve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

BEST OF THE YEAR

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charity gala

Photos globalgiftfoundation.org

Credit: ITAMAE, Balfegó

Sushi triumph Eva Longoria’s

Raw sushi talent brings trophy home to Malaga Province

A

YOUNG

panese restaurant in Marbella and the chef 2024 Ed: 2034 sushi challenge was to show his prowess in has been

July

voted best sushi chef in Spain at the age of just 26.

Sergio Solís from the Ta-Kumi Japanese restaurant in Marbella is still “on cloud nine” after taking the top award at the third annual Itame Balfegó, the sushi com petition for professionals in Spain.

The awards are organised by CEJE, the Japanese-Spanish Business Circle and took place on June 17 at Edifici Llotja in Barcelona.

Sergio Solís works at the Ta-Kumi Ja-

several tests with a piece of tuna loin and ventresca tuna belly. He did so with a trio of sashimi, a trilogy of nigiris and three makis.

“Almost without thinking about it, I took the plunge and in the end it turned out well,” he said. As well as the coveted title, Solís won €3,000 in cash, a trip for two to Japan and a set of Japanese knives.

From the sunsets of Malaga to the land of the rising sun, it is a huge accomplishment for the talented young chef.

Held at Don Pepe Hotel in Marbella.

actress and phi- actress and politician 2024 Ed: 2038 Malaga lanthropist María Bravo.

Eva Pedraza and aris-

July

ACTRESS, Hollywood director and model, Eva Longoria, hosted a charity gala on Saturday July 20 in Marbella’s Don Pepe Hotel in aid of The Global Gift Foundation. The Marbella resident and native Texan co-hosted the event with

This 12th annual gala event, was held again on the Costa del Sol following a succession of other events at prestigious locations including Geneva, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, Paris, London and Dubai. Other glitterati at the party included TV presenter Tom Urquhart, model,

tocrat French journalist Beatriz de Orleans.

Longoria, who shot to fame as one of the cast from Desperate Housewives, co-hosted with longtime friend, acting colleague and founder of The Global Gift Foundation, María Bravo.

Native of Malaga, Bravo grew up in extremely humble circumstances in Malaga to become one of the most glamorous personalities in the country. Longoria and Bravo first met while shooting the 2004 Hollywood film ‘Carlita’s Secret’.

The Global Gift Foundation is a humanitarian organisation founded in 2013 by Bravo with the aim of positively impacting the lives of children, women and families who are in vulnerable situations and/ or at risk of social exclusion.

The foundation began supporting external charities, until, little by little, it grew, developing its own projects.

BEST OF THE YEAR

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Starlite Gala: Will Smith auctioneer August

WILL SMITH was guest of honour at the Starlite Foundation Gala dinner and auction, hosted by Antonio Banderas and Sandra García-Sanjuán in Marbella on Sunday August 4.

The Hollywood actor flew in to Malaga at the weekend to support the star-studied charity event at the Starlite venue in Nagueles, invited as guest of honour in recognition of his long history in raising funds for charitable causes.

This 15th year of the gala event in aid of the Starlite Foundation was presented as a Mexican-themed themed party with music and fine cuisine reflecting this and a red carpet full of Spanish glitterati including comedian Carlos Latre as MC. Antonio Banderas said ‘I am very happy with the participation this year, which is dedicated to a country that I love.’

2024

On the red carpet at the Starlite Gala 2024.

The money raising for the Starlite Foundation gala dinner began with an auction of undisclosed donated items such as works of art and experiences. Will Smith comically played the role of auctioneer emulating the almost incomprehensible rapid-fire number calling in American auctioneer tradition, and as well with a valiant effort to use his best Spanish fast. Antonio Banderas, whose birthday was also being celebrated that night, gifted Smith with a Spanish guitar. ‘I can’t play guitar but I’m an actor, so I can look

19

1,000s of new jobs Credit: Fundación Starlite Instagram

2024 Ed: 2040

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

good holding it’, said Smith.

Banderas, for his part, explained to the celebrity audience his 15 years participating in the Starlite Foundation gala dinner by saying there are now 4 charitable causes that benefit from the gala dinner.

The charity Lágrimas y Favores Foundation, the palliative care cancer charity Cudeca; the Corinto Foundation which helps impoverished families in Malaga; and Banderas’ own nonprofit that raises money for sponsoring theatrical productions for up-and-coming actors and theatre specialists.

A DEAL has just been Ed: 2043 tives of the Chinese struck between the Association of AutoAugust Junta de Andalucia mobile Manufactuand the World’s birers, suggesting more ggest producer of news may follow on ‘green hydrogen’ the jobs market in to open a new Andalucia. Anofactory near ther area he has Malaga which also been prowill be the bimoting during ggest produhis trip has cer of the enbeen tourism vironmentally to Spain from friendly fuel in China, which Europe. has had a big Capable of gedrop-off since the nerating 5,000 mepandemic and which gawatts of power, the he is now attempting agreement for the new President of Junta’s visit to to recover. plant comes together Beijing.

The hydrogen plant, with another plan the largest project of to build a second 1,000 megawa- its kind ever in Europe, is looking tts factory in Huelva as well as an to supply both the EU and US maragreement to build the necessary kets with zero-emissions fuel, whimachinery in Sevilla. le at the same time, reindustrialise The news came in on Wednesday Andalucia, bringing thousands of August 28 as the President of the new directly contracted jobs and Junta, Juanma Moreno, visited the satellite employment too. Moreno technology park in Beijing, China, highlighted the fact that Andaluwhere the green energies company cia has been leading the way with Hygreen is located. zero-emissions energy production Moreno, as part of his official visit with its solar and wind farms and to China, also met with representa- now with hydrogen fuel production.

BEST OF THE YEAR

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Honoured Credit: British Embassy, Spain, Facebook

24 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Joyce Gyimah Amponsah.

2024 Ed: 2010 September

Adam Woodward CONGRATULATIONS to Costa del Sol founder and head of the Adintre Foundation, Joyce Gyimah Amponsah, who just had her work recognised with a British Empire Honorary Medal (BEM) for her services to charity.

Joyce Adintre has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to provide physical and emotional support to the homeless and vulnerable people of Fuengirola and the surrounding areas.

Her work has benefited thousands of vulnerable British citizens in tough times, becoming a key and highly respected member of the Costa del Sol community. Recognised for Adintre Foundation’s remarkable impact on the local community in Fuengirola The Adintre Foundation strives to

cover the basic needs of food, clothing and medication, among others, as well as providing psychological, social and employment support to vulnerable people. British Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott said, “I am delighted that her tireless work over the years is being recognised with this honorary medal.”

One of the tasks of the Adintre Foundation in Fuengirola and Mijas is to feed the people who most need it. Apart from supporting more than 700 adults and children with food, they also distribute clothes and medicines to those who cannot afford them. They also look after victims of abuse, old folk without income, adults and children of families at risk of social exclusion, immigrants, those who have been evicted from their homes and they attend to people with reduced mobility.

In all things they offer a dose of affection that all these people deserve.

BEST OF THE YEAR

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A 17-YEAR-OLD became the envy of all Malaga fans when football idol Kevin Medina reached out on X and silenced the bullies.

The closeness between Malaga CF players and their fans has always been strong, but on few occasions have they been quite this heartwarming. When Ismael, a teenage football mad fan of Malaga CF got a new blue and white team shirt with his favourite player printed on the back, he was so proud, he went straight to X

Noble gesture

2024 Ed: 2048 October

THE Costa del Sol has just closed its most successful ever summer season in which employment was given to almost 150,000 more people.

This was the data supplied by the President of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, at a press conference on Tuesday, October 1, who wanted to reassure everyone that Malaga ‘is not overcrowded.’

Salado emphasised that ‘the most important thing’ is the impact on employment.

The number of people with official contracts of employment increased by 6.8 percent compared to last year, with a total of 149,693 more

Credit: Kevin Medina, X

September

(Twitter) to post a photo.

What he was not prepared for was the tirade of abuse he got from others berating him for having bought a cheap copy. While practically identical, the keener-eyed X users noticed Ismael’s shirt was not an original €70 version.

Some accused Ismael of not helping the club by investing in fake merchandise. All the teen Medina gifts shirt to teenage fan.

could do was apologise and explain he could not afford an original. What happened next quietened everyone.

Ismael had hash-tagged the uploaded photo with #MálagaCF and #KevinMedina, which caught the eye of Malaga winger, Kevin Medina. On seeing the awful treatment his fan was receiving, Medina decided to reach out to the young lad. The Tweet read, ‘Relax, man. Come talk to me here whenever

25

you want. You can come here to La Rosaleda and I will give you one of my shirts.’

So on Thursday, September 5, Ismael visited the Malaga stadium, La Rosaleda, was received

by Kevin Medina and presented with a brand new authentic football shirt with Medina’s name on it.

In under 24 hours, the Malaga player had turned a bullied boy’s nightmare into the dream of most teens.

A Flourishing Economy Credit: elRoce - Shutterstock.

2024 Ed: 2045

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Tourists spent €8.7 billion.

people employed.

From May to August, 6.2 million tourists arrived in Malaga, which represents an increase of 3.1 percent compared to 2023. Added to this is the €8.7 billion they spent in businesses in the region.

At Malaga airport, there was a 10.6 percent increase in flights, a growth from 132 to 138 connected cities and a rise in the number of different airlines operating, which has also increased by 4% compared to the previous year.

Salado also made mention of the fact that there had been an extension to the high sea-

son meaning that seasonal employment too has enjoyed a further boom this year with more tourists coming to the Costa del Sol as early as May and as late as September.

The president finished with a message of economic optimism for the Costa del Sol. ‘Therefore, the summer balance is better than good, with a record number of visitors and revenues never before seen. And most importantly, with growth in employment and the general trend towards more and more de-seasonalisation, the future looks good,’

26 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

A Plea for the Homeless

Imagine losing your loved one in a foreign land where you don’t speak the language or understand the bureaucracy. For over fifty years, your partner took care of everything. Now, with no family to assist and a broken heart to deal with, you find yourself unable to cope. Unpaid rent leads to eviction, and suddenly, you’re out on the streets, alone, with only your belongings in a suitcase to your name. Imagine the terror, the horror.

How You Can Help At Euro Weekly News, we are calling on our community to assist in whatever way possible: - Donations of bedding, sleeping bags, food, and essentials We have pledged to assist Joyce Gyimah, BEM, a beacon of hope in this darkness, and her shelter in Fuengirola. Joyce is the CEO of the ADINTRE Foundation, which provides daily food and showers for the vulnerable and needy in our community. However, the foundation urgently needs funding as the number of people requiring assistance grows.

Due to staffing constraints, the shelter’s showers are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays. The dining room operates on the same limited schedule because Joyce runs the foundation, personally cooks all the meals, and manages a market stall to raise funds.

Her efforts are heroic, but she cannot do it alone.

This Christmas, we have examples of generosity to inspire us: - On December 26th, a local businesswoman, Lorraine Palmer, owner of *El Oceano Hotel*, funded a van to provide hot Christmas fayre, fruit, and water to

Joyce Gyimah Credit- Facebook/Asociación Adintre

Imagine losing your job while having children to support. One thing after another, life unravels. Your wife and children return to your homeland where assistance is available, but you stay behind, burdened by the shame of failure. Unable to face your family’s pain, you end up on the cold streets, your “Superman” status in your children’s eyes reduced to a distant memory.

Imagine struggling with alcoholism. What started as heavy drinking spirals into dependency, leaving you unable to manage your debts or responsibilities.

The streets become your only refuge as you beg for your next drink to numb the pain.

Imagine battling mental health issues so overwhelming that you can no longer function in everyday life. Your reality becomes a chaotic kaleidoscope of uncontrollable events, and the streets seem the only escape.

Imagine being in an abusive relationship where you and your children are harmed. Fleeing becomes your only option, and the streets—with all their cold, complex realities—offer the only sanctuary from a nightmare called life.

These are just a few reasons why people end up on the streets. There are countless others. Our response should be one of compassion: “There but for the grace of God go I.” With escalating rents and the rising cost of living, food is no longer a primary household expense for many, and paychecks often don’t stretch to the end of the month. Food banks are needed more than ever.

Joyce Gyimah

feed the homeless and hungry - On December 27th, Tibbi Aquila, CEO of La Scala Group, will host a three-course sit-down meal served by volunteers at the shelter’s restaurant.

These acts of kindness illustrate what is needed to keep the centre running. The goal is to have the showers and dining facilities open seven days a week, which requires continuous funding. In the coming months, we plan to organise: - Fundraising events - Collection points - A *Sponsored Sleep on the Streets Night*

La Scala Urb. Real de Zaragoza, 62B, 29604 Elviria, Marbella Spain Telf. 951 569 362 https://www. lascalamarbella.com/ El Oceano Beach Hotel Km 1026, Calle Cádiz de Torrenueva 31, 29649, Mijas Spain Telf. 952 587 550 https://www.oceanohotel.com/ Asociacion ADINTRE Calle Feria de Jerez s/n, (Entre FuengirolaTV y el Palacio de Deportes Juanito), Fuengirola, Spain Tel. 632 82 47 82 asociacionadintre@gmail.com asociacionadintre.es

**Every cent counts, and every contribution matters.** If you want to get involved as a business or individual, please call 600 583 576 for more details. If you have items to donate, email homeless@euroweeklynews.com or call 951 386 161. We will gladly provide more information.

This is the season of giving and sharing. Let’s unite to make life on the streets more bearable for those without any other refuge.

They need your kindness, and above all, they need *hope* for a better future.

Let’s start today.

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

27

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Best time to buy

OUR REF: #300818

THE housing market is booming in Fuengirola and the Costa del Sol, and there has never been a better time to invest.

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With all the amenities of a big city, the area retains its cosy, safe and familiar small-town feel

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As well, if what their customers are looking for is

become the best time to invest. There was a 17 percent increase in the value of property in Fuengirola in 2024 alone, and projections for 2025 are looking like that upward trend will shoot even higher, making now the ideal time to buy.

Your Medina Home, working from their new office in Fuengirola, with a professional and experienced team, understand the local market inside and out, as well as the challenges of moving to Spain, all of the administrative details, and pitfalls to avoid, while their personalised customer care ensures a secure and confident property-buying experience.

You can find the new Your Medina Home office in the heart of Fuengirola’s old town at Plaza de la Constitución 6, or call them on 951 620 372. Email: info@yourmedinahome.com

BEST OF THE YEAR/FEATURE

28 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

NOT since the devastating floods in 2019 experienced by the Alicante and Murcia provinces has Spain witnessed such destruction and helplessness brought on by a natural phenomenon. Just as happened then, the community needs to come together, fight back, and support those who have suffered physical and emotional losses.

People who live in the Guadalhorce Valley, for example, who have lost entire furnished homes as the

Stand together water has all but engulfed their houses, leaving what they stand in as their only possessions. Who can imagine what it must feel like to experience such an utterly shocking turn of events?

Or the fear of travelling on a train only for it to be derailed by falling rocks loosened by the rain, as happened on the outskirts of Alora?

All over social media,

there are stories and videos posted by people from our region showing cars being washed away, residents in need of rescuing as they try to get to higher ground, and numerous buildings, including the majority of schools, completely flooded.

While the Guardia Civil and other emergency services are performing an exemplary job during these

Rescued by the Guardia Civil from the Guadalhorce Valley or Devastation at Guadalhorce

unprecedented times, it is only after the extreme weather conditions have passed that we will truly know

the cost of what our region has experienced. It is then that we must stand together and help those most

affected begin to rebuild their lives.

Our hearts go out to everyone.

Marbella Moments - Here’s to us MARBELLA MOMENTS

photo credit: Esther Raez

November

Credit: X:@thandojo

2024 Ed: 2052

euroweeklynews.com

BY NICOLE KING I feel like I grew into myself in 2024.

I know who I am and not only does it feel good, it feels right. That sense of a carefree eighteen-year-old, voicing my thoughts and following my passions, with far better results perhaps than years of pleasing others’ needs first.

I can always see the good in everyone but some people in particular shine so brightly that it makes me feel very lucky to have them in my life and are worth going the extra mile. Sadly, others are not and I’ve accepted that it’s more than OK to just let them go. I’ve finally decided to trust my instincts; being true to self I’ve discovered really is the key to peace of mind and better health.

I’ve realised that although 40% of what I have on my to-do list is not yet done, it’s not something to feel guilty about as if I were honest with myself, I have accomplished far more than I had anticipated was within my capacity in the first place. It’s okay to not beat up

Friend and co-presenter Linda Greenway

on oneself all the time!

My daughter asked me once during a complicated day: Will life always throw these curve balls? The answer is yes, however, regardless of the situation, losing myself to worry and anxiety has never yet, not even once, proven to help the situation nor find a solution.

With positivity as my strategy I’m very much looking forward to everything that’s to come, above all to reaping the benefits of all my efforts and being able to spend quality time with my family and my friends and myself, often.

Here’s to a very Happy New Year everyone!

Credit: Shutertock Ground

Christmas fair

CHRISTMAS is still in the air so why not check out the the International Christmas Fair which is lighting up the Costa del Sol until December 30, bringing festive cheer and holiday magic to locals and visitors alike.

Running daily from 12 noon to 8 PM, the fair promises to be a holiday highlight, offering a mix of seasonal delights, international flair, and that unbeatable Christmas je ne sais quoi.

Where? The fair takes place at the heart of La Cala de Mijas Costa, La Cala

Boulevard, making it the perfect spot to grab some festive goodies and enjoy the community atmosphere.

For more information, call 952 58 90 10, email frd@mijas.es, or visit www.mijas.es.

If you fancy walking around the shops, sipping hot coffee, or mulled wine and eating chocolate-stuffed churros, or nibbling on some tapas, get yourself down to the Christmas market and enjoy the festive season on a high.

Soak up the atmosphere and be part of the community.

Kempinski market art fair KEMPINSKI Hotel Bahía, just outside of Estepona, has invited Helen Stanley of Champagne Lifestyle to return Saturday, December 28, to present her increasingly popular Saturday garden market and art fair.

Being held in the beautiful gardens of the luxurious hotel from 11am until 5pm, the market will feature the finest in locally produced high-end artisan products, fashion, and artworks, as well as plenty of gift ideas

and things to indulge oneself with. Organic cosmetics, handmade scented candles, fashion and accessories, unique jewellery, and an abundance of other products will be on display and for sale.

Some of the artisans with stalls include Caro Kras clothing, Tinük Jewellery, Brazilian Body Fit clothing, Martine Marbais handmade crochet bags and accessories, Little Anna for Babies, Modas Bellas Clothing, and, of

course, Champagne lifestyle accessories.

The Helen Stanley-curated market will also feature an art fair, this time featuring the extremely talented paintings of Lithuanian painter Gintaras, who both wowed and charmed market browsers in the summer market at Kempinski with his live-action painting skills.

This will be the last of Helen’s fabulous markets at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía until February.

30 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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Credit: La Sala

Malaga Blues Festival

La Sala Stays Open Late: Every Friday & Saturday Until 3AM LA Sala Puerto Banus, the ultimate spot for dining, live music, and nightlife, is excited to announce longer weekend hours. From now on, we’ll be open every Friday and Saturday until 3Am, giving you even more time to enjoy everything we’re known for.

Famous for its buzzing vibe and top-notch service, La Sala Puerto Banus is the place to be for great food, drinks,

and entertainment every night of the week. As one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular dining and nightlife destinations, La Sala retains its status as the ‘hottest table in town’ throughout the year. These extended hours mean your weekend nights just got a whole lot better!

Whether it’s a celebration or just a night out, La Sala Puerto Banus is ready to deliver an incredible weekend expe-

rience that keeps going into the early hours.

Join us this weekend!

Come along every Friday and Saturday and soak up the electric energy, great food, and lively music. Book your table now and make the most of your weekend with us.

To reserve your table, contact La Sala Puerto Banus at: reservations@LaSalaBanus. com or call 952 814 145.

From Mondays to Sundays: From 1:00pm – 4:30pm 7:00pm – 11:30pm

SUSHI made with the freshest products.

From traditional to the most avant-garde

www.misakesushi.es +34 682 37 39 37 / +34 951 51 27 26

Ctra. Mijas, Urb. Las Yucas, No. 1, Mijas – Málaga

The Gangberries, Facebook

Caroline James TO celebrate its 12th Anniversary, Malaga Blues Society presents a Blues Reunion Festival at the Clarence Jazz Club on Saturday, December 28.

Various musicians and groups representing the Malaga blues scene will be appearing along with special guests. After the performances, the special night will culminate in a huge blues jam session.

The event will feature vocals from Vicky King, Pepe Salas and Fran Pacheco. Vocals and guitar will be performed by Fran Pacheco, David Qunitero, Victor Sanchez and Paul Stylianou. On bass guitar will be Angel Quintero and Javier Martin, with

Claudio Tamer and Olmo Sanchez on the drums.

The blues bands The Gangberries, The Blues Stompers and El Trio de Saco will be performing.

Special guests at the anniversary event include Richard Ray Farrell on electric guitar, harmonica and vocals, Txaco Jones on vocals and Cristobal Oteros ‘Pobas’ on harmonica.

Tickets are available online or in person from the Clarence Jazz Club in Malaga and cost from 10 to 15 euros depending on the seat location.

This special anniversary event promises to be a real treat for blues fans and the promoters hope it will help to spread awareness of this fantastic genre in the local area.

32 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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Bite Kitchen LOCATED in the heart of Miraflores, Bite Kitchen is a fantastic addition to the vibrant culinary scene on the Costa del Sol. Open seven days a week, this charming eatery welcomes guests for all day Brunch and an evening Grill dinner menu. With a meticulously planned menu that not only is entirely gluten free, it is also well catered to other dietary and lifestyle preferences such as vegetarian and vegan - Bite Kitchen promises a dining experience that everyone can enjoy.

The festive season is particularly special at Bite Kitchen, offering a dedicated menu complete with seven festive inspired dishes, along with mulled wine and other seasonal delights. Their weekly special promotions add even more allure, such as their Wine Wednesdays, a Steak and Wine night on Thursdays, a Cocktail evening on Fridays as well as a delightful Happy Hour running Monday to Friday. Early risers can take advantage of a generous 20 per cent off during their Early Bird Breakfast which is available until 9.30am weekdays. If that’s not enough to tempt you then perhaps their popular Bottomless Brunch will, where for just €29.95, you can savour any brunch item alongside two hours of unlimited Cava, Mimosas, fresh orange juice, tea, or coffee.

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tween modern sophistication and cosy comfort, making it an ideal venue for group gatherings or meetings. With ample parking and wheelchair accessibility, this restaurant ensures a hassle-free visit for all guests. The welcoming and attentive staff further elevate the experience, exuding positivity and going the extra mile to make diners feel right at home. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and their warm, friendly demeanour ensures that every visit is memorable.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bite Kitchen is its entirely gluten-free menu. Yet, the true testament to their culinary prowess is that you’d never guess it! The dishes are so flavourful and expertly crafted that they delight even the most discerning palate. The skill of the chef and the quality of ingredients combine to create a dining experience that is truly exceptional.

see for yourself why it’s quickly becoming a favourite on the Coast!

For those seeking a gift for the foodie in their life, Bite Kitchen also offers gift vouchers, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a festive meal, a casual brunch, an evening meal, a few cocktails with friends or colleagues or simply a coffee in a relaxed yet classy setting, Bite Kitchen is the place to be. Come and

Please note Reservations are advised 648 716 162 - Opening days and hours may change over seasonal periods. Please check their website, Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.

Urb Jazmin De Miraflores, C. Jazmín | 29649 Las Lagunas de Mijas | 648 716 162

34 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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Magic Christmas park

San Silvestre fun run

Adam Woodward

SAN Silvestre Fun Run is a tradition up and down the country, celebrated on December 31. Most runners are a mixture of fitness enthusiasts and fun runners out for a bit of enjoyment with friends. It’s also an event that draws plenty of crowds to cheer on runners and to have a laugh at some of the silly costumes participants wear.

The run will be held on an urban 4-kilometre route, in which there will be no lack of good atmosphere. Both

the start and the finish line of the runners will be in the Plaza Federico García Lorca.

There will also have a charity aspect to the event.

Athletes and those who want to join the event must contribute a kilo of non-perishable food, which will be handed in on the morning of the race. That food will then be donated to charity, almost certainly the Valencia DANA fund.

Registration is free of charge via the app (Torremolinos Despega) or on the day at 10.30, with the only

main requirement to participate is to have a bit of festive spirit, and so, the usual thing is that all participants go in costume. The best outfits will be awarded prizes by the organisers. At noon, everyone had passed back over the finish line; everyone will be handed 12 lucky grapes to welcome in the new year.

The starter pistol will be fired at 11am, so arrive with plenty of time to take your running number and hand in your food donation.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella.

Credit: ChameleonsEye - Shutterstock

MAGIC Christmas Park was a huge success in 2023 in Marbella, and this year it is returning to the Antonio Serrano Lima sports complex, Jesús Cortés ‘Pori’ football ground, to spread the Christmas cheer.

With countless fun choices, the little ones will be able to enjoy this grand Christmas-themed park that is going to be open from December 27 to January 4.

There will be a synthetic ice rink, a Christmas train, inflatable rides, and an enormous slide.

The timetable is as follows: December 27: from 4pm to 8pm December 28: to 30: from 11am to 2pm / 4pm to 8pm December 31: 11am to 2pm January 1: closed January 2, 3 and 4: from 11am to 2pm / 4pm to 8pm The Antonio Serrano Lima sports complex in Marbella will become the Magic Christmas Park from Friday, December 27, until next January 4.

This enormous outdoor enclosure will give children the chance to enjoy

all kinds of children’s activities free of charge, including a synthetic ice rink, a Christmas train, and enormous bouncy castles in the form of Christmas figures such as Santa Claus, snowmen, and Christmas trees.

The Magic Park will have morning and afternoon opening times - from 11am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm -, except January 1 and 6, when it will remain closed so that the workers can have a bit of a lie-in. Friday, December 27, the official opening won’t take place take place until 4pm.

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Cuban rhythms Adam Woodward ESTEPONA fans of authentic Cuban rhythms will not resist Habana Vieja, who have been entertaining this coastline for decades.

The authentic Cuban music group formed as a result of an idea of one of its five members, Yaemil López Torres, with the aim of reviving and promoting Cuban sounds from their most original roots.

Songs including Sarandonga, Chan Chan, El Camisón de Pepa, and many others authored by the great ‘Compay Segundo’, are faithfully treated to their original arrangements by authentic Cuban musicians, along with equally talented others. They have a faithfulness to the original recordings, a stamp of authenticity among die-hard fans, a sound

that so many want to bring back. There will be no shortage of classic favourites this night.

The group’s sincere desire is to please the public, and infectiousness with their original taste of Cuba makes them known in all traditional Cuban Jazz circles.

Members: Lázaro Yoer Suarez Contino, and on vocals; Yaemil López Torres, Cuban percussion and choir; Yohany Suarez Sotomayor, double bass and choir; Erenio Ignacio Almonte Corzo, guitar and choir; and Elena González Pisonero, flute and choir.

Habana Vieja plays one night only at Huber in Estepona on Saturday, December 28, at 8.30pm. Huber takes reservations on 608 359 596. Entry (cash on the door) is just €15, and is worth every penny.

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

What to see and where to be seen in Sotogrande this New Year.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Cortijo Santa Maria & New Year’s Eve Party at IXO Tapas Bar This double-event kicks off at 8pm at SO Hotel’s elegant IXO Tapas Bar with cocktails.

At 9pm, the celebrations move to the hotel’s cortijo-style fine dining restaurant where renowned Chef Leandro Caballero will be serving up an exquisite five course dinner.

To complete the celebrations there will be a live

EWN 35

New Year Celebrations Sotogrande

Credit: Vilkasss @ Pixabay

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona. X

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DJ back at the IXO Bar where guests can dance the night away in style.

Tickets for this adults-only event cost 450 euros per adult including all food and drinks and are available now from SO Hotel Sotogrande.

New Year’s Eve Society Event SO Hotels are also presenting a family event to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel’s Society Clubhouse.

Guests will enjoy welcome cocktails followed by a delightful four course dinner with live entertain-

ment.

Tickets cost 220 per person.

New Year’s Eve at Marxa Chiringuito To celebrate New Year’s Eve with a more laid-back vibe, head to Sotogrande’s Marxa Chiringuito.

Attendees can enjoy a BBQ inspired menu, savouring a variety of grilled delights.

Again, tickets are available from SO Hotel Sotogrande and cost 300 euros per person.

New Year’s Day Roast Celebrate new beginnings in style at Sotogrande’s Society Clubhouse with a fabulous three-course New Year’s Day Roast lunch.

Tickets cost 65 euros per person, available from SO Hotel Sotogrande.

36 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Christmas market Mijas Pueblo

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Costumed New Year PLAZA de la Constitucion in Mijas Pueblo, 11 AM to 7 PM.

Pre -Christmas Sunday Lunch One Course 13.95 € / Two Course 16.95 € / Three Course 19.95 € served from 1pm to 6pm

Wishing all our customers a very

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year We are closed 24th & 30th open all other days Entertainment , quiz, amazing menu come and see us

Open 7 days a week 9:00h to 24:00h Urb Los Jarales, Calahonda, Mijas Costa, 29649 Malaga Contact: 650 988 909

Stuff your stockings with unique hand-carved wooden trinkets, cosy tree decorations, and indulgent holiday sweets. But this is just the beginning. Feeling peckish? Local cured meats and artisan goodies are ready to satisfy your festive cravings.

Don’t be a Grinch get down there!

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Coín.

Mijas Pueblo has officially decked the halls - and the stalls! The beloved Mijas Pueblo Christmas Market is back, and it’s got all the sparkle and charm to make your holidays merry and bright. It’s running until December 31, so hurry up and join the festive cheer!

Adam Woodward NEW Year’s Eve in Coín always raises an eyebrow as the whole town dresses up, in family or in groups, and eats the traditional grapes in the Plaza del Pescao with each strike of the bell at midnight.

If there is something that separates the last night of the year in Coín from other towns in the region, it is that the streets fill up from 11 at night, whereas in other places,

it is tradition to see in the new year at home and in family. Instead, thousands spill out onto the streets in their colourful costumes.

Coín’s New Year’s Eve is not a night for dinner suits and champagne dresses. In fact, it’s altogether better if you don’t wear your best clothes because of the foam canons.

Many of the more organised families and groups of friends that have participated together to prepare

their costumes will have had their family meals earlier and then met up in a garage or other secluded space to quickly dress up and get out on the street to show off their creations.

Then, the whole town meets up in the Plaza del Pescao to await the bells of the church to strike midnight and begin bolting down their twelve grapes, one by one, before the chimes end. The partying should end just in time for breakfast.

Credit: RC, Facebook.

Rocío Starry at Bonnet

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Opening timess over the festive period period, 24th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th open from 11.00am to 1.00am Reservations: (+34) 620 226 911 - Calle Olleria 20, Fuengirola Two streets behind El Puerto Hotel, 30 seconds from Fish Alley Large secure private terrace

ROCÍO Starry, one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular and talented singers is performing her Jazz, Blues, Funk, House and Soul at the Bonnet bar, Fuengirola, Saturday, December 28.

From 9.30pm, catch Rocío as she opens with some cool Jazz, moves into more floor-filling Latin sounds, and gets her set culminating in irresistible dance classics such as I wanna be like you, Hit the Road Jack, It Don’t Mean a Thing, Va-

lerie and Freed from Desire. Rocio, on this occasion will be accompanied by frequent collaborator, Alec Peña on guitar. It’s a free gig for anyone to enter.

Rocío, plays solo at the Bonnet, but you may have caught her previously singing from her huge repertoire along the Costa de Sol in ensembles, such as Amy Amy Amy Tribute Band, B4 Midnight, or Starry Jazz.

And coming up on Friday, January 24, Rocio will be returning to Bonnet with her Amy Amy Amy Tribute Band.

See Rocío Starry at Bonnet bar in the Fuengirola harbour on Saturday, December 28, at 7.30pm.

38 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Adam Woodward MALVA Beach by Besaya is a beach club chiringuito with a next-level feel of elegance and chill on La Rada beach, just far enough from the noise and masses of a busy Estepona centre, yet close enough for a relaxing stroll back into the thick of it.

Whether entering from the street or directly from the beach, with its clean lines and natural wood furnishings, the relaxed concept guarantees calmness and warmth and comfort with a level of service and cuisine worthy of any exclusive dining experience.

Malva Beach by Besaya only opened a few months ago in September 2024, a concept curated by Exe-

Sponsored by

cutive Chef Txema Palacio, which marries all the expectations of a premium dining experience to Mediterranean beach life.

It’s December, and still unusually chilly for Estepona, so we forsake the elegant terrace, sunbeds, chillout area, and luxurious Balinese beds, and opt for lunch inside overlooking an almost infinite Mediterranean, opting for mostly fish from the a la carte menu.

A delicate and finely sliced beetroot carpaccio with stracciatella and orange oil, along with red king prawn croquettes and tartar served on a quirky ceramic red prawn-shaped dish, are what catch our eye from the menu. While all the selections pay some sort of homage to

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the culture and traditions of the area, the variation in flavours guarantees a different flavour experience and a stunning attention to every detail with no exception.

For our main course, while the menu contains meat and vegetable courses, we are on the beach after all, and wood-smoked grilled fish is a must! In this case, a perfectly prepared and served turbot. Chef Txema Palacio’s concept has not attempted to overdress or decorate his selection for this serving, preferring to let the flavour and the quality of each dish speak for itself. We could have gone for sole, sea bass, sardines, or beef tenderloin, or even T-bone steak from the grill menu, all presented as-is, but we are celebrating the quality of the food here.

At Malva Beach by Besaya, the chilled-out yet elegant dining experience can be as brief or as long as one needs. The fresh seafood and shareable dishes are ideal for a leisurely lunch or indulgent dinner. The menu has a bias towards the geography and its seafood, and the carefully selected wine list features options from around the world, including a total of six Galician Albariños.

Malva Beach opens daily from 10am to midnight, guaranteeing a chilled-out and elegant dining experience throughout the day.

Av de España 2, Playa de la Rada, Estepona +34 952 11 35 56 reservas@malvabeach.es

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Celebrate New Year at OAK Firehouse & Cocktail OAK Firehouse & Cocktail invites you to a magical New Year’s celebration, filled with exquisite flavours, live music, and festive cheer.

Bid farewell to 2024 in style with OAK’s extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration. Start the evening with magnificent canapés and a Champagne toast. Indulge in a mouth-watering three-course dinner under the starlit sky, surrounded by loved ones.

The night will come alive with live music from Joey Sax and the dynamic beats of DJ Lady Jade. As the clock strikes midnight, capture the golden moment with the enchanting tunes of ‘The Piano Man Experience’ performed by Paul Maxwel.

OAK Firehouse & Cocktail is a quality steakhouse known for its rustic contemporary interior and stunning location next to La Sala Puerto Banus. Delivering a unique blend of premium grilled meats, fine wines, and exquisite cocktails, OAK offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Puerto Banus.

C. Juan Belmonte S/N Marbella 29600 +34 951 319 411 +34 620 21 33 87 info@oakmarbella.com Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mijas.

Celebrate in perfection at OAK Firehouse & Cocktail, where every de-

tail is thoughtfully designed to make your evening truly unforgettable.

Join us for the most magical moments of the season at OAK Firehouse & Cocktail. To make your reservations or for more information, please visit www.oakmarbella.com or call 951 319 411.

Free classical concert Adam Woodward FOLLOWING the success of previous years, Mijas Council is presenting again the free New Year Concert of classical music.

The Malaga Symphony Orchestra will be taking to the stage and performing the concert on December 27 at the Manuel España Theatre in Las Lagunas.

The New Year concert has become a local tradition and one of the most popular events on the Mijas calendar. This year, the concert will be performed by the Malaga Symphony

Orchestra, one of the oldest and most prestigious orchestral ensembles in the country, and the concert promises to be one of the most unforgettable nights of the year.

The concert program is composed of ‘The Wedding of Luis Alonso’ by G. Giménez, ‘The Blue Danube,’ Perpetuum Mobile,’ and ‘Trisch Trasch Polka’, ‘Polka de Caza,’ various pieces by J. Strauss, which are joined by ‘The Legend of the Kiss’ by Soutullo and Vert, ‘The Revoltosa. Prelusio’

by Chapí, ‘Can Can’ by Offenbach, and, as a final

climax, and ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ by Tchaikovsky.

The orchestra will be under the baton of Rubén Díez.

The entirely free concert at the Manuel España Theatre in Las Lagunas, Mijas, will begin at 8pm on December 27. The doors will remain open until the theatre is completely full, so plan to arrive early.

Founded in 1945 by maestro Pedro Gutiérrez Lapuente, the Malaga Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest and most prestigious orchestras in Spain

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

EWN 39

40 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025 WOK COSTA DEL SOL

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Style at WOK La Cala de Mijas

ADVERTISING FEATURE

WOK COSTA DEL SOL FOOD MENU

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LOOKING for the perfect way to welcome 2025? WOK restaurant, located in La Nuria, La Cala de Mijas, invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends and loved ones in style.

Guests will be greeted with a glass of Champagne before indulging in a carefully crafted menu featuring a delightful selection of starters, mains, and desserts. The evening promises not just exceptional food but also fabulous entertainment, as the talented Stella Poza takes the stage to keep the celebration in full swing.

Of course, no New Year’s Eve would be complete without the traditional uvas de la suerte (grapes at midnight), ensuring you ring in the New Year with good fortune and joy.

This year has been an exciting one for WOK, as the restaurant has un-

dergone an amazing makeover. If you haven’t yet visited, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the fresh, stylish ambiance and their expanded menu, which now features an impressive grill section.

The New Year’s Eve menu is priced at €110 per person, and with such a special evening planned, reservations are highly recommended.

To book your table: • Call 952 635 266 • WhatsApp 688 029 290 Don’t miss the chance to make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable. Gather your loved ones and celebrate the arrival of 2025 with exceptional food, live entertainment, and the perfect atmosphere at WOK La Cala de Mijas!

Calle de la Noria 3, 29649 Mijas

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Adam Woodward MOST towns along the Costa del Sol will be prepared to celebrate the

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last moments of 2024 and enjoy the beginning of the new year. There will be a main town square or two with music and fun and plenty of cava.

However, Torremolinos tends to party at the Plaza de la Nogalera. However, there are currently works in the square, so they may have moved the site to Av. Palma de Mallorca. As is common with the Torremolinos council, they tend to announce these things at the eleventh hour. Most years they have live music and a big tent in which everyone can gulp down the lucky 12 grapes.

In Benalmadena, the big fiesta starts at 11.30pm in the Plaza de la Mezquita, Arroyo de la Miel,

and everyone who is anyone will be there.

The New Year’s Eve party in Fuengirola once again takes place in the Plaza de España from 11pm. The goodbye for the current year will be on 31 December from 11pm and will last until 3am.

Plaza de la Iglesia will be the place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marbella on 31 December.

After the church bells strike 12, there will be live music.

Estepona always celebrates its New Year party in Plaza del Reloj at 11pm with a massive fireworks display.

Don’t forget to follow Spanish tradition and wear red underwear for good luck in 2025!

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26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

EWN 41

Videomapping Pueblosol

Caroline James

RESTAURANT Cosmopolitan Food

TAKE AWAY

OR

MANILVA’s annual Run for Moore event to raise money for cancer research will take place on Saturday, January 4 setting off from the statue on the Paseo Maritimo in Sabinillas at 10.30 am.

If you’re not quite race-fit just yet, don’t worry; participants may walk, rollerskate or cycle, whichever they prefer, making this a great family activity for the New Year.

Donations are welcomed and as usual go towards the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research.

Bobby Moore OBE was a footballer who led the England men’s senior team to their first and only World Cup victory in 1966. He was 51 when

he died of bowel cancer in 1993.

Shortly after, his widow set up The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research to raise money for bowel cancer research and increase public awareness of the disease.

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Spain, with more than 44,000 new cases in 2024. In Europe, it is the second most common cancer with more than 500,000 European citizens diagnosed every year.

David Hewitt, the local resident responsible for organising The Run for Moore event, has raised over 25,000 euros for this worthy cause.

Why not get down to Manilva’s Paseo Maritimo and join in the fun whilst helping to raise money to prevent and treat this common cancer.

NU IS A E M

Manilva Cancer Fun Run

O ALL UR

Credit: Run for Moore Facebook

BENALMADENA has brought back its ‘This videomapping is part of the counpopular videomapping shows to Pueblocil team’s plan to make Benalmadena the sol in Arroyo de la Miel to bring out the most Christmassy town in the Costa del Christmas cheer.

Sol, along with our new and extended Spectacular Christmas lighting runs Christmas lighting and festive activities,’ throughout the main shopping hubs of said Councillor for Festivities Yolanda the Costa del Sol town, along with a full Peña. calendar of festive activities.

Among one of the best light shows is in the Pueblosol square in front of the Bienestar Social building with an awe-inspiring animated videomapping show projected by lasers ILABLE F VA onto the façade of the building.

The light show can be seen on Friday, December 27, and Saturday, December 28, at 7pm, and WE DO CATERING then later at 8.30pm. Then, BRAATION CAKES & CELEBRATION DE TO T ORDE D R MADE ORDER again, the weekend shows will repeat at the same times on January 3 and 4.

Parking below the Pueblosol square is only €1, and there will be plenty of other Christmas activities Teafortwo f ttwo ozoc zo oc co Teafortwozoco BOOK BBOO OOOOKK YYO YOUR OOUR U TABLE UR to enjoy, such as music TO AV VOID DISAPPOINTMENT AVOID Teafortwo Calahond Calahonda-Mijas ndaa-Mij Mijas and a Christmas market.

647 494 111 t42 restaurant Calahonda

42 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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euroweeklynews.com II SOCIALSCENE COSTA

FOOD TOURS

Credit: Salón Verietés

Snow White WHAT better way to end the year than with Costa del Sol’s only pantomime show, Salon Varietés’ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?

Alexandra Avery, Toni-Leigha, and Owain Griffiths head a cast of extraordinarily talented local actors for a hilarious romp telling the tale of the fairest in the land. Full of all the classic panto gags and audience participation. If you have never been to a British pantomime, this for the Brits is one of the most cherished events of the year and a must to witness at least once in your life.

Snow White, currently ranked the ‘fairest in the land, has her 18th birthday coming up, officially making her an

adult. Her evil stepmother, the queen, is informed of the development by her magic mirror, and which advises her to kill Snow White. Muddles the jester and Whoopie Da Cookie get in the way of an attempt on Snow White’s life, and so she escapes into the forest, where she becomes hopelessly lost. With the Queen’s huntsman hot on her heels, she happens upon the cottage of the seven dwarfs.

Currently playing until Monday, January 6, don’t delay in getting your tickets, as this event will sell like hot Christmas cakes.

Book online at salonvarietes.com or by calling 952 474 542, or at the theatre box office between 11-2.30pm on weekdays.

Lu Gómez exhibition

IT’S CHRISTMAS LET’S TALK SHERRY

WHATEVER your preconceptions (including the idea that it was something your grandmother brought out once a year), put that aside and embrace one of Spain’s biggest triumphs and one of the most versatile food pairings you could ever have.

A fortified wine from the Jerez region of Spain, it comes in several distinct types, each with unique characteristics. Here’s an overview: Fino - Dry, light, and pale, crisp, briny, and slightly nutty, with aromas of almonds, herbs, and yeast (due to ageing under a layer of flor, a natural yeast that protects the wine from oxidation). Aged for about 3-5 years and typically served chilled as an aperitif.

Manzanilla - A variety of Fino, but lighter and fresher, with distinctive salty, maritime flavours due to its proximity to the sea. Aged under flor for several years and best served chilled, often as a light aperitif.

Amontillado - Aged Fino that undergoes further ageing without flor, which allows oxidation. Nutty, rich, and amber-coloured, with flavours of toasted almonds, hazelnuts, and a touch of caramel. It´s then exposed to oxygen, leading to a deeper, more complex flavour profile. Mainly served slightly chilled as an aperitif, but it also pairs well with richer foods.

Oloroso - Fully oxidized, with no flor used. Dark, rich, and complex, with flavours of dark fruits (raisins, figs), nuts, spices, and sometimes a hint of leather or tobacco. It has a fuller body than Amontillado. Aged for an extended period it takes on a deeper, darker color and richer flavors. Typically served at room temperature it pairs well

with hearty foods like meats, cheeses, and stews.

Palo Cortado - A rare type of sherry that starts life as a Fino or Amontillado but undergoes a transformation during ageing, developing characteristics of both Amontillado and Oloroso.

Complex, it can have flavours of dried fruits, nuts, and subtle spices and has a deeper, more complex profile.

Cream Sherry - A sweetened blend, often made by combining Oloroso with a sweet wine such as Pedro Ximénez. Sweet, smooth, and rich, with flavours of dried fruit, caramel, and chocolate. Can be served chilled as a dessert wine or with rich, sweet dishes.

Pedro Ximénez (PX) - A very sweet, dark, and viscous sherry made from the Pedro Ximénez grape. Intensely sweet, with flavors of raisins, figs, molasses, and chocolate. It’s often described as syrupy and rich. Often served chilled as a dessert wine or drizzled over desserts like ice cream or fruit-based dishes.

Credit: color in my soul 5 - Instagram.

Adam Woodward CONTEMPORARY artist Lu Gómez, from Malaga, is exhibiting her paintings at the Casa de Las Tejerinas until January 15.

The exhibition, which consists of 13 canvases with women as their subjects, will be open from Tuesday to Friday, from 9am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, and entry is free.

María Lourdes Gómez Ruíz (Lu Gómez), born in Málaga in 1965, defines herself as a painter and passionate about artistic representation. A contemporary artist with a long career on the international art scene, colour is the main axis of her works. In this particular

collection, it is the female subject who plays the protagonist in a variety of different forms. The common theme linking each image is woman in nature.

Through striking colours and the female figure, there is a representation of the relationship between spirituality and the natural environment. The painter questions the history, origin, meaning, and authenticity of life, transmitting perceptions that transcend her work, offering those who admire them alternatives to question their existence and that of the natural world around them.

The exhibition lasts throughout the Christmas period and is a good stop-off point on a festive stroll around the town.

Casa de las Tejerinas, Plaza de las Flores, Estepona, until January 15.

So, there you go, sherry in a nutshell !!

SOCIALSCENE II euroweeklynews.com

One half of Viva la Diva with singing partner Melissa Carver, and now starring in the lead role of this year’s Salón Varietés Theatre’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, took the time to chat with Euro Weekly News about 2024 and what she is keeping her fingers crossed for in 2025.

Credit: Salon Vikingos, FB.

EWN: What was your

Salon Vikingos new chapter SALON Vikingos opened just 3 years ago in the village of Alhaurín el Grande and instantly raised the bar among restaurants.

The pair who took on a greasy spoon and then curated it into a culinary diamond, have enjoyed so much success, they are now ready to move to bigger premises.

Apart from the charm of the narrow corner

building on the village’s main square, the exquisite fare on offer is as visually creative as it is worthy of a Michelin mention. Owners Tim and Gary are one of eatery’s the main draws. It is rare to find such warmth and authentic dedication to the customer experience as one does in Salon Vikingos.

Consistent 5-star reviews on Google and 5 points on Tripadvisor,

EWN 43

Ring in 2025 with Elegance and Style at Vista Lago’s Blue Label Restaurant

Credit: Viva la Diva.

SINGER, actress, and popular personality in the Costa del Sol community, Toni-Leigha Dempsey has gone through a low, but mostly highs in 2024 as her career in entertainment has gone from strength to strength.

happiest moment in 2024?

Toni-Leigha: My happiest moment in 2024 will have been picking up a copy of Essential Marbella Magazine, the May 24 edition, and seeing me and Melissa on the front cover of it. They dedicated a two-page spread to us talking about our lives and careers. It was wonderful!

EWN: How about the worst thing?

Toni-Leigha: The worst thing was losing my grandad back in March.

EWN: What are you planning to do on New Year’s Eve? Toni-Leigha: Melissa and I are performing. We are at La Sala in Marbella from 8pm to 10pm

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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and then we are moving onto Cyrano in La Cala for 11pm onwards. Get yourselves there!

EWN: If you could make a wish for 2025, what would it be?

Toni-Leigha: My wish for 2025 would be to stay busy with Viva la Diva but learn how to work smarter and not harder.

This unforgettable evening promises to be an exceptional celebration, blending fine dining, entertainment, and festive cheer in the perfect setting.

Your evening begins with a warm welcome of cava and canapés, setting the tone for an indulgent night ahead.

The centrepiece of the celebration is a sumptuous four-course menu designed to impress even the most discerning palates. Savour the rich flavours of Lobster Bisque, followed by Monkfish and the elegant Fillet Wellington. Conclude your culinary journey with a delightful selection of desserts. Throughout dinner, draught beer, wine, and water will flow freely, ensuring a flawless dining experience.

Once dinner concludes, it’s time to hit the dance floor! Be entertained by

the captivating Alexandra Avery, whose performance will lead seamlessly into an upbeat set by our DJ. As the clock strikes midnight, join us for the traditional Spanish custom of eating 12 grapes and raising a toast with cava to welcome the New Year.

Priced at €170 per person, with children under 12 at half price, this exclusive event is the perfect way to start the year with loved ones and create magical memories.

Reserve your place now and ensure your New Year’s Eve is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember at the Blue Label Restaurant!

Calle Tranco 4, 29649 Mijas Reservations 951 152 524

the Salon Vikingos varying menu offers up visually stunning dishes with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Tim, an ex British Airways First-Class steward, who had travelled the world and stayed in the best hotels, knew exactly what was missing in Alhaurín when they took on a greasy spoon café and transformed it into the best restaurant in town.

Now, due to their popularity, they are about to embark on a far more ambitious project in Calle Gerald Brenan. Their 120-diner pre-opening night for New Year’s Eve was booked out in just 3 days. The full opening is hoped to be in early January 2025.

We wish the guys the best of luck. And while the name may change, Tim and Gary will always be Vikingos to us.

NEW YEAR´S EVE GALA DINNER Cava & Canapés on arrival three course choice menu, wine, beer, water during dinner Lucky grapes & Cava @ midnight Entertainment with Alexandra Avery followed by a Dj

€170 per person

visit us

children under 12 half price also open bar from 23.00-1.00

For reservation 951 152 524 Calle Tranco,4 29649 Mijas ( formerly Vista Lago )

44 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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Spirit of Christmas

Credit. Pixel-Shot - Shutterstock.

Adam Woodward MUSICAL theatre, fun and games for all the family in Estepona on Saturday, December 28, at the Felipe VI Auditorium, and all for a great cause.

At 6pm on Saturday, December 28, Felipe VI Auditorium will open its doors for a family fun treat which will raise money for the Red Cross and their efforts in DANA-stricken Valencia.

‘El Espiritu de la Navidad’ combines interactive games and Christmas songs to create a magical and unforgettable experience for the kids and all the family. This fun event combines art and social commitment, as proceeds go to Estepona Red Cross in support of vulnerable families. It is a unique opportunity to have festive fun with

the whole family while contributing to an important cause.

Plot: In a world where summer has made Christmas disappear, Santa Claus faces a desperate situation as the reindeer cannot fly and gifts are not delivered. Two brave goblins, Coco and Galleta, decide to take action to reclaim and restore winter. Coco and Galleta, seek to recover the Christmas spirit, despite facing constant sabotage by the Grinch, their friendship and determination prevail. Will they successfully restore winter and the magic of Christmas?

Advance sale of tickets (€8 + fees) at wegow.es, and at the ticket office of the Felipe VI Auditorium on the day of the event from one hour before doors open.

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIALSCENE THE Automobile and Fashion Museum (MAM) in Malaga has just opened a fascinating new temporary exhibition under the title ‘Novecientosonce. Porsche, la leyenda’ (911, Porsche Legend).

The exhibition offers a unique tour through the history of the iconic Porsche, from its conception in 1963 to the most up-to-date and cutting-edge versions of today.

The exhibition presents a journey through the eight generations of the legendary German model, making the MAM (Museum of Automobiles and Fashion) an absolute must for motorsport lovers this Christmas holiday.

The exhibition can be visited with a regular entrance ticket for the museum until January 7, 2025.

The legend of the Porsche 911, the world’s most iconic road-legal sports car, began at the Frank-

Credit: MAM

Porsche legend furt International Motor Show on September 12, 1963. There, Porsche presented the successor to the 356 model, initially called the 901. With a six-cylinder boxer engine and 130 hp, it marked a qualitative leap for the brand.

However, due to a commercial rights dispute with Peugeot, the model was renamed as 911 in 1964, quickly establishing its name as an authentic sports

car and exceeding the expectations of speed enthusiasts. Since then, the Porsche 911 has maintained its position as a world icon.

Nowadays the 911 range goes up to 650 hp and can reach speeds of up to 330 kph.

The ‘Novecientosonce. Porsche, la leyenda’ exhibition continues until January 7 at the MAM, Avenida de Sor Teresa Prat, 15, Málaga.

Spikes Bar & Bobby Jones Restaurant WE ARE OPEN TO ALL LL

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Bowing out

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

Drink up

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

Yes and no

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

Jobs lost

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

Second attempt

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

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

STAT OF WEEK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

€36 billion

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

Growing pains

Inside story Photo credit: X-Joshua Huminski

BUSINESS EXTRA

euroweeklynews.com • 26 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025

LONDON PROTEST: UK farmers demonstrating on December 11

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

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

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

Flying high

Photo credit: aireuropa.com

FINANCE

46

AIR EUROPA: Airline predicts record revenues for 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

Bare minimum

Losing patience

Favouritism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINANCE

48 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 23 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

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

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

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

0.8278 1.0401

1.2079

0.9319 7.4585 11.782 11.485 Contact our team of currency experts

+34 952 906 581 currenciesdirect.es

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 23 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

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

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 23 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

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

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

FINANCE

euroweeklynews.com

Other plans

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

Saga continues

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

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

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

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

49

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

BUSINESS EXTRA

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

llion).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

50 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

FEATURE/NEWS

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.

euroweeklynews.com

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

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

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

EWN 51

Take small steps Remedies STICKING to a New Year’s resolution can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s achievable.

Start by setting specific, realistic goals. Instead of saying, “I’ll exercise more,” try “I’ll work out for 30 minutes, three times a week.” Clear, actionable goals are easier to follow and measure.

Break your resolution into small, manageable steps. Big changes can feel overwhelming, so focus on gradual progress. Celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated.

Track your progress regularly. Whether you use a journal, app, or calendar, keeping yourself accountable helps you stay on track. If you stumble, don’t give up - reflect on what went wrong and get back on course.

Build a support system by sharing your resolution with friends or family. They can encourage you and

keep you motivated.

Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. Change takes time, and consistency is key.

With patience,

commitment, and a positive mindset, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your New Year’s resolution.

old and new

HANGOVERS have plagued humanity for centuries, and while modern cures focus on hydration and nutrition, Victorian remedies offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. In the 1800s, people swore by unusual treatments like ‘sober-up soup’ made with cayenne pepper, ginger, and warm water to stimulate the senses, or the more peculiar raw eel broth, believed to replenish strength. Another curious option was sipping pickle juice, an electrolyte-rich practice still used today.

Fast forward to the present, and science has refined our at-home cures. Start with hydration - plain water or

coconut water helps replenish lost fluids, while electrolyte drinks combat fatigue. Eating a nutritious breakfast rich in eggs, bananas, or whole grains can stabilise blood sugar and replenish depleted nutrients. Ginger or peppermint tea helps soothe nausea, while sleep remains one of

the most effective cures, allowing your body to recover.

For a modern twist on Victorian wisdom, try a home-made bone broth or pickle brine shot to regain balance. Ultimately, the best remedy is prevention - hydrating before bed may save you the headache entirely!

52 EWN 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

What do they Beauty trends to take into 2025 really mean?

TRYING to loose those few extra pounds after the festive period can be difficult enough and understanding what’s actually in diet products can really help.

Sugar-free means the product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. However, sugar is often replaced with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or sugar alcohols (eg, xylitol, erythritol). While these reduce calorie intake, some sweeteners can cause digestive discomfort in large amounts, and the long-term effects of certain artificial options remain debated.

Fat-free means the product has less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving. To compensate for flavour loss, manufacturers often add sugar, salt, or thickeners, which can increase calories or cause spikes in blood sugar.

While these alternatives can be beneficial for people managing conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, they’re not inherently ‘healthy’. Overconsumption of processed sugar-free or fat-free products can still contribute to health issues.

Opting for whole, unprocessed foods with natural fats and sugars, like fruits, nuts, and yoghurt, often remains the better choice for dieting and overall health.

AS we start 2025, beauty trends are set to blend innovation with sustainability, focusing on self-expression, inclusivity, and conscious choices.

Skinimalism continues to reign supreme as people simplify routines, prioritising healthy, glowing skin over heavy make-up. Expect a rise in multi-purpose skincare products, like tinted SPF moisturisers and nourishing serums that combine actives for efficiency.

Tech-Driven Beauty is evolving with AI-powered skincare consultations and personalised formulations tailored to individual needs. Devices such as ultrasonic skin scrubbers and at-home microcurrent tools are making high-tech treatments more accessible.

In makeup, bold, vibrant hues return, with statement eyes, graphic liners,

and holographic finishes leading the way. Meanwhile, natural brows and dewy, hydrated complexions emphasise effortless beauty.

Sustainability remains central. Brands are championing eco-friendly packaging, refillable products, and waterless formulas, meeting the growing demand

for planet-conscious beauty.

Finally, inclusive beauty continues to expand, with brands offering more diverse shades and products designed for all skin types and tones.

2025 will be all about expressing individuality while embracing smarter, cleaner beauty practices.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

Glitz, glam & sparkle RING in the New Year with dazzling makeup looks that capture the spirit of celebration. This season, it’s all about adding glitz, glam, and sparkle to ensure you shine as bright as the fireworks.

Glitter Eyes remain a top trend for New Year’s celebrations.

Sweep shimmering gold, silver, or jewel-toned glitter across your lids for a bold, eye-catching statement. Pair it with winged liner and dramatic lashes to elevate the look.

For those who love subtle glam, opt for a glossy skin finish with a luminous highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, and nose. This dewy glow keeps you radiant as the clock strikes midnight.

Metallic Lips are perfect for adding a festive edge. Shades of ruby red, copper, or plum with a metallic finish bring glamour to any outfit.

If you’re feeling bold, try gemstone accents.

Podiatry AT the El Campanario Clinic we give you the help you need so much for the health of your feet.

Regardless of the type of problem or condition. In our Medical Centre in Calahonda you can receive the service of general, child, sports, work, preventive and geriatric podiatry.

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, Sitio de Calahonda, Malaga. +34 952 933 377 #clinicamedica #clinicamedicacalahonda #especialistasmedicosmalaga #cliniccalahonda

EWN 53

BEST OF THE YEAR

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Malaga flood hero “The viral moment that captured a city’s heart”

2024 Ed: 2055

Credit: MK, Facebook.

54 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

November

MANSOUR KONTE, the young man who went to the rescue of a Malaga woman in the floods on November 13 , has been applauded as a hero of the city by Mayor Francisco de la Torre.

On Wednesday, November 13, a woman was trying to get home walking along Calle Héroe de Sostoa in the centre of Malaga when floodwaters rose almost up to her knees.

She entered into a state of shock in front of the Repsol petrol station fixed to the spot with fear only a short time after the horrific images of the floods in Valencia.

Local residents shouted from windows to move out of the rising waters, but she could not move. After that, 19-year-old Mansour waded out to her, picked

Mansour rescues terrified woman from Malaga floodwaters.

her up in his arms, and carried her to safety.

Cheers and applause rang out in the street from neighbours on their balconies and from windows. Mansour, a refugee from Guinea now living in the same Malaga street, melted the hearts of his neighbours as he chivalrously helped the woman out of the rising flood waters.

Video footage taken by people on their balconies went viral, instantly provoking the mayor of

Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, to give the young immigrant a video call in French, Mansour’s mother tongue.

Moved by the video footage of Mansour’s act of kindness, Marta Azcón, a businesswoman from Leon in northern Spain, reached out to the young African and offered him a job in her company. It is not known if Mansour will accept the position, but in any case, in Malaga, he will always be known as the Héroe de Sostoa.

euroweeklynews.com

BEST OF THE YEAR

Santa spotted in Fuengirola 2024 Ed: 2056

“Holiday hero hits the Coast”

SANTA CLAUS has just finished his long holiday in Fuengirola and has taken his sled back to Lapland to receive visits from children from all over the world, but not before finding time for an interview with the Euro Weekly News..

Yes, that’s right. Santa Claus. The real one.

It’s hard work being Santa, and he likes nothing more than spending his free time supping on a pint of the black stuff down at Christy’s in Fuengirola.

One of the things he told us was not only does he chat with starry-eyed children in English, but he also communicates in sign language with deaf kids too.

“I was hired as a semi-professional magician until the new bosses didn’t want a magician anymore. So the old Santa in Lapland chose me when he retired. I asked him why and he said, ‘Well, look at your physique!’

“I’m given a manifest with each child’s details, what they want for Christmas, and where they are from. Not even the parents

Credit: Seamus

December

Santa heads back to Lapland for the festive rush.

realise I know sign language. When they can see that, they are gobsmacked and put their phones down. Then I ask, ‘Do you have a letter for Santa?

They never do, because the elves have already taken them. Then, with some flash powder, there’s a puff of smoke, and the letters appear in my hand.

“We asked Santa if he ever had many really naughty children. ‘Once or twice.’

‘You’re not a real Santa!’ They say, and pull on my beard. ‘Give it a good tug while you’re there, won’t you? I say. Then they behave themselves’.

“Now, I can’t wait to get back to Christy’s in Fuengirola and take Paul’s Tomahawk Challenge. I’ll miss his famous Christmas shirts he wears in December, though.’

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

55

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68

58 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

FEATURE

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• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers • Costa Blanca North

Costa Blanca South

Benefit Concert

Sun, sand and success

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

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

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

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.

Axarquia

Almeria

One train away

Spirit of giving

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.

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

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

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

Mallorca

Costa Calida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Record-breaking charity

Helicopter rescue

• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •

BEST OF THE YEAR

Coin resident Strikes it Rich

“With €3 Million Lottery Win” Denmark, Iceland, 2024 Ed: 2057 tvia, Estonia, Hungary, SloDecember

A RESIDENT of Coin has won the ONCE Eurojackpot lottery prize of more than €3 million, with a second place prize ticket. The lucky person has taken more than €3 million and was just one number away from winning the €120 million jackpot.

José Antonio Del Río, ONCE ticket seller in Coin, sold the lucky person the ONCE ticket and blessed Coin with this lucky piece of pre-Christmas luck.

For Friday, December 6, the European mega draw of the Eurojackpot still has the massive rollover prize of €12 million up for grabs. The Eurojackpot is on sale in Spain and 18 other countries around Europe, including Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway, Lithuania, La-

vakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Greece, with a guaranteed minimum top prize of €10 million.

The tickets are sold by 20,500 authorised sellers around Spain, as well as at participating shops and online.

The last big win in the Malaga Province was in November 2024 when half a million euros was won among a group of 10 neighbours in Estepona. As well, one seller, Juan Francisco Gómez, sold 10 coupons that paid out €50,000 each at his point of sale in Calle Real, Malaga.

The National Organisation of the Spanish Blind (ONCE) is a non-profit organisation That raises money for its social activities helping blind people and other disabilities throughout Spain.

It currently has over

Credit: JADRR, Facebook

Jose Antonio Del Rio Rivero, lottery seller.

72,000 members, of which 87 per cent are people with severe visual impairment and 13 per cent people with total blindness. Many of the street sellers of the ONCE lottery tickets are also with visual impairments or other disabilities which impede them from qualifying for many other jobs.

As the organisation is total non-profit, the charity is given exceptional status for running the lottery and permission at a wider range of sales points.

euroweeklynews.com

Santa bikers in Marbella “Motorcycle gang to accompany Father Christmas”

2024

THE streets of Marbella trance to Marbella.

Ed: 2058 will be filled with Santas The route will be monitoon Wednesday, Decemred at all times by the Local December ber 18 at 6pm, with 100 Police to ensure the event biker Santas following runs as smoothly as it has in around the real Santa Claus as he previous years and should be an unforgreets all the waiting families along gettable experience for both bikers and the route. spectators, but there’s no guarantee for This quirky Christmas parade has your eardrums. been organised by Yolanda Marin from Los Mentirosos are one of the biggest Marbella Council in collaboration with and oldest biker clubs in Marbella, hathe local motorcycle club ‘Los Mentiroving been organising biker rallies, chasos’ (The Liars). rity events and riding together to naThe head of the club, Carlos Cecilia, tional and international biker festivals said he happily offered the support of since 1992. his members to ‘create a magical experience for small children as they pass by’.

If you are an avid biker with any kind of motorcycle and would love to join the festive and extremely noisy parade, the spectacle is also open to motorbike owners not already in the club. All riders have to do is add Christmas decorations to their chopper, scooter, scrambler, or whatever two-wheeled motor vehicle it is and get into the Christmas spirit!

The Route: Father Christmas and his biker crew will be taking a route starting from Bulevar Pablo Ráez from 6pm on December 18 and cruising around the city streets, ending up at Motoclub Los Mentirosos (2023) . the iconic Arco de Entrada at the enMotoclub Peña Los Mentirosos, FB

60 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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FEATURE

INTERVIEW

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

“I’m a very spontaneous person, I’d She’s also a member of the Fire and completed my second degree and came Rain show where she’s teamed up with over for a break, I just didn’t get back Dragon Girl, Natasha Oliver, a fire on the return flight.” performer and dancer to Rainnaídh says she lobring incredible shows ves Spanish culture: to the Costa Blanca.

“The Spanish are Like the icons so welcoming and show, a fire perforrelaxed about mance combined everything… and with an homaI’m a night owl, I ge to the women like the culture of who’ve shaped eating late in the pop music over the evening and that the last 40 years both food is about spenspectacular and not Photo Credit: Rainnaídh O’Connor ding time with family to be missed.

A busy life in Spain as and friends.”

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

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

Stewart.

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

61

Don’t blame it all on red underwear!

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

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

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

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

Both are talismans of good luck.

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

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

NORA JOHNSON

senting a

BREAKING VIEWS

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

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.

62

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Shutterstock Beton Studio

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 26 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025

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

For dogs, consider durable chew toys or interactive puzzle feeders that challenge their minds and keep them entertained. Cosy blankets or orthopaedic beds can provide extra comfort, especially for older dogs. If your pup enjoys outdoor adventures, a new leash, harness, or winter jacket could make the perfect gift.

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

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.

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.

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

If you use HouseSitMatch you find free checked petsitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring 2.

Join for as little as £89/€99 per year for your pets young and old in your absence. It’s a hou3.

Create a profile with photos of your pets and se-sitting arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchan- home 4.

Post an advert for the dates when you want to ge of services - Free accommodation for free pet care! go away.

Sitters apply and you choose.

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked How does it work?

All members are checked for safety, and you choose Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. absence.

House-sitters see your advert, respond and you chooYour pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routi- se from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent nes are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a for you and your pets.

If you’re travelling in 2025 join now and get organised great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process. today: 1.

Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.

Pat Creighton, Pet owner. com How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

SERVICES

euroweeklynews.com AIR CONDITIONING

CLEANING SERVICES

AWNINGS

DANCE CLASSES

CONSTRUCTION

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

GATES

ES

AD H S F O ACE

MECHANIC DRAINS

PROPERTY SERVICES

DAMP PROOFING

WINDOWS

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

63

64 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

SERVICES

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REMOVALS & STORAGE

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SERVICES

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

REMOVALS & STORAGE

WINDOWS

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65

euroweeklynews.com

MOTORING

26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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The all-new Škoda Elroq ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack ŠKODA’S founding fathers Václav 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 Favorit and the Pick-up, were sold first in Switzerland and later in other European countries.

The modern era of electric mobility 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.

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

the compact SUV category, with a maximum range of up to 579km/360 miles. Its standard equipment includes a rear-view camera, Blind Spot Detection and SmartLink. Elroq prices start from €37,952/£31,500.

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

three different battery sizes and powertrains outputs start at 170 PS for the entry-level 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 different apps.

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

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.

SPORT

72 26 December 2024 - 1 January 2025

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.

Credit: Shutterstock, Sodel Vladyslav

Football piracy blow

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

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

euroweeklynews.com

Padel fastest growing game

Credit: BearFotos - Shutterstock.

Padel pairs game

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

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

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

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

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

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