Costa del Sol 28 Dec 2023 – 3 Jan 2024 Issue 2008

Costa del Sol • Issue No. 2008 • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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ILMAINEN

GRATIS

Photo: Manilva Town Hall

BOXING DAY SWIM

turn to Page 2 MANILVA BEACH: Almost 100 swimmers took part.

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BEST OF THE YEAR PAGES 7 - 18

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

Real estate boom 300 toys Latest fire is possible arson

THE housing market leads the economy in Malaga. The province of Malaga continues to generate economic activity at an excellent rate, with the construction sector at the forefront of expansion due to the enormous strength shown by the housing market.

Data compiled each year by the National Statistics Institute (INE) reports Malaga as the third Spanish province with the highest number of active business establishments operating in the real estate and construction sectors, behind only Madrid and Barcelona.

Specifically, the province currently has almost 14,600 businesses dedicated to real estate activity and a further 12,200 working in construction, figures that have been increasing steadily in recent years and Malaga has now overtaken both Valencia and Alicante.

By municipalities, Malaga City and Marbella are the ones with the highest sales figures and some 10,500 operations have been registered up to September by foreign buyers in the province, which represents nearly 40 per cent of the total number of sales and purchases.

THE Municipal Water Company of Benalmadena (Emabesa) and Innoben have donated more than 300 toys to the Social Welfare Department of Benalmadena Council.

Emabesa has donated a batch of new toys worth €2,289 and Innoben has contributed a batch of new toys worth €1,979; two donations to ensure that all children can enjoy gifts on the magical night of the Three Kings.

“I would like to thank, in addition to these organisations, the collaboration of all the associations, groups and neighbours in general, who have collaborated in the collection of non-perishable food and toys so that we can all enjoy these holidays, especially the little ones”, said mayor of Benalmadena, Juan Antonio Lara.

FIRE broke out in a restaurant in the Cristamar shopping centre in Puerto Banus in the early hours of Wednesday morning, December 27. Emergency services received the first call around 6am and to date there were no reports of any injuries.

Flames were seen shooting out from inside the premises in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Despite the shocking images, there is no evidence of any injuries, although the building has been completely burnt, according to the fire brigade. The fire appears to have broken out in a Colombian restaurant called Sabor Latino Puerto Banús, located in the Avenida de las Naciones Unidas.

The same shopping centre was already the target of a shooting this summer, so it’s possible this latest incident is an arson attack linked to criminal organisations in an ongoing feud.

Coincidentally, fire also

ABLAZE: Flames were seen shooting out from inside the premises.

Photo: Twitter X / @niporwifi

broke out in a car dealership near the area a couple of hours earlier, although in this case the damage

was only to the front of the premises. The fire brigade and police will continue to investigate.

From Front page

Swimming for charity THE mayor of Manilva, José Manuel Fernández, was present at the traditional Boxing Day swim for a good cause, organised by the St George’s Charitable Society, held on the beach in front of La Luna bar on the Sabinillas promenade with almost 100 hundred swimmers braving the sea.

The mayor handed over a donation, the total proceeds of which will go to the Duquesa Charitable Society of St George in their Christmas campaign. The St George Charity was founded at the beginning of 2013 to provide funding, equipment and services to worthy causes within the local community.

The event, supported by the Manilva Town Hall, through the area of Resident Foreigners, directed by Dean Shelton and Civil Protection Manilva, has become an unmissable event in the town and which this year, was blessed by spring-like weather.

Photo: Manilva Town Hall

BOXING DAY: Swimming for a good cause.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

NIBS EXTRA The ‘Fat One’

EL GORDO winners took home a total of €2.8 million in Malaga Province with four winners in the capital sharing the jackpot.

There were another two prize winners in Benalmadena and Ronda and, in San Pedro Alcantara, the sales office in Calle Córdoba reported two further prizes had been won.

No beach bar

THE Junta de Andalucía has refused to grant a company a concession to occupy some 300 square metres of land and build a large beach bar in the coastal area of Guadalmina, in San Pedro Alcantara saying the area is “especially sensitive” and a protected area.

Wind storm

WORKERS from Marbella Council had to deal with more than 60 incidents as a result of the strong gusts of wind last week, most of them due to fallen trees on public roads, with more than 100 workers between Parks and Gardens, Cleaning, Local Police, Fire and Civil Protection working to restore normality.

400 kilos

SOME 300 runners took part in the kilo race in San Pedro, an event that celebrated its 11th edition and raised approximately 400 kilos of food for the needy at Christmas. A flat 1,500-metre course along Sampedra boulevard, was enjoyed with the family and in fancy dress, combining sport and charity.

Tolls rise

2024 brings the usual rise in motorway tolls including the AP-7. The law allows for an increase of 8.4 per cent, but the government decided to limit it to 4 per cent which means to travel from Malaga to Estepona in high season, it will increase from the current €13.70 to €14.25.

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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A New Year’s Message for Readers: 123

YOUR EWN HAS

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Dear reader

AS we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the dawn of 2024, it’s impossible to ignore the trials and tribulations that marked the past year. 2023 was a year of unrest, unhappiness, and pain for many around the world. In these challenging times, most of us living in adopted lands do not discriminate based on country or religion; we simply witness the pain and suffering that surrounds us.

Our collective hope for 2024 is that it brings the greatest gift humanity can offer one another: peace, free from conflict and war.

Another significant issue that has been amplified in recent times is loneliness. Many of us find ourselves in new countries, with language skills and cultural knowledge, but lacking extended family and deep friendships forged over a lifetime of occasions and happenings. In an era dominated by online interactions, from shopping to banking, cultivating meaningful friendships has become increasingly challenging, pushing loneliness to epidemic levels.

I, too, have experienced the depths of loneliness recently. My life partner, my best friend, my soul mate, Steven, fell ill, leaving me to navigate the holiday season alone.

Christmas Day, once filled with joy and celebration, became a sombre reminder of his absence. The world seemed colourless, the finest food tasted bland, and even the music I loved couldn’t lift my spirits or get my toes tapping. Loneliness enveloped me, and I gained a profound understanding of what many of my readers endure.

Yet, one of the reasons I cherish living in Spain is the strong sense of community that surrounds us all. There are numerous organisations and social groups filled with kind-hearted people who strive to combat loneliness. However we can all do more - we can can all play a part in this effort. We can visit a neighbour for a cup of tea, strike up conversations in unexpected places, and put down our phones to

Clean beaches

engage with others.

If you haven’t made a New Year’s resolution yet, let’s make one together: let’s step out of our front doors, smile at strangers - let’s make it at least five people every day, and start a conversation with one person we don’t know yet. Imagine if we all took a moment to slow down and connect - it would be marvellous.

Obviously we believe in the value of community newspapers, especially the Euro Weekly News but we respect every community newspaper that keeps us connected and informed about our surroundings, local charities, and social clubs. Even in this digital age, nothing beats the feeling of picking up your newspaper every Thursday. It’s ‘the people’s paper’ for a reason. So in this coming year let’s

transform this community into the ‘chattering, caring coast’.

A coast where people come to live as strangers within us but become friends with ease - let’s make this our mission to assist this integration with ease. Therefore in closing 2023 let’s unite in our prayers for world peace and an end to suffering. But more than that, let’s commit ourselves to eradicating the pandemic of loneliness, often exacerbated by our virtual world. Let’s become a community where caring and conversation reign, a place where we’d all love to live.

Here’s to a hopeful and joyous 2024, and a heartfelt wish for Mr E’s speedy recovery who i am missing dearly, but I now know the true value of the support given by our community during these trying times.

THANK YOU

e in the world.

we wish to se ge an ch e th be 's let d an r, ea Y ew N Happy

MIJAS has carried out cleaning and repopulation of its marine coastline at El Chaparral beach. Two hundred species of lotus, thistle and sea fennel, which hardly need watering to survive, have been used.

The work is being carried out to clean up invasive plant species, planting plant species typical of the Mijas ecosystem, removing plastic and other waste found on the sand, as well as re-establishing the cordon on the sandbanks in the process of restoration.

Zurich insurance company has contributed to this sustainable initiative with the involvement of agents and executives of the company in the different cleaning tasks, as well as in the contribution of almost 200 plants for the repopulation of the area.

Mijas councillor for Beaches and Environment, Daniel Gómez Teruel, thanked the company for choosing the Mijas coastline for the repopulation of native marine plants and explained that they have chosen, “lotus, thistle and sea fennel because they are very hardy plants that withstand climate change which, unfortunately, we are suffering in this area of Spain.”

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

THANKS to the collaboration with the Spanish Tourist Office in Zurich and Turismo Andaluz, the Costa del Sol Tourist Board has been able to arrange meetings with Swiss professionals in the Swiss cities of Geneva, Basel and Zurich to promote the province of Malaga as a tourist destination.

Margarita del Cid, CEO of Turismo Costa del Sol, said that, “the participation of our entity Turismo Costa del Sol in this roadshow has been a great opportunity to promote our province of Malaga in the Swiss market and, above all, to establish synergies and partnerships with industry professionals in the main cities of this country.

Switzerland is a strategic market for the Costa del Sol, whose number of travellers continues to increase, as according to hotel

Swiss roadshow 600 holiday homes Photo: Turismo Costa del Sol

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TOURIST BOARD: Promoting the province of Malaga to Swiss professionals.

data, in Malaga we received 15 per cent more Swiss travellers between January and October 2023 compared to the same period in 2019”.

Swiss travellers are looking for authentic destinations, with good food, good weather that can be visited throughout the year. Among the interests

of Swiss travel experts is the Zero Footprint project, which Turismo Costa del Sol is developing to offset the carbon footprint of tourism.

THE municipality of Marbella remains the fourth in Spain with the highest number of holiday homes, according to data published by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

This increase brings it closer to Malaga, which took third place.

Marbella has 6,540 registered holiday homes, which represents 6.52 per cent of the total in the municipality.

There are 37,184 vacancies in this type of accommodation on offer. These are official data that have just been published by INE and which were collected last August.

The two Spanish cities with the highest number of holiday homes, which stand out above the rest, are Madrid (14,133) and Barcelona (7,531). The third position in this ranking, which was occupied by Marbella in August 2022, now goes to Malaga, where the increase continues to 6,550 (+298). Close behind in fourth place is Marbella (6,540), followed by Valencia (5,892) and Sevilla (5,432).

These are the only six municipalities in Spain with more than 5,000 registered tourist properties. In eighth place nationally is Mijas (3,979), where registered holiday apartments account for 6.41 per cent of the total.

Thus, the Costa del Sol and Malaga, with 39,041 tourist flats, is the leading Spanish province for tourist accommodation and Andalucia as a whole accounts for more than 20 per cent of the total in Spain.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com CHRISTMAS is a beautiful time, full of bright lights, thoughtful gifts and priceless family moments.

It is also a time where we cannot help but to think of those loved ones we have lost. One beautiful soul, Tammi Garcia, a British woman currently living on the Costa Del Sol, has created a ‘Tree Of Angels’, to remember those who are no longer with us this Christmas.

This unique tree is a place for all that have lost loved ones to have a place over the festive period to remember them by putting their names on a bauble in their memory, which have been made personally by Tammi.

All proceeds from the sales of these have been donated to Daiden School, in memory of her own angel in heaven, her son Ryan Barber, who she sadly lost six years ago.

The tree, which was kindly donated by local businesses, is located at the bottom of the Benahavis stairs and is adorned with many personalised baubles, each displaying the name of someone special who still holds a place in their loved one’s heart

A Tree of Angels

UNIQUE TREE: Remembering those no longer with us.

that they left behind.

Together with the raffle that had also been arranged, and the decorations sold, a grand total of €1,560 was raised and donated to the local village school, Daiden. She also went on to thank “The town hall, Annette Johnson, Angeles Mena, Lynn Fisher, Helena Paul, my amazing husband Sergio, Elke Bergstrom and Michelle Briggs for cutting the children’s

drawings and organising the baubles in legends! Hayley Wilkins for the incredible video and then another massive thankyou to all the companies who have donated prizes for the raffle.”

Tammi stated that the tree would definitely be back next year, a tradition that she plans to cement in the town of Benahavis, and even come back bigger and better in 2024.

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

BENALMADENA continues to live a dream Christmas and proof of this has been the full house once again in its streets with the multitude of activities programmed during the last days of Christmas.

In addition to the spectacular illumination which this year is taking place in the three towns of the municipality, one of the great attractions of the Christmas holidays was the visit of the Father Christmas Train, which travelled through the streets of Benalmadena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and the Coast.

Alongside this, the Videomapping sessions continue in front of the façade of the Social Welfare building, with two shows each day, at 7pm and 8.30pm.

There was also a full house in Calle Real with the preparation of the charity yule

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Dream Christmas log, 100 metres long, whose aim was to collaborate with the Cudeca Foundation and help ALS sufferers. The initiative attracted many curious onlookers and a great impact in the media.

Still to come, on Friday, December 29, Benalmadena will host a performance by the pastoral group Los Bataneros, with a Christmas snack provided by the Cofradía del Cautivo, all organised by the Delegación de Cultura, in the Plaza de Pueblosol.

All the extensive programme planned by the different municipal areas of the town hall can be consulted in its entirety through the link https://www.benalmadena.es/docs/programa-navidad-20232024.pdf.

Turkey success THE Turkey Run, held on Sunday December 24 in Arroyo de la Miel, celebrated its 40th anniversary stronger than ever with more than 1,800 registered participants and a total of 3,800 food items collected.

The mayor of Benalma-

dena, Juan Antonio Lara, who attended the event and the subsequent prize-giving ceremony, expressed his gratitude for the work and great human effort to ensure that everything ran smoothly from start to finish.

The event concluded

in a festive atmosphere with the sports complex of Arroyo de la Miel converted into a stage for dancing, an emotional prize-giving ceremony and raffles among the participants and attendees at the big sporting event of the year for Christmas.

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II MARBELLA NEWS

On the buses

MARBELLA’S urban public transport service has doubled the number of journeys since its free service to residents was introduced. The number has increased from two million in 2019, when it came into operation in April, to 4.8 million in 2023.

“This is a measure that democratises mobility and transport, which has added up to more than 17 million journeys since its implementation and which has led to great savings for citizens thanks to an imaginative scheme that has hinged on registration campaigns and which allows holders of the municipal card to travel throughout the city for free,” said councillor, Félix Romero who added that, “the growth has been gradual, as in 2020, despite the pan-

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Tyk

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FREE SERVICE: The routes have also been extended.

demic, the number of journeys reached 2.5 million, in 2021 there were a total of 3.6 million and last year there were 4.7 million.”

The councillor pointed out that “trips by retired users have also experienced a significant increase, as in 2019 there were 329,000 and up to No-

vember of this year there have been 583,000, which shows the social function of the initiative.”

In parallel to the initiative, the fleet of buses has been renewed and improved and the routes have been extended to continue offering quality sustainable transport.

Record number

MARBELLA recorded the highest number of overnight stays by foreign tourists in the month of November for the last seven years, a period in which records were also broken in terms of average prices and revenue per room.

Over 90,000 overnight stays out of a total of 111,000 were by visitors from other countries. The Director General of Tourism, Laura de Arce, also noted, according to the data published by the National Statistics Institute (INE), that foreign visitors, “have longer stays in our city.”

“All the countries from which we receive data from the INE have grown, that

PROMOTION in the golf segment and the digitalisation of the municipality’s tourist offices are the focus of part of the first phase of the Major Cities Plan of Andalucia in Marbella, according to the mayor, Ángeles Muñoz.

“This year we were counting on a major event like the Solheim Cup to strengthen our position in this market that generates many jobs in our city,” said the mayor, who pointed out that thanks to this initiative, campaigns have been carried out in leading publications in the United States, including Golf Digest, of the Warner Broders company and publishing partner of the PGA; and in Europe, including Golf Circus and Ladies Golf.

The mayor said that in the field of new technologies linked to tourism, “we are

is, Germany, France, England and other countries” she went on to say, adding, “we have also already exceeded the number of tourists received with respect to the year 2022, by 31,000 people, and December has not yet even been counted.

“With reference to the average prices and although in recent months they have been stabilising, November stands with a new record, with €173.92 per room, compared to €157.63 last year and €97.65 in 2021,” said De Arce. “That makes the revenue total the highest for a month of November since records have been kept.”

Major Cities Plan Photo: Marbella Town Hall

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Marbella is counting on major events.

going to invest in the digitalisation of our tourist offices, as well as the creation of two modules for decentralised information points in the municipality.” This, together with other promotional work, has an investment of €10 million, co-financed by the town hall and the Junta de Andalucía that will benefit tourism in the area.

BEST OF THE YEAR II euroweeklynews.com Shutterstock.com/Tupungato

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

Malaga airport has had a phenomenal recovery.

Soaring high TOURISM figures for Malaga Province from 2022 show that an astonishing €17 billion was collected in revenue throughout the year, proving there has been a phenomenal recovery following the pandemic.

Presenting the figures, Tourism Costa del Sol President Francisco Salado, hailed the numbers as “magnificent.”

The figures break records achieved in 2019, with the number of tou-

JANUARY EDITION: 1958 rists visiting the province only dropping by 2 per cent between 2019 and 2022, while revenue went up by an astonishing 18.3 per cent.

“In 2022, we set out to make the same amount of money as in 2019, and as of today, we have €2.6 billion more than that,” Salado said. In 2023, figures are expected to rise

even further with Salado explaining that there will be greater efforts made to draw visitors from the national market as well as planning more than 200 initiatives to attract visitors from abroad.

Further evidence of the Costa del Sol’s impressive boom was seen throughout 2022 with major names Club Med and the Hard Rock Hotel both opening their doors and attracting a huge international audience.

THE Benalmadena firefighter, Oscar Raggio Perez, has been part of a nine-person team from Firefighters Without Borders, who travelled to Turkey to collaborate in the rescue work and attend to the victims of the earthquake that shook the country.

The human team is made up of a paramedic, a dog guide and seven rescuers, who worked in Kahramanmaras, considered earthquake zone 0, until February 14.

The team carried out their work with a light USAR EXPATS on the Costa del Sol looking for quality theatre in English might be in luck, as it has been confirmed that Malaga-born actor, Antonio Banderas, is currently in talks with important people involved in musical theatre on Broadway.

His plan is to stage a musical in English about Pablo Picasso, a fellow Malaga-born Spaniard.

Staying true to his routes, Antonio confirmed that: “If it ends up a reality the world premiere would be held at the Teatro Soho Caixabank in

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True courage FEBRUARY EDITION: 1963 (Urban Search and Rescue) team, a rescue dog and technological equipment, composed of geophones and video cameras.

Benalmadena Fire Chief, David Banasco, confirmed: “The team worked non-stop for 60 hours.”

The councillor for Security, Javier Martin, explained: “On

the same day that the earthquake occurred, Oscar Raggio Perez requested permission to participate in the rescue work in Turkey, receiving the authorisation immediately.”

The councillor also expressed his admiration and gratitude “for the professionalism, solidarity and commitment shown by Oscar Raggio with this action, which demonstrates the deep vocation of public service of the Firefighters of Benalmadena.”

Musical maestro FEBRUARY EDITION: 1964 Malaga. “”There is a project related to Picasso, but I can’t say more,” Antonio confirmed on Tuesday, February 21, whilst he was presenting the concerts of the Soho Pop Symphony Orchestra.

The news comes after the film star announced that he

will soon be launching a new restaurant at Malaga’s port.

Antonio Banderas’ restaurant from the Tercer Acto group, aims to transform the promenade in Malaga port into the Costa del Sol’s new Golden Mile.

The work on the restaurant started two months ago and now all eyes are on the spring of 2023 during Easter when the official launch date has been scheduled.

BEST OF THE YEAR II euroweeklynews.com

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

EWN

A proud day MARCH EDITION: 1966 ON Wednesday March 8, Euro Weekly News celebrated International Women’s Day in style and in a big way with all staff proudly wearing matching purple polos and the office decorated with balloons, bulbs, cupcakes and more to celebrate this momentous day for women.

When talking to the ladies in the Euro Weekly News office the pride they have for being in such a female positive environment was very apparent.

Come and enjoy our new cafeteria which is open for visitors

EWN STAFF: Proudly wore matching purple polos.

Lynn McCabe said “It is very empowering working in an office with women of all ages and experience. Every day is a learning day and the importance and value of women is very much felt here, especially with one of our CEOs and founders

Michel Euesden being a woman.”

“It is fantastic to be part of such a progressive company that does so much for women throughout the year not only today (International Women’s Day),” said Alison Steele, Office Manager.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Benalmádena

Councillors voted unanimously in favour.

TIVOLI PROTECTED IN a historic decision, representatives from all political parties in Benalmadena unanimously approved a permanent protection order for the land at the Tivoli World theme park.

The decision announced on Thursday, April 13 means that the space will be reserved for leisure and entertainment purposes, guaranteeing it as a leisure space for locals and visitors for generations to come.

APRIL EDITION: 1972 The momentous announcement was met with cheers and applause from the Tivoli World staff who attended the vote at Benalmadena Town Hall.

Beli Nieto, one of the workers, expressed her gratitude to the council for their unwavering support, stating that “the approval of this protec-

tion is a significant milestone for Benalmadena.”

Tivoli World has been a popular attraction in the town for many years, providing countless jobs and contributing to the local economy. With this new protection order in place, the park’s future is guaranteed.

Despite this, the park currently remains closed and workers are calling on their bosses and the council to reopen it.

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10 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR

Inside the Coronation

JUNE EDITION: 1978

MAY EDITION: 1974 THIS first weekend in May will be full of royal celebrations as King Charles is set to be crowned alongside the Queen Consort at a grand ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

The long weekend will be filled with celebrations, from street parties to concerts, as King Charles becomes the oldest new monarch in history.

Code-named Operation Golden Orb, plans for the much-anticipated event have been released over the past few months.

Starting on May 6 at 11am, the Coronation Service will kick off a weekend full of events following their Majesties’ crowning in the Abbey in London, in a service that will be conducted by the Archbishop

Full house

King Charles set to be crowned.

of Canterbury.

The King’s Coronation will include many of the ceremonies that were seen in the late Queen’s service, such as anointing with consecrated oil, the delivery of the orb, the pledge to be “Defender of the Faith”, and the enthroning itself.

It is understood that

the anointing will not be shown on television and is set to be hidden from the public, as it was for the late Queen’s coronation in 1953.

During the ceremony, the King will be asked if he will govern the UK and the Commonwealth with law and justice, and if he will

keep Christianity alive in the country.

He will sit in the Coronation Chair, also known as Edward’s Chair, holding the sovereign’s sceptre and rod to symbolise his power over the nation, as well as the sovereign’s orb to represent the Christian world.

THE Costa del Sol is preparing for a scorching summer in terms of visitor numbers, with a surge in hotel occupancy rates.

The Costa del Sol Hoteliers Association (Aehcos) announced in a report on Thursday, May 25 that it predicts a remarkable 85 per cent occupancy rate for hotels in June, a 4 per cent increase on last year’s figures.

Torremolinos takes the lead as the most popular destination, with an astounding 92.67 per cent occupancy rate forecasted.

Following closely behind are Mijas (88.70 per cent), Benalmadena (87.90 per cent), and Fuengirola (87.29 per cent).

May is set to close with an impressive 85.20 per cent hotel occupancy rate throughout the region, driven by a well-timed long weekend and the return of European tourists, including those from the UK, despite unexpected rainy spells.

Aehcos President José Luque highlights the importance of international tourism which made up 75 per cent of visits during the last month. However he expressed concerns about an anticipated economic downturn in late 2023 and early 2024, predicted by US Federal Reserve economists.

Cumulatively, the region’s occupancy rates for the first five months of 2023 stand at an impressive 73.08 per cent, reflecting an impressive growth of nearly 12 percentage points compared to last year.

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euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR

Scandinavian sounds BENALMADENA played host to a three-day Nordic extravaganza last week with the Tropical Costa del Sol Festival.

The festival, which is now in its eighth year, began on Wednesday, June 28, to mark the end of a school trip for Norwegian children. Over the course of three days, talented bands from Norwegian schools took over various public spaces with incredible live performances, culminating in a sensational

JULY EDITION: 1983 performance at the Plaza de la Mezquita.

The musical performances were the perfect grand finale for the children’s school trip. Around 400 Norwegian children and teenagers, aged seven to 20 visited as part of the initiative. The young people immersed themselves in the local culture, embracing both the edu-

cational aspects of their trip and the opportunity to showcase their musical talent.

The councillor for Tourism and Foreign Residents, Presi Aguilera, joined the young people and their teachers at Plaza de la Mezquita to enjoy their live music which was a blend of traditional and modern styles.

This lively exchange of culture and music was a fitting end for the students’ brilliant week-long stay.

Reggae royalty Photo credit: Marenostrum Fuengirola

AUGUST EDITION: 1987 FUENGIROLA’S Marenostrum venue became reggae central on Sunday, July 30 as legendary UK reggae stars UB40 played an epic show. The performance took place inside Castillo Sohail’s stunning outdoor setting.

A passionate crowd was treated to more than 90 minutes of timeless reggae jams showing the genre’s appeal across generations, and its continuing popularity.

The band burst onto the stage firing on all cylinders, with backing vocalists and percussionists whipping up a party atmosphere from the get-go.

As the singer took to the mic, UB40 launched into a string of classic reggae tunes that had the crowd dancing,

UB40 rocked Fuengirola’s Marenostrum on Sunday.

singing along and lost in a joyful trance.

“Thank you Fuengirola for coming out to see us in this beautiful place, inside a castle”, the singer told the energetic crowd mid-set.

The climax of the show came when UB40 played their legendary hits ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Falling In Love With You’ and ‘Kingston Town’, anthems that helped establish the band as global reggae giants. With a career spanning

over 40 years, 12 UK number one singles and over 70 million record sales under their belts, UB40 know a thing or two about putting on a showstopper.

Famous faces at OAK FORMER Scotland captain and television pundit Graeme Souness was spotted dining with former Republic of Ireland national team player and current coach of the Ghana national team, Chris Hughton at Sala Group’s newest addition, OAK Firehouse & Cocktail.

Enjoying a selection of hand cut cured Iberian ham with pan de cristal followed

AUGUST EDITION: 1990 by an Argentinian rib-eye and lamb cutlets; the pair caught up over a bottle of Pietro Marine Roble red wine and soaked up the ambiance of this magical new steakhouse, set against the dramatic backdrop of the iconic La Concha.

They were later seen cat-

ching up with football agent and friend Rob Segal before heading next door to celebrity hotspot, La Sala Puerto Banus to enjoy live music.

OAK Firehouse & Cocktail, promises a dish for every occasion, so why not visit and treat yourself to a sumptuous selection of exquisite starters, tender grilled meats, fresh fish, seafood and vegetarian options.

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euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR

SEPTEMBER EDITION: 1992 IN issue 1989 we highlighted the plight of 18-month-old Robin Samuel who needs life saving surgery in Barcelona at a tremendous cost.

We gave a link to ht tps://www.crowdfunder. co . u k / p / h e l p - b a by - r o bin-survive-cancer in the expectation that some of our generous readers would be prepared to help.

The following message of hope has just been received from long-time Fuengirola resident Elizabeth Parker Gleeson, Robin’s grandmother: “Just to let you know that due to everyone’s generosity and all the media coverage so far, which includes the Euro Weekly News article, Robin is now able to start his cancer treatment in Barcelona!

JUST THE START: Robin still needs help.

“My daughter Rachel has managed to negotiate with the Childrens Hospital in Barcelona, to pay for two treatments upfront, in order to get the ball rolling. Time is of the essence for Robin.

“Obviously, more money is needed for the rest of his treatment, but I wanted to thank you

for covering his story in Spain, which has helped by spreading the word over here. Thank you so much from me and all my daughter’s family.”

This is just the start of what will be a long process but at least it gives Robin’s family some positive expectation for his future.

Photo: Flickr CC / Javier Lastras

Credit: The Samuel Family

PRESS Power Malaga tops OCTOBER EDITION: 1997 THE 36th edition of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards has awarded Malaga one of the best destinations in the world for food calling it, “a welcoming and gastronomic city, the capital is one of the best destinations in the world.”

The capital of the Costa del Sol is the fifth best gastronomic destination and the sixth most welcoming destination in the world, according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

These awards are chosen based on the votes and experiences most appreciated by the global readers of the magazine, which specialises in travel and lifestyle.

In this edition, “they have given priority to destinations they have been looking forward to visiting

MALAGA: One of the best destinations in the world.

for years.”

According to Condé Nast Traveler, “Malaga is living a special moment.”

The magazine points out that “not only was it voted one of the most welcoming cities in Europe, but it is now also among the top cities to enjoy gastronomy.”

The magazine goes on to report that, “the most

famous dish to try here is sardines, grilled to perfection at chiringuitos across the beaches. Elsewhere, look out for ajo blanco, aka white gazpacho, a cold soup with bread, almonds, garlic and olive oil or gazpachuelo, a fishy soup, plus lots of traditional tapas followed by a digestif of sweet Malaga Virgen wine.”

16 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 NOVEMBER EDITION: 2000 IN the picturesque coastal towns of Spain, a momentous occasion is upon us as The Euro Weekly News marks its 2,000th edition.

This multiple award-winning publication, founded by a couple from the North of England has played a remarkable role as a promoter of Spain and an active supporter of local charities throughout its distinguished history.

The journey began back in July 11, 1985 with a vision by a Manchester couple, who, recognising the need for a publication to assist newcomers in their Spanish life, created ‘The Entertainer’. Priced at a mere one peseta per edition, it quickly became a beloved source of local news, views, and information, supported by local business advertisements.

Fast forward to 1996, and The Entertainer was at a crossroads. It was then that Michel and Steven Euesden entered the

euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR

“The Euro Weekly News: celebrating 2,000 editions of excellence and community” scene. With their energy and vision, they saw the publication’s future and took ownership. Their arrival marked a pivotal moment in the newspaper’s history, as they set out to transform it into more than just a newspaper; they aimed to make it a vital part of the community.

Under the ownership of the Euesdens, The Entertainer underwent a remarkable transformation.

It was reborn as ‘The Euro Weekly News’, reflecting a broader vision and a commitment to serving the foreign population in Spain.

This multiple award-winning publication became a trusted companion, with a tapas journalism style, it delivered positive news, connected communities, and uplifted spirits.

Over the years, The Euro Weekly News has been a strong promoter of Spain. It has showcased

Michel & Steven Euesden.

the beauty of its coastal towns, the rich culture, and the vibrant communities. Through its pages, readers have discovered the hidden gems of Spain, from its picturesque landscapes to its culinary delights.

Moreover, The Euro Weekly News has been an active supporter

of local charities. It has used its platform to raise awareness about important social causes and to mobilise community support for those in need.

The publication’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of its readers goes beyond journalism; it’s a testament to the Euesdens’ dedication

to community service.

In 2023, The Euro Weekly News stands more relevant than ever. The landscape of the foreign population in Spain has seen significant changes.

An influx of residents from Northern European countries has reshaped the community. While they may not speak Spanish fluently, the universal language of English binds them together, and The Euro Weekly News has become an indispensable resource, bridging language gaps and offering valuable information to this diverse readership.

This remarkable milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the loyal support of advertisers and sponsors who have been partners for over a quarter of a century. Their trust and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in the publication’s continued suc-

cess, enabling it to deliver quality journalism and community support.

Last but certainly not least, the cherished readers deserve special recognition. Your interaction, your love for the paper, and your unwavering dedication have breathed life into its pages.

Your continued support has made The Euro Weekly News more than just a newspaper; it’s a trusted companion that enriches your lives and connects you with your community.

As The Euro Weekly News celebrates its 2,000th edition, it’s an opportune moment to express gratitude to the entire Euro Weekly community - the team, advertisers, sponsors, and readers.

Your collective efforts and unwavering commitment have made The Euro Weekly News an indispensable part of life along the Spanish coastline.

18 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

DECEMBER EDITION: 2004 THE third ‘Todos con Cudeca’ festival (Everyone with Cudeca) has been another success for the residents of the Corazones neighbourhood of Malaga. With the help of the Malaga City Council’s Department of Fiestas, local businesses, dance academies and artists, they managed to raise a whopping €14,533.50 in just two days of the fes-

tival and they raised it all through donations.

This year, after the festival, they visited the Cudeca Foundation where they were shown around the facilities and spoke about their aim to organise another festival in the future and to do even better next time.

Cudeca would like to thank them again for the love they show the organisation and the funds they raise to help them to care at the end of life.

Photo: Cudeca

EVERYONE WITH CUDECA: Raised a whopping €14,533.50 in just two days.

DECEMBER EDITION: 2005 THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the start of Christmas in the streets of Marbella and San Pedro Alcantara on Friday evening, December 1 with the switch-on of the Christmas lights and performances by the singer Manuel Lombo and the group Siempre Así. The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, kicked-off the festive programme and encouraged everyone to enjoy the activities organised by the town hall, here are just a few examples: From December 15 don’t miss the Christmas Parade ‘Father Christmas is coming’, accompanied by the Marbella Musical Group. Also from that date, children can hand in their letters to Father Christmas at his house, located in the Paseo de la Alameda. And, on December 20, there is the Chocolatada de Navidad in the park of Calle Juanar with chocolate tasting and many other surprises.

For children during the holidays, the Magic Christmas

All lit up Park installed in the Antonio Serrano Lima sports complex, opens from December 27 until January 4 with countless opportunities for fun in-

cluding: a synthetic ice rink, Christmas train and bouncy castles.

Times, locations and full information are all in the

programme which you can download from the town hall website here - https://www. marbel la.es/agenda/even todetalle/58522

Photos: Marbella Town Hall

MARBELLA LIGHTS: Thousands attended the big switch-on.

Photo: Facebook / Marbella Town Hall

Cudeca cares

euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR

MARBELLA LIGHTS: Thousands attended the big switch-on.

20 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

NORWAY I spy JOSE ASSIS GIAMMARIA from Brazil, who obtained a post as a guest researcher at Norway’s Arctic University in Tromso, finally admitted after a year in custody that he is a Russian named Mikhail Valerijevitsj Mikusjin. He is still refusing to answer questions from Norway’s PST police intelligence service.

Exams first THE Norwegian government said that the Russ celebrations, held between April 20 and May 17 when teenagers celebrate the end of secondary education, should instead start once exams are over. The government also wants to keep in check the celebrations which can result in social exclusion and bullying.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS IRELAND Solstice magic HUNDREDS gathered in Newgrange (Co Meath) to witness the Winter Solstice at the Stone Age passage tomb built there in 3200BC. Eight people who had won the twice-yearly lottery draw were allowed inside to see the first rays of the rising sun through a small opening above the entrance.

BELGIUM Lost and found A MISLAID ring, which had belonged to Roger Drieghe who died 10 years ago, has resurfaced in a second-hand shop in Hamm. Thanks to an inscription inside it, the shop-owner traced his daughter who believes she must have inadvertently included the ring when taking in his belongings before moving house.

Long wait

NEWGRANGE: Stone Age tumulus older than the Pyramids.

Photo credit: CC/Jean Housen

GERMANY

FRANCE

OWING to a vast backlog in Belgium’s courts, lawyer Pierre-Philippe Hendrickx learnt that one of his cases concerning a tax dispute could not be heard before April 2040, Flemish broadcaster Bruzz revealed.

“This incredible backlog is the result of years of looking the other way,” Hendrickx told an interviewer.

DENMARK

Speak up

Little cheer

Tax dodger

Rain, rain

A GOVERNMENT enquiry will review Swedish as a second language in schools and analyse the needs of pupils who do not speak it or cannot speak it well. The study will also examine current teaching methods to ensure they do not impact negatively on pupils’ integration or their ability to learn Swedish.

SMALL-BUSINESS owners and retailers in Germany failed to receive the pre-Christmas boost they had hoped for, they told a survey published on December 21. They were also gloomy regarding their sales prospects in coming months and felt less optimistic than they did in November, the Munich-based Ifo Institute found.

AWARD-WINNING actress Isabelle Adjani was fined €250,000 and received a twoyear suspended sentence after a Paris court found her guilty of tax fraud. She falsely claimed to have lived in Portugal for two years, declared a €2 million gift was a loan and transferred €120,000 to an undeclared US bank account.

DENMARK experienced 907 millimetres of rain this year, overtaking the previous record of 905 millimetres registered in 1999 and 2019. Meteorologists from Denmark’s DMI meteorological institute warned that further increases in rain and snowfall could be expected in future years owing to climate change.

Cross purposes

Top woman

Wind power

A TOP German court ruled that crosses may remain prominently displayed in public buildings in Bavaria. Despite a legal challenge from a lobby group defending the separation of state and religion, the court commented that religious symbolism aside, the crosses did not violate the plaintiff’s rights.

HIGH-RANKING police chief Celine Berton was named the new head of the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) whose 5,000 counter-espionage officers fight terrorism and cybercrime. Berthon, who is 47, takes over from Nicolas Lerner and will be the first woman ever to head the DGSI.

ORSTED, Denmark’s renewable energy firm, has made “a final investment decision” to go ahead with the mammoth Hornsea 3 windfarm off the UK’s East Coast. The 75 billion Danish krone (€10.2 billion) offshore installation should be completed by 2027 and construction will create up to 5,000 jobs.

Life of crime AROUND 10,000 people are active members of criminal organisations, according to Swedish criminologists, while the number of women belonging to gangs is steadily increasing. Close to 500 women are involved, a quarter of whom occupy principal roles as they generally find it easier to avoid police scrutiny.

ITALY

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

Our brand

Detour ahead

Same again

FORTY artisan chocolate-makers, plus Italy’s Ferrero, Venchi and Domori brands, hope to obtain Protected Status for their gianduiotti chocolates, but are meeting opposition. This comes from the Swiss manufacturer Lindt who in 1997 bought into the Italian firm Caffarel, which claims to have invented the gianduiotto.

PASSENGERS on an Amsterdam-Detroit flight had to spend the night in a military barracks in Goose Bay (Labrador) after their aircraft developed a mechanical failure. “It honestly felt like a hotel,” one passenger said, although another complained there was little communication from the airline as to what was happening.

WHAM’S classic Last Christmas again topped commercial radio charts over the holiday season in 2022 and was played 735 times according to figures compiled and recently released by Finland’s copyright organisation, Gramex. Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You was a close runner-up with 646 plays.

Back home

No snow

Needlecord rug

IN August 2014, a 700-year-old statue disappeared from a Pastena church and was sold on by an Italian antique dealer. When its Dutch buyer, unaware of its provenance, later sought to sell it, photos posted online were spotted by the Pastena priest who contacted the authorities, leading to its recent return.

PRE-CHRISTMAS weather forecasts had already advised the Dutch to prepare for rain and not snow. In fact, the country has had a White Christmas on only eight occasions since records began in 1901, meteorologists explained, and snow in December will be increasingly uncommon as global temperatures rise.

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI researcher, Juho Aalto, found that a European spruce growing beneath the canopy of a Finnish forest has roughly 200,000 needles.

In contrast, the cultivated trees sold at Christmas have thicker stems and around 400,000 needles, “enough to carpet the floor of an average bedroom.”

PORTUGAL

Old habits

SALTED cod sales by Portugal’s largest supermarket chains fell 20 per cent in 2023, although it is still a traditional option over the holiday season despite higher prices.

According to the Cod Industry Association (AID), half of the 55,000 tons consumed annually are sold in the last four months of the year.

Still selling ENDING golden visas and the non-habitual resident programme barely affected the housing market, especially in Lisbon where prices top European averages, said finance specialists Bloomberg. House prices there rose 5.8 per cent in November, reaching €5,426 per square metre, Europe’s second-highest after Athens.

FINANCE €1.6 billion A nice surprise 22

euroweeklynews.com • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

STAT OF WEEK

investment in Valencia port approved by Spain’s central government will enlarge the country’s biggest container port and allow supersized cargo ships to dock there.

THE High Pay Centre calculated that the ratio of an FTSE 350 chief executive’s pay to that of their employees was 57-to-1 in 2022, slightly up on the previous year’s 56-to-1.

The ratio for FTSE 100 chief executives and their employees was 80-to-1 last year, down from 83-to-one in 2021.

Dancausa move

BANKINTER announced on December 20 that Maria Dolores Dancausa, its chief executive since 2010, would become the group’s non-executive president in March next year.

Her role as chief executive will be taken over by Gloria Ortiz, until now director general of Bankinter’s Commercial Banking division.

Sky high

A FORMER air base on Unst (population 650) in the Shetlands is the UK’s first licensed spaceport for launching and putting satellites into orbit.

Developing the SaxaVord site’s three launch pads and a hangar for rocket assembly has so far cost £30 million (€34.6 million) with plans for a hotel and visitor centre.

Cashing in

A BANK OF SPAIN survey found that 65 per cent of respondents used cash in most of their daily transactions, while 60 per cent said it was their principal method for shopping. Despite these figures, 88 per cent of the population used bank cards while 25 per cent made payments with their mobile.

Write off

FINANCIAL TIMES journalists in the US are asking for a minimum starting salary of $80,000 (€73,112), claiming their current wages were “nowhere close” to liveable.

The newspaper is offering a minimum wage of $60,000 (€54,860,) which the union representing the writers is contesting with the management.

BRITAIN’S annual inflation rate dipped in November to 3.9 per cent, down from 4.6 per cent in October.

Based on the consumer prices index (CPI), November continued the downward trend with the lowest rate in two years.

Cheaper fuel was the main reason for the fall, although last month’s food prices also rose more slowly than they did in November 2022, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) explained.

The pronounced drop did not mean prices were going down, but that they had risen more slowly, chief ONS economist Grant Fitzner

CHEAPER FUEL: Assisted better-than-expected inflation figures.

said. “Prices remain substantially above what they were before the Ukraine invasion,” he added.

Food prices increased by 0.3 per cent last month, down from 1.1 per cent in November 2022, with food price inflation now at 9.2

per cent compared with 10.1 per cent in October.

Although inflation has descended from its 11.1 per cent October 2022 peak, the Bank of England insisted the inflation rate was still too high for an interest rate reduction.

Nevertheless, City analysts predicted the steeper-than-expected fall in inflation encouraged conjecture the Bank of England could begin cutting interest rates next year, probably in May, following successive increases between December 2021 and August 2023.

Although the November figures are almost double the government’s 2 per cent inflation target, Jeremy Hunt said Rishi Sunak had “more than delivered” on his pledge to halve inflation this year. The Chancellor said lower inflation “raised the prospect of improved living standards.”

Spanish government’s Telefonica stake

SPAIN’S government will acquire a 10 per cent holding in Telefonica, the country’s principal telecommunications company.

The multinational’s privatisation process was completed 26 years ago but Spain’s State-Owned Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) will now sit on the board as its principal shareholder, accompanied by the BBVA bank, Caixabank, Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and US investment company BlackRock.

Costing around €2 billion at current market prices, the operation is the Spanish government’s response to STC’s 9.9 per cent Telefonica stake announced in September. This was split into 4.9 per

Photo credit: CC/M Peinado

Hard times

Photo credit: Pixabay/Engin_Akyurt

BUSINESS EXTRA

TELEFONICA HEADQUARTERS: Spanish government will have a seat on its board.

cent of Telefonica shares with financial instruments providing economic exposure over a further 5 per cent of the company’s share capital.

Strategically important Telefonica is a Defence service provider and Economy minister Nadia Calvino said the government’s majority shareholding would reinforce the company’s “ownership stability.”

Following the government announcement, Telefonica shares rose 4 per cent to €3.70, their highest price since December 13.

Without revealing a specific timetable, SEPI announced it would buy the shares in a way which minimised the impact on the market price, although insiders told Reuters it would buy “small quantities of shares over a two-month period.”

Future plans Theme park plan ROLLS-ROYCE is discussing the viability of small nuclear power reactors (SMRs) with Ukraine’s biggest private power company.

The Telegraph revealed that DTEK, part of billionaire businessman Rinat Akhmetov’s industrial group, has held early talks with Rolls-Royce to sound out substituting coal-fired power stations with the SMRs. DTEK’s chief executive Maxim Timchenko said that he expected nuclear power to play an important part in the group’s future portfolio once Ukraine is rebuilt and his country can shift away from fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy.

A FORMER brickworks in Bedfordshire could one day become a theme park.

Films and theme parks company Universal confirmed that its Parks division had bought 480 acres of land in Stewartby, a model village originally built for employees of the London Brick Company. The site has planning permission for 1,000 homes.

The company, which already owns theme parks in Hollywood, Orlando, Japan, Singapore and Beijing, is known to be exploring new locations worldwide, suggesting that it is looking at the possibility of choosing the UK for its next major installation.

Stewartby, which is located halfway between Bedford and Milton Keynes, is close to Luton airport and is within easy reach of London by road.

Meanwhile, a company spokesman emphasised that Universal was “in the early stages of exploring its feasibility.”

Flying out SPAIN’S Ferrovial is said to be contemplating the sale of its 50 per cent stake in AGS, the holding company for Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports.

The remaining 50 per cent is held by the Australian financial services group, Macquarie.

At present AGS is engaged in refinancing its €930 million debt, prior to going ahead with the sale, according to Spanish media reports.

The same sources put a value of less than £1.05 billion (€1.1 billion) for 100 per cent of AGS’s capital. Together with Macquarie, Ferrovial acquired Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports, which originally belonged to BAA, in 2006.

Another acquisition DAYS after buying Amazon’s biggest logistics installation in Ireland, Amancio Ortega has bought a $113 million (€103 million) warehouse in Florida.

The Zara founder and its principal shareholder continues to invest in property via his investment company, Pontegadea, which is entirely separate from the Inditex fashion empire. It now possesses $20.08 bn (approximately €18.33 bn) in property assets.

Ortega, who has a personal fortune of €89.5 billion, initially acquired luxury tower blocks and office buildings, but has recently diversified into logistics assets in Europe and the US. The latest addition to his property portfolio is a 266,600-square metre cold storage warehouse in Hialeah (Miami-Dade county).

Deal abandoned ADOBE said the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) competition authority had behaved ‘irrationally’ by scuppering a $20 billion (€18.2 billion) takeover.

Best-known for apps like Photoshop and Acrobat, Adobe cancelled plans to acquire its rival, the website design tool Figma, in a move opposed by the European Union as well as the CMA. The deal announced a year ago was subject to an in-depth investigation in the UK and Brussels, with the CMA deciding that it would eliminate competition.

The EU also concluded that it would have “terminated all current, and prevented all future competition between Adobe and Figma.”

Matches sold FRASERS GROUP, owned by Mike Ashley, paid £52 million (€60 million) for luxury online retailer Matches (formerly Matchesfashion).

Matches was founded in 1987

by Tom and Ruth Chapman, who launched it as a boutique in Wimbledon Village.

Ashley is buying the company from the British private equity firm Apax Partners, which is divesting itself of a business that has been affected by a slowdown in the luxury sector.

Apax acquired Matches in 2017 for a rumoured £600 million, although by 2022 it was posting losses of £33.5 million (€38.7 million).

24 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 26 December

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.421,00..............+4,00............ +0,17%......... 703,35K

InterContinental..........................7.106,0................+6,0............. +0,09%......... 222,40K

Abrdn.......................................... 182,60................+0,90............ +0,50%...........2,37M

Intermediate Capital...................1.692,50..............+0,50............ +0,03%......... 200,17K

Admiral Group.............................2.685,0...............+12,0............ +0,45%......... 479,00K

Intertek........................................4.188,0............... -47,0.............-1,11%........... 75,59K

Anglo American...........................1.931,8................+7,8............. +0,41%...........1,05M

ITV............................................... 63,36................. -0,60.............-0,94%............4,11M

Antofagasta................................1.701,50.............. -4,00.............-0,24%.......... 371,00K

J Sainsbury................................. 299,60................+1,00............ +0,34%...........3,03M

Ashtead Group............................5.374,0............... -66,0.............-1,21%............1,26M

Johnson Matthey........................1.690,0................ -3,0..............-0,18%.......... 165,31K

Associated British Foods.............2.366,0................ -9,0..............-0,38%.......... 378,76K

Land Securities........................... 719,00................ -1,00.............-0,14%.......... 321,52K

AstraZeneca...............................10.436,0.............. -44,0.............-0,42%.......... 611,82K

Legal & General.......................... 250,10................+1,50............ +0,60%...........3,61M

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 722,20................+4,80............ +0,67%......... 749,31K Aviva........................................... 431,10................+2,30............ +0,54%...........1,54M B&M European Value Retail SA... 569,60................ -6,40.............-1,11%.......... 731,01K BAE Systems..............................1.090,00.............. -3,50.............-0,32%............1,33M Barclays...................................... 151,78................+0,36............ +0,24%..........13,07M Barratt Developments................. 565,80................+2,80............ +0,50%......... 623,58K Berkeley......................................4.774,0................+5,0............. +0,11%.......... 51,53K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.659,50.............. -5,50.............-0,21%.......... 263,82K BP............................................... 467,20................+0,95............ +0,20%..........13,03M British American Tobacco...........2.290,0................+5,5............. +0,24%...........1,39M British Land Company................. 406,00................+0,70............ +0,17%...........4,25M BT Group.................................... 127,30................+1,00............ +0,79%...........5,72M Bunzl...........................................3.201,0................ -5,0..............-0,16%.......... 214,76K Burberry Group...........................1.420,5................ -8,5..............-0,60%............1,77M Carnival.......................................1.366,5............... -10,5.............-0,76%.......... 899,38K Centrica....................................... 141,90................ -0,60.............-0,42%...........17,65M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.289,0................+2,0............. +0,09%......... 105,63K Compass....................................2.120,00..............+5,00............ +0,24%......... 704,15K CRH............................................5.326,0............... -46,0.............-0,86%.......... 307,14K Croda Intl....................................5.054,0.................0,0............... 0,00%........... 60,69K DCC.............................................5.682,0............... -84,0.............-1,46%.......... 135,97K Diageo.........................................2.841,5................ -7,5..............-0,26%............1,30M DS Smith.................................... 311,70................+1,40............ +0,45%......... 866,12K EasyJet........................................ 518,00................+0,80............ +0,16%...........1,02M Experian......................................3.185,0................ -6,0..............-0,19%.......... 241,89K Ferguson....................................14.930,0...............+5,0............. +0,03%.......... 21,45K

Lloyds Banking............................ 48,05.................+0,86............ +1,81%..........84,43M London Stock Exchange..............9.284,0...............+28,0............ +0,30%......... 159,04K Melrose Industries...................... 566,60.................0,00.............. 0,00%............1,21M Mondi.........................................1.528,00.............. -7,00.............-0,46%.......... 611,54K National Grid..............................1.061,00.............. -0,50.............-0,05%............2,10M NatWest Group........................... 216,70................ -0,40.............-0,18%...........15,80M Next............................................8.210,0...............+12,0............ +0,15%......... 123,67K Ocado.......................................... 725,00............... -32,20............-4,25%.......... 706,97K Persimmon.................................1.388,5...............+16,0............ +1,17%......... 448,49K Phoenix....................................... 522,40................ -2,60.............-0,50%............1,39M Prudential.................................... 862,00............... -11,80............-1,35%............2,63M Reckitt Benckiser........................5.442,0...............+16,0............ +0,30%......... 744,69K Relx............................................3.075,00.............. -2,00.............-0,07%............1,04M Rentokil....................................... 433,30................ -6,70.............-1,52%............2,40M Rightmove.................................. 571,60................+5,40............ +0,95%......... 861,12K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.839,0...............+27,0............ +0,47%...........1,12M Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 302,40................+2,60............ +0,87%...........7,84M Sage...........................................1.179,50.............. -0,50.............-0,04%.......... 749,57K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.453,00.............+13,00........... +0,90%........... 4,98K Schroders.................................... 438,1.................. -0,9..............-0,21%.......... 305,43K Scottish Mortgage....................... 786,00................ -5,20.............-0,66%.......... 508,63K Segro.......................................... 885,40................ -9,20.............-1,03%.......... 707,31K Severn Trent...............................2.619,0............... -10,0.............-0,38%.......... 570,70K Shell............................................2.566,5................+9,5............. +0,37%...........2,72M Smith & Nephew........................1.074,00..............+3,00............ +0,28%...........1,09M Smiths Group.............................1.766,50..............+6,00............ +0,34%......... 154,62K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.365,0............. -130,0............-1,24%........... 25,03K

Flutter Entertainment..................14.065,0.............. -65,0.............-0,46%.......... 158,21K

SSE............................................1.852,00..............+2,00............ +0,11%...........2,10M

Fresnillo...................................... 585,40................+4,00............ +0,69%......... 173,41K

St. James’s Place........................ 681,00................+2,20............ +0,32%......... 368,85K

Glencore...................................... 466,35................ -3,85.............-0,82%...........12,11M

Standard Chartered..................... 652,00................ -3,00.............-0,46%............1,29M

GSK plc......................................1.449,60.............. -0,40.............-0,03%............1,85M

Taylor Wimpey............................ 145,20................+1,25............ +0,87%...........7,33M

Halma..........................................2.290,0............... -26,0.............-1,12%.......... 266,24K

Tesco.......................................... 286,70................ -0,60.............-0,21%............5,95M

Hargreaves Lansdown................. 715,00................ -5,20.............-0,72%.......... 469,50K

Tui............................................... 616,50................ -3,50.............-0,57%.......... 491,57K

Hikma Pharma...........................1.773,00............. -16,00............-0,89%.......... 168,42K

Unilever.......................................3.787,0................+8,0............. +0,21%......... 729,26K

HSBC.......................................... 627,80................+5,30............ +0,85%..........10,40M

United Utilities............................1.070,50..............+2,50............ +0,23%......... 775,44K

IAG.............................................. 157,75................ -1,70.............-1,07%............8,55M

Vodafone Group PLC.................. 69,160...............+0,160........... +0,23%..........45,33M

Imperial Brands..........................1.819,00..............+8,50............ +0,47%......... 636,73K

Whitbread...................................3.634,0................+1,0............. +0,03%......... 379,26K

Informa....................................... 773,80................+2,60............ +0,34%......... 800,14K

WPP............................................ 751,40................ -1,60.............-0,21%............1,50M

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86814

1.15155

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.1024 Japan yen (JPY)...................................156.94 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9439 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4542 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.233 currenciesdirect.com/marbella • Tel: +34 952 906 581 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 26 December 3M.............................................. 106,33................+0,77............ +0,73%...........2,27M American Express....................... 185,57................+0,78............ +0,42%...........2,71M Amgen........................................ 284,16................+4,83............ +1,73%...........1,81M Apple........................................... 193,60................ -1,08.............-0,55%...........37,15M Boeing......................................... 260,44................ -1,58.............-0,60%............4,39M Caterpillar.................................... 290,36................+0,29............ +0,10%...........1,67M Chevron...................................... 151,05................+0,34............ +0,23%...........6,38M Cisco............................................ 50,09.................+0,39............ +0,78%..........12,90M Coca-Cola..................................... 58,32.................+0,33............ +0,57%...........9,01M Dow............................................. 55,12.................+0,15............ +0,27%...........2,32M Goldman Sachs........................... 380,65................+0,08............ +0,02%...........1,45M Home Depot................................ 348,59................ -0,38.............-0,11%............2,02M Honeywell................................... 205,64................+0,59............ +0,29%...........1,89M IBM............................................. 162,14................+1,36............ +0,85%...........2,43M Intel.............................................. 48,00.................+0,92............ +1,95%..........30,10M J&J............................................. 155,46................+0,62............ +0,40%...........3,78M JPMorgan................................... 167,40................ -0,10.............-0,06%............6,16M McDonald’s................................. 291,70................+0,31............ +0,11%...........1,70M Merck&Co................................... 107,70................+1,31............ +1,23%...........5,99M Microsoft.................................... 374,58................+1,04............ +0,28%..........17,11M Nike............................................. 108,04............... -14,49...........-11,83%..........46,28M Procter&Gamble......................... 145,28................+1,02............ +0,71%...........4,38M Salesforce Inc............................. 266,34................ -0,91.............-0,34%............2,82M The Travelers.............................. 185,80................+0,23............ +0,12%...........1,08M UnitedHealth............................... 520,31................+0,43............ +0,08%...........1,75M Verizon......................................... 37,49.................+0,06............ +0,16%..........13,06M Visa A.......................................... 258,43................ -1,11.............-0,43%............5,09M Walgreens Boots.......................... 26,22.................+0,16............ +0,61%...........9,78M Walmart...................................... 156,65................+1,85............ +1,20%...........6,45M Walt Disney.................................. 91,02................. -1,00.............-1,09%............9,35M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 26 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.................................+47.71%.........................6.981M Neumora Therapeutics, Inc..............................+25.09%........................ 959,003 Rocket Lab USA, Inc........................................+22.80%........................51.905M ANSYS, Inc......................................................+18.08%.........................5.243M Altair Engineering Inc.......................................+11.48%.........................1.339M TFI International Inc..........................................+8.08%......................... 949,555 Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc..........................+7.79%........................118.602M Green Thumb Industries Inc.............................+7.51%......................... 450,611 Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc...............................+7.46%..........................1.485M Immunocore Holdings plc.................................+7.33%......................... 280,239 M - Million Dollars

Most Declined NetEase, Inc..................................................... -16.07%........................21.218M Prosus N.V....................................................... -12.58%........................ 491,299 Naspers Limited............................................... -12.28%........................ 225,041 NIKE, Inc.......................................................... -11.83%........................46.666M Prosus N.V....................................................... -11.42%.........................4.163M AAR Corp......................................................... -10.20%........................ 967,644 NEXON Co., Ltd................................................ -10.09%......................... 99,827 Tencent Holdings Limited................................. -9.84%.........................16.676M Shenzhou International Group Holdings Limited.-8.99%........................ 272,132 Tencent Holdings Limited................................. -7.27%.......................... 75,892 Zalando SE........................................................ -7.25%.......................... 32,518

M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

Star role

SPAIN’S State-Owned Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) will nominate Pedro Duque to take over from Jordi Hereu as president of Hispasat, although this will first need the approval of the Spanish communications satellite board. Pedro Duque, a former aeronautics engineer and an astronaut, was minister of Science and Innovation between June 2018 and July 2021.

Nepo babies

SWISS bank UBS told the international media that it had noticed an escalation this year in the number of new billionaires who have inherited their riches rather than earn them. As a result, the bank has predicted “an enormous increase” in legal battles between siblings squabbling over immense legacies bequeathed by their megarich parents.

No unity between unions

UNION bickering is endangering talks to save thousands of jobs in Port Talbot (South Wales).

The UK’s largest steel plant faces huge job losses after owners Tata announced plans to substitute both blast furnaces with an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) over the next three years.

This is cleaner and greener but also less labour-intensive and between 2,500 and 3,000 workers would find themselves out of work.

Photo credit: CC/Steve Hill

BUSINESS EXTRA

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

PORT TALBOT: The UK’s largest steel-making plant

Changes at Mango FASHION chain Mango unveiled modifications to its corporate and shareholder structure.

In March next year, the board of the Barcelona-based company founded in 1984 by Isak Andic will have nine members instead of the present four, an official statement announced.

Mango’s chief executive Toni Ruiz becomes a shareholder with a 5 per cent stake

in the company’s capital, which at present is 100 per cent controlled by Andic.

Company sources told the Spanish media that these changes would give additional stability to long-term plans and rejected rumours that they heralded a corporate shakeup or plans to float the company.

Mango also revealed that it expects to finish 2023 with record sales topping €3 billion.

Union sources quoted by the BBC revealed a “deep rift” with Community and GMB on one side and Unite on the other.

The three unions originally suggested closing the oldest blast furnace but keeping the younger one active until 2032 while the small EAF was built, preserving 2,300 jobs and requiring fewer enforced redundancies.

Unite withdrew its support for the plan and now insists on no redundancies at all. “We will make no apology for acting like a trade union,” a spokesperson said.

Sources close to Tata indicated that they might delay closing at least one blast furnace for four or five years.

Apparently the unions have suggested that this could be acceptable if Tata were to install a new and modern steel-making works on one of its other sites in the UK.

EWN 25

Record price AN un-named bidder at a Hollywood auction paid $1.15 million (€1.05 million) for a ballerina-length evening dress worn

by Diana, Princess of Wales for a dinner at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence during a royal tour with her then-husband Prince Charles in 1985. The velvet dress, designed by the Moroccan-British designer Jacques Azagury fetched 11 times more than expected.

Divvied up COMPANIES listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange paid investors a total of €27.4 billion in dividends between January and November, an increase of 18.8 per cent on the previous year. Once buy-backs are added to payments in cash or further shares, this increased to more than €40 billion, revealed the latest report from Spanish Stock Exchanges and Markets.

26 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

NY fireworks fizzle vetoed them, ANP said at the end of the month.

The remainder said they preferred to leave the decision to the national government.

In big cities like Amsterdam only the very smallest consu-

mer fireworks are permitted, and the councils backing a national ban maintained that this would give them similar options to prevent people from letting them off.

“Local bans just cannot be policed,” explained those

in favour of a national ban.

They also told the ANP that a ban in one municipality would merely encourage people to go to another where fireworks were allowed.

“As long as consumer fireworks can be sold and possession is not an offence then it will be impossible to police

a local ban,” the Terneuzen (Zeeland) council said.

Unions representing the police unions also want to see a national ban owing to the hazards the emergency services face each New Year during frenzied celebrations involving fireworks.

It would be impossible to police a national patchwork of differing regulations in different areas, they added.

“This is a particular pro-

blem, given the current shortage of capacity within the police,” the four police unions said in a joint statement.

Firecrackers and rockets have been banned nationwide since 2020 when the government restricted the availability of fireworks likely to cause damage and injury.

Those allowed should be let off only between 6pm on December 31 and 2am on January 1.

Octopus gives answers

FINLAND has collaborated on research into the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) during the last Ice Age, about 120,000 years ago.

A groundbreaking discovery using the DNA of the Turquet’s octopus found parallels with current global temperatures. It also supports the theory the WAIS tipping point could be reached, even under the Paris Agreement’s target to limit warming to between 1.5 and 2C. Published in Science magazine, the study has involved universities and research institutes in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Ireland and Germany as well as Finland.

Their research is based on a previous genetic study used to test various theories regarding links between octopus populations in An-

Photo credit: CC/Tiia Monto

SOME local authorities in the Netherlands would welcome a national ban on the consumer fireworks sold to the general public.

Thirty of 150 councils polled by the Netherlands News Agency (ANP) said in mid-December that they would support a national ban although only 16 out of 342 local authorities went ahead and

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

JYVASKYLA UNIVERSITY: Collaborating on research into West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

tarctica.

“Only the disappearance of the WAIS can explain the continuous genetic similarities between current Turquet octopus populations in the Weddell Sea, Ross Sea, and Amundsen Sea,” said Professor Philip Watts from the University of Jyvaskyla.

The disintegration of the ice sheet opened a marine passage, connecting these otherwise distant regions.”

This same study provides an answer to the enduring

debate as to whether the WAIS collapsed during the last Ice Age. “The study is significant for predicting the impacts of climate change,” Professor Watts continued.

“During the last Ice Age, the average global surface temperature was about 1.5C warmer than in the pre-industrial era, and sea levels were between five and 10 metres higher than they are today,” states Watts.

Rockin Wednesday

ATTENTION all live music lovers… get ready to rock as the well renowned ‘Rockin Wednesday’ event starts the new year off with a bang on Wednesday, January 3 in the Main Bar at La Sala Puerto Banus. Expect to hear hits from The Cure, The Smiths, Kings of Leon, The Killers, Lenny Kravitz and much more.

Kicking off from 8pm, local singer and guitarist Tony Capo brings his extensive repertoire to La Sala setting the tone for the evening. From 11pm, Wall Street Band perform the best indie, rock, pop and dance hits the Costa Del Sol has to offer.

Please contact La Sala on: 952 814 145 or via email: reservations@La SalaBanus.com.

ENDORSED by the Michael Jackson Fan Club in Spain as the best live musical show about The King of Pop today, Michael’s Legacy is a tribute to Michael Jackson, created by the Jackson Dance Company.

On Saturday, March 9 at 9pm you can see the show at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI in Estepona.

Michael’s Legacy is the first tribute to Michael Jackson that offers the concept of the show that the King of Pop had on his tours, with live vocals and music.

Michael’s Legacy is a show suitable for all ages, in which you can enjoy a very careful scenography, with exact replicas of the original songs and a special touch given by the company in their performances, with a large dance troupe of eight dancers,

COSTA DEL SOL

Michael’s Legacy

Photo: Facebook / Michael’s Legacy

KING OF POP: The show is suitable for all age groups.

an incredible band of four musicians and live vocals, which will transmit perfectly the messages that the King of Pop made us get in each of his perfor-

Dancing Queens

ATTENTION all ABBA fans, Masters of the Scene - ABBA the Show is an internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute show touring theatres and performing at corporate events across the world.

It all began at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, after the overwhelming victory of a Swedish quartet that, within a few years, was to become a global phenomenon.

Thus ABBA, one of pop culture’s most iconic groups, was born. Since then, they have gone on to string together one hit after another: Mamma Mia, Money, Money, Money, Money, Take A Chance On Me, etc.

On Saturday, Janaury 20 at 8pm you can see one of the greatest ABBA tribute acts at the Palacio de Congresos, Ferias y Exposiciones of Marbella. This spectacular show

Photo: Studio 63 productions

ABBA FANS: This show is truly not to be missed!

by the Masters of the Scene captures the essence and style of the group, with exuberant staging, extravagant costumes and unique vocals.

Based on ABBA’s phenomenal 1979 tour - “‘Live at Wembley Arena’, and with a fully live band, Masters of the Scene create a unique and exquisitely accurate tribute to ABBA. Featuring all the classic hits, this show also covers spectacular gems such as Summer Night City, Eagle and

the phenomenal The Winner Takes It All. Whether you’re an ABBA fan of old or new, this family friendly show will get you dancing in the aisles (in fact it’s actively encouraged!) So dig out your 70’s flares and your platforms and book Masters of the Scene today.

This show truly is one not to be missed!

Bookings can be made online here at www.elcortein gles.es.

mances, making you live an incredible story as if you were the protagonist.

Jackson Dance Company creates this large-format musical show for all audiences, with which they have performed in large venues and the most important theatres in our country. This incredible artistic group is made up of a cast of almost 20 people including dancers, actors, singers and technicians, who, together with their interpretative skills, will perfectly transmit the mes-

sages that the King of Pop used to convey in each of his performances. For this we have the best Impersonator of the King of Pop, Ximo MJ, with great physical resemblance and able to perform and transmit to perfection, every movement and gesture that accompanied in each of his concerts to this great artist as was Michael Jackson.

For more information write to: taquilla@tafes tepona.com and tickets can be bought at the TAF Estepona website.

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Movie cars

THE Museo del Automóvil y la Moda in Malaga (the Automobile and Fashion Museum of Malaga) is holding an exhibition Coches de Cine (Cars of the Movies), an exhibition designed for the whole family in which the most famous vehicles of cinema from the big screen to form part of this collection, which can be visited until January 7.

In Cars of the Movies you can see such recognisable pieces as the typical American car from Crazy Police Academy; the mythical Aston Martin with which James Bond, the 007 agent starring Sean Connery, chased the worst villains in Goldfinger; or Kitt, the famous car from The Fantastic Car, an emblematic se-

BY working closely with the town hall, the Association for Foreign Residents in Estepona (AREME) promotes and assists foreign residents with their day-to-day concerns to achieve improved services in our area.

They also raise funds for local charities and have, in the last three years, assisted the Food Bank during Covid, Estepona Family Alzheimer’s Group and Paula Y Fabrica de Medula Cancer

Photo: Flickr CC / Inside the Magic

28 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

COCHES DE CINE: Walk the red carpet and see movie cars.

ries from the 80s. There is also room for animation with the presence of Luigi and Tío Topolino, two of the characters from the film Cars. The exhibition, which can be enjoyed for the price of a general admission ticket to the Museum, will allow visitors to walk the red carpet to see at close quarters those ve-

hicles that have played an important role in the most famous film productions.

Coches de Cine is a temporary exhibition organised by the Museo del Automóvil y la Moda de Málaga in collaboration with Miss Cadillac, Eurocrea, Marbella Classic Cars and Elcochefantástico. info.

Quiz nights in children charity.

Their ever popular Quiz Nights will recommence in 2024 at 7pm on Wednesday, January 10 (due to a previous engagement within the bar) and Thursday, January 25 in Gastropub ViceVersa, Estepona Port.

In February they will be on Thursday, February

1 and then Thursday, February 15. Thereafter, they are planned for the first and third Thursdays of every month. The AREME AGM will be held at Ricks Bar in Estepona Port on February 5 at 11am. The Committee would like to thank all the members for their support over the year and would like to wish everyone a ‘pròspero año nuevo’.

90’s Rewind THE showman Johnny G returns along with his gorgeous backing singers and dancers presenting a ‘Mixed tape’ of all of The 90’s ‘Smash Hits’ including a featured tribute to the hits of Robbie Williams at the Teatro Salon Varietes in Fuengirola on Friday January 12 and Saturday January 13, both at 7.30pm.

Johnny G is known as the Costa del Sol Showman with good reason as his shows are always full of colour, costumes and action. Tickets available from the theatre’s website: www.salonvarietes theatre.com.

30 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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UNTIL January 4, the ‘Bus de la Ilusión’ will offer charity trips around the city of Malaga for a reduced price of €3 (tickets usually start at €25), which will be donated in full to Ly Com-

pany and the Fundación Pequeño Deseo.

The ‘Bus de la Ilusión’, an initiative promoted

by City Sightseeing Malaga, will tour the city with departures at 4.30pm,

5.30pm and 6.30pm to follow the usual route of the tourist bus.

Get to know some of Malaga’s best-kept secrets? This modern and vibrant city is not just your typical beach town. It’s bursting with surprises!

Did you know that Malaga is nearly 3,000 years old?

Or that Picasso was born there?

Take advantage of this special off, discover Malaga’s history, art, culture from the top deck of the comfortable open-top bus and support charities at the same time.

Red Hot Lovers

THE International Theatre Studio (ITS) was formed in 1975 at a time when there was no theatre, in Spanish or English, on the Costa del Sol. Even though the Cervantes Theatre building in Malaga existed, it had been closed for many years, though it did reopen in April 1987 after substantial renovation.

ITS was the brainchild of two exceptional ladies: Paz Dávila Arostegui and Mary Wells.

The ITS’s first production was Noel Coward’s ‘Relative Values’ and the audience was full of royalty, titled people and celebrities, including Count Rudi Schoenberg, Lord and Lady Foley, Prince and Princess Bismarck, Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe, Sir Francis and Lady Peck, Sean Connery, Mel Ferrer, Sir Stanley and Lady Baker, Ray Milland, Michael Sullivan, Dani Roban and James Hunt.

Their next event to start the new year will be a

Photo: ITS

Charity sightseeing

ITS: Are performing a play by Neil Simon.

rehearsed play reading on Wednesday, January 17 at the El Trapiche Cultural Centre theatre in San Pedro. Doors open at 7.30pm with curtain up at 8pm. They are performing the Last of the Red Hot Lovers by Neil Simon.

It is an American comedy written in 1969, which later became a film.

It is acclaimed as a ‘very funny play’ and ITS has some of their best comic actors in this production, jointly directed by Martin Curd and Paloma Salgado.

With Paul Baker as Barney, Hannah Murray as

Elaine, Beverley Stonehewer as Bobbi and Eileen Audas as Jeanette, you are guaranteed an evening of laughter.

Tickets can be booked online on the website: in ternationaltheatrestudio. org. Entry for this event is by donations, €10 per person for ITS Members and €12 for non-members.

The venue is very comfortable, with on street car parking. It is not licensed but they are hoping to be able to offer a drink outside the venue, as they have done on previous occasions.

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

Remember Queen

Photo: Facebook / Remember Queen

32 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

TRIBUTE SHOW: The band take care of the smallest details of the original group.

FRIDAY, January 12 in the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Malaga, at 8pm, one of the best tribute bands will perform: Remember Queen.

The aim of this show is to create the sensation of seeing Queen live, thanks to the fact that the members of the show occupy the exact formation that the English group had on stage, using 10 costume changes, as well as including in the show a visual support with the videos that Queen left us over the years and helping us to get to know Freddy Mercury’s band and the best moments of his career.

The artists of Remember Queen take care of the smallest detail of the original show with a staging similar to the one the original band used in their 1986 tour, being the last Queen Tour with Freddie Mercury on stage. The original line-up that thrilled stages all over the world.

Queen was exceptional because their musicians were outstanding: their drummer Roger Taylor, a renowned musician in the history of rock, who was also the composer of many of the hits such as ‘Radio Ga Ga Ga’, ‘A Kind of Magic’.

Remember Queen drum-

mer Roberto D’Amicis performs other Queen hits like ‘I’m In Love With My Car’.

In the role of Brian May Leo Giannetto and as John Deacon, Julio Llorca.

Enjoy all of Queen’s hits such as ‘We are the Champions’ or ‘Bohemian Rapsody’ in an internationally successful show seen by more than 500,000 people starring the world’s best Freddie Mercury lookalike, Piero Venery.

Ticets can be bought here: https://www.apo rentradas.com/especta culo/APORENTRADAS/2/ remember-queen-malaga5355.html.

HO, HO, HO! The most magical time of the year is still here and there’s a Christmas Party for all little builders at Bloqueria on Saturday, December 30 from 7pm to 9.30pm for an unforgettable night packed with festive fun.

Get ready for an evening bursting with Christmas-themed LEGO activities, coupled with delicious pizza and refreshing juice. Imagine the joy of building your very own LEGO Christmas tree or Santa’s sleigh! Bring your creativity and holiday spirit, and create magical memories together. Spaces are filling fast! Be sure to sign up now by phoning 634 415 823.

Bloqueria is a premier indoor play area located in Calle Zaragoza, Estepona. With a wide range of activities and services, they offer a fun-filled experience for children and families. Their engaging LEGO®-themed environ-

Photo: Facebook / Bloqueria

Christmas LEGO

Xmas-themed play.

ment sparks creativity and learning, making them a go-to destination for kids of all ages. Join them for a festive celebration on Saturday, December 30: Build Santas, Reindeers, and Snowflakes with LEGO bricks. Create LEGO hearts and spread joy to children in need. The cost is €25 per child and delicious pizza and refreshing juice is included. By participating in #BuildToGive, every LEGO heart crafted during the event means a LEGO present for a child who could use some extra holiday magic. Bloqueria will be sharing the creations on social media using #BuildToGive!

THE Revitalisation Plan for the Benalmadena Marina, which began at the end of October with Puerto Terror and which has been consolidated with the Gran Circo show, is launching exciting new events for 2024.

The objective of the town hall with this plan is to increase the influx of visitors to its facilities and surroundings in the quieter months for tourism with the aim of reactivating the commercial and restaurant areas and restoring its prominence as a family leisure spot that it has lost for almost a decade.

“We are already noticing the first results, as we have been able to see with the Gran Circo, or the Halloween parties held for All Saints’ Day,” said José Luis Bergillos, councillor responsible for the marina. “We are also working to attract new activities on weekends and holidays and, this year we have increased the investment in Christmas lights for the first time in many years,” he added.

Among the activities programmed, environmental awareness and sustainabili-

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

EWN 33

Marina 2024

Photo: Benalmadena Town Hall

SOCIAL SCENE II euroweeklynews.com

Wikimedia CC

BENALMADENA MARINA: Is launching an exciting new events programme for next year.

ty will arrive on January 27 and 28, when the Port will be offering workshops and activities aimed at exploring the secrets of the sea and learning to look after its environment.

On February 3 and 4, the Marina will be transformed into a stage with theatre performances, storytelling, puppet shows, a film and book market, an irresistible cultural offer, in two languages - English and Spanish - alternating the performances and with activities to involve

the whole family, adults and children.

Carnival will take centre stage with music at the Teatro de Levante, along with a parade, on February 1011 and 17-18, with a fancy dress competition and other activities for all ages and audiences.

At the end of February, on the weekend of the 24 and 25, the world of ‘gaming’ will arrive to drive children and adults crazy with great exhibitions, console gaming workshops, markets, merchan-

dising and the best props for the occasion.

Another of the main attractions included in this plan is the Music&Market Fest, scheduled for March, encouraging more visitors to the Port. Thus, cultural markets, music workshops for children, cultural and musical training of groups such as a Beatles tribute concert, with DJ, and a cycle of concerts, will bring light, colour and music, filling the facilities of the marina of Benalmadena with life.

34 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 FUENGIROLA will host a new edition of the Great Medieval Festival on Friday, December 29. The Avenida Condes de San Isidro, Calle San Antonio, Camino de Coín and Plaza Reyes Católicos will be taken back to Medieval times, from 11am to 9pm.

Fuengirola is hosting this party for the whole family, where traffic will be stopped on Avenida Condes de San Isidro, as well as in Calle San Antonio, Camino de Coín and Plaza Reyes Católicos. Throughout this area a medieval market will be recreated with more than 30 stalls and merchants and all kinds of decorations: banners, pennants, coloured strips, etc.

As for the different activities that can be enjoyed as part of the Medieval Festival, there will be a dozen participatory workshops and games for children, as well as different activities and exhibitions, all of which are free of charge.

Medieval coin minting, scribes, combat, pottery, saddlery, weaving, lacquered letters, medieval painting, amulets and ceramics will be

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

Great Medieval Festival

New Year concert Photo: Facebook / Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga

MALAGA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Will be performing in Torremolinos.

MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL: Includes workshops for children.

some of the workshops that children will be able to enjoy during the day. In addition, there will also be participatory workshops aimed at young people, where they can learn how a knight used to dress, notions of fencing, as well as training and combat exhibitions.

There will also be a falconry exhibition and exhibitions of birds of prey flying. All the activities included in this day will be completely free of charge, except for three approved children’s rides, which will cost €1 each. In addition, in the areas where

this activity takes place, stalls will be set up to sell handmade products, which will be located on the pavement to allow the shops and businesses in the area to be open to the public during their usual opening hours.

The programme will begin with the opening of the medieval day at 11am; at midday there will be a parade, which will be repeated at 5.30pm; falconry exhibitions will be held at 12.30pm, 6.30pm and 8pm; there will also be a night-time fire show, which will take place at 7pm.

THE New Year will begin in Torremolinos with a concert by the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra. “It will be on January 2, at 8pm, in the Príncipe de Asturias Municipal Auditorium, with free admission, so that all the residents of Torremolinos who want to start the year with music, can do so in the best possible way”, explained the mayor, Margarita del Cid, at the presentation of the event.

Also present at the presentation were the councillor for Culture, Events and Traditions, José Manuel Ruiz Rivas, and the manager of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga, Juan Carlos Ramírez.

Under the musical direction of Florian Csizmadia, the orchestra will perform a repertoire with pieces by Johann Strauss, Franz Léhar, Jean Sibelius and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. “I would like to invite the citizens to join us, we are going to make

them happy, we are going to make them dance in their seats and leave their worries behind, with a concert that we have prepared for the New Year, pure waltzes and polkas,” said Juan Carlos Ramírez.

The Orquesta Filarmónica de Malaga gave its inaugural concert on Valentines Day, 1991. It was born then as the Orquesta Ciudad de Malaga, a consortium between the city council of Malaga and the Junta de Andalucia, and which responded to the conviction that a city like Malaga should have a great symphony orchestra.

At the head of the orchestra and its project, six conductors have stamped their own personality: Octav Calleya, Odón Alonso, Alexander Rahbari, Aldo Ceccato, Edmon Colomer and Manuel Hernández Silva.

Maestro José María Moreno is currently the principal conductor and artistic director.

36 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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Lunching at La Scala WITH the festive season in full swing, La Scala Restaurant held their Ladies Lunch on Wednesday, December 20, with everyone dressing in full Christmas glam!

On arrival, the delightfully decorated entrance felt like something from a Christmas film, as reindeers, Santas and a personalised sleigh greeted guests immediately!

The inside setting was even more magical, with snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, red roses adorning each table, and festive music being performed live by the talented Johnny G, who soon got diners singing, dancing, and waving their flowers in the air!

All in attendance were definitely ‘dressed to impress’, with glitter, sequins and festive colours filling the room.

Toni Eastwood, OBE said “it feels like the Christmas spirit has arrived in full swing here in La Scala.”

The meal consisted of three delicious courses, as well as a specialty cocktail and unlimited prosecco for two hours.

As the smartly dressed waiters brought out each plate, the bubbly flowed and all were in great spirits.

EWN spoke to owner of La Scala, Tibbi Aquila, who ex-

plained that the secret behind his and the restaurant’s success is his “passion for the people” and “looking after and surprising our customers”. Adding that he “loves the ambiance of Christmas”. These words definitely rang true when taking a look around the dining room of La Scala. From personal touches of birthday balloons, to intimate details in the festive decorations, even with Tibbi walking around and greeting many guests with a hug, it is clear that this establishment and event is run with passion and love.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the fashion show, exhibiting the newest season of stylish clothes from Mapuchi.

Speaking to owner and creator, Sara Haley, EWN discovered that many of the models walking on the day were actually old friends of Sara’s from her own modelling days! She described the clothes on show as “Christmas themed, knitwear, festive wear and of course some party pieces!”

As the models strutted their stuff throughout the tables, many cheered and took photos, with others quickly grabbing Sara Haley’s attention to tell her to “order one of those for me!”

Soon after, the dance floor was full of all members of the community - there were residents and holidaymakers alike, along with business owners.

Marc from VIP Cars in Marbella, along with his wife, Nadine. The effervescent Peter and Michelle Bowerman dancing with Olivia’s director Michelle with her popular artist and enterainer Ivan.

It was so fabulous to see business leaders talking at ease with community charity presidents. You could really feel that community matters were the topic of conversation and action to be taken was being discussed.

The whole atmosphere of the day revolved around love and giving and sharing - this carried on long after the sun began to set. Everyone finally left to enjoy the fabulous food and copious amounts of Christmas joy.

La Scala made December 20th a day to remember with an abundance of magical memories.

A Christmas date not to be missed in 2024.

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

200 at Gala PUENTE ROMANO Hotel hosted the first edition of the Christmas Global Gift Gala last week. Marbella philanthropist and businesswoman Maria Bravo and actor Gary Dourdan welcomed around 200 people dressed in fancy dress to enjoy the festive season by helping the children of Casa Angeles, the day centre for children with special needs.

The gala was hosted by masters of ceremony, British presenter Nick Ede, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, along with British presenter, actress, singer and DJ Denise Van Outen.

The evening was enlivened with performances by the Gipsy Kings, the young Soleá, who captivated everyone present, and the young Briton Samuel Hope, who conquered the stage with his captivating voice.

Gary Dourdan sang and, to round off the evening, Denise Van Outen lit up the dance floor at the after party with the best music.

Actress and activist Brigitte Nielsen received the prestigious Global Gift Good Will Ambassador Award in recognition of her tireless humanitarian work and commitment to various philanthropic causes. Likewise, the Global Gift Inspiration Award went to the singer Soleá, which was presented by Eva Longoria via video link.

British auctioneer Jonny Gould conduc-

Photo: Global Gift Foundation

38 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

GALA: Raising funds for charity.

ted a live auction that raised substantial sums for charity. A painting by the artist Jaime Monge fetched € 11,000; a work by Johann Perathoner entitled New York 3D also sold for €11,000; a Cannes experience for two people brought in another €16,000; finally, a work by master chocolatier Patrick Aubrion, entitled The World in Our Hands, was auctioned for the sum of €2,000.

The funds raised at this gala will go to Casa Ángeles, a day centre for children and young people with special needs located in Marbella, founded by Maria Bravo. Casa Ángeles focuses on improving the quality of life of these children through therapies, workshops and leisure programmes designed to foster social inclusion.

SOCIAL SCENE II euroweeklynews.com ADVERTISING FEATURE

Introducing A new 3 Course Menu @ Christy’s Irish Gastropub Fuengirola!

AS the festive cheer envelops us and the air fills with anticipation for the holiday season, we pause to send our warmest birthday wishes to Nik, currently on his way to Lapland to ensure Santa’s sleigh is packed to perfection. Nik, the unsung hero behind the scenes, making sure Christmas magic goes off without a hitch!

Meanwhile, at Christy’s Irish Gastropub in Fuengirola, Our brand new three-course menu is stealing hearts with its fantastic value and delectable offerings. Step into our cosy haven, with a covered terrace ideal for enjoying the winter evenings.

Embark on a culinary voyage with our specially curated three-course set menu designed to captivate your taste buds. Begin with appetisers that tantalise, leading to main courses crafted to fulfil every desire, and culminating in desserts that beckon with irresistible

CHRISTY’S: Embark on a culinary voyage.

sweetness. It’s a symphony of flavours, a celebration in every bite, and all at the incredible price of €22.95 that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Experience the Irish cuisine at Christy’s Irish Gastropub without worrying about your budget. We also have wonderful sharing platters. Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exquisite dining affair, relishing

the magic of the Christmas season and the warmth of good food shared in great company. Open seven days a week 13.00 - 23.00.

Join us at Christy’s. Cheers to Nik’s birthday and to the festivities that bring us together! We would like to thank all our customers for their support throughout the year and we wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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40 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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Torremolinos Drag Gala THE councillor for Equality, Francisco García, has announced that on Saturday, February 17, 2024 the Torremolinos Drag Gala will take place, organised in collaboration with the Torremolinos Gay Traders Association.

“The Drag Gala will be the first LGTBI event of the 2024 season. It will take place on February 17 in the Municipal Auditorium. From the town hall we continue to collaborate in all events in our municipality, always in favour of diversity, and with the help of ACOGAT”, announced Francisco García.

The Torremolinos Drag Gala is a festival of fantasy, where the choreographies of the participating Drags with music, lighting and costumes, make it a show that each year attracts many people, not only from the municipality but from many other localities that have it as an essential appointment when February approaches.

The first three editions were held in the Plaza de la Nogalera and later, given the success and following it was acquiring, it began to be held in the Auditorio Municipal Príncipe de Asturias, which has a large stage, ideal acoustics and a very large capacity designed to host events of this magnitude.

Three Kings THE Royal Postman will collect letters addressed to the Three Kings in the Plaza Antonia Guerrero in Estepona. The Royal Mailbox will be installed on Wednesday, January 3, from 5pm to 8pm All the children of Estepona will be able to welcome the Three Kings on Friday, January 5, from 11am, at the Estepona Fairgrounds, where a children’s party will be held, before the Great Three Wise Men Parade.

The parade of floats will start at 5pm from Avenida de Andalucia, east side, and continue along Avenida Juan Carlos I, Avenida de España, and Calle Terraza, until it reaches the Botanical Orchid Park, where

photo: Facebook / Estepona Town Hall

ANNUAL PARADE: Children will welcome the Three Kings.

children will have another opportunity to deliver their letters to Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar.

Last year the procession which travelled through the streets featured 10 floats and distributed 15,000 kilos of sweets. The parade will be accompanied by the music of Este-

pona groups including the municipal town band.

Estepona Town Hall would like to thank the local businesses for their collaboration in donating the sweets that will be distributed during the parade, and encourages all citizens to participate and enjoy the parade.

Coldplay by Candlelight CANDLELIGHT brings the magic of a live music experience to amazing venues in Malaga. Get your tickets for this Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay at the Gran Hotel Miramar, Malaga on Sunday, January 14 and Sunday, 21 here: https://feverup.com In the Royal Hall of the Gran Hotel Miramar, Malaga listen to an incredible candlelit performance by pianist Natalia Kuchaeva featuring some of Coldplay’s most memorable hits: • Clocks

• Don’t Panic • Speed of Sound • Trouble • Fix You • Paradise, Nevada • In My Place • Adventure of a Lifetime • Hymn for a Weekend • Yellow • The Scientist Live music • Sky Full of Stars experienc e in • Viva la Vida Malaga.

SOCIAL SCENE II euroweeklynews.com BIGSOUND, Spain’s largest urban music festival, has announced its expansion to the city of Malaga. Following the success of its first three editions in Valencia, Bigsound will arrive at the Auditorio Municipal Cortijo de Torres on July 19 and 20, 2024, promising an unforgettable musical experience.

Bigsound Malaga promises 15 hours of music in the surroundings of the Cortijo de Torres Municipal Auditorium.

In addition to the music, the festival will offer a selection of gastronomy, a market area, entertainment, rest areas, merchandising sales and a variety of unique experiences.

The festival, which comes to the city as a result of a business partnership with Malaga-based promoter Universe Group, will mark a milestone

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

EWN 41

Urban music Beauty and the Beast Photo: Facebook / Bigsound festival Valencia

BIGSOUND: Spain’s largest urban music festival.

in the province of Malaga and is expected to attract a massive audience, with more than 12,000 people expected to attend each day.

This will be the only opportunity for urban music lovers in the province of Malaga to enjoy some outstanding live performances. Bigsound

LA BARBARIE Teatro Musical invites you to enjoy a show flooded with the magic of the ocean. The Little Mermaid Musical Tribute, at the the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI in Estepona, is an adaptation of the tale written by the Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen with live voices and a story that will thrill young and old alike. It’s on Sunday, January 28 at

aims to propel culturally rich Malaga onto the international circuit of major urban music events. This expansion will not only enrich the music experience for residents, but will also attract national and international visitors, reinforcing its current status as a top entertainment destination.

Ocean tale

5pm.

Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid, deeply desires to know the world of human beings. Together with her best friend, the fish Flounder, and ignoring the warnings of her father, King Triton,

TEATRO MUSICAL Teatro ESAD in Malaga invites you to enjoy Beauty and the Beast, the classic musical for children and adults, with live voices and a wonderful love story you will never forget.

The show takes place on Thursday, January 4 at 5pm and you can buy tickets here: www.giglon.com.

Belle is a bright and beautiful young woman who lost her sight as a child. The Beast is a prince bewitched by his inability to see beyond the physical. Their paths cross when the Beast takes Belle’s father prisoner, but she decides to take his place and live in the castle with her peculiar host.

Ariel decides to make a deal with an evil witch named Ursula to become a human girl and live in that happy world with the man of her dreams, Prince Eric. A great show for all the family.

For more information write to: taqui lla@tafestepona.com and tickets can be bought at the TAF Estepona website.

Belle and her friends, the enchanted objects of the castle, will help the Beast to understand that the only person capable of breaking the spell is himself if he can accept and understand what it means to truly see.

A moving show in which we discover that there is another way of seeing the world.

The folk tale functions as a starting point to promote values such as empathy, inclusion, diversity and acceptance of our own differences.

42 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 OVERLOOKING the boats of the Puerto Deportivo in Marbella stands the The Harbour Bar & Restaurant, an elegant and friendly establishment located on the first floor of the Real Club Maritimo.

On Friday December 22, Euro Weekly News visited their Festive Lunch, an event that they had hosted a number of times throughout the Christmas week.

As guests arrived at the entrance, the level of decorations were clearly supreme, with four life size ‘Nutcracker’ Soldiers standing tall, guiding the way into this Christmas delight. As the sun reflected off the tinsel and the holiday music played throughout the room, one could not help but suddenly

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

The Harbour Festive Lunch

Santa Claus, Mickey and Minnie greeting the young guests.

The beautiful Bradshaw family.

feel in the festive spirit, as even the staff were dressed to the theme, dancing and laughing, all in great spirits.

Families began to arrive, all in festive wear, and the children excitedly looked around, with eyes darting from one decoration to the next. EWN spoke to the Bradshaw family, who looked lovely and told us that “this is our second time coming, it somehow looks even better this year! The kids love it.”

Everyone began to take their seats, as the three courses started to be brought out. Guests were offered a selection of starters, including warm sticky pork belly salad, chicken mushroom and ham vol-au-vent and a hearty cream of asparagus and broccoli soup with pesto oil. Then came the mains, many opted for the traditional Christmas roast turkey, with others opting for a typical Spanish sea bream, or the tagliatelle with asparagus, cherry tomatoes and parme-

san cream sauce.

After the sweet finale of the food, with desserts that included brandy flamed Christmas pudding and apple and raisin crumble, a special guest arrived, the one and only Santa Claus!

The children in attendance squealed with delight and quickly dashed to greet St Nick, giving him hugs and excitedly explaining what they would like for Christmas!

An extra surprise was to follow, with none other than Mickey and Minnie mouse making their entrance, and dancing with the children!

All three beloved characters then took to their seats and one by one the young diners took turns to sit on their knees, take photos with them and offer their Christmas wish lists!

A brilliant time was had by all at this festive feast with the stunning backdrop of the sparkling sea. Guests left full of delicious food and magical memories, with many declaring they would definitely be back again next year!

The Harbour will be hosting one final party of 2024, their famous New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be two fantastic entertainment shows for guests to enjoy, as well as a luxury three course menu.

Bookings are currently still available, so to join in on this fantastic final fling, phone them on +34 952 865 534 or visit their Facebook/website to see the full menu for the day.

44 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

Photo: pxhere CC

KIEV BALLET: There are two opportunities to see this beloved ballet.

The Nutcracker

AFTER the great success of its first tour of Spain in 2022, the Kiev Ballet is once again touring the most prestigious stages in Spain with its new production of The Nutcracker including two dates here in Malaga Province.

For over a century, the Nutcracker ballet has been a beloved Christmas tradition, captivating audiences with its mesmerising music

by Tchaikovsky and intricate choreography by Marius Petipa.

Since its premiere it has enchanted audiences in western countries with its magi-

cal tale. A visit to this ballet is a mandatory part of Christmas holiday plans for many families and The Nutcracker is as much an integral part as decorating the Christmas tree and buying gifts. The delicate waltz of the snowflakes, the exquisite dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the bright Spanish and Arabian dances and the graceful Rose Waltz; this magnificent performance is perceived as a vital element of the holiday season.

On the Costa del Sol there are two chances to catch this captivating performance of musical theatre featuring

the Kiev Ballet company with soloists: Elena Germanovich, Evhen Lagunov, Yevhen Svetlitsa, Pazlevich Uladzislav, Vladyslava Vasylieva and Sofiia Hatylo.

On Friday, December 29 it will be performed at Teatro Cervantes in Malaga at 4.30pm and 8pm, tickets can be bought from the theatre’s website: https://www.teatro cervantes.com Then at 8pm on Friday, January 26, the ballet comes to Estepona at the Felipe VI Auditorium Theatre. Tickets are available here: https:// tafestepona.entradas.plus

Celebrate

NEW YEAR’S EVE

More info.

Tel 619 613 321 info@sohomarketmarbella.com

46 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE BRISA Festival is held for the benefit of the Red Cross. The festival has been a huge success in previous years and in 2024 will be held over three days: July, 25, 26 and 27. Previously held in Malaga’s Bullring, next year the venue will move to the Port of Malaga.

The president of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, said at the launch of the event that the music festival is a focal point for attracting tourists to the province of Malaga. “That is why we are delighted that Brisa Festival has been part of this circuit of musical events on the Costa del Sol during the summer for the last four years, which makes our destination so attractive for what we know as festival tourism,” he said.

The size of the Port of Malaga will make Brisa Festival grow in all senses with respect to previous editions. In July 2024 it will have more artists and more stages to maintain one of the great maxims

Brisa Festival

Photo: Facebook / Brisa / Javier Rosa

FESTIVAL: Held for the benefit of the Red Cross.

since its birth: to promote the inexhaustible local and regional talent in the music sector.

Alongside the big names on the bill are emerging groups from Malaga and all over Andalucia including the finalists of MalagaCreaRock 2023. “This commitment to the emerging artists of the province is one of the values of Brisa,” said the president of the Provincial Council.

“That is why we applaud the fact that this festival

is a loudspeaker for young bands who dream of working in music professionally and headlining a major festival,” he added.

Brisa Festival is a charity event for the benefit of the Red Cross that has the support of Malaga City Council, the Provincial Council of Malaga, Turismo Costa del Sol and Cervezas Victoria. Full information, srtist confirmations and ticket sales are available on the website: www.brisafestival.com.

FEATURE/NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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Happy New Year everyone €2 Million ‘charity’ cake LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT AH well, there it goes; another one bites the bank balance. In fact this past Christmas was almost unbelievably my 84th! - the mind truly does boggle. Memories of previous yuletides do of course abound. My first were of the latter war years, when money, and just about everything else was either rationed or short.

With Dad abroad fighting for his country, it was left to Mum to fill the stocking. I still recall the large male sock, probably Grandad’s, at the foot of my bed, totally stuffed and out of shape with surprises. Vividly I remember my excitement as I delved in and discovered a wonderful Dinky toy, a number of boiled sweets, lead soldiers, a rare orange, an apple and finally a penny, which Mum would then take to the shops for a few more rationed sweet treats (and probably some help toward a packet o’ fags!). One of the best presents I do remember was a wooden truck, fas-

hioned by a German prisoner of war in a camp situated close to where we had been evacuated; no whiff of any possible danger as to their actual location did of course ever unsettle my three or four year old innocence.

In later years I always tried my utmost to be at home with the family at Christmas. Circumstances of course sometimes made this impossible.

One year, during the success of my recording career, I was booked to appear in Scotland on Boxing Day. This of course meant travelling over Christmas. Heading north on some 60s motorway or another, I decided to stop at a fairly respectable looking roadside cafeteria. Christmas dinner was actually advertised outside. On entering I discovered I was in fact the only customer (natch). I soon realised that the young male and female working behind the food counter were indeed well sozzled and the tray on which my special repast was served up left a great deal to be desired.

I was reminded of this a few years later when I found my self incarcerated for an offence I didn’t actually commit. The Christmas of ’71 found

me in the dark confines of Oxford prison. Christmas Eve all the inmates had been presented with a ‘menu’ of what we could expect the following day. It did indeed make very impressive reading. Turkey, gravy, cabbage, roasted potatoes followed by Christmas pudding and custard. I could hardly believe it. The prison fare was normally just about inedible. I needn’t have worried.

The meal, all delivered on a stamped out tin tray, was totally disgusting. The turkey was sliced so thinly that when held up it developed creases like a transparent curtain. The ‘greens’ were sodden with water, the gravy grease spilled over into the lumpy custard and it was all cold. I didn’t eat much. I also refused the boiled sweets the prison guvnor gratuitously handed out as we left the canteen. Memories memories.

Ah well. Happy New Year everyone. Let’s hope the memories infused by ‘24 contain more peace and love than ‘23. Somehow I doubt it.

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.

CHIARA FERRAGNI, well-known Italian influencer has been accused of ‘unfair commercial practices’ after it emerged that the proceeds from the ‘charity’ pandoro she promoted had never reached their destination.

Last year, Ferragni and confectionery brand Balocco launched a pandoro (a traditional Italian Christmas cake), whose packaging and marketing featured the logos of the celebrity. The cake was sold for €9 - double what they usually cost and part of the proceeds were supposed to go to a hospital.

However, according to the Italian press, no funds were ever donated. AGCM (Italy’s anti-trust authority) said Balocco and Ferragni earned almost €2 million, thanks to the fraud. As a result, the Italian courts fined the

companies Fenice and TBS, owned by Chiara Ferragni, more than €1 million, and demanded another €420,000 from Balocco for “unfair commercial practices”.

Last week Ferragni told her almost 30 million followers, “I have always been convinced that the most fortunate have the responsibility to do good. Those are the values that have always driven me and my family and that’s what we teach our children”, she said.

“I am here today to own my mistake. I apologise and announce an important gesture: I will donate €1 million to the Regina Margherita hospital, in order to support the care of sick children. I commit myself to separate my charitable activities from my commercial activities as misunderstandings can arise,” she explained.

48 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

Potential of Med diet EMBARKING on the journey of parenthood often prompts questions about lifestyle choices, and the impact of diet on fertility is a common consideration.

Recent studies suggest that adopting the Mediterranean diet may hold promising benefits for those seeking to enhance their chances of conception.

Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil, the Mediterranean diet is renowned for its nutrient-dense and heart-healthy components. Researchers propose that the abundance of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins found in this diet could positively influence reproductive health.

The emphasis on lean proteins, like fish and poultry, along with the moderate consumption of dairy, aligns with nutritional recommendations for supporting fertility. Furthermore, the diet’s potential to

reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity may contribute to a more conducive environment for conception.

While no single diet guarantees Med diet holds promising benefits.

fertility success, incorporating the principles of the Mediterranean diet into your lifestyle may offer a wholesome approach to supporting reproductive health. As always, consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice on your fertility journey.

Specialist in pediatrics THE pediatric specialist at our Med Assist Clinic in Calahonda is prepared to deal with preventive and diagnostic care procedures, such as vaccinations, pediatric control, comprehensive and continuous child care, as well as the possibility of providing guidance to the family on the habits healthy for the child in the growth process.

When faced with the doubts and concerns of parents, especially those who do not have experience, they will be able to find in the medical team of specialists in pediatrics in Calahonda a helping hand that will provide security and help in the growth process of their children.

Likewise, you can count on comprehensive care in the area that requires it, from

physical health to psychological and emotional health.

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, sitio de Calahonda, Malaga.

952 933 377

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

Graceful fitness

BEYOND the elegance and poise of ballet lies a rigorous and dynamic form of exercise that transcends the boundaries of traditional fitness routines.

Ballet, with its intricate movements and emphasis on strength and flexibility, offers a unique avenue for physical well-being.

The combination of controlled movements, leaps, and fluidity in ballet engages various muscle groups, fostering strength, particularly in the core, legs, and stabilising muscles. This not only promotes a toned physique but also enhances overall balance and posture.

Moreover, the repetitive nature of ballet exercises contributes to improved endurance and cardiovascular health.

The graceful

yet demanding sequences elevate the heart rate, providing a cardiovascular workout that rivals more conventional forms of exercise.

Beyond the physical benefits, ballet also nurtures mental well-being by requiring focus, discipline,

and artistic expression. The mind-body connection cultivated through ballet can alleviate stress and contribute to a sense of accomplishment.

In conclusion, ballet is not merely an art form but a powerful and holistic exercise regimen. Whether

BALLET EXERCISES: Contribute to improved endurance.

you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, the physical and mental benefits of ballet make it a captivating and effective addition to any fitness routine.

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50 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY MANY people overlook the importance of sun protection during the winter months, but the truth is that the sun’s harmful UV rays can be just as damaging as they are in summer. Winter sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Firstly, even on cloudy or overcast days, up to 80 per cent of UV rays can penetrate

Winter sun

the clouds. Snow and ice can reflect up to 90 per cent of UV rays, increasing the risk of exposure. This makes sunscreen an essential item in your winter skincare routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and

hands.

Additionally, consider wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses with UV protection are also important to protect your eyes from UV exposure, which can lead to cataracts.

The dry winter air can dehydrate your skin, so complement your sun protection with a good moisturiser. This keeps your skin hydrated and strengthens its barrier against the elements.

Winter sun protection is a key aspect of skincare, helping to prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer. Stay vigilant and protect your skin regardless of the season.

Natural remedies

COLD sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, can be both painful and unsightly. While there’s no cure, several natural remedies can help soothe the discomfort and speed up the healing process.

Lemon Balm: Known for its antiviral properties, lemon balm can reduce redness and swelling of cold sores. Apply a lemon balm ointment several times a day.

Ice Pack: Applying a cold pack directly to the sore can decrease inflammation and numb the pain. Wrap ice in a cloth and hold it against the sore for a few minutes.

Aloe Vera: A natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent, aloe vera gel can soothe the skin and accelerate healing. Apply pure aloe vera gel to the sore.

Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil has antiviral properties that can help kill the virus particles outside of your cells. Apply diluted peppermint oil directly to the sore.

Zinc Therapy: Zinc creams or lozenges can reduce the duration of cold sores. Zinc is known to boost immune function and promote skin healing.

Lysine Supplements: Lysine is an amino acid that may prevent cold sore outbreaks.

Taking lysine supplements or eating lysine-rich foods like fish and dairy can be beneficial.

Remember, while these remedies can provide relief, it’s important to maintain good hygiene and avoid direct contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com AS the festive season approaches, many of us eagerly bring Christmas trees into our homes, unaware that they might be the source of sudden allergic reactions. Recent findings suggest your Christmas tree could be more than just a festive centrepiece; it might be causing your seasonal sniffles.

A study highlighted in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology revealed that Christmas trees could carry various types of mould, many of which are known to trigger hay fever symptoms.

Approximately 10 per cent of the population is allergic to mould, and unfortunately, Christmas trees provide an ideal environment for these spores to thrive.

Dr Jane Smith, an allergy expert, explains, “The warm indoor conditions of most homes during winter are perfect for mould spores from the tree to multiply, leading to increased allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.”

Interestingly, it’s not just natural trees that pose a risk. Artificial trees, often stored in dusty areas like lofts or sheds, can accumulate dust mites, exacerbating similar allergic reactions.

To combat these unwanted holiday guests, Dr Smith recommends se-

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

Seasonal allergies veral preventive measures. Ventilating rooms by opening windows, regular dusting, and cleaning, especially around the tree area, can be effective.

SEASONAL SNIFFLES: Trees can trigger hay fever symptoms.

Additionally, taking antihistamines and using nasal steroid sprays before and during the tree’s indoor stay can alleviate symptoms. For those with

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asthma, it’s particularly important to be cautious, as mould spores can trigger severe asthma attacks.

So, this holiday season, while you deck the halls, be mindful of these hidden allergens. A few simple steps can ensure your festive spirit isn’t dampened by seasonal allergies.

52 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Photo: Krakow Town Hall

Best foodie destinations

KRAKOW: Best for cultural experiences.

THE city was awarded sixth place in the prestigious and competitive culinary race as voted for by global travellers on Booking.com. Barcelona was first on the list as the most attractive foodie destination in Europe.

Kraków has also been named among the most popular European destinations for travellers primarily interested in cultural experiences. The city is among the Top 10 History and Culture Destinations, again, according to Booking.com and last year, the Christmas fair in Kraków was praised by the British newspaper The Times, which included it among the 24 best Christmas markets in Europe Today, Kraków is highly appreciated by foodies enthralled by its European culinary heritage, with the cherry on the cake being the honorable title of the European Capital of Gastronomic Culture, which Kraków was awarded in 2019. In 2023, the city can be proud of its

vast presence in the Michelin Guide, with as many as 18 restaurants in Kraków featured in the latest edition of the famous guide, and Bottiglieria 1881 being the first in the country to receive two Michelin stars.

The hospitality of residents, friendly atmosphere, attractive surroundings and modern infrastructure attract visitors from all over the world. The city has over 180 hotels, including 20 five-star hotels and numerous increasingly-popular boutique hotels, with charming interiors. All this and much more make Kraków a tourist destination that can exceed the expectations of even the most demanding guests.

Anyone who visits Kraków will certainly want to come back.

Huge bonus for O’Leary RYANAIR’S chief executive, O’Leary, is close to securing a staggering €100 million bonus, following the airline’s record share price surge.

On Friday, December 15, Ryanair’s shares reached €18.99, marking an impressive increase of over 50 per cent this year.

This surge not only underscores Ryanair’s dominance as Europe’s most valuable airline but also brings O’Leary a step closer to his lucrative bonus, agreed in 2019.

Under the terms set in 2019, O’Leary is eligible for share options of around €100 million if Ryanair’s shares maintain a minimum of €21 for 28 days, or if the airline reports more than €2.2 billion in annual profits after tax.

This potential payout is poised to become one of the most substantial in European corporate history, offering O’Leary the chance to purchase 10 million sha-

Credit: NextNewMedia/Shutterstock.com

RECORD FIGURES: Ryanair shares soar.

res at €11.12 each.

Financial experts anticipate an average share price target of €24 in the next 12 months, as per Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Ryanair forecasts its profit after tax to be between €1.85 billion and €2.05 billion for the fiscal year ending in March.

Originally planned to conclude in 2024, the incentive scheme was extended to 2028 last December, when share prices were below €13. Apart from his CEO remuneration of €925,000 in the last financial year,

O’Leary holds a 3.9 per cent stake in Ryanair, currently valued at €907 million according to FactSet. Ryanair, under O’Leary’s leadership since 1994, has experienced rapid expansion, solidifying its lead in the European low-cost aviation sector.

The airline aims to double its passenger numbers in the next decade and is currently the world’s second-most valuable airline by market capitalisation, trailing only Delta Air Lines in the US.

54 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 ADVERTISING FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

INTERVIEW

Why Europeans move to Spain Antonio Olivares embarked on a journey that took him from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the eclectic energy of London in 1995.

LITTLE did he know that nostalgia and longing. what was initially “When I think of planned as a brief London,” he muses, stint would unfold “it’s not just the arinto a 24-year chitecture or the chapter of his diverse cityscape life. that I miss. It’s Yet, amid the the friendships hustle and bustthat blossomed le of the city, over the years, Antonio couldn’t the melting pot help but feel a yearof cultures, and Image: Antonio Olivares ning for the warmth the charm of areas of Spain, his family and like Pimlico and Golders Returned to his roots. friends, and the allure of the Green.” outdoor life culture he held dear.

Despite the allure of London’s In 2019, after years of fostering connec- international cuisine and the architectutions and establishing a life in the UK, An- ral marvels around every corner, Antonio tonio made a bold decision. couldn’t escape the frustrations. “Closing Armed with a property in Alicante he times of pubs! That was a constant source bid farewell to the iconic London skyline of irritation,” he laughs. and returned to his roots.

“Compared to the lively bars of Spain, it Choosing Alicante wasn’t just about the felt like the night ended too soon.” beaches; it was a strategic move, a geoHowever, his return to Spain hasn’t graphical sweet spot connecting him to been without its irritations. Antonio canthe heart of Spain and the rest of Europe. didly admits, “The bureaucracy and the Now, back in his homeland, Antonio re- lack of customer service can be exaspeflects on his time in London with a mix of rating.”

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

EWN 55

Relaxation of 90-day stay IS Spain set to follow France’s decision and relax its strict 90-day stay rule for UK nationals?

Recent developments indicate a shift in policy following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, particularly affecting British homeowners in Spain.

Recently, it has emerged that the Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Hector Gomez, hinted at potential changes.

He referred to a discussion with Jennifer Anderson, Director of Consular Affairs and Crisis at the Foreign Office, focusing on the stays of British visitors to Spain.

After Brexit, UK citizens became subject to a 90-day limit within a 180-day period for stays in the EU, which particularly impacted those with second homes on the continent.

Violating this limit could lead to fines, immediate departure orders, or deportation. Spain’s consideration of lifting this cap follows a similar move by France, where the Senate has approved a bill amendment granting long-stay visas to British second-home owners.

This proposed change, advocated by Senatrice Martine Berthet, aims to facilitate longer stays for British homeowners in France, subject to the 90-day rule only when visiting other Schengen countries.

The UK has reached a bilateral agreement with France, simplifying travel for French students on school trips to Britain.

From December 28, EU nationals in French

Credit: Casablanca Stock/Shutterstock.com

FEATURE/NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

90-DAY RULE: Spanish - British cooperation.

schools can enter the UK with just an ID card, and non-EU students in France won’t need a costly visa.

In Spain, there are between 800,000 and one million UK property owners, primarily in the south. Of these, only around 370,000 are registered residents with the freedom to travel without restrictions. The French Senate’s decision has sparked hope among British expatriates.

Reportedly, Andrew Hesselden, Director of the ‘180 Days in Spain’ campaign remains optimistic about Spain following suit. He stated, ‘We hope that UK, Spanish and French politicians will engage with us now to understand the issues fully and work with us to find the best possible solutions.’

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

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

65

58 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

FOLLOWING an announcement by the Prague Council in the Czech Republic that for the fourth year running they would not be hosting a firework show on New Year’s Eve and in fact were banning them in private hands in a large number of areas, we asked our readers what they thought.

It seems that the majority enjoy the sight of organised displays but can’t stand the noise as it causes so much distress to wild and domestic animals as well as some older people, so they would love to see the introduction of silent fireworks (in the same way that we can now buy crackers without the crack).

“

There are no fireworks in Siberia… there’s also a lot of empty space to stay for you people who want silence.

You are free to make your silent life out there.

Not banned but quiet ones instead.

Lynda Pawley

Yes! silent ones only, fireworks in the daytime just for the noise! Madness.

Lorraine Knott

Pirjo Korhonen

Yes everywhere.

Need to be louder so the hard of hearing can appreciate them.

Mal Stubbs

Maria van Boxtel

Yes should use silent ones.

Audrey Ryan

Never seen fireworks in Spain and I don’t wish to, they are far too dangerous.

Barbara Ball

Yes absolutely !

Please ban !!!

Stephanie Sedlmayr Pape

All fireworks should be silent ones.

Sharon Snowden

Yes definitely.

David Wardell

That be the day. I would love to see it because my cats are so scared that they run towards the toilet. I for one do not go out when it’s Las Fallas. So much noise and the worse are the adults who act like children.

Yes they are just loud bangs. Get silent ones for the animals and people can still enjoy if they want to.

Beth Sims

Izzy Paps

Silent ones only…. IN ANY COUNTRY! Yes. I say this also on behalf of all the animals who live here.

Karen Baker

Alex de Boer

No, they are stopping everything that involves fun!

Silent fireworks & only organised displays.

Maggi Taylor

Lois Bennett

Yes, I think so or if not at least silent ones....

Ban all the loud noisy fireworks, no need for them to make a noise!

Sian Foster

Carol-Anne Abbink

Yes!

Yessssss.

Anna Fulton

Thomas Kat Miauw

With out a doubt, silent ones would be better for sure !!!

Keep the fireworks but lose the bloody awful noise they make.

Jennifer Ancill

Sheilagh Armstrong-Jones

In Spain it’s all about the noise, unfortunately it will never change, our dog is petrified.

They are not fireworks in Spain they sound more like bombs.

Geoffrey Barrett

Patricia Green

Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers.

No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

60

SPONSORED BY

EARLY next year Malaga is set to unveil Spain’s first public pet cemetery, providing a dignified resting place for beloved animals, where the care and remembrance of pets are given due importance.

The Malaga pet cemetery is scheduled to open between January and February 2024 in the Malaga Cemetery Park, San Gabriel. This pioneering project represents a substantial investment of €1,011,980, according to a news source.

Eco-Friendly And Compassionate Constructed with a focus on sustainability and

1st Public Pet Cemetery Credit: ayuntamientodemalaga.es

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

Malaga’s new pet cemetery.

energy efficiency, the cemetery will offer a range of facilities. These will include a citizen service building complete with a

EMERGENCY NUMBERS POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112 24-HOUR PHARMACY FARMACIA BERDAGUER MARBELLA: 952 773 187 CENTRAL FARMACIA LOS BOLICHES: 952 474 238 FARMACIA CAFFARENA MALAGA: 952 212 858 24-HOUR VETS CLINICA VETSUR FUENGIROLA: 952 660 596 CLINICA VETERINARIA MALAGA: 952 358 701

reception area, administrative offices, a veterinary office and toilets.

Additionally, a crematorium and a designated room for farewell ceremonies are included. The grounds feature a green space for ash scattering and a dedicated burial area.

Comprehensive Services For Pet Owners In response to the growing attachment to pets in Malaga, the cemetery will provide several services. This includes animal transfer post-mortem, the organisation of

farewell ceremonies, the rental of niches and columbariums, and even the deregistration of pets. A basic individual cremation for animals up to 30 kilos is priced at €170.

Meeting The Needs Of A Pet-Loving Province Malaga stands out in Andalucia for its high number of pet owners.

According to the Official College of Veterinarians, over 350,000 pets are registered in the region, which accounts for 23 per cent of the pet population in Andalucia.

This pet cemetery comes as a response to the growing societal sensitivity towards animal care, filling a significant gap in a region that lacked such a facility.

Recognising animals as valuable family members, the facility will provide a dignified and respectful way to say goodbye, underscoring the emotional bond between pets and their owners.

Feline feasting outdoors CURIOSITY often leads our feline companions outdoors, where they embark on thrilling adventures and, inevitably, explore the diverse culinary offerings Mother Nature provides. Ever wondered what your cats munch on during their outdoor escapades?

In the wild, cats are natural hunters, and their outdoor excursions often involve stalking small prey. Birds, insects, and rodents are common items on their menu, satisfying their carnivorous instincts. Additionally, cats may nibble on grass to aid their digestion or even indulge in the occasional plant for added fiber.

Despite their independent foraging, it’s crucial to ensure your outdoor explorers maintain a balanced diet. Supplement their diet with high-quality cat food to meet their nutritional needs, ensuring they receive the essential vitamins and minerals required for optimal health.

Understanding the outdoor dining habits of your furry friends allows you to provide the best care possible. So, embrace their adventurous spirit, but remember to keep a watchful eye on their nutritional intake for happy and healthy feline companions.

NATURAL HUNTERS: Often cats will stalk small prey.

Pet-sitters care for your pets at home

WE help to match pet-sitters with the pet owners for free safe pet care in the pet’s own home, for free!

Those of you familiar with us know that we have maintained good value for our customers in the last 10 years - Yes, we are nearly 10 years old! And in all that time we have only ever raised our prices once.

Standard membership is still only £69 per year! Not bad for free pet-sitting in your own home.

If you’re planning a trip in the next few months register now to find pet-sitters in time. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, you need to prepare. All pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and

A pet-sitter cares for your pets at home.

house-sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online

when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters.

Join our network for a

small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials 4.9 / 5 Excellent Pure Joy - I have completed two house-sits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog.

Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, Pet-sitter from the UK How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.House sitmatch.com.

Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

SERVICES

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AIR CONDITIONING

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

DRAINS

AWNINGS

DANCE CLASSES

CONSTRUCTION

CLEANING SERVICES

GATES

DES A H S F ACE O

INSURANCE

CONSTRUCTION

DAMP PROOFING

GARAGE DOORS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

EWN 61

LEGAL

62 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 MOTORING

POOL HEATERS AND COVERS

euroweeklynews.com REMOVALS & STORAGE

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SERVICES

euroweeklynews.com

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

REMOVALS & STORAGE

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

EWN 63

64 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 SWIMMING POOLS

euroweeklynews.com PAINTERS & DECORATORS

WINDOWS

WINDOWS

SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS AIR CONDITIONING AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares.

Installation and repairs.

Quality machines.

Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www.coolandcosy.es.

952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 Quality Air Conditioning Installations. Economical heating, & silent in operation. 28 Years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141 / 670 409 759 info@envirocare pain.com www.enviro carespain.com (304164) MR COOL – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service – Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 – www.mrcool.es

AIR-CONDITIONING installations. Service & Re p a i r t o a n y m a k e o r model, commercial air conditioning, as well as Bar bottle coolers. Suppliers of catering equipm e n t . A l l w o r k g u a ra n t e e d . A l l a r e a s c ove r e d including campo. Contact W i l l i a m s Re f r i g e ra t i o n 952 596 404 / 679 284 959.

AWNINGS ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceof s h a d e s . d e s i g n T1(101730) SUNSHINE AWNINGS / BLINDS Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs.

25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (304251)

65

28 December 2023 - 3 January 2024 • euroweeklynews.com

BLINDS

BUILDERS

ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various colours available, also black-out blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / in fo@aceofshades.design BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquiton ick.ws (304439)

SOLAR BLINDS SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living envi ronment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (303296)

BUIDING SERVICES JIM’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Bathrooms / kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small.

692 207 799 / 645 559 423 (304610) GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices.

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PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem.

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METALWORK NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder.

Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (304977)

BUY & SELL HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS, FULL OR PART CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL houseclear anceman@hotmail.com

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66 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 T  HE FILMS SHOWING IN ENGLISH ARE FROM 28/12/23 TO 3/01/24

euroweeklynews.com CARS FOR SALE

FILMS in English

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PLAZA MAYOR CINEMA

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RED DOG CINEMA

Puerto Banus

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WWW.RESERVAENTRADAS.COM/CINE/MALAGA/REDDOGCINEMAS/

behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 w w w. t h e a r k s p a i n . c o m (293850)

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CHARITY C O L L E C T I V E CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137)

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Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202 (303700)

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We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road

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602 431 968 Facebook: @ATDDecorMalaga (304784)

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Frank Tel or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (304788)

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Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small.

Cleansol 10am – 10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437) MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (305107)

FOR SALE/WANTED WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

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GARDENING

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INSURANCE

CLASSIFIEDS

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Call Colin - 636 394 641 (304223)

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Call Julian 655 825 931 (302477)

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Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

CLASSIFIEDS

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HEATING

LOCKSMITHS

Fires: Electric, Gas. Quality guaranteed.

EnviroCare. All areas covered. 952 663 141 / 670 409759. info@envi rocarespain.com www.envirocarespain. com (304164)

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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(303296)

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70 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

‘Better late than never’

A scene from the DGT’s Christmas campaign.

like answering calls, checking WhatsApp messages, drinking, or speeding can tragically disrupt family reunions.

The campaign is brought to life through various mediums of 30, 20, and 10 seconds. The message was broadcast on television, cinemas, and social networks. Radio spots also feature, with two children, Alexandra and Pepe, advi-

sing Santa to avoid rushing.

Outdoor, digital, and print media further reinforce the message.

The DGT’s innovative approach this year, blending the magic of Santa Claus with a serious message, serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of road safety, especially during a period marked by numerous travels to reunite with loved ones.

COULD there be a better way to encourage safe driving? In a novel approach to speed management, the town of La Algaba in Sevilla has introduced traffic radars with a twist.

On a certain day in December 2023, La Algaba’s local council, under the leadership of the mayor, announced the installation of these unique speed radars. Located on Andres Molina Morales Avenue, Concepcion Rodriguez de Torres Clavijo Street, and the entrance via Rodriguez Borbolla Bridge, these devices are more than just speed monitors, according to Telecinco.

The new initiative was announced on Twitter/X: ‘La Algaba gives an innovative twist to road surveillance: Radars with emoticons replace fines!

‘Discover how this strategy seeks to raise awareness among drivers and passengers about the importance of respecting speed limits on our urban roads.’

The three newly installed radars in La Algaba are not your typical speed detectors.

Rather than issuing fines, these radars display emoticons (emotion icons) - a happy face for drivers adhering to the speed limit, and a sad face for those exceeding it. This innovative method aims to prompt immediate reflection on driving behaviour.

If a vehicle goes over the 30 kilometres per hour speed limit, the radar screen showcases a sad emoticon. Conversely, a

Credit: Ayto-algaba/X

Unique approach to speed control

Credit: DGT.es

THE Spanish traffic authority launched a new Christmas campaign with the slogan ‘Better late than never.’

This year’s campaign highlighted a crucial message using the iconic figure of Santa Claus. From his home in Lapland, Santa’s journey to the homes of eagerly waiting children becomes a symbol of careful travel.

The DGT’s campaign focused on an unprecedented turn of events, in which Santa’s arrival is significantly delayed, missing his traditional Christmas Eve visit.

This surprising occurrence makes headlines across media platforms and leaves many without answers.

Yet, in due course, Santa does arrive, despite being hours late, imparting the vital lesson that ‘Being late is better than not being there at all.’

The DGT, through this narrative, gently nudges us to remember the gravity of adhering to traffic regulations. Distractions

New speed awareness signs in La Algaba.

happy emoticon greets drivers who maintain the appropriate speed, reinforcing positive driving habits.

The La Algaba City Council’s initiative extends beyond mere speed regulation. It’s an inclusive strategy designed to engage not only drivers but also younger passengers.

The idea is that by observing these emoticons, children will become more aware of the importance of adhering to traffic rules, thus cultivating a culture of safe and responsible driving within the community.

‘Maintaining road safety is a responsibility shared by all,’ remarked the mayor, emphasising the importance of this community-wide effort. This educational approach seeks to instill a deeper understanding and respect for traffic regulations among all residents, regardless of age.

MOTORING II euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

KIA SPORTAGE TURNS 30 YEARS OLD

Kia’s best-selling car in the UK and Europe.

THE Sportage, Kia’s best-selling car in the UK, Europe and globally, is celebrating its 30th birthday having gone on-sale worldwide in 1993. The Sportage was introduced in the UK two years later, with sales commencing in 1995.

Over 30 years, the Sportage SUV has seen four generations come and go, and is now represented by the fifth generation.

Over its five generations,

EWN 71

The Sportage offers more choice than ever.

Kia has sold more than seven million examples of the Sportage worldwide, including over 384,000 in the UK alone.

Across the same timespan, the Sportage has transformed from a utilitarian, rugged SUV into a more luxurious and comfortable car aimed at young families and professionals.

The SUV market has grown dramatically over

the past 30 years, with a high seating position and ample space for all now very much in demand among customers in the UK and around the world.

Over its lifetime, the Sportage has proven to be an incredibly popular and important vehicle with fleets and businesses, thanks to its affordable pricing, low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates, and focus on economy and

practicality. The Sportage is frequently named as the number one compact SUV choice for business users, topping sales charts and winning numerous fleet awards. A plug-in hybrid model was introduced with the latest generation Sportage for the first time.

If every Sportage sold in the UK since its introduction to the market in 1995 was lined up bum-

per-to-bumper, the line of cars would stretch from Kia UK’s head offices in Walton-on-Thames, more than 1400km/870 miles to the plant where the Sportage has been manufactured since 2007 in Žilina, Slovakia - and back again.

Available with a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid or petrol mild hybrid powertrains, and a comprehensive array of trim levels, the

Sportage offers more choice than ever and has accumulated a well-stocked cabinet of awards over its 30-year lifespan.

Having first emerged into the public eyeline in endurance rallying, becoming the first car to ever complete the both the Paris-Dakar rally in 1993 and the Baja 1000 in 1995, the Sportage has clearly stood the test of time over the last 30 years.

72 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

E1: Electric Formula 1 IN June 2024, Puerto Banús will become one of only nine venues in the world to host the E1 competition, the electric Formula 1 of the sea.

Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, presented the Cívitas Puerto Banus Grand Prix at the Provincial Council of Malaga and explained the impact that the event will have on the city, highlighting, among other aspects, the more than 1.1 billion followers on social networks of the captains of the participating teams, including tennis player Rafa Nadal, Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez, footballer Didier Drogba, American football player Tom Brady, DJ Steve Aoki and artist Marc Anthony.

“This race is going to position us as a unique destination,” said the mayor who also expanded on the values of sustainability and equality implicit in this event. “It is an exclusively electric competition in which each team is made up of a man and a woman,” she said.

The Andalucian Minister of Tourism, Víctor González, said during the presentation that this is a, “pure 21st century” event, which is expected to reach 160 million people and have an enormous media and economic impact on the destination. The President of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, agreed that the Grand Prix, “will become another boost to the tourism-sport phenomena that we are so proud of on the Costa del Sol, we are expecting 20,000 visitors that weekend.

“Sharing the venue with destinations such as Monaco, Venice, Hong Kong, Geneva, Jeddah and Rotterdam, among others, gives us an idea of the magnitude of this sporting event which, thanks to collaboration between Marbella Town Hall, the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol and the Andalucian Regional Government, we guarantee that it will be a success,” said Salado.

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

BBC Sports Award

THE BBC Sports Personality of the Year award appears to have become a battleground for gender in sports.

Outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan has controversially spoken out after England goalkeeper Mary Earps became the latest winner. The award makes her the third consecutive female to win, after a 14 year dominance by male athletes.

Following a string of male victors from 2007 to 2020, the trend has shifted with three consecutive female winners. Earps’ triumph comes after the success of Lionesses forward Beth Mead in 2022 and tennis sensation Emma Raducanu in 2021.

However, broadcaster Piers Morgan voiced concerns over the selection process, highlighting the overlooked male nominees.

After Earps was announced the winner, Morgan posted on Twitter/X: ‘It looks to me that terrible scourge of virtue-signalling box-ticking has crept into this once great award.

‘Piers Morgan thinks Mary Earps winning Sports Personality Of The Year is “a celebration of mediocrity.”‘

He added: ‘Trying to get my head around two of England’s women footballers winning BBC SPOTY in successive years… while male sporting superstars with great personalities like Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori & Ronnie O’Sullivan have never won it.’

Morgan argued: ‘Last year, Beth Mead was deserved winner because the Lionesses won the Euros, but this year they lost the World Cup Final and failed to qualify for the Olympics.

Many men have been more de-

Super Bowl will go through Madrid THIS year’s 58th Super Bowl will be played at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 11, 2024 and, with the end of the NFL regular season in sight, the playoffs are just around the corner.

To become NFL champion and win a Super Bowl ring is the goal of every player at the beginning of the season. After a 17-game regular season, it’s time for the decisive moment in the playoffs. The best teams in the NFL face each other with one goal in mind: the Super Bowl Lombardi trophy.

There are a total of 32 teams in the NFL, 16 in each conference, AFC and NFC, made up of four divisions of four teams each: North, South, East and West. In each conference, a to-

SUPER BOWL: Playoffs are just around the corner.

tal of seven teams qualify for the playoffs, with six playing in the Wildcard Round in both the AFC and NFC. Teams now look to finish as high as possible within their conference as the top-ranked team from each conference will skip a round and have a week’s rest before heading into the divisional round. The top-ranked teams will face the

lowest-ranked teams in the first round with home-field advantage.

As things stand the teams likely to clinch a playoff spot are: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.

Also in the running are: Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs (last year’s

Superbowl winners).

Once the playoffs are finished the two conference champions meet in the Super Bowl.

In Spain there is growing interest in the sport with Madrid likely to host an NFL game in 2025. “We’re going to look at the opportunities we have to host Madrid in the future; we’re excited to bring that to fruition,” Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president of the NFL told the NFL’s official website.

The possibility of Madrid hosting a regular-season NFL game for the first time is growing because the owners of the NFL’s 32 teams agreed that, starting in 2025, up to eight games a year could be played outside the United States.

The NFL has played regular-season games outside the United States since the 2005 season. Since that date, 50 regular season international games have been played; 36 in London, England; six in Toronto, Canada; five in Mexico City; two in Frankfurt and one in Munich, Germany.

serving. . .’

He added: ‘No offence to Ms Earps, but shouldn’t it have been given to someone who actually won something in 2023?’

Many shared his views and voiced their thoughts on what they called the BBC’s woke agenda: However, many people disagreed and shared their opinions, one person pointed out: ‘It’s sports “personality” of the year. Maybe the general public prefer Mary’s personality!’

Despite the contention, the public overwhelmingly voted for Earps ahead of cricketer Stuart Broad, jockey Frankie Dettori, athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, tennis player Alfie Hewett and golfer Rory McIlroy.

Piers Morgan voiced concerns.

EU Court Rules IS the future of European football about to change?

In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) declared on Thursday, December 21 that UEFA’s dominion over European football violates EU competition law. The decision is expected to significantly strengthen the controversial Super League initiative.

The ruling, found that UEFA and FIFA’s practice of requiring approval for new football competitions, such as the Super League, contravenes European competition laws.

The verdict represents a substantial shift in the landscape of European football governance.

The Super League, backed by A22 Sports, argued that UEFA’s ban on the proposed competition and the penalties threatened against participating clubs contradicted Europe’s competition freedoms.

The ECJ agreed, stating, ‘The FIFA and UEFA rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions, are unlawful.’

This stance challenges the long-standing authority of FIFA and UEFA in football’s commercial and competitive arenas. The court highlighted the lack of transparency, objectivity, and proportionality in the existing regulations.

It emphasised, ‘Similarly, the rules giving FIFA and UEFA exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.’

While the ruling doesn’t explicitly endorse the Super League, it undermines FIFA and UEFA’s ‘dominant position’ in organising football competitions.