Costa Calida 18 – 24 December 2025 Issue 2111

D.L. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

GRATUITO

Krismas kindness

MAZARRON and Puerto de Mazarron are once again coming together in the days leading up to Christmas to extend a long-standing tradition of generosity through the ‘Navidad Solidaria’ (Christmas Solidarity) campaign, in support of Cáritas Mazarron and Cáritas Puerto de Mazarron.

Running until Sunday, December 21, the charity marathon aims to collect non-perishable food and basic essential products to support local families in need during the Christmas season.

The initiative will take place primarily at local parish churches across the municipality, with donations accepted before and after Masses throughout the week. Collected food and hygiene items will be carefully distributed to ensure that no one in the community goes without this Christmas.

Residents of Mazarron and Puerto de Mazarron are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items, such as rice, pasta, and canned goods, as well as basic hygiene products, including soap, shampoo,

time of celebration for many, it can also bring increased financial and emotional pressure for some families.

Demand for food assistance rises during the holiday season, even as donations often become harder to secure. Initiatives such as Navidad Solidaria, organised in collaboration with local churches, make it easy for residents to con-

LIVRE

FFREE

GRATIS

GRATUIT G

D DARMOWY

Lottery luck

Christmas donation campaign supports families through Cáritas across Mazarron.

toothpaste, and nappies.

Participating churches include San Antonio, San Andrés, San José, La Purísima, the Bahía Hermitage, the Bolnuevo Hermitage, Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Isla Plana, and the La Purísima Hermitage in La Azohía, all of which will continue to offer their usual services throughout the campaign.

While Christmas is a

GGRATIS

tribute in a meaningful way without disrupting their daily routines, while reinforcing a strong sense of local solidarity.

The campaign highlights how small, everyday acts of generosity can make a real difference, demonstrating the power of community action to support vulnerable neighbours during the festive season.

THE Region of Murcia is enjoying an extraordinary run of good fortune after the national lottery draw on Thursday, December 11 delivered a share of the top prize to three municipalities in the region. The winning number, 98217, worth €600,000 per ticket (décimo), was sold in Yecla, Los Belones, and Cabo de Palos, spreading excitement and celebration across the area.

This latest win adds to an impressive streak of lottery success for Murcia residents in recent months.

The coveted top prize has also been claimed in Molina de Segura on Thursday, September 24; Cartagena on October 23; San Pedro del Pinatar on Thursday, November 13; and Lorca on Thursday, November 27, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a hotspot for lottery luck.

In Yecla, the winning ticket was sold at the lottery office on Rambla Street; in Cabo de Palos, at the office on Balanos Street; and in Los Belones, at the lottery office on Marcos Sanz Street.

For many locals, the continued run of wins may be the perfect excuse to try their luck. Lottery tickets can be purchased at any local lottery office.

Once a ticket is confirmed as a winner, prizes can be collected from the following day and up to three months later.

Prizes under €2,000 may be claimed at any lottery office, while larger amounts must be collected through financial institutions authorised by the Spanish State Lottery and Betting Authority (SELAE).

With winnings landing repeatedly across the region, Murcia’s lucky streak shows no sign of slowing down.

Photo Credit: Capturing Images / Shutterstock

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Photo Credit: Mazarron Town Hall

Costa Calida • No. 2111 • 18 - 24 Dec 2025

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LOCAL NEWS

Festive fundraising XA Photo Credit: Mazarron Town Hall

Sports subsidies THE Regional Council of Murcia, as per the proposal of the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, approved a series of subsidies, totalling €160,000, to 11 motorcyclists from the region who competed in international championships during 2025. The regional government highlighted that motorcycling has a strong history, tradition, and lasting popularity in Murcia, and that the achievements and talents of these athletes have had a significant media impact on the region, helping to project a positive image on a national scale.

Of these motorcyclists, Pedro Acosta, of MotoGP, Máximo Martínez Quiles, of Moto3, Ana Carrasco, of SSP600, and Álvaro Carpe, of Moto3, will all receive €20,000.

In addition to this subsidy, the government has approved a €75,000 grant for the Real Murcia Football Club as well as a grant for €30,000 to the Golf Federation of the Region of Murcia to help establish the Regional Golf School.

These grants are justified based on public and social interest, the organisations’ role in promoting sports tourism and leisure activities in the

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Murcia provides grants to motorcyclists, football and golf organisations.

region, their contribution to the national visibility of Murcia, and their involvement in training young athletes.

The grants are expected to promote sports participation and physical activity, particularly in sports like motorcycling, golf, and football, that require certain specialised equipment and infrastructure.

A SHOW of generosity ahead of the Christmas season: the province of Murcia donated €1,600 in proceeds from the Provincial Ball to AFACMUR, a regional charity that supports children, adolescents, and their family members through their fight against cancer. The donation was made on Wednesday, December 10, and will go a long way towards making sure the children being helped by the charity have a special Christmas.

The Provincial Ball, one of the annual social events for the province, is part of a long-standing tradition of provincial bodies and civic groups in Murcia using gala events to raise funds for local charities.

Organised by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Murcia, the events are a way to give back to the local communities, espe-

Photo Credit: Provincial Grand Ball of Murcia

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Provincial ball donation supports children with cancer this Christmas.

cially during the holiday season where expenses are tight for many families and there is an extra pressure to make Christmas a special time for the children.

AFACMUR (Asociación de Familiares de Niños con Cáncer de la Región de Murcia), a charity based in Murcia City, works to financially, socially, and emotionally support children with cancer as well as

their family members.

The association also works closely with the Pediatric Oncohematology Unit at the Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca.

The charity is heavily involved in psychological support services for families, volunteer programmes, and awareness campaigns aimed at improving quality of life during long treatments.

NEWS

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18 - 24 December 2025

Spanish winter customs

Holiday delivery notice Please note that due to the upcoming holidays, our next two editions of the newspaper will be delivered on Wednesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 31.

A seasonal guide

re Olentzero. For newcomers, understanding the rituals (and mastering rapid grape-eating) is key to enjoying the festive season.

Credit : esthermm, Shutterstock

CHRISTMAS in Spain stretches from December 22 to January 6. The season opens with El Gordo, the national lottery draw, when the country stops to watch schoolchildren sing out the winning numbers. Buying a shared ticket is seen as a gesture of belonging rather than a gamble.

The main event is Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Streets empty as relatives gather late for long dinners of seafood, jamon, roast meats and sweets such as turron and polvorones, often running past midnight. Christmas Day is quieter, usually a relaxed lunch with relatively modest gifts.

New Year’s Eve centres on the 12 grapes eaten with the 12 chimes of midnight, a ritual said to bring luck for each coming month. Families follow the countdown on television or in squares such as Madrid’s Puerta del Sol before parties continue into the early hours.

Children’s biggest excitement comes on January 6, Three Kings’ Day. Parades on the evening of January 5 see the Kings throw sweets to crowds, and overnight children receive gifts, found the next morning beside the traditional roscon de reyes cake, which hides a king figurine and a bean.

Across Spain, belenes - elaborate nativity scenes dominate displays, while regions add their own quirks, from Catalonia’s Caga Tió and Caganer to the Basque figu-

Roscon de reyes – whoever gets the king is the ‘king for the day’, whereas the person who gets the bean pays for the cake the following year.

Bizum oversight expands Digital payments monitored been removed, meaning even small payments linked to commercial activity must now be reported. Personal peer-to-peer transfers remain excluded.

The law targets businesses, freelancers, and self-employed individuals, ensuring transparency and combating undeclared income. Annual card totals exceeding €25,000 trigger additional reporting,

x

STARTING from January 1, Spain will expand digital-payment monitoring under Real Decreto 253/2025, requiring banks, payment-service providers, and e-money institutions to report monthly all business-related payments received through mobile apps like Bizum, card terminals, and other digital channels. Previous thresholds have

Compliance reduces the risk of audits, fines, and retrospective tax claims.

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while low-usage accounts remain exempt. Cross-border transactions via services like Stripe or PayPal are also monitored, potentially affecting expats without Spanish residency if digital flows surpass thresholds.

Experts advise separating personal and business accounts, maintaining invoices with full fiscal details, and updating bookkeeping regularly.

Accounting tools such as Holded or FacturaDirecta can assist in tracking payments. Compliance reduces the risk of audits, fines, and retrospective tax claims, aligning digital payment practices with broader 2025–2026 fiscal reforms.

The legislation underscores Spain’s commitment to fiscal transparency, ensuring that digital commerce, especially in small businesses and freelance sectors, is fully visible to tax authorities. Early preparation, meticulous record-keeping, and professional advice will be essential for expatriates, landlords, and small-scale service providers to maintain compliance and safeguard against penalties.

Spain’s festive days Clearing up the confusion EVERY December in Spain, the same question arises: ‘Do we get December 31 off?’ Confusion persists because Christmas in Spain is a season, not a single date, with its own rituals and expectations. Work slows, children rehearse carols, the smell of turron fills the streets, and the Lotería de Navidad unites the country - yet workers still need clarity on which days are official holidays and which simply feel like they should be.

The national calendar is straightforward: only three dates are guaranteed public holidays nationwide - December 25, January 1 and January 6. In Catalonia, December 26 (Sant Esteve) is also non-working. Beyond these, it is custom, not law.

So, is December 31 a holiday? Legally, neither Christmas Eve nor New Year’s Eve are public holidays. They are normal working days. In practice, many companies offer reduced hours, early closures or even a day off as a goodwill gesture, while others, particularly in retail, hospitality or essential services, maintain full schedules.

The confusion stems from the emotional significance of these days. Customs vary: some employers follow tradition, others decide year by year. In short, only December 25, January 1 and 6 are guaranteed holidays; all other dates depend on company policy.

Healthcare in Spain Private manages public

SPAIN’S healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), remains publicly funded and universally accessible, but private-sector involvement has grown. Over 30 per cent of public hospitals are now managed by private entities, reflecting regional governments’ increasing collaboration with private operators to handle high-demand areas. Around one in five residents hold private health insurance, used for faster access, English-speaking staff, and specialist care.

This dual model differs from the UK’s NHS. While working-age expatriates often access public healthcare via social security or special agreements, retirees may benefit from reciprocal EU arrangements. Many opt for private insurance for convenience, shorter waiting times, and language accessibility.

Spain’s decentralised healthcare model creates regional differences in access, waiting times, and hospital management. Private insurance complements rather than replaces public care, with many insured residents still relying on public hospitals for major treatments. The system provides flexibility, offering high-quality public care alongside affordable private options.

Despite the growing private presence, Spain maintains universal access, demonstrating a successful integration of public and private healthcare. While official data on expat usage are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that international residents frequently leverage both systems.

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The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.

LOCAL NEWS

18 - 24 December 2025

Workforce funding Photo Credit: Steffen Salow / Pixabay

Beating burglaries MURCIA is experiencing a drop in crime rates, particularly when it comes to burglaries. Burglaries of homes and businesses in the Region of Murcia have been declining over the past decade, with official crime figures showing fewer break-ins during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2014.

Business break-ins fell from 3,886 to 3,273, whereas home or residential burglaries dropped from 3,015 to 2,519, according to data from the Spanish Interior Ministry.

The figures show a general trend of declining traditional

Burglaries decline in Murcia as overall crime rates fall.

property crimes.

The total number of criminal offences recorded in the Region of Murcia between January and September of 2025 amounted to 55,519, representing a decrease of 0.6 per cent compared to the Dep. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703

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same period of the previous year, according to the data from the Ministry.

According to experts, this may be due to less people using cash, more alarm systems in place for homes and businesses, and the modernisation of technology like phone tracking, making the targets less attractive to thieves.

Murcia is a large part of an even larger declining national crime rate in major communities.

Murcia is one of four communities in Spain in which the crime rate decreased, alongside Catalonia, Madrid, and La Rioja.

THE Cartagena City Council, through its Local Development and Employment Agency (ADLE), has mobilised nearly €170,000 to launch two pivotal employment and training programmes. Approved by the Local Government Board, the initiative aims to secure both the immediate recruitment of technical staff and the future rollout of practical training workshops for jobseekers.

In collaboration with the Regional Employment and Training Service (SEF), the first step involves the hiring of two local development technicians, supported by a €66,500 grant. These professionals will bolster project management and provide assistance to businesses and citizens, enhancing the city’s capacity to deliver effective

employment initiatives.

Beyond immediate recruitment, the Local Government Board has also approved a municipal contribution of €100,000 to the ADLE’s 2026 budget.

This allocation is intended to underpin ongoing vocational training programmes and is essential for the agency to apply for SEF funding for Experiential Employment and Training Programmes.

Commonly referred to as ‘Training Schools’ or ‘Employment Workshops’, these programmes combine formal instruction with hands-on experience.

They enable participants to earn professional certifications while gaining practical skills, significantly improving their employability and prospects in the job market.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

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New employment programme in Cartagena.

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LOCAL NEWS

18 - 24 December 2025

FOR its 33rd anniversary, ACOMA, a local business and traders’ association in Mazarron, recently celebrated with a special prize draw, in which two main prizes were awarded as part of the anniversary raffle. The first prize was €500 to spend at local businesses; the second was an incredible weekend for two at Hotel Dos

Promotional prizes Playas, a seafront, four-star hotel on the idyllic Puerto de Mazarron shores, with breakfast and lunch at Kabaña Mediterranean Food, a beach bar with mouth-watering meal options.

The draw was held among

customers who had shopped locally during the campaign, and the winners were announced on ACOMA’s Instagram.

The first prize went to local resident Trini Nicolás, who made purchases at El Portillo Deco-

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ración, a home furnishing and interior design store; the second prize went to Francisco Sánchez, who made purchases at Canela Confiteria Panaderia, a local pastry shop.

With the distribution of the prizes, ACOMA’s 33rd anniversary celebration comes to a close. The winners are sure to enjoy their

prizes to the fullest, while also knowing they did their part in helping local and small businesses in the beautiful region of Murcia, and ACOMA continues its commitment to helping small businesses, stimulating Mazarron’s economy, and bringing forth support for a stronger, more dynamic Mazarron.

Mineral marvels SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR was host to the second Minerals Fair of Mar Menor, a mineral-themed gathering that took place on Sunday, December 14 at the Municipal Tent in the fairgrounds of town. The event, which celebrated the passionate vendors and hobbyists of the unique and niche mineral-collecting world, featured stands and activities related to mineral-collecting and appreciation.

Taking place from 9.00am to 2.00pm, the event was free for visitors and participants who wan-

Photo Credit: San Pedro del Pinatar Town Hall / Facebook

Mineral collectors gather for the second Mar Menor minerals fair.

ted to exhibit their pieces.

In this second edition of the fair, around 22 stands of mineral collectors and vendors participated, offering minerals and related items and accessories for

browsing, buying, trading, or simply showcasing.

This event formed part of the cultural agenda around the Museo Municipal Palacio Barón de Benifayó, a local cultural hub in San Pe-

dro del Pinatar that hosts exhibitions and community events, including other collectors’ meetings and events.

The Second Minerals Fair of Mar Menor was a wonderful opportunity for curious hobbyists to start, restart, or grow their collection, or simply to enjoy seeing various specimens of minerals in all different shapes and colours up close. With a casual and inclusive atmosphere and open participation, collectors and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds were happy to take part.

EUROPRESS

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VISITORS to Verona are discovering that one of Italy’s most famous romantic landmarks now comes at a price. Since December 6, access to the courtyard of Juliet’s House and its celebrated balcony has no longer been free. Tourists must buy a €12 museum ticket to enter, a change that has frustrated visitors and alarmed nearby businesses.

Under the new rules, entry to the courtyard is restricted to ticket holders until at least January 6, covering the busy Christmas period.

Once inside, visitors are limited to 60 seconds on the balcony to take photographs before being moved on.

Authorities have also reduced the maximum number of people inside the house from 130 to 100. For tourists accustomed to a brief, free

Credit : DimitriBo, Shutterstock

Juliet balcony fee

Juliet’s iconic balcony in Verona.

stop for a photo, paying €12 for what can amount to a two-minute visit has come as an unwelcome surprise.

Tensions have flared on the ground. Guards enforcing the system have reportedly faced angry reactions, with some tourists shouting ‘shame’ after being turned away.

Verona’s councillor for Culture and Tourism, Marta Ugolini, has defended the move, saying the courtyard becomes dangerously overcrowded at peak times.

She argues the measures are needed for safety and to protect the historic site, and are not intended as a permanent restriction.

18 - 24 December 2025

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Travel NEWS

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all ages. The exhibition provides visitors with an exceptional seasonal attraction. The town also produces traditional Andalucian sweets, such as turron and polvorones, which are available in local shops and at the Museum of Christmas Sweets.

Cordoba City celebrations Cordoba City hosts festive markets, nativity exhibitions, and seasonal music performances. Streets and squares are illuminated with decorative lights, creating a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Artisan stalls sell local products, including olive oil, pastries, and

crafts, allowing visitors to sample regional flavours while exploring historic landmarks such as the Mezquita-Catedral and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.

Other seasonal events Small towns across Cordoba Province also stage Christmas fairs and live nativity scenes, or ‘Belenes vivientes’, featuring actors and animals. These events usually run from early December through Epiphany, or Kings Day on January 6, giving travellers insight into local traditions and community celebrations.

Credit - Carlos Calvo Torregrosa / Shutterstock

Credit - MartiBstock / Shutterstock

CORDOBA Province in southern Spain offers a range of festive experiences during the Christmas season. Visitors can explore Rute, renowned for its chocolate displays, and Cordoba City, which combines historical landmarks with seasonal events.

Both locations are accessible for travellers in campervans, making the region suitable for those exploring independently.

Rute has designated areas for campervans near the town centre, providing convenient access to shops and attractions.

Cordoba City accommodates campervans at its outskirts, with facilities for water and waste disposal. From these points, public transport or a short drive leads to the city’s main sights.

Roads in the province are generally well-maintained, allowing smooth travel between towns and festive destinations.

Rute’s Chocolate Nativity Rute is home to the world’s largest chocolate nativity scene, created by Galleros Artesanos for more than 90 years. This year’s display, ‘El Belén de los cuentos’, features 100 handcrafted figures and nearly 1,500 kilograms of chocolate, with a theme based on classic and modern stories that appeal to

Credit - Junta de Andalucia

Cordoba: Rute’s Chocolate Nativity and with Hispavan Campers seasonal traditions

SUMMARY Cordoba offers a festive itinerary for winter travellers, combining Rute’s Chocolate Nativity, seasonal markets, and historical landmarks. Campervan facilities and accessible roads make visiting straightforward, while the variety of local events provides a memorable experience for all ages.

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18 - 24 December 2025

Masks return people with disabilities.

This applies to staff, patients, and visitors.

Exemptions include admitted patients in private rooms, those with respiratory difficulties, or in-

dividuals unable to remove masks independently.

The mandate lasts an initial 15 days, subject to review. Non-compliance may result in denied entry for non-urgent visits

or fines of €100 to €600.

Officials urge personal responsibility and flu vaccinations to protect vulnerable groups and ease pressure on the system.

Social media block SPAIN plans to raise the minimum age for social media access to 16 in 2026, mirroring Australia’s recent reforms.

The move could lead platforms to deactivate accounts belonging to around 700,000 Spanish 14- and 15-year-olds.

The policy aims to protect minors from grooming, cyberbullying, excessive privacy risks and pornography exposure. To enforce the ban, the government will introduce a digital age-verification system known as Cartera Digital Beta (digital wallet), nicknamed ‘Pajaporte’ by critics. Developed by the Spanish Data Protection Agency, it requires identity verification for access

Credit: Pxhere CC

CATALAN health authorities have imposed mandatory face mask-wearing in hospitals, primary care centres, and elderly care homes to combat a severe flu epidemic.

The rule took effect on Wednesday, December 10, amid the worst outbreak in 15 years, caused by the Influenza A (H3N2) Variant K strain. This year’s season started four weeks early, with cases rising 50 per cent in a single week.

From Monday, December 1 to Sunday, December 7, acute respiratory infections reached 1,115 cases per 100,000 inhabitants - around 90,000 weekly cases. The highly transmissible virus has overwhelmed emergency rooms, leaving patients waiting up to eight hours and beds placed in hallways.

Masks are compulsory for everyone aged six and over in primary care centres, hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, intermediate care centres, and residential homes for the elderly and

SPANISH NEWS

Kids’ screen obsession.

to age-restricted online content. Privacy campaigners warn the system could allow government monitoring of browsing habits, potentially breaching personal rights.

Users might circumvent restrictions using VPNs. Major platforms are expected to resist, as they did in Australia by refusing to close underage accounts. In the UK, a similar

scheme caused a 30 per cent fall in traffic to adult sites.

Official data underline the threats. A Ministry of the Interior report records about 100 grooming arrests each year, with most victims being girls aged around 13. Surveys show one-third of 12- to 16-year-olds have viewed pornography online, while over a quarter of 13- to 18-year-olds receive unsolicited sexual images. The proposed Law on the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments also requires all phones sold in Spain to include mandatory parental controls for blocking unsuitable content and setting usage limits.

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Credit: Dr. Francisco De Icaza Bustamante FB

Face masks make a comeback.

Marina masterpieces

New Orleans night RESTAURANT REVIEW Photo Credit: Restaurante Leonardo Sul Mare

RESTAURANTE Leonardo Sul Mare, perched on the upper floor of the historic Club de Regatas, Mazarron, offers one of the most privileged dining spots in Puerto de Mazarron. The sweeping terrace commands uninterrupted views across the marina, the glittering Bahia de Mazarron and Seafront restaurant blends sweeping views with the Mediterranean beyond, confident, flavour-focused Italian cooking. creating a postcard-perfect backdrop whether at golden-hour lunch the tagliatelle with clams and the black-ink or under the stars at dinner. The spacious squid risotto - consistently earn praise for terrace, cooled by constant sea breezes, depth of flavour and perfect al dente texture. has become the heart of the restaurant and Daily catches are simply grilled or served the main reason tables are booked solid in the traditional Murcian caldero, allowing throughout the summer months. the quality of the fish to shine. Starters such The kitchen delivers confident Italianas burrata with sun-ripened tomatoes and Mediterranean cuisine with a strong emphasis charcoal-grilled octopus are beautifully on fresh, local seafood and handmade presented and generously portioned. classics. Wood-fired pizzas emerge blistered Located at Cabezo de la Cebada, it is and fragrant, topped generously with premium open daily except for Thursday evenings in ingredients, while the pasta dishes - especially the low season. Tel. 868 100 443

MURCIA is set to swing this winter as the sounds of early jazz take over the city centre.

The Jazz Room: Un Viaje al Corazón de Nueva Orleans is making its regional debut at the locally famed restaurant, La Puerta Falsa, bringing with it the spirit, soul and irresistible atmosphere of 1920’s New Orleans.

The hour-long show has already earned a nearperfect rating from early audiences, who praise its atmosphere, musicianship and sense of time travel.

Designed as a standingroom experience, it places spectators right in the thick of the action as trumpets, clarinets and double basses recreate the raw, fiery pulse of ‘hot jazz’, a thrilling fusion of ragtime, brass and Delta blues that helped shape modern music.

Photo Credit: La Puerta Falsa / Facebook

COSTA CALIDA

Murcia welcomes a festive, immersive jazz show inspired by New Orleans.

A rotating cast of musicians and vocalists will deliver a nostalgic setlist for the event. With expressive renditions of St James Infirmary, Basin Street Blues, and Louis Armstrong’s Hello, Dolly, the musicians capture the untamed spirit of Bourbon Street, lending each performance its own unique spark.

The show runs for 60 minutes, is fully wheelchair accessible, and welcomes all ages 12 and up, though children under 16 years old should be accompanied by an adult. The show will take place on Sunday, December 21, providing a jazzy swagger to the festive atmosphere of the Costa Calida.

Christmas concert THE main cultural venue of San Pedro del Pinatar will once more be host to one of the long-awaited Christmas concerts on the Costa Calida, which has become a traditional marker of the holiday season for many of

the nearby residents. Teatro Geli Albaladejo will hold the Concierto de Navidad, or Christmas concert, which takes place each year around late December.

This year, the concert will take place on Sunday,

December 21 and is part of the town’s December and January festive programme.

The show will be completely free of charge to enter and the auditorium can hold around 500 people, making it a perfect venue for the whole town to enjoy a special and moving Christmas spectacle.

Featuring local bands and musicians and combining traditional Christmas music, or villancicos, with wellloved and well-known songs, the programme is sure to enchant audience members of all ages.

Bringing together families and local residents, it is usually one of the final events of the Christmas season for San Pedro del Pinatar and is a grand opportunity for the community to gather and appreciate the work of these talented musicians.

The concert will take place at 12.00pm at the Teatro Geli Albaladejo on Avenida de los Flamencos, 23. Locals and visitors alike are welcome to take part.

FINANCE IRU’S new Spain-focused briefing outlines how diesel, CNG, LNG, BEV, FCEV and HVO compare on TCO and CO2, classifying each into ‘win-win’ or ‘lose-lose’ categories. The report aims to help operators balance decarbonisation demands with financial viability.

Quantum fund

SEALSQ has expanded its Quantum Investment Fund from $35m to over $100m to accelerate post-quantum security and sovereign quantum computing projects. Investments span Spain, Switzerland, France and the US, supporting quantum-ready semiconductors, PQC, secure satellites and blockchain identity to protect Europe’s future digital infrastructure.

Voluntary return

SPAIN has reportedly allocated €346,535 to support ‘voluntary return’ for undocumented migrants in Morocco, part of a €646,535 package approved with the IOM. The single-payment programme runs to 2026, targeting vulnerable migrants as Morocco reports 78,685 prevented irregular migration attempts last year.

Budget backlash

A NEW ACCA survey shows eight in 10 UK finance professionals expect the latest Budget to ‘negatively impact’ economic growth, with 64 per cent less likely to invest and 66 per cent less likely to recruit. Other key concerns were rising wage costs and frozen tax thresholds.

Retail investment

SOME 19 major finance firms have formed the UK Retail Investment Campaign, launching in April 2026, to improve public understanding of investing. The initiative follows FCA research showing more than half of non-advised adults with cash savings never considered investing.

3.8%

The number of new mortgage foreclosure cases registered in Spain fell by 3.8 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Costco in Spain COSTCO is a favourite stop for many UK and US expatriates living in Spain, thanks to a product range that blends familiar American-style bulk shopping with foods deeply rooted in Spanish culinary culture. A viral TikTok video by SnackEatingSnacks, showed an American tourist marvelling that Spanish warehouses have ‘an entire aisle of olive varieties’ - a sight that many UK and US Costco members rarely encounter.

The renewed attention comes as Costco expands globally. According to data published by SGB Online, the retailer achieved $23.64 billion in net sales in November,

Costco Spain.

up 8.1 per cent year-onyear, and now operates 921 warehouses worldwide, including 29 in the UK, 633 in the US, and five in Spain.

For many British and American residents in Spain, the shopping experience offers an unusual comfort: familiar brands from home stocked alongside Spanish

favourites traditionally found in local markets.

Spain’s locations (Getafe, Las Rozas, Sevilla, Sestao and Zaragoza) carry standard Costco staples such as cereals, peanut butter, vitamins, supplements, and cleaning supplies. But the food aisles reflect Spain’s Mediterranean identity in a way expatriates say

makes the stores feel uniquely local.

In Costco Spain, you can expect whole legs of jamón ibérico and a full aisle dedicated to olives.

For expatriates who enjoy Spanish cuisine but also crave the familiarity of a US- or UKstyle warehouse, Costco Spain offers both worlds under one roof.

Illicit Finance Summit THE UK will host an Illicit Finance Summit in London on June 23-24 to build an international coalition against dirty money, the government has confirmed.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described illicit finance as the “lifeblood of crime,” linking it to drug violence, people smuggling, and international conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The summit at Lancaster House will unite governments, civil society, and major banks to strengthen global enforcement and disrupt laundering through illicit gold trading, property purchases, and crypto assets. Cooper said the UK is “committed to turning the tide,” citing sanctions and National Crime Agency operations that have seized over £20 million in cash and cryptocurrency.

Quantum tech THE UK and Germany have announced a £14 million investment package to deepen joint quantum research, confirmed during President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s State Visit. The funding includes £6 million for a joint R&D call launching in 2026 and £8 million to expand work at the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics in Glasgow.

A new MoU between the UK’s NPL and Germany’s PTB will advance shared quantum standards. Science Minister Lord Vallance said international cooperation is essential to unlocking quantum’s vast potential.

ECB bid

SPAIN is seeking a top post at the European Central Bank as four senior roles open in 2025, including the vice-presidency held by Luis de Guindos. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told EFE that Spain wants a “relevant role,” arguing the country’s strong economic performance supports its bid. Potential candidates reported by the Financial Times include Joachim Nagel, Klaas Knot, and Spain’s Pablo Hernández de Cos, amid growing competition from Baltic and Nordic states.

Credit: Instagram / @Costco Spain

Powertrain findings

STAT OF WEEK

euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 December 2025

Business rate hikes

Credit: Alexey Fedorenko, Shutterstock.

BUSINESS EXTRA

12

Funding to support the fight against money laundering.

Ahead of the summit, the government announced £3 million to support Transparency International, OCCRP and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective, funding investigative journalism exposing transnational corruption and modern money-laundering networks.

Air-rail link

EUROAIRLINES has partnered with AccesRail to offer combined air-rail ticketing, integrating Spain’s Renfe and Italy’s Trenitalia services into its booking system.

The agreement enables passengers to link Euroairlines flights with rail routes to major Spanish cities including Barcelona, Malaga, Sevilla and Valencia, as well as Italian destinations such as Florence, Milan and Venice. Euroairlines said the move supports its global expansion and wider intermodality strategy, with more markets and operators to be added soon.

CEO Antonio López-Lázaro said the partnership boosts “flexibility” and provides more efficient and sustainable travel options.

Iberdrola funding IBERDROLA Spain has secured more than €170 million in Spain’s first Feder 2021-2027 auction for innovative energy storage, the company announced on December 9. The funding, granted by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), will support 11 BESS battery projects (€130m), three industrial thermal storage sites (€22m) and the expansion of a pumped-hydro facility (€18m).

The company said the investment will accelerate electrification, highlighting storage as ‘a key lever for change’, and forms part of its broader strategy to scale both large- and small-scale storage technologies across Spain.

MAJOR UK arenas - including The O2, Co-op Live, Manchester Arena, and Wembley’s SSE Arena are set for some of the sharpest business-rate rises in 2026 after dramatic increases in rateable values, with Wembley up 300 per cent, according to analysis by tax firm Ryan. Practice Leader Alex Probyn said the rises reflect full post-pandemic trading. Despite transitional relief, Ryan warned bills could still more than double, adding further strain to venues already facing rising operational costs.

FCAS talks GERMANY, France and Spain met in Berlin on December 12 to break the deadlock over the €100 billion Future Air Combat System (FCAS) fighter jet programme, with a separate Franco-German meeting held beforehand, Berlin’s defence ministry confirmed. Talks have stalled amid public disputes between Airbus Defence and Dassault over workshare on the next-generation aircraft. Both governments insist a solution must be found by year’s end as pressure mounts to decide the project’s future.

FINANCE

14 18 - 24 December 2025

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 15 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3I Group.....................................3.183,00............3.186,00......... 3.139,00......... 102,24K Admiral Group.............................3.122,0..............3.122,0........... 3.102,0........... 21,79K Airtel Africa................................. 311,40...............311,60............307,40........... 147,1K Anglo American...........................2.849,0..............2.853,0........... 2.824,0.......... 484,07K Antofagasta................................3.015,00............3.027,00......... 2.949,00.......... 89,06K Ashtead Group............................5.216,0..............5.230,0........... 5.128,0........... 99,39K Associated British Foods.............2.064,0..............2.068,0........... 2.046,0.......... 125,41K AstraZeneca...............................13.488,1............13.492,0......... 13.376,0......... 151,71K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 618,00...............621,25............603,40.......... 868,77K Aviva........................................... 660,60...............661,20............652,40.......... 460,65K B&M European Value Retail SA... 163,55...............164,30............156,85............1,91M BAE Systems..............................1.681,50............1.695,50......... 1.670,00......... 763,73K Barclays...................................... 452,88...............453,25............448,15............3,24M Barratt Redrow............................ 357,30...............360,89............352,71............1,14M Beazley........................................ 826,00...............828,00............814,50.......... 162,16K Berkeley......................................3.786,0..............3.794,0........... 3.744,0........... 27,25K BP............................................... 442,30...............443,45............441,25............2,65M British American Tobacco...........4.269,0..............4.289,0........... 4.257,0.......... 339,28K BT Group.................................... 183,65...............183,95............180,45.............. 2M Bunzl...........................................2.190,0..............2.192,0........... 2.148,0........... 41,62K Centrica....................................... 166,93...............167,70............166,45............1,18M Coca Cola HBC AG......................3.721,0..............3.724,0........... 3.708,0........... 60,13K Compass....................................2.341,00............2.342,00......... 2.318,00......... 742,72K ConvaTec Group......................... 230,60...............232,20............229,20.......... 826,53K Croda Intl....................................2.744,0..............2.758,0........... 2.722,0........... 21,93K DCC.............................................5.100,0..............5.110,0........... 5.050,0........... 20,01K Diageo.........................................1.678,0..............1.683,6........... 1.658,0.......... 417,66K Diploma.....................................5.425,00............5.430,00......... 5.340,00.......... 75,43K EasyJet........................................ 495,40...............496,10............488,70.......... 555,55K Entain.......................................... 741,60...............743,60............734,60.......... 160,61K Experian......................................3.402,0..............3.410,0........... 3.345,0.......... 368,84K F&C Invest.................................1.242,62............1.247,00......... 1.236,63........... 88,2K Flutter Entertainment..................16.710,0............16.770,0......... 16.585,0........... 1,55K Frasers........................................ 683,29...............689,50............635,50........... 99,06K Fresnillo.....................................2.882,00............3.026,00......... 2.880,00......... 223,69K Glencore...................................... 380,34...............383,05............378,45............4,79M GSK plc......................................1.819,00............1.820,07......... 1.810,00......... 714,56K HALEON...................................... 362,30...............362,90............358,80............1,93M Halma..........................................3.514,0..............3.514,0........... 3.466,0........... 41,04K Hikma Pharma...........................1.495,00............1.509,00......... 1.482,00......... 283,73K Hiscox........................................1.378,00............1.379,00......... 1.356,00......... 215,48K Howden Joinery.......................... 816,00...............816,00............808,50.......... 286,38K HSBC.........................................1.122,20............1.123,60......... 1.116,80...........2,95M IAG.............................................. 411,61...............412,50............404,50.............5,4M ICG PLC.....................................2.070,64............2.070,64......... 2.030,00.......... 39,17K IMI PLC......................................2.478,00............2.482,00......... 2.428,00......... 276,18K Imperial Brands..........................3.203,02............3.212,00......... 3.188,28......... 119,27K Informa....................................... 897,20...............898,40............886,80.......... 181,71K InterContinental.........................10.300,0............10.305,0......... 10.220,0.......... 23,67K

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

Intertek........................................4.508,0..............4.512,0........... 4.430,5........... 30,49K J Sainsbury................................. 321,20...............323,56............319,80.......... 447,15K JD Sports Fashion........................ 81,76.................82,42..............81,18.............1,94M Kingfisher.................................... 304,50...............305,00............302,30.......... 360,79K Land Securities........................... 582,00...............585,14............578,50.......... 252,17K Legal & General.......................... 247,30...............247,70............244,20............1,78M Lloyds Banking............................ 94,56.................94,60..............94,20..............8,5M London Stock Exchange..............8.600,0..............8.610,0........... 8.474,0.......... 127,37K Londonmetric Property............... 182,70...............184,20............181,80.......... 717,98K M&G........................................... 277,70...............277,70............274,20.......... 527,77K Marks & Spencer........................ 321,10...............323,50............319,60.......... 659,71K Melrose Industries...................... 558,59...............562,40............554,40.......... 256,67K Mondi.......................................... 882,20...............884,20............877,20.......... 111,54K National Grid..............................1.125,00............1.126,00......... 1.121,00......... 581,31K NatWest Group........................... 622,00...............622,80............616,00.......... 982,71K Next...........................................13.392,5............13.405,0......... 13.160,0........... 20,5K Pearson......................................1.055,00............1.056,00......... 1.045,00......... 110,42K Pershing Square........................5.040,00............5.043,90......... 4.968,00........... 18,5K Persimmon.................................1.296,0..............1.310,5........... 1.289,0........... 82,09K Phoenix....................................... 691,50...............692,00............677,00.......... 270,77K Prudential...................................1.098,50............1.098,50......... 1.084,50......... 595,88K Reckitt Benckiser........................6.004,0..............6.016,0........... 5.938,0.......... 118,04K Relx............................................3.084,00............3.098,00......... 3.022,22......... 434,59K Rentokil....................................... 430,70...............430,80............426,60.......... 175,44K Rightmove.................................. 532,00...............535,80............530,40.......... 409,93K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.650,0..............5.658,0........... 5.625,0.......... 400,13K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.100,00............1.103,00......... 1.092,40...........1,01M Sage...........................................1.095,00............1.099,50......... 1.073,50......... 162,05K Schroders.................................... 388,8.................388,8..............385,8........... 159,13K Scottish Mortgage......................1.142,00............1.145,82......... 1.139,00......... 879,62K Segro.......................................... 688,00...............692,60............687,80.......... 166,57K Severn Trent...............................2.703,0..............2.716,0........... 2.698,0........... 24,47K Shell............................................2.713,0..............2.717,0........... 2.704,5.......... 573,34K Smith & Nephew........................1.219,00............1.219,50......... 1.203,22......... 303,79K Smiths Group.............................2.356,00............2.358,00......... 2.326,00.......... 69,21K Smurfit Westrock........................2.817,0..............2.818,0........... 2.791,0........... 46,26K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.795,0..............6.795,0........... 6.700,0........... 10,99K SSE............................................2.119,00............2.134,00......... 2.111,00......... 194,17K Standard Chartered....................1.764,00............1.766,66......... 1.741,00......... 543,81K Taylor Wimpey............................ 101,06...............101,90............100,16............2,22M Tesco.......................................... 437,70...............442,10............433,80............2,23M Unilever.......................................4.868,0..............4.874,5........... 4.835,0.......... 209,52K Unite........................................... 526,76...............534,50............524,00.......... 115,39K United Utilities............................1.177,50............1.183,50......... 1.175,13.......... 71,73K Vistry Group................................ 614,80...............621,75............611,60.......... 230,08K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 95,140...............95,386............94,480...........13,02M Weir Group................................2.874,29............2.878,00......... 2.840,00.......... 50,48K Whitbread...................................2.395,0..............2.406,0........... 2.341,0.......... 157,86K WPP............................................ 333,80...............333,90............328,81............1,03M

0.87750 1.17420

1.13958

0.9354 7.4704 11.877 10.898 Contact our team of currency experts

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DOW JONES

Closing Prices 15 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3M.............................................. 168,90...............169,84............167,80............2,42M Amazon.com............................... 226,19...............230,08............225,12...........35,64M American Express....................... 382,56...............387,49............378,60............2,48M Amgen........................................ 317,74...............319,46............315,19............2,25M Apple........................................... 278,28...............279,22............276,82...........39,53M Boeing......................................... 204,38...............206,12............201,58............7,07M Caterpillar.................................... 597,89...............627,50............595,78............4,58M Chevron...................................... 149,99...............151,55............149,63............5,85M Cisco............................................ 77,80.................79,56..............77,72............16,67M Citigroup..................................... 111,80...............113,43............111,19...........11,23M Coca-Cola..................................... 70,52.................70,62..............69,04............18,44M Goldman Sachs........................... 887,96...............914,99............886,99............2,72M Home Depot................................ 359,65...............360,76............356,05............3,86M Honeywell................................... 193,66...............194,72............192,51............3,32M IBM............................................. 309,24...............311,05............303,33............2,95M J&J............................................. 211,58...............212,27............208,96............6,92M JPMorgan................................... 318,52...............320,27............316,60............8,98M McDonald’s................................. 316,72...............317,79............310,37............3,77M Merck&Co................................... 100,30...............100,66.............98,32............11,81M Microsoft.................................... 478,53...............482,45............476,34...........21,25M Nike.............................................. 67,47.................69,14..............67,12............14,83M NVIDIA........................................ 175,02...............182,82............174,62..........204,27M P&G............................................ 142,84...............143,11............140,84...........10,27M Salesforce Inc............................. 262,23...............264,49............260,91............6,01M Sherwin-Williams........................ 328,69...............331,42............326,83............1,63M The Travelers.............................. 285,31...............285,48............283,33............1,62M UnitedHealth............................... 341,84...............344,98............337,37............7,98M Verizon......................................... 40,89.................40,98..............40,10.............20,6M Visa A.......................................... 347,83...............349,84............345,97............6,94M Walmart...................................... 116,70...............116,95............115,02...........19,09M Walt Disney................................. 111,60...............113,34............111,15...........13,06M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 15 December

Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced TryHard Holdings............................................. 57,72 %........................476,91K NeoConcept International Holdings.................. 54,84 %.........................34,07M Canopy Growth................................................ 53,98 %........................165,58M RYTHM............................................................ 47,73 %..........................3,32M Tilray................................................................ 44,13 %..........................84,2M UrbanGro......................................................... 38,08 %.........................43,69M GrowGeneration............................................... 38,03 %..........................4,53M Hydrofarm........................................................ 35,95 %..........................1,06M Basel Medical................................................... 31,21 %..........................1,52M Climb Bio......................................................... 30,43 %..........................8,38M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined CCH Holdings...................................................-82,47 %..........................6,87M Argo Blockchain ADR.......................................-77,60 %..........................2,07M Oriental Culture................................................-75,85 %........................351,36M Jiuzi Holdings..................................................-52,04 %..........................10,8M Applied Therapeutics........................................-46,10 %.........................38,56M AlphaVest Acquisition......................................-44,47 %............................ 2M Tenaya Therapeutics........................................-37,50 %.........................66,59M Work Medical Technology................................-35,69 %........................127,59M Fermi America LLC...........................................-33,84 %.........................63,34M Black Titan.......................................................-33,25 %..........................2,02M Above Food Ingredients...................................-33,01 %..........................7,34M M - Million Dollars

FINANCE

euroweeklynews.com

Innovate Ukraine

THE UK and Ukraine have launched InnovateUkraine’s second round, investing £17m to support 14 new green energy projects. Announced at Rebuild Ukraine 2025, the 24-month programme begins December 2025 and develops scalable low-carbon solutions, adding to 12 earlier projects aimed at boosting Ukraine’s energy resilience.

Recovery plan

SPAIN has approved a recovery plan addendum to ensure full execution of €24.8bn in pending transfers, while requesting only 27.4 per cent of available loans. Madrid will seek €22.8bn of €83.2bn offered, citing cheaper market financing and reduced administrative burden.

UK rent growth UK rents have risen 2.2 per cent over the past year, the slowest pace since 2021, as rental demand hits a six-year low and more homes come onto the market, according to Zoopla’s December 2025 Rental Market Report.

Zoopla reports that rental supply is up 15 per cent compared with

Credit: falco, Pixabay.

BUSINESS EXTRA

18 - 24 December 2025

UK housing.

G7 meeting

G7 FINANCE ministers met virtually on December 8 with the heads of the IMF, World Bank, OECD and FSB, joined in parts by ministers from Australia, Chile, Mexico, India, Korea and Canada.

They backed recent G7 energy initiatives to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, warning that non-market practices and export controls risk global volatility and weaker growth. The ministers pledged coordinated action

to diversify and derisk supply routes.

They also reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, welcoming the IMF’s latest Staff Level Agreement and exploring financing options, including potential use of immobilised Russian sovereign assets in line with legal frameworks. Strengthened coordination with international partners remains a priority under France’s upcoming G7 presidency.

last year, while demand has fallen by a fifth, easing pressure after several years of rapid rent rises.

The average rent for new lets now stands at £1,320 a month.

A major driver is a sharp fall in net migration. New ONS data shows net migration dropped 78 per cent in two years – from 924,000 to 204,000 in the year to June 2025 – reducing the number of new renters entering the market. Improved mortgage affordability is also shifting former renters into homeownership, with UK Finance noting a 20 per cent rise in first-time buyer mortgages in the first nine months of 2025.

Homes are also taking longer to let, now 17 days on average, the slowest since 2019.

15

Algori funding

MADRID-based data platform Algori has raised €3.6 million, bringing total funding to €7.5 million, to scale its AI-driven shopper insights technology. The round includes Red Bull Ventures and other new investors. Algori will expand its purchase and behavioural data collection and accelerate development of its FMCG-focused AI insight tools for European market growth.

Investing in women

THE British Business Bank will commit £30 million to the Invest in Women Taskforce’s ‘Women backing Women’ Fund of Funds, led by Bootstrap4F. The anchor investment brings the Bank’s total support for female-led funds to £130 million, aiming to expand access to finance for female founders across key sectors.

16 18 - 24 December 2025

FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

An enduring appeal Journey from hell LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT MAKE no mistake, if there’s one thing this old world of ours needs right now, it’s a bit of fun - the real, uncomplicated, toe-tapping kind. And who better to dish it out than those four Swedish wonders who’ve been doing it for half a century?

Yep, the ‘ol boy is talking about ABBA, a group so irresistibly wholesome, that even the grumpiest among us can end up humming ‘Dancing Queen’ under their breath when no one’s listening.

During my recent visit to London, I was delighted to have been bamboozled completely by a well-kept, secret surprise visit to the group’s new wonderous pop coliseum in London’s East End. Now, when I first heard about Voyage the digital resurrection of the ABBAtars - I’ll admit it. I raised an eyebrow. Actually, I raised both. “Here we go,” I thought, “another gimmick, another attempt to squeeze nostalgia until it squeaks.”

But when I went, let me tell you: it’s not nostalgia. It’s sorcery. There you stand in that arena, surrounded by all manner of

humanity; kids who discovered ABBA on TikTok, old rockers pretending they’re not excited, pensioners who once slow-danced to ‘Fernando’ in church halls. And then the lights drop, the music kicks in, and suddenly these four youthful Swedes appear, shimmering and strutting in a way that defies both physics and time. You know perfectly well they’re digital. And yet, five minutes in, you stop caring. Because what’s happening in front of you feels more alive than half the concerts I’ve seen with actual human bodies on stage.

What got me about the whole phenomenon isn’t just the clever tech or the cleverer marketing. It’s the sheer decency of ABBA’s enduring appeal. In a world that revels in snarky cynicism, and controversy-for-clicks, ABBA remains gloriously unproblematic. No scandals, no late-night mugshots. Just four slightly awkward, intensely talented people who wrote great songs, sang them beautifully and somehow managed to return as digitally immortal twenty-somethings without reducing the whole affair to a circus. And let’s not ignore the crowd.

Watching the audience is almost as entertaining as watching the ABBAtars.

Grown men - the sort who insist they prefer Led Zeppelin - suddenly soften during ‘The Winner Takes It All’. Middle-aged mums who haven’t danced publicly since the school disco are suddenly releasing decades of suppressed hip action. Teenagers, utterly free of any sense of irony, belt out lyrics written long before their parents met. And rest assured the ‘swing along’ also included my partner and myself. It’s a reminder that people, for all their faults, are still capable of collective joy without needing to be drunk, furious, or glued to a phone (which were in fact banned from the show) And perhaps that’s why the whole thing works. Because behind the lasers and holograms is something profoundly human: warmth. The same warmth that’s kept ABBA’s music alive through generations, marriages, divorces, dance floors and a million karaoke machines.

So, if you want my advice - not that anyone’s ever asked for it, if you find you’re on a visit to the old country, get yourself to that arena, before the digital Swedes outlive us all.

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.

Credit: jr_amon_ceuta X STORM EMILIA turned a routine ferry crossing into a nightmare for passengers The ferry Ciudad de Mahón battling travelling beStorm Emilia. tween mainland Spain and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

The Balearia ferry Ciudad de Mahón departed Algeciras late on Saturday, December 13, at around 10pm, despite rough seas in the Strait of Gibraltar. Earlier sailings had been cancelled due to the storm, leaving the vessel fully loaded. Normally a one-hour journey, the trip became harrowing as heavy waves battered the 3,500-tonne ship. For three and a half hours, it pitched violently, changing course repeatedly. Passengers described an ‘infernal’ ordeal: unsecured chairs slid across decks, people fell, and seasickness was widespread.

Around 1.30am on Sunday 14, the captain announced the decision to abort the voyage and return to Algeciras, as entering Ceuta’s port had become unsafe.

The ship docked in the early hours, but further delays followed. When vehicle owners reached the garage around 3.30am, they found extensive damage to cars from the extreme movements.

No injuries were reported. Storm Emilia disrupted all maritime traffic in the strait over the weekend, with strong winds, high waves and heavy rain forcing multiple cancellations by operators including Armas-Trasmediterránea and Balearia. By Sunday afternoon, conditions had eased slightly, allowing some ferries, including the Ciudad de Mahón, to complete their crossings.

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

Credit: shutterstock, Jelena Zelen

r VOICE u o Y Can you kick back and be merry, or is it a stressful season to bare?

Is Christmas more stressful than relaxing?

AS the festive season approaches, a simple poll asked people whether Christmas feels more stressful than relaxing. The responses reveal a largely positive picture, with many contributors describing calm celebrations, flexible traditions and an emphasis on enjoyment rather than pressure.

Experiences vary depending on family, location and expectations, the overriding tone of the replies suggests that, for most, Christmas is something to savour rather than endure.

Several respondents highlighted how a relaxed approach and personal routines remove much of the potential stress. Ena Cummings summed this up neatly, saying, “If you plan it right it’s not stressful.” Mike Smith echoed this practical attitude with a reminder not to overthink things: “Not stressful at all. If you don’t manage to get everything before Christmas Eve then tough luck, fretting doesn’t help and there is nothing that can be done.”

For these contributors, letting go of perfection seems key to enjoying the season.

Others spoke about how location and lifestyle can influence the experience. Lesley Marlor described a festive atmosphere without pressure, commenting, “No different, the town is brighter, the shops look amazing and we enjoy the Spanish feel for Christ-

mas.” Susan Wallace also found the season calmer abroad, noting, “Very much more relaxed in Spain I find, it’s just a very special weekend with neighbours.” Angela Edgley shared a detailed reflection on choosing a quieter celebration, explaining, “Visiting the UK was always stressful so we stay here now. A few pre-Christmas meals out with friends. One quiet day, just the two of us and cat, a traditional Christmas dinner, lots of Facetime, and a relaxing evening with the usual rubbish TV. Back to normal on the 26th and an evening out on Jan 5 watching our town’s spectacular Three Kings’ processions. Very pleasant.”

For some, enjoyment of Christmas is rooted in long-held affection or cultural perspective. Karen Poland enthusiastically said, “I don’t find it either!

Love it … shopping, gift wrapping, Christmas decorations, cooking and having fun with friends and family.”

Karen Joy Harley was equally clear: “I have loved Christmas all my life, always have always will!”

Overall, the responses show that most people said they do not find Christmas stressful at all. Instead, they emphasised enjoyment, flexibility and choosing traditions that suit their own lives, suggesting that relaxation often comes from letting go of unnecessary pressure.

18 - 24 December 2025

17

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20 18 - 24 December 2025

FEATURE

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• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers • Costa del Sol

Costa Blanca South

THE Cudeca Foundation has successfully concluded its traditional Christmas tribute event ‘Enciende una Luz’ (Light a Light), held on Friday, December 12 at the Cudeca Palliative Care Centre in Benalmadena.

Hundreds gathered for an emotional afternoon of togetherness and hope, remembering and honouring loved ones who have passed away.

The event, starting at 6pm, filled the venue to capacity, highlighting strong community backing for the foundation’s palliative care work.

Attendees enjoyed a heartfelt programme, including performances by the Sunny View School Children’s Choir, magicians Richard Granda and Juan Garrido, the energetic Quimirock band, and tenor Rodrigo Orrego.

Traditional charitable activities featured a raffle and charity bar, with all proceeds supporting Cudeca’s programmes. Sources described exceptional generosity in a warm, reflective atmosphere.

TORREVIEJA once again lit up the holiday season with the 23rd edition of Carols in the Square. The beloved international Christmas carol concert drew hundreds of residents and visitors from across the country to Plaza de la Constitución, which, as always, was bustling with festive cheer and a little too small for all who wanted to attend.

Since its debut in 2002, the concert has been organised by the Department of International Residents and has grown into one of Torrevieja’s most anticipated Christmas events, even in a municipality already known for its lively atmosphere year-round.

This year’s event was hosted by local artist Shani Ormiston, who also performed some of her own songs. The edition featured new choral groups from several countries, showcasing the multicultural spirit of Torrevieja. Nations represented included Poland, the UK, Romania, Sweden, Norway, and Ukraine.

Axarquia

Almeria

NERJA Council is going to deliver festive cheer to vulnerable families this Christmas through its annual hamper distribution programme.

The Social Services Department plans to deliver 60 hampers to households facing economic and social hardship in Nerja and Maro.

This year’s initiative stands out due to direct collaboration with two prominent local groups: the Association of Presidents of Urbanisation Communities in Nerja (APCUM) and the Almijara Bowls Club.

Both organisations have fully funded and packed the 60 baskets, filling them with non-perishable foods, traditional Christmas sweets, preserves, and cured meats.

The popular Almijara Bowls Club, a hub for the expat community, has shown particular generosity in supporting the effort.

Last year, 75 hampers were distributed. The project underscores Nerja’s commitment to ensuring the holiday spirit reaches every home.

UD Almeria football players took part in one of their most emotional but rewarding events of the year on Monday 15th, their annual visit to Torrecardenas University Hospital.

Captains Fernando Martinez and Adrian Embarba arrived with their teammates, along with Paqui Campoy and Lucia representing the club’s women’s first team. Even with star footballers in the building, the day was all about the children.

For UD Almeria and its players, visiting the children of Torrecardenas is a special day, a chance to bring joy to families during a difficult time. Players spoke with the children and their families, offering an empathetic ear and lifting their spirits as best they could.

More importantly, and in the true spirit of Christmas, the UD Almeria players didn’t arrive empty handed. They brought with them a haul Father Christmas and the Three Kings would be proud of: toys, games, stuffed animals, and mountains of club merchandise such as jerseys and scarves.

Mallorca

Costa Blanca North

FEW know that the natural beauty of Mallorca, one of the Mediterranean’s gems, was the backdrop for one of the most heartwarming Christmas productions of 2024. Disney released the short film The Boy & The Octopus, which captured millions of viewers worldwide, partly filmed on the island.

Directed by New Zealander Taika Waititi, known for his unique blend of humour and emotion in films like Jojo Rabbit and What We Do in the Shadows, the short tells the story of a boy who finds a tiny octopus attached to his head after a minor accident at sea. What starts as an awkward encounter quickly evolves into a touching friendship, exploring themes of acceptance, diversity, and the unexpected joys of life.

Mallorca’s stunning landscapes played a key role in the film’s visual impact. Scenes were shot at Cala Agulla beach in Cala Ratjada, with some digital enhancements to emphasise the greenery against the turquoise waters. The production also involved local professionals.

HELP of Marina Alta celebrated a remarkable festive season with its Ultimate Christmas Fair, welcoming over 1,400 visitors and raising more than €6,000 to support the charity’s ongoing work in the Marina Alta.

The event took place, at Salones Canor in Teulada, bringing together local businesses, volunteers and supporters for a day of joyful community spirit.

Organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to Katie Jackson and SR Print & Signs for providing signage and coordinating the popular paella chefs from Alzira, Enrique and the comisión de Albuixarres-Cami Fondo.

Appreciation was also extended to Tracy at Forn Vell in Orba for the Christmas baps, ZEN Outdoor Furniture in Gata de Gorgos, and sponsors Renvida and Vivespons for their continued support. Special recognition went to Jocelyn and Alex, who prepared 90 litres of mulled wine for the day.

Cudeca tribute

Hampers for everyone

Disney filmed in local village

Yuletide unity

Red and white Christmas

Giving together

• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •

euroweeklynews.com

‘Dignitas’ to help homeless

The launch comes as homelessness remains a serious issue in Madrid.

Nurses on strike TOP Trending

21

brought to you by Revolution Technology

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery - movie

Hospital queues due to increase 2026.

SPAIN’S public healthcare system faces major disruption next year after the country’s largest health-worker unions declared an indefinite rolling strike every Tuesday, starting on Tuesday, January 27.

The action, led by a coalition including CSIF, SATSE and other main unions, follows almost three years of stalled talks with the Ministry of Health over a new Framework Statute that sets pay, conditions and career structures for all statutory staff in the National Health System (SNS).

Union leaders accuse Health Minister Mónica García of refusing to negotiate seriously and of deliberately obstructing progress by holding separate talks with unrepresentative groups. They say the ministry has shown ‘no intention’ of agreeing a law that genuinely improves conditions for workers or patients.

The unions’ core demands are described as non-negotiable: a pay structure linked to new professional categories, a ‘dignified’ working week that supports work-life balance, and access to voluntary early and partial retirement.

With no end date, the weekly stoppages will affect hospitals and health centres nationwide. Minimum services will be guaranteed, but patients are urged to avoid Tuesday appointments where possible and to check locally for cancellations.

The dispute comes as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s minority government struggles to pass a national budget after losing the support of Catalan separatist party Junts, adding further strain to public spending priorities.

THE quietly eccentric but brilliant Benoit Blanc returns in Wake Up Dead Man, the third instalment of the hugely popular Knives Out film series. Played by Daniel Craig, Blanc must uncover the secrets of a baffling death inside a quaint church. It’s two and a half hour run time never feels

Cr e

bloated, keeping viewers captivated from the very first scene.

Exploring themes of existence, faith and purpose, this one of a kind franchise has cemented itself as a Hollywood hit.

Jingle Bell Heist - movie PERFECT for the holiday season, Jingle Bell Heist follows two down on their luck strangers team up to rob a London department store on Christmas Eve, no less. They really feed into the notion of Christmas being a season of giving ... back to themselves.

While no Danny Ocean, the two characters formulate a fun and, of course,

Cr e tflix Ne t: di

Photo credit: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

18 - 24 December 2025

tflix Ne t: di

MADRID’S city council has introduced a new digital tool called ‘Dignitas’, designed to help people living on the streets locate essential services. The app, available without download or registration, provides geolocated information on soup kitchens, shelters, day centres, public toilets, drinking water points and public internet access. It also lists health services, social services offices, legal aid centres and clothing support, and is available in six languages to serve a diverse population.

The platform includes additional features such as an emergency SOS button, direct chat with outreach teams and alerts for extreme weather. Officials describe it as a discreet first step to reach individuals who often avoid traditional services due to fear or mistrust. By lowering barriers to access, authorities hope the app will improve both immediate survival needs and long-term reintegration.

The launch comes as homelessness remains a serious issue in Madrid, with official figures recording more than 1,000 people sleeping rough in 2025. The city has announced plans to expand shelter capacity in 2026 and open new facilities.

Observers note that similar digital tools already operate successfully in the UK. While Dignitas is seen as promising, experts stress it must complement broader housing and social policies to deliver lasting solutions.

FEATURE/SPANISH LIVING

festive plan.

Christmas movies can sometimes feel one note, but this one offers a fresh take on the usual Christmas rom-com, injecting a touch of hijinx into the holidays.

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euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 December 2025

PETS Cat cafe craze SPONSORED BY

business to gain traction, eventually their popularity soared. Asian tourists took the idea back to their home countries and the business model was soon replicated. Cat cafes soon become a booming business, especially in Japan, becoming tourist hot spots.

It took a little longer for the idea to gain traction in the west. The first Cat cafe didn’t open in the US until 2014. Once again, the opening was a success of epic proportions, prompting more cafes to pop up all over the place, with their popularity continuing to rise.

32 muscles…and counting

CATS have a total of 32 muscles in each of their ears alone! This allows them to swivel their ears to hone in on the exact location of even the slightest noise. All these muscles help cats rotate their ears 180 degrees! A significant advantage over humans’ six ear muscles.

Petey is drawn to sparkly lights, wherever they are.

Petey?

HouseSitMatch: Humans help pets thrive This is where HouseSitMatch comes in - quietly effective, always helpful. Homeowners find trusted sitters to protect property, water plants, and provide five-star care for pets. Sitters enjoy free accommodation and pets (Petey’s light-chasing theatrics included, no extra charge).

And best of all, NO money changes hands.

Travelling in 2026? Join now: 1. Visit HouseSitMatch.com and register as a homeowner or sitter 2. Join for just £89 / €99 per year (approx.) - Compare this to kennel fees!

3. Create your profile and upload photos 4. Sitters apply, you chat via video - and bam - matchmaking success The Fair Exchange: Homes, pets and happy hearts Fancy a house-sitting adventure - or need sitters of your own - Join HouseSitMatch.com, a growing community of pet lovers.

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Lamia Walker – Founder Get in touch: +44 (0)7772 142742

Dogs keep us calm WHILE you might not believe it when you come home from a long day to find your dog mid-zoomies and house a wreck, it is scientifically proven that dogs reduce stress and improve health.

When we’re stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol

which can lead to heightened blood pressure. In excess, cortisol can have a negative impact on your body’s immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

However, just a few minutes in the presence of a dog can make cortisol levels go down, and our oxytocin levels go up.

Because dogs require a lot of exercise, having a dog is great way to get you up and out. You might not want to go on a walk for you own health, but you’ll readily take the dog, which in turn helps you. Regular walks will help you and your dog stay active, decrease your blood pressure and make you less vulnerable to disease.

Mental health can be drastically improved by having a dog too.

Not only does the dogs companionship help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, but it helps socialise you. Whether it’s someone looking to pet your dog in the street or a fellow dog owner at the park, you’ll find yourself making stronger social tiles while out with your pup.

Credit: Shutterstock, Liuscene

FACT

Credit: Shutterstock, Phatthanun.R

LIKE many of us, and our pets, Petey loves a sparkling celebration, and nothing entertains or attracts him more than spotting spangly lights on his daily walk.

We all appreciate a festive light display, and Christmas delivers them in spades across town. But Petey?

He’s absolutely besotted with the lights. So smitten, in fact, that one moment of unleashed freedom and he’ll bolt faster than you can say ‘Feliz Navidad’, prancing and pirouetting around every twinkling bulb like a canine ballerina on opening night.

House-sitters beware: walking Petey requires the vigilance of a bomb disposal expert and the reflexes of a cat (ironically). Shopping centre displays, garden decorations, that one house on the corner with the blinding illuminations - all are magnetic north to Petey’s compass. Keep hold of the lead, because at the first glimpse of a twinkling tree or flashing reindeer nose, Petey’s off like Comet. He won’t stop when you call. He won’t see obstacles. He just... goes.

Could you care for a dog like

Photo credit – Tiera St Claire

RIGHT now, cat cafes are all the range. Go to any major metropolitan area and you’ll see cat’s being pampered as people sip on their perfectly frothed coffees.

Like many business ventures, Cat Cafes operate with varying levels of morality. Some have been deemed as unethical due to poor conditions, lack of vaccinations and for relying on breeders. Others, see themselves more as cat rescue facilities, prioritising the well-being of their cats over profits and allowing patrons to adopt the cats.

If you’re visiting a cat cafe, it’s recommended you research to ensure you’re supporting ethical practices.

The first cat cafe was founded in Taipei, Taiwan back in 1998, under the name Cat Flower Garden.

While it took a while for the

Petey loves the lights, house-sitters beware

Man’s best friend.

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CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life damaging everything that is important to you.

English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia.

Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German:

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