THE Costa Calida city of Cartagena is showing its solidarity in time for World Multiple Sclerosis Day with a special sporting event, organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Cartagena and Region (or EMACC) and the City Council. The fourth edition of the Solidarity Regatta, as part of the Solidarity Day programme, is set to take place on May 30 and May 31 at the Los Nietos Nautical Club.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system. In patients with the disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, or the protective layer that insulates the nerve fibres, which interrupts the transmission of nerve signals.
Sailing solidarity Beach football fever
EMACC is a non-profit organisation based in Cartagena that has helped to develop social, psychological, neuropsy-
chological and rehabilitation programmes since 1997. In addition to these nearly three decades of charitable work, the organisation also helps to spread awareness about these diseases and supports fami-
lies that are navigating life after diagnosis.
The Solidarity Regatta, now an established event in the coastal city, is one of the largest awareness-spreading activities for this degenerative disease, and helps to promote citizen participation, all with a charitable purpose at its centre. The event aims to raise awareness in society about Multiple Sclerosis and raise funds to continue offering comprehensive care to those in the Region of Murcia who suffer from it. This event will include sailing and rowing activities, and is expected to attract both seasoned athletes in the sport as well as newcomers curious about the event.
Mazarron welcomes inclusive beach football ahead of national competition
THE shining coast of Mazarron was once more the centre of attention for inclusive sports on the Costa Calida: the charming coastal municipality recently hosted a special training camp for the beach football team of the Federación de Fútbol de la Región de Murcia, or FFRM, bringing together players with intellectual disabilities as they prepare for an upcoming national competition.
The session took place on the coastal town’s beach facilities, which have long been a destination of choi-
ce for beach football teams from all across Murcia and beyond. Mazarron’s beaches offered a focused
environment ahead of the Spanish Championship,
the federation’s continued efforts to promote inclusive sport.
This particular sporting event on the beaches of Mazarron was marked by a visit from Chiky Ardil, widely regarded as one of the top beach football players in the world. During his time with the squad, he shared insights from his professional experience, offering tactical advice as well as motivation to the players ahead of the tournament. His visit added a further layer of inspiration
Marchamujer movement
The women of Cartagena unite under one common message
THE municipality of Cartagena recently celebrated the women of Murcia and protested in favour of equality with a new edition of the Marchamujer, in which hundreds of participants toured the city centre in a parade, as well as activities including workshops, dancing, sports, and games in Rambla Park.
The march, which boasted nearly 300 participants, took off from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and traversed the streets of the municipality with colour, enthusiasm and camaraderie among the participants. The march finally ended in Rambla Park, next to the Cartagonova municipal stadium.
The rest of the day was a festive event, in which members of the community took part and socialised together. The programme designed for the event included a mobile disco, workshops, dancing, sports, and a raffle with exciting prizes that were donated by collaborating groups and organisations.
Charity was also a main highlight of the event. The 2026 edition of the Marchamujer raised €3,052 for the Amazonas Sports Association, a non-profit organisation that promotes well-being and personal growth through therapeutic archery.
The Marchamujer united associations, residents, visitors, and other participants around one message: Cartagena is advancing towards true equality, and appreciates the active role of women in all areas of the municipality and beyond. Once more, the Marchamujer became a meeting point for citizen participation, awareness and the demand for more inclusivity in Cartagena.
Costa Cálida I No. 2134 I 28 May - 3 June 2026
Photo Credit: Yoksel Zok / Unsplash
Cartagena hosts solidarity regatta to raise MS awareness and funds.
Mazarron hosts inclusive beach football camp ahead of Cadiz nationals.
Photo Credit: FFRM
Panorama performance
THE charming coastal municipality of Mazarron is preparing to welcome one of the most spectacular blowout music performances of the year, with the Panorama Orchestra. During this incredible show, the talented and renowned Panorama Orchestra will arrive with its 'Time Tour 2026', in a show that combines live music, lights, choreography, and an impressive technical production that will light the town up with rhythm, entertainment, and sound.
The event is set to take place on Sunday, May 31, in the Plaza del Convento in Mazarron, at 9.00pm, blending a spectacular musical performance with the unbeatable ambience of Mazarron in the evening. Not only this, the show will be completely free to attend, meaning any and everyone can take part and enjoy the spectacle.
One of the biggest draws of the event will be a light show, which will turn the show into a jaw-dropping outdoor experience, right in the heart of one of the
Costa Calida’s most desirable coastal towns.
The Panorama Orchestra is a band originally from Galicia that performs through the autonomous community and other regions of Spain, including the Region of Murcia. With more than 36 years of experience, the orchestra is renowned across the country for their skills in performing and stage presence, as well as the incredible technical level of their productions.
Network of nurturing
THE breast milk bank of the Region of Murcia recently celebrated its five year anniversary. The bank, which boasts three locations in Murcia, Cartagena, and Lorca, has helped more than 700 newborn babies, and has launched a new website for an initiative that provides useful content for families, developed by professionals.
To be exact, 733 newborns, mostly premature newborns, have benefited from the regional breast milk bank. Over its five years of existence, 668 women have donated breast milk for the cause. This has established the regional bank as an essential resource for neonatal care in the Region of Murcia.
According to the Minister of Health of the Region of Murcia, Juan José Pedreño, some 3,750 litres of breast milk have
been collected over the past five years.
This milk is then pasteurised, and distributed to neonatal units all across the Region, including in the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia, the Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena, and the Rafael Méndez Hospital in Lorca, proportional with the orders placed.
This anniversary was as much about celebrating the generosity of the donors as it was about the five successful years of the breast milk bank. In the Region of Murcia, there were 109 active donors in 2026, who contributed 284 litres of milk and directly improved the care and survival of nearly 60 vulnerable newborn babies.
Mazarron hosts free Panorama Orchestra show with music and lights. Credit:
Murcia breast milk bank celebrates five years supporting newborns care.
Photo Credit: Jaye Haych / Unsplash
Counting the costs Shifting energy costs
THOUSANDS of retirees in Spain could significantly reduce their tax liabilities due to a series of little-known exemptions. Financial advisers report that during the current tax season, growing numbers of older residents are discovering they owe far less to the Agencia Tributaria than anticipated. Some may even claim refunds for employment contributions paid decades ago.
A major advantage applies when over-65s sell their main home. Under Spanish law, they avoid capital gains tax on selling their habitual residence,
provided they lived there for at least three years. Normally, property profits incur between 19 and 28 per cent tax under the IRPF system, but this vanishes entirely for qualifying pensioners.
Furthermore, capital gains tax on second homes, investments and shares can be bypassed if the money is reinvested into a renta vitalicia, a lifetime annuity capped at €240,000. Additionally, former mutualistas who worked before 1978 in sectors like banking or civil service may qualify for refunds on historical pension contributions,
with past payouts averaging around €2,686.
Filing obligations still cause confusion. Retirees earning under €22,000 annually from a single payer generally do not need to file, but this changes with multiple pensions or foreign income sources.
Financial experts warn many retirees wrongly assume pension income automatically exempts them from filing obligations. In reality, each situation depends on individual income sources and tax conditions.
Empty homes plan
HOMEOWNERS in Spain could soon receive up to €600 a month from the government for renting out empty properties under a measure included in Spain’s State Housing Plan for 2026-2030.
The scheme is intended to address Spain’s growing housing crisis by encouraging landlords to place vacant homes into affordable rental programmes rather than leaving them empty. In return, owners would receive monthly public payments alongside the regulated rent paid through the scheme.
Under the proposal, homeowners would keep ownership of their properties but temporarily hand them over to managed affordable housing programmes. The aim is to increase rental supply quickly without waiting years for large-scale construction projects.
The measure comes as rents continue to rise sharply in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Valencia, where affordable long-term accommodation has become increasingly difficult to find. Under the framework announced so far, homes would generally need to have been vacant for a certain period before qualifying. Properties must also meet minimum habitability standards, although some owners could receive additional financial support to renovate or repair homes before entering the scheme. Landlords joining the programme would usually need to commit properties to affordable rental use for several years, with rents kept below normal market rates. Whether enough landlords will join remains uncertain, but the proposal highlights the seriousness of Spain’s worsening housing shortage.
HOUSEHOLDS and drivers across Spain could soon face higher electricity, gas, and fuel costs as temporary VAT reductions introduced during the energy crisis are expected to end on June 30. If measures expire as planned, consumers may notice increases in utility bills and petrol station prices from July, just as summer demand begins rising.
These temporary tax cuts were originally introduced to protect households from soaring energy costs linked to international instability.
However, pressure is growing to restore public revenue and gradually move away from policies supporting fossil fuel consumption. According to Gestha, broad VAT reductions mainly benefited wealthier households with higher energy use rather than those most affected by rising living costs. This follows recommendations from the European Commission to phase out blanket fossil fuel tax reductions in favour of targeted support for lower-income households and cleaner energy systems. If reductions disappear, electricity and gas bills could rise depending on market conditions, while fuel prices may also increase at filling stations. Simultaneously, Spain is expanding incentives for electric vehicles and renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
While some targeted aid for transport companies, farmers, and vulnerable households is expected to continue, most residents remain concerned that everyday bills will become more expensive during the second half of the year.
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Safety showcase
THROUGHOUT the month of May, the Costa Calida municipality of Mazarron will host the Exhibition of the 29th Road Safety Education Conference at its Cultural Centre. The conference will unite more than 1,000 schoolchildren from all of Mazarron’s educational centres, to participate in exhibitions of models, collages, and school projects, all related to road safety education.
Until May 31, the exhibition will feature 56 projects from preschool students, 90 collages made by first and second year students, and 88 models from students in the fifth and sixth years. Meanwhi-
le, the projects made by the students from the third and fourth years were featured
at the Road Safety Education Festival, held in April.
Namely, the exhibition features dioramas made by the students to represent city and town roads, including details like painted lines on the roads, different signs, stationed traffic officers overseeing the transport, and structured roundabouts. Surrounding these, the students have created models with of course, little cars and buses to traverse the roads of their small towns and cities.
Mercadona milestone
A NEW Mercadona location will open in Cabo de Palos in June, transferring around 50 workers to the new facilities and allowing shoppers more flexibility, with a larger facility that will be able to handle more people and more products.
This new Mercadona boasts a three-storey building, occupying a surface area of more than 13,000 square metres. The revamped site features expanded parking with hundreds of spaces, alongside new commercial units, a large basement layout, and a self-service station. It forms part of the regeneration of the Las Dunas Cabo de Palos shopping area.
The timing of the project is also signifi-
cant, opening right on schedule and right at the beginning of peak season. The Mercadona is expected to revitalise all the commercial activity for the surrounding area. In addition, the new supermarket will be close to the Cabo de Palos weekly market, which will complement each other and allow for growth for both establishments. Mercadona is widely considered Spain’s biggest supermarket chain, with its most recent figures representing a total turnover of about €41.9 billion, up 8 per cent year on year. By the numbers, this represents around €39.8 billion from sales in Spain, and just over €2 billion from Portugal.
Mazarron students showcase creative road safety projects in public exhibition.
Photo Credit: Mazarron Town Hall
New Mercadona store opens in Cabo de Palos boosting local economy.
Photo Credit: Cartagena City Hall
THE San Pedro del Pinatar Town Council has completed the renovation of its mud bath platforms, as well as its access points to the local La Mota beach.
Mud makeover Creative calendar
The project has created new platforms through which the public can access these popular summertime areas, just in time for peak season.
The project involved replacing and reinforcing the wooden platforms and access points to the bathing areas of the beach, as well as removing pre-existing barriers to make it easier for the public to reach these areas. The town council specifically chose materials that blend in with the landscape and natural environment, ensuring the platforms, apart from being functional, are not eyesores for visitors or residents of the municipality.
The mud baths of San Pedro del Pinatar, which are free to use and located
next to Molino de Quintín, are an outdoor mud therapy area and are one of the most popular tourist attractions for the municipality. The mud from Las Charcas de las Salinas is
the result of centuries of sun exposure, combined with the highly saline waters of the Mar Menor. The result is a clay mud that, when applied to the skin, has great therapeutic value for all kinds of ailments: rheumatism, arthritis, and others. San Pedro del Pinatar boasts one of the largest open-air natural spas in the Region of Murcia.
PUERTO DE MAZARRON’S May cultural programme has concluded with the opening of the final exhibition of traditional arts and crafts,
available for viewing at the Senior Citizens’ Centre.
This exhibition will be open to the public until June 7, and residents and visitors of the municipality can see the crafts from Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.
Some of the works being exhibited showcase the traditional arts of dressmaking, ceramics, embroidery, tile making, bobbin lace, painting, and tapestry. During the ope-
ning of the exhibition, the effort, enthusiasm, and skill of the senior citizens at the centre who made the crafts was highlighted, as well as the importance of this event and the May cultural calendar as a whole for the municipality.
These types of crafts are essential not only for their artistic and functional value, but for the cultural and historical implications and education they bring to newcomers. During the event, older
attendees highlighted the memories brought back by seeing embroidered, painted, and other handmade crafts, and the incredible skill it took to create each piece.
The calendar included talks and lectures, activities including photography, candle-making, painting, ceramics-making, eastern dance classes, theatre performances and lessons, and sports activities including walks, hikes, yoga and pilates, and other games.
Photo Credit: Region of Murcia Tourism
San Pedro upgrades mud baths and beach access before summer.
Shifts in the market
SPANISH department store chain El Corte Inglés has permanently lowered the prices of around 1,300 essential food items and other products. The initiative aims to compete with other supermarkets and ease the strain of an increasing cost of living and supply bottlenecks caused by the US-IsraelIran conflict. This campaign follows a previous move by the chain that fixed prices on 300 basic food products for 90 days. This permanent price reduction affects high-turnover, regularly consumed everyday products, directly impacting the average grocery basket. According to the company, the price cuts apply to items including deli meats, sausages, milk, beverages, soft drinks, wines, coffee, chocolates, oils, canned fish, vegetables and legumes, prepared salads,
baby food, pet food, household cleaning products, personal hygiene items, and perfumes. This measure is part of an ongoing effort by the department store chain, which is reviewed weekly, to maintain a constant balance with the most competitive prices on the market in each area where they are lo -
cated. Notably, these discounts have sparked a supermarket price war amid the supply bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz.
With rising transport costs and product scarcity caused by the conflict, supermarkets are competing fiercely for cost-conscious shoppers.
El Corte Inglés lowers prices to counter inflation and supply disruption.
Photo Credit: El Corte Inglés
Hiding from heatwaves
AS Spain approaches the summer 2026 travel season, long-range climate forecasts suggest above-average temperatures are likely across much of southern and western Europe, including Spain. In recent years, heatwaves have become increasingly intense in inland and southern regions such as Andalucia, Extremadura and central Spain, where temperatures frequently exceed 35C and sometimes rise above 40C.
Photo credit: Estudioluismatias/Shutterstock
Because of these conditions, many travellers are increasingly choosing destinations influenced by Atlantic weather systems, higher altitudes or stronger coastal airflow.
Northern Spain remains the most reliable option for avoiding extreme heat. Regions such as Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country benefit from Atlantic conditions that moderate temperatures and reduce the severity of heat spikes.
Cities including Santiago de Compostela, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastian offer coastal tourism with generally milder summer conditions compared with inland Spain. Mountain areas such as the Pyrenees and Sierra de Guadarrama also pro-
vide cooler alternatives because of higher elevation.
In southern Spain, the Alpujarra region in Granada Province offers relief from intense heat through high-altitude villages including Trevelez and Capileira. Cadiz Province also benefits from Atlantic airflow, particularly in locations such as Tarifa.
The changes highlights how increasingly frequent heatwaves are gradually reshaping tourism patterns, with more visitors adapting travel plans to prioritise cooler regions while still choosing Spain for summer holidays.
Spain’s pink lake
A BRIGHT pink lagoon on Spain’s Mediterranean coast is attracting attention after NASA shared a striking image of it captured from space. The lake, located near Torrevieja in Alicante Province, stands out dramatically because of its unusual fluorescent pink colour.
The lagoon, known as Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja, forms part of the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja. It gets its appearance from extremely salty water combined with microscopic organisms. Algae and microbes living in highly saline environments produce reddish and pink pigments to protect themselves from intense sunlight. During hotter weather, when evaporation increases salt concentration, the colour becomes even stronger. Consequently, it varies from pale pink to a much deeper shade at sunset.
In contrast, the neighbouring Laguna de La Mata looks completely different because its salt levels are lower, meaning the responsible microorganisms cannot develop in large quantities.
The lagoon became famous online through drone videos and holiday photos long before the NASA image circulated. Tourists visiting the Costa Blanca regularly share pictures because the colour looks unreal even in
person.
Human activity has also shaped the modern lagoon. The area remains one of Europe’s most important salt production zones, with channels linking the lagoon to the Mediterranean to maintain seawater flow. Today, it is both a protected natural space and a highly recognisable landscape. Local authorities continue reminding visitors that the ecosystem remains fragile despite its popularity.
The Alpujarra offers relief from intense heat.
NASA shared a striking satellite image showing the famous pink lagoon of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.
Sing me a nice song
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
PERHAPS it’s just me showing my age again, but whatever happened to a good song? You know the sort of thing I mean. A tune you could hum on the way home. Lyrics that told a story. A melody that stirred something in the heart. Songs that made you laugh, cry, fall in love or remember someone special.
Watching this year’s Eurovision Song Contest left me wondering whether music has finally disappeared altogether beneath a mountain of flashing lights, smoke machines and enough pyrotechnics to frighten a small nation. Take the British entry. We were treated to immortal lines such as; ‘Eins, zwei, drei. Darlin, I need something salty, with a slice of pepperoni’. Pepperoni? Once upon a time Eurovision gave us songs like, ‘Puppet on a string.’ ‘Making your mind up.’ ‘Save your kisses for me.’ ‘Waterloo’ and countless others that actually meant something. Songs about romance, hope, heartbreak or joy. Today we’re apparently singing about takeaway food. No wonder the British en-
try came last! Of course, it didn’t end there, the actual winning entry featured the repeated declaration; I’m the Bangarang. Bangaranga, bangaranga, bangaranga’! Followed by; ‘I’m an angel, I’m a demon, I’m a psycho for no reason…’ Now perhaps somebody can explain to me what a bangarang actually is. I’ve listened several times and remain none the wiser.
Maybe that’s because modern songwriters seem terrified of saying anything understandable. If the lyrics don’t make sense, nobody can accuse them of being wrong. In my day a lyric was poetry set to music. Think of the wonderful songs written by Lionel Bart, Burt Bacharach, Lennon and McCartney or Bob Dylan. Every word served a purpose. Every line painted a picture. And remember, these songs endured because people wanted to hear them again. They bought the records, sang them at parties and played them on the piano at home. Many became woven into the fabric of our lives.
Decades later we still know every word. I very much doubt that in 50 years’ time grandchildren will be gathered around a piano singing about pepperoni pizza or chanting ‘Bangaranga’ at family celebrations. Most of today’s offerings become
hits for a weekend. The best songs become companions for a lifetime. Today it’s often a collection of slogans shouted repeatedly over electronic noise while dancers leap around as if they’ve accidentally touched a live cable. Of course, the music is only half the story. The voting remains as predictable as rain during a British bank holiday. (Not the most recent mind!) Neighbour votes for neighbour. Political friendships are rewarded. Current international events seem to matter more than the songs themselves.
One sometimes wonders whether the music is simply an excuse for a continental popularity contest. Frankly, why are we surprised? We send performers into a competition that increasingly seems to judge everything except the quality of the song. Yet I still cling to the hope that somewhere there are young songwriters producing proper melodies, meaningful lyrics and songs with genuine emotion. Maybe I’m old-fashioned. But give me a beautiful melody and a lyric that means something over pepperoni, bangaranga and exploding fireworks any day of the week.
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.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Export success
IN the first quarter of 2026, Andalucia achieved its best export performance, reaching €11.07 billion. Andalucia accounts for 11.5 per cent of all Spanish exports, behind Catalonia and Madrid. Vegetables remained Andalucia’s top export, while the aeronautical sector also contributed to export growth with sales reaching €770 million.
Pension problem
THE Pensions Commission has issued a warning, stating 15 million people in the UK aren’t saving enough for retirement. Worse yet, 45 per cent of working adults aren’t saving at all. At this rate, tomorrow’s pensioners will be poorer than today’s, with low and middle earners most at risk.
Home sales stall
HOME sales continued to decline in March, falling 2.2 per cent. Registered transactions exceeded 61,000 but were lacking compared to previous months. According to INE, March’s decline was due to a decrease in new home sales, which fell 10.2 per cent year on year to 13,057.
Shakira wins
SHAKIRA is set to be reimbursed more than €55 million by the Spanish tax government, after the court ruled she had been illegally penalised for tax fraud. This marks the end of a five-year long dispute, after Spain accused Shakira of not paying the necessary tax in 2011.
Butane relief
SPANISH households will soon feel the relief of one less rising cost as the maximum retail price for butane gas cylinders falls by 5.87 per cent to €15.39. Prices are being lowered largely because the VAT on butane fell to 10 per cent.
STAT OF WEEK 8%
IN the fourth quarter of 2025, the price of fertilisers in the EU rose by 8 per cent, compared with the same period of 2024.
Old Spanish hen
GREENE KING is the latest British brewery to fall into foreign hands. It was recently announced that the 227-year old pub chain would be selling its iconic Old Speckled Hen beer brand to the Barcelona-based brewing company Damm, owner of Estrella.
While the brand may have been sold to overseas buyers, the ale itself will still be brewed in Britain. Greene King will continue to brew Old Speckled Hen at its Bury St Edmunds site until the sale is complete, at which point operations would move to Damm’s Bedford brewery.
Damm opened this location in 2025, anticipating its expansion into the UK market.
Currently, the total value of the sale has not been disclosed. The deal does, however, stipulate that Old Speckled Hen will continue to be sold in Greene King pubs and in
major UK supermarkets.
British breweries divesting to foreign buyers has become a trend over the last 10 years. For example, in 2015 Camden Town Brewery sold to Belgian Budweiser for £85 million, and Fuller, Smith & Turner sold to Japanese Group Asahi for £250 million.
Spanish beers and breweries have been gaining a foothold in the
UK scene for some time now, with San Miguel and Cruzcampo becoming popular favourites.
This sale could be a lifeline for Greene King, which has been rocked by soaring costs and a tougher trading climate. They operate around 2,300 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK, but previously announced plans to scale back operations in a major shake-up.
Setbacks for high speed railway
BRITAIN’S HS2 high-speed railway has gone off the rails, with the project facing major setbacks.
Initial estimates predicted the project to cost £32.7 billion, but the price tag has since jumped to £87.7 billion and now £102.7 billion. What’s more, the project faces significant delays with the first trains not expected to start running until late 2039.
Reportedly, inflation is only partly to blame for rising project costs. Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, claimed the Conservative government “spent most of HS2’s budget without laying a single mile of track,” and described their handling of the project as an “expensive slow-motion car crash.”
Not only is the project £70 billion over the predicted budget and 13 years behind schedule, but the trains will also be slower than promised. In an effort to save £2.5 billion, the trains’ top speeds would also be lowered from 360 km/h to 320 km/h.
Food desert Oil profits
SINCE the start of the US-Israeli war in Iran, oil companies have seen a dramatic turnaround in profits. Even with 20 per cent of the world’s oil blocked, oil giants have achieved combined profits of 56 per cent as stocks rise by 15 to 55 per cent. Russia has also benefited from the crisis. Production has fallen by 460,000 barrels per day, yet Russian exports reached approximately €16.55 billion in April 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Soaring profits
SINCE 2021, UK food prices have doubled, placing a significant pressure on households and creating an epidemic of food insecurity across the country. A study by The Food Foundation found that six million adults, approximately 12 per cent of households, experienced food insecurity in January 2026.
The situation is especially dire in rural areas. Budgets are stretched thin, especially in the countryside, and access to big-chain supermarkets is made difficult by poor public transport.
As such, many rural towns and villages are becoming ‘food deserts’, with the lack of healthy, affordable food options impacting the poorest families.
RYANAIR’S profits are soaring. The airline recorded profits of €2.26 billion after tax for the year up to March 2026.
Ryanair has managed to sustain growth through a combination of rising fares and high travel demand.
During the 2025-26 period, passenger numbers increased by 4 per cent to a total of 208.4 million. For each passenger, revenue increased by 7 per cent as the airline implemented 10 per cent higher fares.
High fuel prices have not yet severely impacted the company as it hedged 80 per cent of its fuel requirements at €57 a barrel until April 2027.
WITH over 31 million users, Bizum has revolutionised instant payments, and now it could be changing in-person payment too. A new pilot programme is being gradually integrated in select establishments. The rollout will be slow, but eventually customers will have the option to pay via Bizum Pay, a wallet-style app set to be released in June.
In-store Bizum payments won’t only be convenient for customers, businesses are also expected to benefit from lower commissions.
Get the boot
DR MARTENS is making sure it doesn’t get the boot. The British company, famous for its yellow stitched boots, recently launched a new strategic plan to regain consumer appeal and market stability, and it seems to be paying off.
Dr Martens recorded its net profit for the fiscal year ending March 2026 at £23.8 million, achieving a 61 per cent increase in adjusted pre-tax profit. However, turnover has fallen by 29 per cent to £764.9 million in sales.
Pre-nup
BEFORE saying ‘I do’, a lot of couples are saying ‘sign here’ as prenuptial agreements become the new norm. In 2025, 70,646 contracts were signed, 4.3 per cent more than in 2024. More people than ever are prioritising securing their assets before heading down the aisle. Of those couples who signed a pre-nuptial contract, 93.2 per cent included a separation of property agreement, protecting the independent ownership of each spouses’ personal assets.
The Old Speckled Hen gets a new Spanish owner.
High speed railway is off track.
3I Group 2.137,75 2.196,00 2.108,00 153,24K
Admiral Group 3.306,0 3.314,0 3.298,0 13,17K
Airtel Africa 325,00 327,00 322,40 171,27K
Anglo American 3.759,0 3.793,0 3.759,0 108,14K
Antofagasta 3.764,00 3.784,00 3.729,00 43,08K
Associated British Foods 1.778,0 1.783,0 1.775,0 10,74K
AstraZeneca 13.548,0 13.558,0 13.439,9 79,06K
Auto Trader Group Plc 487,10 489,65 486,00 174,08K
Aviva 622,80 623,60 617,20 527,89K
B M European Value Retail 156,10 157,50 155,40 201,12K
BAE Systems 1.850,00 1.853,50 1.837,50 297,75K
Barclays 419,80 421,80 417,95 1,37M
Barratt Redrow 237,50 240,80 235,70 402,17K
Beazley 1.281,00 1.281,50 1.280,50 16,29K
Berkeley 3.200,0 3.228,0 3.190,0 4,16K
BP 562,40 565,80 558,36 1,31M
British American Tobacco 4.923,0 4.932,0 4.874,0 145,93K
THE Duke of Westminster is rumoured to be selling €810m in US real estate holdings. This comes after the Grosvenor Group recorded losses exceeding €125m in its North American operations. Since inheriting the title and the family’s substantial real estate portfolio, Hugh Grosvenor has grown the family fortune to an estimated €11.6bn.
Farm stress
RISING fuel, fertiliser and energy costs prompted the Bank of England to flag agriculture as a sector facing ‘elevated financial stress’. Bad business conditions, a consequence of the Middle East conflict, are putting the already tenuous profitability of farms at risk. Food price inflation could reach 6-7 per cent if the crisis persists.
Tourists spend in Spain
DESPITE the Iran war disrupting travel plans, Spain is on track to break its record for foreign tourist spending. An EIR study by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts foreign tourist spending will grow by 5.3 per cent compared to 2025 and reach €121 billion. Such an achievement will position Spain as the European leader and as the third largest global market for international tourism spending, behind the United States and China.
Fashion fight
THE fast-fashion brands are fighting. Representatives for Shein and Temu appeared at London’s High Court recently, following Shein’s accusations Temu is conducting ‘industrial scale’ copyright infringement. Shein claims Temu have purposefully used images from their site to piggyback off the brands’ success for their own gain.
Temu countered the suit, claiming Shein
is using litigation to stifle competition. They also accuse Shein of signing suppliers to exclusive contracts, breaking competition law.
Both companies have expanded quickly. As their businesses grow so does the rivalry between them. This is not the first time they’ve resorted to litigation. Shein and Temu previously sued each other in the US.
According to the WTTC, Spain’s tourism offerings are conducive to spending. ‘High-value travellers’ are encouraged to spend on food, souvenirs and excursions. The average expenditure per foreign visitor stands at €1,144, much higher than the European average of €909. With approximately 96.8 million arrivals each year, Spain’s foreign tourist spending is 30 per cent higher than the European average.
The only real threat to Spain’s tourism industry is the rising price of kerosene. Should airlines run out of jet-fuel, foreign arrivals to Spain could dwindle.
However, Spain’s tourism industry is resilient. It recovers from global crises relatively quickly, partly due to Spain being a familiar territory and a reliable holiday destination, and also because visitors know they will get good value for money.
AI crimes
WHILE everyone frets over AI stealing jobs, in the background AI is committing a much worse crime. According to a report from Google, AI-powered hacking has become an industrial-scale threat. Capable of detecting and exploiting vulnerabilities in software systems, AI poses a real danger to banks, businesses and even governments.
TG JONES, formerly WH Smiths, is facing administration. The company previously rebranded and focused more on its travel division, in a failed attempt to return to profitability. Modella Capital, the chain’s owner, has recently outlined a turnaround plan that includes a £35 million investment and up to 150 store closures.
Tourists spend more in Spain.
HOW many of us have thrown in a couple of scratch cards while at the shop buying cigarettes or milk on the off chance that ‘today’s the lucky day’? For most of us, the prize is barely big enough to cover the cost of the card itself. But one lucky winner in Ireland recently got the shock of a lifetime, scratching away the foil to find themselves €1 million richer.
Luck of the Irish
This is a milestone moment for Ireland’s National Lottery, marking the first time a €1 million scratch card has been won. As announced by the organisation itself, the winning card was sold in Co Wexford where there was certainly a celebration or two after the win.
The National Lottery said there was only a one in 750,000 chance of winning the top prize, making the win all the more extraordinary. Even better, the lucky winner won’t have to
share any of the seven-figure sum with the tax man. In Ireland, lottery winnings from official lotteries are not considered as income or as chargeable capital gain and are therefore not taxed.
The lucky winners are free to spend 100 per cent of their winnings, however they like.
Millions of rose petals
CROWDS gathered inside Rome’s historic Pantheon on Sunday, May 24, as thousands of red rose petals drifted down from the iconic dome to mark the annual Pentecost celebration. This striking ritual draws faithful visitors, tourists, and
pilgrims from many nations to witness the event, which represents the descent of the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition.
The petals, released through the 43-metre-high central oculus by local firefighters, symbolise the ton-
gues of fire described in the biblical Acts of the Apostles. As the choir performed the classic Veni Sancte Spiritus hymn, the crimson cascade created a memorable visual display inside the ancient structure.
Originally constructed as a pagan temple, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church in 609 AD, dedicated as Santa Maria ad Martyres. Historians trace the flower tradition back to this early period. Today, the custom continues every year on the seventh Sunday after Easter, immediately following the main morning Mass. Due to the growing global popularity of the event, attendees filled the vast interior hours before midday to secure viewing positions. Local authorities worked closely with church officials to manage the large crowds safely, ensuring security measures preserved the solemn atmosphere of the service whilst maintaining a smooth flow of international visitors.
Lucky scratch card player wins €1 million.
Shutterstock, AmbrosiniV
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Costa del Sol Shade for schools
FAMILIES and pupils at Spanish state schools in Mijas can look forward to more comfortable school days, as the town hall begins installing covered structures over outdoor sports courts. The project follows an agreement between Mijas Town Hall and the Junta de Andalucia’s education department. It aims to protect children from extreme heat and open the spaces for wider community use outside school hours.
For years, local political groups, parents, and community organisations have campaigned for covered playgrounds, warning that children face direct sun during PE lessons and break times. Last year, opposition party Ciudadanos urged the council to speed up installations across all 12 schools, highlighting that pupils endured high temperatures without protection. Simultaneously, a Change.org petition gathered hundreds of signatures from residents worried about the risks of heat and dehydration during sports training.
Axarquia River reopening
AXARQUIA’S Chillar River route is preparing for a controlled reopening under new safety regulations that end years of unrestricted entry. Authorities closed the popular Axarquia trail in 2023 to address overcrowding, and two managed-access proposals are currently with the Junta de Andalucia. The first proposal introduces entry control near the old quarry leading to the Fabrica de la Luz. It suggests a daily cap of 615 visitors, with a maximum of 360 people allowed on the trail at once. Hikers would enter in groups of up to 15 between 9am and 4.40pm. A voluntary shuttle service would transport visitors because private vehicles are banned. This plan includes temporary ponds for amphibians, reed removal, and riverbank restoration costing €74,200.
The second proposal suggests a booking-based model from May 1 to November 1. Daily capacity would be limited to 500 visitors between 9am and 6pm. Online and booth tickets would cost €4.90, including insurance.
Mallorca
Iconic British ship docks
ONE OF Britain’s most recognisable cruise ships turned heads in Palma recently as the Queen Victoria docked in the city during the height of Mallorca’s busy cruise season.
The Cunard liner arrived carrying around 2,000 passengers, many of whom spent the day exploring Palma’s cathedral district, marina and historic old town before the ship continued its Mediterranean journey later in the afternoon.
First launched in 2007, the Queen Victoria has become a familiar sight in Mallorca over the years and remains one of the standout vessels in Cunard’s fleet. The ship was designed to recreate the glamour of classic British ocean liners, complete with ballroom-style entertainment, elegant lounges and formal dining rooms.
Onboard features include theatres with private boxes, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a spa, casino and a retractable glass-roofed Winter Garden lounge. The vessel underwent a major refurbishment in 2017.
Costa Blanca South Space surge
THE Costa Blanca is becoming known for far more than beaches and tourism, with Elche now emerging as one of Spain’s most surprising high-tech success stories. The city is home to PLD Space, the aerospace company leading Spain’s growing role in Europe’s modern space race.
The company made international headlines after successfully launching Miura-1, Europe’s first fully private rocket, marking a major milestone for both Spain and the continent’s aerospace industry. Now PLD Space is moving ahead with Miura-5, a much larger rocket designed to carry satellites into orbit as demand for communications, internet services, defence systems and scientific research continues growing worldwide.
What makes the story even more remarkable is that much of this development is happening directly from Elche, transforming part of the Costa Blanca into an unexpected centre for advanced engineering and technology.
Almeria Race against cancer
ALBOX saw an incredible turnout recently when almost 900 people, young and old, gathered for the Charity Night Race Against Cancer. Plaza Mayor was transformed into a sporting hub when runners, walkers and supporters gathered for the night race. Originally scheduled for the end of April, extreme weather conditions forced a postponement. Despite the delays, the 2026 edition recorded its highest turnout and biggest fundraising effort to date. The youngest runners set off first, but before the start of the 5k races, the mayor of Albox, Maria del Mar Alfonso Perez presented the president of the local Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) branch with a cheque worth €4,000, the total amount raised. The cheque not only represents the hard work of all involved in organising the night race, but also the countless cancer patients set to benefit from AECC’s support.
The event struck an emotional note for many whose lives and loved ones have been affected by cancer.
Costa Blanca North Regatta spectacle
CALPE’S coastline came alive over the weekend as the prestigious Trofeo Peñón de Ifach returned for another sun-soaked edition, bringing together sailors, spectators and visitors from across Spain and beyond.
Held at the Real Club Náutico de Calpe, the annual regatta once again transformed the marina into a hub of activity, with dozens of yachts competing beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Peñón de Ifach rock.
The event is considered one of the Mediterranean’s standout sailing competitions and attracts experienced crews alongside amateur enthusiasts, helping cement Calpe’s reputation as a major nautical destination on the Costa Blanca.
Locals and tourists lined the waterfront throughout the weekend to watch the action unfold offshore, while bars, restaurants and hotels in the area enjoyed a welcome boost ahead of the busy summer season.
A gentle climb
WATCHING your dog struggle to jump onto the sofa or bed can be upsetting, especially as they grow older. Pet steps and ramps are becoming increasingly popular with owners who want to protect their dog’s joints while helping them stay comfortable and independent around the home.
Many vets do recommend steps or ramps, particularly for smaller breeds, senior dogs, overweight pets, or those suffering from arthritis, hip problems, or back issues. Repeated
jumping can place strain on joints and increase the risk of injury over time, especially for dogs with long backs such as Dachshunds.
Choosing between steps and a ramp often depends on your dog’s size, age, and confidence. Steps are usually better for smaller, agile dogs that are comfortable climbing. Ramps are often more suitable for older dogs, nervous pets, or breeds with mobility issues because they provide a gentler incline and require less impact on the joints.
Well protected
IT was illegal to kill cats in Ancient Egypt. Not only were cats seen as an icon for Bastet, the Goddess of Protection, but they were also very effective in keeping rats at bay. Harming or killing a feline was a serious crime, punishable by death, regardless of whether it was intentional or an accident.
Pet-sitters fall in love with Gatsby
FINDING sitters for all kinds of pets
One of our regular house-sitters wrote a blog recently telling us about caring for Gatsby, a large dog who loves company. When she was in the house with him he would follow her around, sometimes insisting on playing, other times just wanting her company when he sleeps. He was equally happy for her to go out exploring for a few hours then greeted her with real happiness on her return.
Fancy a new adventure in pet-sitting?
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Caring for cats
CATS are famously clean animals, spending hours each day washing their fur with careful attention. Even so, owners still play an important role in keeping their pets healthy and comfortable. Grooming is not only about appearance. It also helps prevent skin problems, painful knots, and excess fur around the home.
Most cats can handle basic cleaning on their own. Their rough tongues remove dirt, loose hair, and small bits of debris from the coat. Cats are also good at keeping certain areas tidy, especially after eating or using the litter tray. Short-haired breeds usually need very little help with everyday grooming.
However, owners should still brush their cats regularly. Long-haired cats, in particular, can
develop mats that pull on the skin and cause discomfort. Brushing also reduces shedding and gives owners the chance to check for fleas, cuts, or unusual lumps. Nail trimming may also be
necessary, especially for indoor cats that do not wear their claws down naturally.
Bathing is rarely needed unless the cat becomes especially dirty or has a medical condition.
Above all, owners should make grooming a calm and gentle experience. A relaxed cat is far more likely to enjoy the attention and trust the person caring for them.
A clean cat is a happy cat.
With the right support, dogs can continue enjoying their favourite spots safely and comfortably.
Meet Gatsby – playful and adorable, and loves company.
CLASSIFIEDS
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: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR
Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)
MASSAGE
ELEGANTE, slim Sophie. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can
travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (314062)
INSURANCE
WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)
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