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Costa Cálida I No. 2148 I 3 - 9 September 2026 I FREE Newspaper D.L. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703

Festival fun begins AT the beginning of September, the city of Murcia is gearing up to welcome its vibrant Murcia Fair, which in this year’s edition will debut six new spaces and fill the city with culture, music, art, gastronomy, attractions, and time-honoured traditions. The Murcia Fair 2026, running from Thursday, September 3, to Tuesday, September 15, will feature stunning highlights including the cultural and historical Moors and Christians festival, the lush Malecón Gardens, and the popular Lemon Pop music festival. The 13-day fair will expand its venues, incorporating six new spaces

Photo Credit: Murcia Department of Tourism

MURCIA CITY GEARS UP FOR SPECTACULAR EDITION OF SEPTEMBER FAIR

Murcia Fair 2026 debuts six venues alongside music, food, and traditions.

and maintaining some of its most popular and emblematic events. One of these new locations, the Glorieta de España, will debut a new Beer Garden that will combine gastronomy, live music, and a leisurely at-

mosphere in the centre of Murcia. The space is expected to be one of the most popular attractions. Music will be a large part of the Murcia Fair, and this year’s edition of Lemon Pop features hit local and national artists including

Camellos, The Boo Radleys, Pértiga, Los Mejillones Tigre, Exonvaldes, Regular Crowd and Bang. The long-awaited, funfilled Moors and Christians festivities will take place at the same time, from the beginning of the

Breakfast builds bridges THE aroma of crispy bacon and freshly brewed coffee once again swept through the pine grove of Roda, marking another resounding success for the village’s traditional English breakfast. More than 400 locals, visitors, and international residents gathered under the shade from early in the morning to enjoy a summer classic that bridges cultural divides through mouth-watering food. What began 14 years ago as a thoughtful initiative to welcome the growing British community has evolved into an anticipated highlight of the town’s International Day celebrations. Working from the crack of dawn, the organisers

Photo Credit: San Javier Town Hall

LOCALS ENJOY ENGLISH BREAKFAST FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

Roda’s traditional English breakfast unites diverse locals for summer festivities.

donned their aprons to cook and serve an au-

thentic fry-up for just €2.50 per plate.

An increasing number of Spanish residents also join the feast each year to savour the hearty dish. Locals noted that the gathering serves as clear evidence of the harmony and integration among Roda’s diverse cultures. Once again, Roda’s pine grove proved that good food and community spirit remain the ultimate recipe for a truly united summer celebration.

fair until Monday, September 14. Gastronomic offerings will, once more, be one of the main draws. The Malecón Gardens will host 15 establishments, all offering dishes and products linked to regional Murcian cuisine. Teniente Flomesta will host a gastronomic and food truck area, while the programme will incorporate the designations of the origin of Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla, as well as different Murcian food companies. Free tastings, workshops and live craft demonstrations are also

scheduled. Perhaps one of the grandest attractions in this year’s edition is the Great Panoramic Ferris Wheel ‘From Murcia to Heaven’, which will be located in the Plano de San Francisco. The final day on Tuesday, September 15, will also see a solidarity and eco-conscious project take place: volunteers can participate in the Clean Mountain Day, an initiative that will raise awareness about conservation, recycling, and protecting the natural environment.

3 - 9 September 2026

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LOCAL NEWS

Photo Credit: Estrella de Levante

New Netflix miniseries showcases Mazarron and Lorca's scenery to viewers worldwide.

Murcia's Estrella de Levante Reserva 60 won World's Best Dortmunder.

day drinkability. Now available across supermarkets, bars, and restaurants throughout southeastern Spain, including in Murcia, Alicante, Albacete, and Almeria, this celebrated lager offers beer enthusiasts a world-class taste of Mediterranean brewing expertise. THE Concejal Fernando Villena López Park in San Pedro del Pinatar became the vibrant hub of petanca on Saturday, August 29, as it hosted the anticipated second edition of the Torneo de Petanca de San Pedro del Pinatar. Bringing together more than 100 players

THE natural beauty and historic charm of Murcia are finally reaching a global audience this week: Netflix has officially premiered Toda la verdad sobre mis mentiras (All the Truth About My Lies). The highly anticipated miniseries, which filmed extensively across Mazarron and Lorca, is now available for streaming worldwide, putting the region’s dramatic landscapes directly into the spotlight. Based on the popular novel by Elísabet Benavent, the plot follows

a group of friends whose getaway trip turns chaotic as long-held secrets come to light. Mazarron takes centre stage in the programme. Filming took place across its signature shorelines, including Bolnuevo, Playa de la Isla, and Percheles. Sharp local viewers will also recognise the town's famous erosion-sculpted rock formations, the Gredas de Bolnuevo, which serve as a striking backdrop during some of the most important scenes. Inland, the historic city

of Lorca provides a rich architectural contrast to Mazarron's sun-drenched beaches. Production teams used Lorca's picturesque old town, historic plazas, and surrounding countryside to boost the series’ narrative and capture the authentic feel of southeastern Spain. With Toda la verdad sobre mis mentiras now streaming, residents can spot familiar local landmarks on screen, while viewers around the globe get a fascinating glimpse of Murcia.

fixed-doubles format, the tournament attracted 63 two-player teams representing clubs from Murcia, Almeria, and Alicante. Play kicked off early in the morning at 8.30am under ideal conditions, drawing enthusiastic spectators and supporters to the park courts to follow the action throughout the day. This year’s line-up featured an exceptionally high standard of play, headlined by top-tier talent from the national

and international petanca circuit. Among the standout competitors were Spanish national champion Jordi Martínez and European bronze medallist “Pirolo,” both of whom brought elite-level precision and strategy to the competition and elevated the prestige of the local event. Following the resounding success of this second edition, local officials and sports organisers aim to build on this momentum, cementing the Torneo de Petanca as an annual fixture on the region’s fun-filled competitive sporting calendar.

Park petanca from across southeastern Spain, the day-long event showcased intense competition, sportsmanship, and a thriving community spirit. Organised in the

Photo Credit: San Pedro del Pinatar Town Hall

A LOCALLY crafted beer from the Region of Murcia has captured international recognition. Reserva 60, a premium creation by Spanish brewery Estrella de Levante, has been named the world’s best Dortmunder-style lager at the prestigious 2026 World Beer Awards, marking a great moment of pride for the region and its beer artisans. Originally crafted to commemorate Estrella de Levante’s 60th anniversary, Reserva 60 was designed as a sophisticated, more intense evolution of the brand’s original lager. The award-winning brew features a 6.2 per cent alcohol by volume and a bitterness rating of 24 IBUs. In the glass, it pours with a bright amber hue, topped with a thick and creamy white head. The award-winning beer delivers lightly toasted malt notes, balanced with subtle fruity undertones, as well as a creamy, full-bodied structure that maintains the crisp finish associated with a classic lager. One of its most important and defining features is that the recipe stays deeply connected to its Murcian roots by using hops cultivated in Caravaca de la Cruz. Reserva 60 strikes a perfect balance between complex depth and every-

Photo Credit: Netflix España

Brilliant brewing Coastal cinema

San Pedro del Pinatar hosts successful second regional petanca tournament.

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3 - 9 September 2026

Canine adoption

Hidden costs uncovered New travel regulations

Credit: EWN

SPANISH PET OWNERSHIP BRINGING home a rescue dog in Spain involves navigating strict Spanish legal requirements rather than a simple handshake. Under Ley 7/2023, formal adoptions must go through registered organisations or municipal animal-protection centres. Private transfers are legally distinct and require written records. Dogs, cats and ferrets cannot be transferred under eight weeks of age. Charities carry out thorough home visits and require official identification, proof of residence and, for tenants, written permission from landlords. Adopters must sign a contract agreeing to proper veterinary care, neutering and responsible ownership. Before leaving a centre, dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated and registered. Adoption fees vary: Some charge up to €395 for adoptions within Spain to help cover veterinary and care costs, whilst smaller Andalucian groups, for example, typically charge between €100 and €250. In most places, owners have one month to complete local municipal registration. Strict laws apply to potentially dangerous dog breeds (PPP). Handlers must obtain a local licence, pass a psychophysical fitness test, supply a clear criminal record check

Credit: Koshiro K - Shutterstock

NEWS

Know your rights when booking online.

Those looking to adopt a rescue dog should know the regulations.

and hold minimum third-party liability insurance of up to €175,000. These dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead under one metre long in public.

Anyone finding a stray dog must take it to a vet or police station to scan for a microchip, as taking an unverified animal home can breach ownership laws.

SPAIN’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has launched legal proceedings against an online travel agent over hidden booking costs, marking the first enforcement case under the country’s new transparency legislation. The platform, which sells flight and rail passes, allegedly concealed compulsory service fees until the final stages of the booking process rather than displaying the total cost upfront. The practice, known as ‘drip pricing’, lures consumers with a lower headline fare before adding mandatory administrative charges at checkout. The action follows the introduction of the Law on Customer Service, which came into force in December 2025. Under the regulations, Spanish businesses must display the full mandatory cost from the very start of a purchase, including all unavoidable administration, management, and service charges. While companies may still offer optional add-ons, mandatory processing fees can no longer be hidden until payment. Although the ongoing proceedings against the unnamed booking site do not yet prove guilt, they demonstrate that Spanish authorities are actively targeting misleading online pricing structures. Travel experts advise consumers to compare the initial advertised price against the final checkout total. If compulsory charges appear late in the transaction, travellers should record the discrepancy to challenge the booking fee directly with the provider or report it to local regulators.

Credit: Jannissimo / Shutterstock

Silent security risks PROTECTING YOUR LOCK POLICE are warning that a door left with the key turned only partway can be forced open with nothing more than a strip of plastic. Inspector Jefe Manuel, who has spent more than nine years investigating forced-entry burglaries, demonstrated the trick in a video for the National Police, using a scrap of plastic to show exactly how it is done. His main advice is to treat the lock cylinder, known as the bombín, the way most people treat an old mattress, replacing it every so often rather than waiting until something goes

wrong. Cylinders should be checked every eight to 10 years, he said, and homeowners should ask a locksmith for one certified under the DIN EN 1303, SKG or VdS BZ+ security standards, paired with a metal protector that shields it from drilling or picking. For elderly residents or anyone using Spain’s telecare alarm service, he recommends a double-clutch cylinder, which can always be opened from outside even if a key has been left in the lock at home. These simple precautions can significantly improve a home’s security.

A door’s security comes down to what’s fitted inside the lock.

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

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3 - 9 September 2026

Mountain mishap Firefighters swiftly rescue a lost, dehydrated hiker on Mount Roldan.

able to find her way back. The situation was particularly dangerous due to several factors: the hiker was navigating rugged terrain with no drinking water, and her mobile phone was on the verge of running out of battery. To make matters worse, she

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Brave bloodgivers Photo Credit: Cartagena City Hall

A ROUTINE morning hike turned into a tense rescue operation in Cartagena after a young woman became disorientated and lost on Mount Roldan. Thanks to a swift, coordinated response by quick-thinking emergency services personnel, the hiker escaped the ordeal unharmed despite facing harsh conditions in the mountainous area. The hiker had set off earlier that morning from the base of Mount Roldan, but as the hours passed, she became lost on the mountain’s winding trails and realised she was un-

LOCAL NEWS

Photo Credit: Trnava University / Unsplash

was trapped in an isolated area completely inaccessible to rescue vehicles. Navigating the challenging, steep landscape on foot, the firefighters reached her location at 3.59pm, just over an hour after the distress call was initially received. To the relief of her family and emergency responders, the young woman was found in good health and did not require medical assistance. The rescue team safely escorted the hiker back down the mountain, bringing a swift and successful end to what could have easily escalated into a far more dangerous situation.

Mazarron residents joined a crucial blood drive to replenish reserves.

RESIDENTS and visitors in Mazarron showed true local spirit and solidarity at the end of August, as the Centro de Salud played host to a vital blood donation drive organised by the Regional Hemodonation Centre of Murcia. Between 5.30pm and 9.30pm on Friday, August 28, generous locals filed through the doors of the medical centre, rolling up their sleeves for a cause that will save countless lives across the Region of Murcia. Regional health authorities had issued an

urgent appeal in the days leading up to the event due to a worryingly sharp drop in blood reserves across hospital blood banks, particularly affecting both A-positive and A-negative supplies. The evening drive offered an accessible opportunity for the community to help replenish those dwindling stocks ahead of the autumn period. Healthcare professionals on site managed a steady stream of donors throughout the four-hour session, welcoming both veteran contributors and

first-timers. The successful turnout in Mazarron forms part of a wider regional effort, with mobile medical units continuously visiting municipalities throughout Murcia to ensure life-saving medical procedures, routine surgeries, and emergency treatments. Local health coordinators expressed deep gratitude to everyone who took the time to donate blood, proving once again that small community actions can make a massive difference to regional healthcare.

LOCAL NEWS

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TAKING on a first employee or expanding a team is one of the most daunting steps for a small business. To ease this financial burden a new regional scheme, Subsidies to Promote Permanent Employment in the Region of Murcia, offers direct financial incentives to local businesses taking on workers on open-ended contracts. The grant amounts are based on contract hours and the specific background of the individual being hired. For instance, offering a full-time permanent contract to a long-term unemployed individual yields a baseline grant of €6,000. This payout increases to €8,000 if the new hire is over the age of 52, while hiring a female victim of gender-based violence attracts a grant of up to €9,350.

Photo Credit: KOBU Agency / Unsplash

Boosting businesses

Murcia launches grants up to €10,000 for hiring permanent staff.

The initiative also incentivises hiring individuals under the age of 30, individuals receiving the Minimum Living Income, people at risk of social exclusion, and workers in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents. In most categories, recruiting a female employee adds an automatic 10 per cent bonus to the grant. In order to benefit

from these grants, business owners must act quickly following recruitment of the new hires. Applications must be sent electronically through the Region of Murcia’s official website, sede.carm.es, using a digital certificate within one month of registering the employee with Social Security or finalising their permanent contract.

3 - 9 September 2026

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3 - 9 September 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Photo Credit: Santomera Town Hall

A MURCIA archaeological site has revealed ancient secrets, and local experts are in awe of what they have found. Recent excavations at the Sierra de Balumba archaeological site in Santomera have revealed that its strategic hilltop was actively used for over two millennia, far longer than historians had previously thought. Forming part of the municipal Santomera Milenaria project, this summer’s fieldwork brought together the Asociación Patrimonio Santomera, the local Santomera Town Hall, and a team of 15 international and talented archaeology students. Their findings have successfully expanded the site’s historical timeline, putting its known occupation from the Bronze

Photo Credit: Cartagena City Hall

Surprising site Subterranean sounds Santomera archaeological dig uncovers thousands of years of hidden history.

Age through to the medieval Islamic era. Among the oldest layers uncovered are settlements dating back to the Final Bronze Age, around 1100 BC. By the 4th century BC, the hill had developed into a prominent Iberian settlement. Artifacts recovered from this layer, including luxury Greek ceramics and imported goods from Carthage, Marseille, Egypt, Ibiza, and Cadiz, confirm that Sierra de Balum-

ba served as a major Mediterranean trading hub, connecting coastal trade networks with inland Spain. While historians knew the Iberian site was abandoned by the late fourth century BC, the newest discoveries prove the hilltop retained its strategic value over a thousand years later. Archaeologists uncovered pottery fragments establishing an Andalucian presence between the 10th and 12th centuries.

Arde Bogotá’s new music video spotlights Cartagena’s historic submarine tunnels.

FAMED local Cartagena band, Arde Bogotá, has transformed the tunnels of El Espalmador into the location for its new music video, turning the old submarine tunnels into a place worthy of attention and piquing the interest of those who follow the band. The tunnels, which many locals will recognise, feature prominently in Arde Bogotá’s new music video, El club de la gente sola (The Club of Lonely People). The music video, which was released at the tail end of August, is the third single from the band’s upcoming album, Manufacturas del club de la gente sola (Manufacturing of the Club of Lonely People). The album is scheduled to

be released on October 2. The video has transformed the tunnels of El Espalmador into a setting with a distinct aesthetic inspired by the 80s, in keeping with previous music videos made by the band. The Cartagena City Council has also announced plans to recover the tunnels and link them to the future Tonina submarine museum project, putting them in the spotlight for their value to the historical heritage of the city. Arde Bogotá has, once more, showcased another famed space in Cartagena and highlighted its future recovery and incorporation into the tourist offerings of this historically significant city.

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3 - 9 September 2026

SPANISH NEWS

Good Morning Spain expands

A SPANISH father drove more than 140 kilometres before realising his 10-yearold son had been left behind at a petrol station in Caceres. The boy was travelling with his father, his father’s friend and his seven-yearold brother when they

GOOD MORNING SPAIN is taking its mission to connect the international community with Spain to a much bigger audience, expanding its terrestrial television just weeks before celebrating three years on air. Already broadcast across Andalucia, the English-language programme is now adding Almería TV, Canal 1 in Murcia and Canal 33 in Madrid to its growing network, giving it access to a potential audience of several million people. Produced and presented by British journalist and Euro Weekly News columnist Nicole King, the programme reaches its 151 edition this week. Recorded weekly at the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, the one-hour programme covers Spanish culture and lifestyle, alongside practical information on legal matters, property, healthcare and everyday life.

stopped at a service station on the A-66 near Aldea del Cano at around 08.30pm on Sunday, August 30. The 10-year-old got out during the stop but apparently did not return to the vehicle before it left. Nobody in the car noticed that he was missing.

The Guardia Civil was alerted after the boy was found alone. Officers used CCTV footage from the petrol station to establish what had happened and then began tracing the vehicle’s route. The car was eventually located at around 11.00pm near Hervas, more than 140 kilometres away and roughly two and a half hours after the boy had been left behind. The child remained safely with Guardia Civil officers while they located his family. Once the vehicle was found, the relatives returned to the petrol station and reunited with him. There were no reports of injuries. Authorities have described the incident as accidental, with no indication that the father deliberately abandoned the child or that criminal proceedings followed. The Guardia Civil subsequently reminded motorists to check that every passenger has returned to the vehicle before continuing a journey, particularly after stops involving children.

Credit: Nicole King

Honey, I forgot the kid

Nicole King and the Good Morning Spain team.

The expansion comes as Spain’s international population continues to grow. At the beginning of 2025, there were 9.46 million foreign-born residents. Almeria is particularly relevant, with foreign nationals accounting for around 24 per cent of residents. The Region of Murcia has more than 1.6 million residents and a substantial international population, particularly around the coast and Mar Menor.

The move into Madrid marks another milestone for the programme. During the first six months of 2026, Madrid received more than 5.6 million visitors, including 3.34 million international visitors so the potential audience is huge. The success of Good Morning Spain, which airs every Monday at 10am, would not have been possible without the hard work of Nicole King and her dedicated team.

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Brews & bites THE Region of Murcia’s vibrant coastline is gearing up for a major milestone in local gastronomy. On Sunday, September 13, Restaurante La Rusticana in Atamaria will host the inaugural edition of the Costa Calida Beer Fest, dubbed the first craft beer fest on the Costa Calida. Running from 2.00pm to 6.00pm in the popular local pub, this free event will bring together three top regional microbreweries, live music, and mouth-watering food for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating local craft brews. Throughout the afternoon, local favourites Stones of the Coast will set the mood with a vibrant live performance, as the host venue, Restaurante La Rusticana, will serve up a menu of delicious savoury bites, featuring what many locals consider to be the finest croquettes in the region. Entry to the festival grounds is entirely free for everyone who is interested in attending. For attendees who want to secure a guaranteed spot with a friend, the organisers are also offering an

SCENE

Photo Credit: Patrick von der Wehd / Unsplash

Restaurante La Rusticana hosts the inaugural Costa Calida Beer Fest. exclusive Amigo Table Package for €15 per pair. This limited package covers a reserved table, two IPA beers, and four artisanal croquettes, and can be booked in advance by sending a Bizum to 604 471 940. “We wanted to create something that celebrates what this region produces: real craft beer, made with passion by local brewers,” stated the organisers.

MUSIC lovers in Los Alcazares have something extraordinary to look forward to this September. The popular live band, The Wonders, has officially announced their highly anticipated return to the coastal town for an evening packed with high-energy entertainment, fantastic tunes, and an electric crowd atmosphere. Locals can mark their calendars for Friday, September 18 at 7.00pm, when the group takes the stage at the beloved local spot, Bar Bariloche. Attendees can expect a seamless blend of timeless pop classics, driving rock anthems, and feel-good country hits. Whether you are a fan of soaring guitar riffs, catchy sing-along choruses, or rhythms that get you moving, the band’s diverse setlist guarantees

Band bash Photo Credit: The Wonders / Facebook

The Wonders perform a free live concert in Los Alcazares. something for every taste. Their versatile sound and infectious enthusiasm will have audiences singing and dancing along from the very first chord. One of the highlights of this event is that entry will be completely free. With no cover charge or advance ticket requirements, it provides

Photo Credit: gappleca / Flickr

Community quizzing Vintage

EVERY Monday evening as the clock strikes 7.30pm, the atmosphere at the Camposol Golf Club, known to locals as The Casa Club, comes alive with friendly rivalry, sharp wits, and hearty laughter. What began back in 2009, founded by local participant Brian, as a modest local gathering has evolved into one of the region’s most enduring and popular weekly traditions, keeping the spirit of community alive and thriving for well over a decade. Under the quick-witted quiz master Carl Thomas, whose sharp delivery and broad mix of trivia keep dozens of teams on their toes week after week, the event has built a massively loyal following over the years. During the summer months, a lively crowd of 60 to 70 regulars fills both the cozy indoor space

A beloved Monday trivia night brings Camposol’s community together weekly. and the airy outdoor patio to soak up the pleasant Murcia breeze. When winter arrives, the competition warms up even further, drawing bustling crowds of 80 to 90 enthusiastic quizzers, in the welcoming golf club. There’s no preregistration required; folks

can simply turn up, claim a table, grab a drink, and dive into the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned trivia connoisseur or a newcomer looking for a welcoming atmosphere, Monday nights at The Casa Club prove that good questions, great company, and true community never get old.

COSTA CÁLIDA

a fantastic opportunity for locals, expatriates, and holidaymakers to gather, socialise, and celebrate live performance in the heart of the community. It makes for an ideal night out to catch up with friends, unwind, and soak in the best musical vibes Los Alcazares has to offer, all while supporting talented local performers. Photo Cre

dit: razi po

uri / Unspl

ash

vineyards

VISITORS who want to participate in traditional winemaking can join an unforgettable Wine Harvest Tour heading to the renowned Bodegas Enjoy grape stomping, wine tasting, and lunch in Luzón in Jumilla on Jumilla this September. Wednesday, September 16, an experience specially perfectly complements attendees’ hard designed for wine enthusiasts, culture work in the vineyard. lovers, and anyone seeking a fascinating Convenient round-trip pickup options autumn getaway. will be available across several key regional The absolute highlight of the day is the locations, including the Mar Menor Golf authentic grape-stomping activity: going Resort, Los Alcazares at Hotel 525, in far beyond a standard winery tour, this San Pedro del Pinatar near the local Lidl interactive adventure allows you to harvest supermarket, Torre de la Horadada at the fresh grapes by hand before treading over Lo Monte Hotel, as well as La Torre Golf them yourself in the traditional, fun-filled Resort and Mosa/Altaona Golf at the petrol way. station. Following the harvest activities, guests Spaces for this exclusive tour on will indulge in a delicious, authentic threeSeptember 16 are limited, so to reserve course traditional lunch perfectly paired your spot or enquire about further details, with fine local wines from Bodegas Luzón. interested visitors are encouraged to This lunch highlights the robust, full-bodied send a message via WhatsApp to T. 650 flavours characteristic of Jumilla’s famed 017 327. Monastrell grapes, delivering a feast that

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SPANISH NEWS

Ceuta regatta support Credit: vital X video

12 3 - 9 September 2026

Ceuta “fragata” to support the city.

MORE than 100 private boats wrapped Ceuta in Spanish flags on Sunday, August 30, sounding foghorns to deliver a message of support to residents after a month of severe strain. Organisers dubbed the civilian fleet the “Armada of Solidarity.” Most vessels had crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from Andalusian ports on Saturday, August 29, before joining local boats. Promoters described the demonstration as a peaceful show of backing following the arrival of tens of thousands of

people from Morocco on Thursday, July 30, and Friday, July 31. Ceuta, home to 80,000 residents, faces deep uncertainty over remaining arrivals. Estimates range from 5,000 to over 10,000. Many people are sleeping on local beaches, whilst recent days have seen stone-throwing, attacks on military vehicles, damaged tents, and interrupted food drops. Meanwhile, organisers of a planned peaceful weekend march cancelled their event after hard-line groups arrived,

stating they rejected violence, hatred, and racism. They stressed centuries of harmonious living with Muslim neighbours in a shared history. Attention now turns to emergency resources. Madrid has requested Frontex assistance from the European Union and is preparing an emergency €165 million financial package. Firefighters and public service workers gathered on Monday, August 31, to demand rapid official assistance for local infrastructure and emergency staff.

FINANCE Robotaxi expansion

WAYMO will expand its driverless taxi business into Munich next year, marking its first commercial operation in the EU. The company will begin mapping the city before launching services. Munich adds another international market for Waymo, which has completed more than 20 million journeys.

Pension changes

CABIN crew in Spain could gain access to early retirement without pension reductions under changes sought by CCOO. The union wants workers included among professions eligible to retire early without financial penalties. It argues occupational health risks justify the change.

Meta settlement

META has agreed to pay up to $16.68bn to settle claims by 29 US states that Facebook and Instagram harmed young users. The company will introduce daily usage limits and restrict nighttime access for children. Meta denied wrongdoing.

US growth

AMERICA’S economy grew at an annualised rate of 1.5 per cent during the second quarter. Growth slowed from 2.1 per cent in the first quarter. Consumer spending, exports and investment supported activity, while government spending fell. The PCE inflation index, by the Federal Reserve, reached 3.6 per cent.

Mortgage choice

FIXED mortgages are preferred by Spanish homebuyers, accounting for 61.7 per cent of new mortgages signed in June. Variable mortgages represented 38.3 per cent, according to INE figures. Fixed mortgages carried an average initial interest rate of 2.89 per cent, compared with 3.07 per cent for variable loans.

euroweeklynews.com • 3 - 9 September 2026

STAT OF WEEK

24%

The proportion of people in Spain who believe they would live better if they did not have to pay taxes, according to the latest Institute of Fiscal Studies barometer. The figure has tripled from just 8 per cent in 2019.

Online shopping SPAIN’S online shoppers are increasingly turning to foreign retailers, putting pressure on domestic businesses as international platforms including Shein and Temu continue to expand. According to a PATECO report, 65.1 per cent of online purchases made from Spain in 2025 went to websites or platforms based abroad. The trend is particularly strong in fashion, where 83.1 per cent of online purchases went to foreign operators, rising to 87.8 per cent for clothing. Spanish e-commerce generated €114.8 billion in 2025, an increase of 16.8 per cent compared with the previous year. More than two billion online transactions were recorded during the year. Large marketplaces now account for between 45 and 50 per cent of online turnover in Spain and are used by 93 per cent of digital shoppers. Amazon remains the dominant

Bond opportunities

Credit: Thaspol Sangsee / Shutterstock.com.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Spain’s online shoppers turning to foreign retailers.

platform, with penetration of 90 per cent. Temu has expanded rapidly, increasing its share of cross-border purchases from less than 1 per cent in 2022 to 24 per cent in 2025. Shein accounts for around 9 per cent. By comparison, purchases made from abroad through Spanish websites represented only 4.2 per cent of total online activity,

highlighting the imbalance facing domestic retailers. The European Union introduced a fixed €3 tariff on small packages worth less than €150 from non-EU countries in July. However, the report expects its impact to be limited because international platforms continue to compete strongly on price, product choice and logistics.

AI Investment SPAIN is the only European country bidding for an EU artificial intelligence gigafactory through a company almost half-owned by the state. The Spanish Society for Technological Transformation, known as SETT, holds 47.99 per cent of the project company, while the Catalan Government owns another 1 per cent. Telefonica, ACS and Banco Santander each hold 15.67 per cent, while Multiverse Computing controls

4 per cent. Spain plans to commit €720 million to the project, which aims to mobilise around €5 billion in investment. Another €300 million would go to European supercomputing organisation EuroHPC. Other European countries have chosen different approaches. Germany, France, Portugal and Poland plan to provide financial support or purchase computing capacity with-

State-backed AI.

out taking direct ownership stakes. Brussels received 77 expressions of interest for AI gigafactories. Applications remain open until November 12, with the EU expected to select up to seven projects in early 2027.

Ryanair dispute

Winter gas

Lego profits

RYANAIR has renewed its criticism of Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente, calling for lower airport charges to improve the competitiveness of Spain’s regional airports. The airline rejected Puente’s suggestion that flight reductions were linked to aircraft shortages, saying its latest Boeing deliveries were completed in February, though none of those had been allocated to regional Spanish airports. It added that future aircraft could be deployed to Spain if regional airports become more competitive.

EUROPE could face its toughest winter gas season since 2022 as wholesale prices remain near three-year highs and storage levels stay unusually low. EU gas storage was 62.99 per cent full on August 24, which is well below the five-year average of 79 per cent. Germany’s reserves were 51 per cent full, while the Netherlands stood at 44.3 per cent. Higher wholesale prices could eventually increase household energy bills, although the impact varies between countries. Consumer prices can respond within months in Spain, France and Italy.

LEGO reported a net profit of 8.6 billion Danish crowns (€1.15 billion) for the first half of 2026, an increase of 32.3 per cent compared with the same period last year. Revenue reached a record 41.9 billion crowns (€5.6 billion), rising 21 per cent year-on-year, supported by strong sales across America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific and other regions. The Danish toy group said that its performance continued to exceed growth in the global toy market, helping it gain market share. Lego invested 4.6 billion crowns in new and existing factories and purchased 29 Lego and Legoland Discovery Centres.

BLACKROCK Investment Institute is favouring short and medium-term government bonds, emerging market local currency debt and European high-yield credit for the next six to 12 months. The investment group says shorter-term bonds offer attractive returns with lower duration risk, while concerns over public finances make longer-term debt less appealing. More than 80 per cent of the global fixed-income market now offers yields above 4 per cent, providing investors with opportunities to secure income without taking excessive risk.

German growth GERMANY’S economy grew by 0.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, slightly above initial estimates. Exports were the main driver, rising 2 per cent, while imports increased by 1.5 per cent. Growth remained below the eurozone rate of 0.4 per cent and the EU’s 0.5 per cent. Spain recorded growth of 0.7 per cent. However, the Bundesbank warned that drought, low river levels and rising transport costs could slow Germany’s economic recovery.

Chip flotation ENFLAME Technologies, a Chinese artificial intelligence chip developer, is preparing to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company aims to raise around 6 billion yuan (€770 million) through its initial public offering, with subscriptions beginning on September 2. Enflame plans to use the funds for research and development, commercial expansion and strengthening its supply chain. The company is one of China’s leading GPU developers and is backed by technology giant Tencent, which is also a major customer.

14 3 - 9 September 2026

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FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 31 August

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Closing Prices 31 August

Net

3I Group.....................................2.828,00............2.903,00......... 2.820,00............. 3M Admiral Group.............................4.024,0..............4.126,0........... 4.014,0............1,82M Airtel Africa................................. 332,80...............346,20............329,60.............6,3M Anglo American...........................4.269,0..............4.321,0........... 4.211,0............8,92M Antofagasta................................4.039,00............4.120,00......... 3.961,00...........2,06M Associated British Foods.............2.052,0..............2.079,0........... 2.052,0.......... 939,57K AstraZeneca...............................11.970,0............12.200,0......... 11.960,0...........3,57M Auto Trader Group Plc................ 528,00...............536,80............526,60............3,68M Aviva........................................... 730,40...............731,20............724,60............7,43M B M European Value Retail.......... 237,60...............242,80............236,60............2,42M BAE Systems..............................2.044,00............2.100,00......... 2.031,00...........8,83M Barclays...................................... 496,65...............498,50............490,25...........34,63M Barratt Redrow............................ 318,20...............321,80............315,40............3,61M Beazley.......................................1.297,00............1.298,00......... 1.297,00...........3,02M Berkeley......................................3.570,0..............3.588,0........... 3.510,0.......... 297,46K BP............................................... 514,50...............521,60............512,70...........65,23M British American Tobacco...........4.129,0..............4.163,0........... 4.126,0............3,59M BT Group.................................... 205,30...............207,40............204,90...........18,52M Bunzl...........................................2.792,0..............2.800,0........... 2.772,0............1,56M Centrica....................................... 155,40...............156,65............155,40...........24,26M Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.570,0..............4.596,0........... 4.556,0............1,54M Compass...................................... 30,65.................30,84..............30,39.............2,64M ConvaTec Group......................... 227,60...............231,00............226,60...........23,62M Croda Intl....................................3.459,0..............3.502,0........... 3.436,0.......... 777,72K DCC.............................................6.370,0..............6.390,0........... 6.370,0.......... 234,76K Diageo.........................................1.709,0..............1.730,5........... 1.701,0............4,35M Diploma.....................................7.330,00............7.360,00......... 7.225,00..........10,15M EasyJet........................................ 674,00...............677,60............673,00............2,36M Entain.......................................... 513,20...............521,40............506,80............3,52M Experian......................................3.044,0..............3.056,0........... 2.990,0............2,92M F&C Invest.................................. 345,20...............346,00............343,20............2,15M Frasers........................................ 832,50...............835,00............813,50.......... 174,09K Fresnillo.....................................3.170,00............3.241,00......... 3.100,00...........1,95M Glencore...................................... 595,60...............600,40............589,70...........83,13M GSK plc......................................1.853,50............1.863,00......... 1.839,50...........7,79M HALEON...................................... 368,20...............370,50............366,00...........18,17M Halma..........................................3.632,0..............3.684,0........... 3.620,0............1,31M Hikma Pharma...........................1.616,00............1.631,00......... 1.609,00......... 444,44K Hiscox........................................1.842,00............1.854,00......... 1.841,00.......... 826,9K Howden Joinery.......................... 794,00...............808,50............793,00............1,82M HSBC.........................................1.528,40............1.531,00......... 1.515,20..........25,82M IAG.............................................. 438,20...............441,30............437,00...........11,89M ICG PLC.....................................2.022,00............2.030,00......... 2.000,00...........1,41M IMI PLC......................................3.112,00............3.146,00......... 3.100,00......... 894,42K Imperial Brands..........................2.527,00............2.534,00......... 2.508,00...........4,06M Informa....................................... 901,40...............901,40............885,00............4,13M InterContinental........................... 162,7.................163,8..............161,3.............1,53M Intertek........................................5.845,0..............5.850,0........... 5.840,0.......... 478,57K

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

J Sainsbury................................. 333,60...............335,40............332,00...........13,86M JD Sports Fashion........................ 86,70.................86,94..............84,74............16,14M Kingfisher.................................... 315,50...............320,00............312,50............8,04M Land Securities........................... 686,50...............691,50............684,00............3,74M Legal & General.......................... 293,40...............293,90............291,20...........57,05M Lloyds Banking........................... 109,95...............110,20............108,70..........114,86M London Stock Exchange..............9.000,0..............9.024,0........... 8.900,0............2,51M Londonmetric Property............... 189,00...............189,90............188,00............8,85M M&G........................................... 351,00...............351,20............348,90.............9,9M Marks & Spencer........................ 394,80...............396,80............390,90............9,25M Melrose Industries...................... 515,20...............524,80............512,60............5,88M Mondi.......................................... 870,20...............897,20............870,20............1,34M National Grid..............................1.170,00............1.175,50......... 1.161,50..........14,59M NatWest Group........................... 679,40...............686,20............676,80...........21,04M Next...........................................15.575,0............15.650,0......... 15.410,0......... 689,26K Pearson......................................1.233,50............1.239,50......... 1.223,00...........2,75M Pershing Square........................3.930,00............3.952,00......... 3.902,00......... 188,97K Persimmon.................................1.178,5..............1.188,0........... 1.172,0............1,31M Prudential...................................1.018,00............1.021,50......... 1.005,50...........7,02M Reckitt Benckiser........................5.132,0..............5.152,0........... 5.100,0.............1,3M Relx............................................2.672,00............2.681,00......... 2.629,00............7,5M Rentokil....................................... 345,70...............347,40............343,10............9,35M Rightmove.................................. 510,20...............514,40............502,00............3,07M Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.674,0..............7.738,0........... 7.610,0............2,99M Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.530,20............1.543,20......... 1.519,40...........11,5M Sage...........................................1.092,00............1.104,00......... 1.078,50...........10,3M Schroders.................................... 584,0.................585,0..............584,0.............1,85M Scottish Mortgage......................1.492,50............1.494,50......... 1.483,50...........1,31M Segro.......................................... 961,20...............970,20............961,20............4,85M Severn Trent...............................3.146,0..............3.152,0........... 3.102,0............2,12M Shell............................................3.344,5..............3.344,5........... 3.319,5............9,31M Smith & Nephew........................1.062,50............1.071,50......... 1.053,00............3,7M Smiths Group.............................2.612,00............2.643,00......... 2.603,00...........2,16M Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........7.110,0..............7.245,0........... 7.095,0.......... 221,48K SSE............................................2.449,00............2.456,00......... 2.394,00...........3,05M Standard Chartered....................2.177,00............2.188,00......... 2.144,00...........8,69M Standard Life............................... 940,00...............941,50............932,00............2,82M Taylor Wimpey............................. 85,12.................85,84..............84,38.............9,54M Tesco.......................................... 457,30...............457,60............452,20...........35,89M Unilever.......................................4.776,0..............4.801,5........... 4.728,0............6,71M Unite........................................... 510,50...............514,00............510,50............1,82M United Utilities............................1.431,00............1.434,00......... 1.418,00...........3,42M Vistry Group................................ 302,60...............307,20............294,60............2,04M Vodafone Group PLC................. 118,450.............118,450..........116,850..........64,07M Weir Group................................2.846,00............2.902,00......... 2.846,00......... 684,39K Whitbread...................................2.459,0..............2.496,0........... 2.453,0.......... 661,65K WPP............................................ 382,60...............385,10............375,60............4,76M

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3M.............................................. 174,34...............179,84............173,57............2,34M Amazon.com............................... 266,43...............267,56............257,78...........49,55M American Express....................... 333,20...............336,56............332,85............1,95M Amgen........................................ 432,42...............437,89............430,72............1,74M Apple........................................... 319,70...............322,37............315,45...........38,65M Boeing......................................... 209,82...............210,61............207,55............4,57M Caterpillar.................................... 800,25...............821,23............799,17............1,79M Chevron...................................... 201,86...............202,24............199,56.............5,3M Cisco........................................... 109,93...............112,50............109,71...........13,05M Coca-Cola..................................... 89,66.................90,04..............89,07.............9,89M Goldman Sachs..........................1.033,99............1.048,84......... 1.031,58...........1,05M Home Depot................................ 330,19...............331,61............327,50............3,14M Honeywell................................... 217,43...............221,45............215,09............2,11M IBM............................................. 235,59...............239,08............235,09............3,95M J&J............................................. 268,04...............268,38............264,27............5,77M JPMorgan................................... 357,62...............358,73............354,22............3,92M McDonald’s................................. 265,00...............265,10............260,32............3,89M Merck&Co................................... 148,35...............149,01............145,75............8,07M Microsoft.................................... 513,53...............517,78............504,87...........29,21M Nike.............................................. 39,60.................39,76..............38,56............28,44M NVIDIA........................................ 217,55...............229,26............216,81..........195,12M P&G............................................ 143,78...............144,40............143,01............5,87M Salesforce Inc............................. 256,00...............263,53............249,00...........34,36M Sherwin-Williams........................ 344,86...............348,78............343,00............1,62M The Travelers.............................. 369,90...............372,47............368,10.......... 976,86K UnitedHealth............................... 392,95...............396,74............392,66............2,46M Verizon......................................... 50,10.................50,33..............49,54............15,79M Visa A.......................................... 381,60...............383,68............379,03............4,65M Walmart...................................... 103,09...............103,40............102,50...........19,42M Walt Disney................................. 108,10...............108,20............107,03............5,47M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 31 August

Company

Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced FingerMotion................................................... 129,76 %.........................1,25B Core AI Holdings.............................................. 56,95 %........................303,35M Cyabra.............................................................. 45,56 %.........................214,7M Wellchange Holdings....................................... 45,39 %.........................20,68M Swvl Holdings.................................................. 41,18 %..........................4,84M Fangdd Network............................................... 37,54 %.........................64,14M Netcapital......................................................... 28,41 %........................107,18M Orion Digital..................................................... 25,28 %..........................1,08M TJGC................................................................ 24,69 %........................576,67K Collplant ADR................................................... 24,16 %..........................8,98M YD Bio.............................................................. 24,03 %........................217,85K CBL International............................................. 21,05 %.........................68,59K NuCana............................................................ 19,73 %..........................1,02M Reading Int B................................................... 18,90 %........................653,17K Akari Therapeutics........................................... 18,76 %........................168,63K Quoin Pharmaceuticals DRC............................ 18,72 %.........................31,02M Quanome Tech................................................. 16,38 %..........................8,07M Aethlon Medical Inc......................................... 14,75 %.........................45,12M Femasys........................................................... 14,70 %.........................534,5K M - Million Dollars

Company

Change Net / % Volume Most Declined BioXcel Therapeutics........................................-74,71 %.........................58,56M Wetour Robotics..............................................-50,26 %..........................2,33M Propanc Biopharma.........................................-39,46 %..........................4,06M Cre8 Enterprise................................................-33,73 %........................345,58K Taoping............................................................-31,34 %........................262,98K Profusa............................................................-30,90 %........................644,67K Antelope Enterprise Holdings...........................-30,45 %..........................4,96M Key Tronic........................................................-28,31 %........................216,92K First Breach......................................................-27,84 %..........................3,74M Singularity Future Tech....................................-27,59 %........................574,49K Lucas GC..........................................................-26,27 %........................303,99M Mint.................................................................-25,58 %..........................3,74M Celularity..........................................................-24,76 %.........................15,09M Trugolf Holdings..............................................-22,98 %..........................6,29M Beyond Air.......................................................-21,40 %........................313,82K Golden Sun Education......................................-20,09 %..........................4,18M Kazia Therapeutics ADR...................................-19,64 %..........................1,18M CID HoldCo......................................................-19,44 %...........................2,8M YY Holding.......................................................-18,85 %..........................1,57M M - Million Dollars

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FINANCE

Luxury homes

SPAIN’S most expensive home currently for sale is a €70 million villa on Marbella’s Golden Mile, according to idealista. The 13-bedroom Bellagio property includes several pools, gym, sauna, bowling alley and cinema. Spain’s 10 most expensive properties are all located on the Costa del Sol or Balearic Islands.

Irish growth

BANKINTER has surpassed 230,000 customers in Ireland seven years after entering the market, making Ireland a key growth market. Its Irish lending portfolio has reached €5.2 billion, up 24 per cent annually, with more than €4 billion in mortgages. First-half pre-tax profit reached €25 million, up 19 per cent.

Housing shortfall SPAIN could need at least eight years to address its housing shortage, even if construction more than doubles from recent levels, according to the Real Estate Market Report 2026 from OBS Business School. The report estimates there is a deficit of around 740,000 homes. Since 2021, approximately 1.2 million new households have been created, compared with 474,000 completed homes. OBS estimates that more than 230,000 homes would

Credit: Manuel Milan / Shutterstock.com.

BUSINESS EXTRA

3 - 9 September 2026

Spain could need eight years to address housing shortage.

AI expansion REVOLUT has launched a research division focused on developing artificial intelligence for the financial sector. Revolut Research will form part of the company’s AI department and work with academic and technology institutions. The division will support Pragma, Revolut’s financial AI model developed with Nvidia. The company says Pragma has increased accuracy in detecting

default risk and identified 65 per cent more fraudulent transactions. Revolut also claims the technology has improved fraud alert accuracy by 17 per cent and made product recommendations 41 per cent more relevant. The system processes transaction data from more than 80 million customers to identify financial behaviour patterns and assess risks.

need to be developed every year for eight years to close the gap. This would represent a 128 per cent increase on the 2024 construction rate. The shortage is serious in areas where population growth and housing demand are strongest. Limited land, planning procedures, financing difficulties and rising construction costs are among the barriers to increasing supply. Housing prices have meanwhile risen to an average of €2,429 per square metre, 36.5 per cent above their 2007 peak. Affordability is also worsening. An average household now spends around 44 per cent of disposable income on the first year of a mortgage. In tourist areas, the figure can exceed 80 per cent. Rental supply is also tightening, with 14,000 fewer properties available in 2026.

Mercadona typeface MERCADONA has registered two typeface designs with the European Union Intellectual Property Office as part of its corporate identity strategy. The supermarket chain says having its own lettering strengthens brand recognition and could reduce licensing costs. Mercadona has previously registered typefaces and holds 297 trademarks and 236 designs.

Social travel SOCIAL media increasingly influences holiday choices, with 39 per cent of tourists admitting they have visited a destination mainly to take photographs or videos, according to TUI Musement. More than 43 per cent have booked a trip or activity after seeing content, while 37 per cent sometimes choose destinations made popular online.

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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS

LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT

Megxit: The return

WELL, knock me down with a sustainably sourced Californian avocado. Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain. Yes, after six years explaining to the world how utterly unbearable the UK, its newspapers and certain members of Harry’s family were, the Sussexes have apparently decided there’s no place like home. This isn’t so much Megxit in reverse as Megxit with a return ticket. I imagine the conversation at British Customs. Anything to declare, sir? Only six years of grievances, three television series, one autobiography and several unresolved family misunderstandings. And the lady? She has some homemade jam! Apparently, Archie and Lilibet will attend school there. Their first introduction to British life will be discovering that summer is (generally) a fortnight in May, school dinners bear no resemblance to anything served in Montecito and having a grandfather who is King still won’t get you out of double maths. The couple will reportedly live in a private, non-royal residence. Presumably this means an ordinary little 12-bedroom cottage with a swimming pool, cinema, and a small annex for the security detail. Security will undoubtedly be discussed again. Harry has long maintained that Britain is far too dangerous for his family, although I hear millions of Brits somehow manage to visit Tesco every week protected only by a Clubcard and a bag for life. Personally, I think the British weather provides excellent security. No paparazzo will remain in a hedge for

more than 20 minutes once the winters rain starts. The King is said to be pleased at the prospect of seeing more of his grandchildren. William may be slightly more cautious. Brotherly reconciliation is a wonderful thing, but it is difficult to have a private heart-to-heart with a man who might eventually turn it into Chapter 14! Meanwhile Meghan is rumoured to be considering a part in Guy Ritchie’s TV series ‘The Gentlemen’. It concerns aristocrats, enormous country houses, criminal intrigue and complicated family relationships, so she should feel at home. Perhaps Harry could get a part too. He has acting experience. He spent several years pretending he enjoyed opening municipal leisure centres. Of course, the British are very forgiving people. They welcomed Napoleon III, Karl Marx and even Madonna, so I’m sure they can find room for two more celebrities seeking sanctuary from America. The Sussexes may even rediscover some of the things they left behind; proper pubs, cold radiators, warm beer and relatives who can make an entire Christmas lunch uncomfortable without once mentioning the actual argument. So welcome home, Harry and Meghan. I’m sure the UK has missed you almost as much as you’ve missed your privacy. Thanks for all your mail. Keep ‘em coming and always… 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.

Doctor drones Credit: Flystock / Shutterstock

16 3 - 9 September 2026

Medical delivery drones are being tested to speed up transport.

SPAIN has cleared its first drone to fly blood samples and medicines between rural health centres and hospitals, after tests found it could cut delivery times from half an hour to six minutes. The country’s aviation safety agency, AESA, granted the permit to Catalan operator CATUAV for its Eiger 3 aircraft, allowing flights beyond the pilot’s sight over towns and villages for the first time. It still only covers non-dangerous goods and areas with fewer than 8,000 people per square kilometre, so it is far from a blanket approval. Trials have already flown pathology samples and pharmacy supplies between health centres in Tarragona province, and more than 300 blood and urine samples have been carried on a similar route in Girona province, with journeys of around six minutes replacing a 30-minute drive. The drones travel between health centres, laboratories and hospitals rather than directly to people’s homes, and officials say the benefit will be greatest in rural areas where the nearest lab can be a very long drive away. Other measures such as safe landing areas, refrigeration and reliable tracking of samples still need to be considered before routine use.

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FEATURE

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol

Costa Blanca South

Marbella’s youngest artist

Island honour

JOHN CHRISTIAN CALDEIRA WEIBULL, born in Marbella on December 12, 2023, is preparing for a three-day exhibition in Sweden. The event comes two years after Guinness World Records named him the youngest male artist in the world. Officials verified the title in October 2024, when he was just 10 months old. His mother, Rubia Caldeira, gave him an LED drawing tablet when he was five months old. He began scribbling immediately, moving on to paints and canvases by seven months. Relatives noted that colour arrived before speech. At a Marbella exhibition held on the day of his record verification, several pictures sold quickly, with five works purchased before the doors even opened. The MIVA Fine Art Gallery in Malmö will show his work from November 20 to November 22. Titled Art: my first language, the exhibition traces his journey from early digital doodles to recent canvases.

TABARCA has double reason to celebrate after being named among Spain’s 25 most beautiful beaches for 2026 while marking 40 years since its surrounding waters became the country’s first marine fishing reserve. National Geographic’s latest selection places the island alongside some of Spain’s most celebrated beaches. It highlights Tabarca’s clear waters, natural character and Posidonia oceanica meadows. Once used by pirates, the island was permanently settled in the 18th century when King Carlos III ordered the construction of a fortified town. Its first settlers included Genovese families rescued from captivity in Algiers. But 2026 also marks an important environmental anniversary. Tabarca’s marine reserve was created in 1986, the first of its kind in Spain. Four decades later, the protected waters remain a national reference for combining marine conservation with sustainable traditional fishing.

Axarquia

Almeria

Foodtruck fest

Tradition takes over

SALOBREÑA will host the return of the World Food Truck Festival from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6. The four-day event features international cuisine, free children’s entertainment and Spanish rock tribute acts. Food vans offering Cuban, Venezuelan, Italian, Mexican, American and Argentine dishes will gather in the park. Seating, shaded areas, a bar and a children’s zone will be provided. A professional jury will judge the kitchens, presenting an award to the winning truck. Entertainment starts at 8pm each evening with family shows followed by live music from 9.30pm. Performances include tributes to Extremoduro, Mecano, Héroes del Silencio and El Barrio. DJ sets and children’s acts, including Disney performances and parades, complete the line-up. Admission to the park and all scheduled entertainment is free, though visitors should bring cash or cards for food stalls.

AUGUST ended on a high note in Mojacar as the San Agustín Festivities brought the community together for five days of celebrating local heritage, customs and the patron saint. Celebrations began with the Midday Fair at the packed Plaza Nueva. Later, the town gathered for the Opening Gala, where veteran teacher Beatriz Gómez Bonillo delivered the opening address as the ‘town crier’. The coronation of the 2026 queen and her ladies-in-waiting followed, before a concert by Miguel Campello and a DJ set closed the night. Children enjoyed a 3D Design Competition alongside a Video Game and Virtual Reality Fair. Throughout the week, locals joined traditional events, notably the Ascent of the Water and Floral Offering. Women in traditional dress carried water jugs from the fountain, a show of thanks to the patron saint for the fact the fountain has never lost its flow.

Mallorca

Costa Blanca North

Strictly on holiday TESS DALY has given fans a glimpse of her Mallorca getaway, sharing a series of photographs as she took the time to relax and recharge. The Strictly Come Dancing presenter posted images from around the island, including a peaceful yoga session on rocks beside the Mediterranean and a walk through the streets of Palma. She also took the opportunity to showcase pieces from her own Naia Beach swimwear collection, modelling the designs against Mallorca’s spectacular coastal backdrop. Another photograph featured Gran Folies Beach Club in Andratx, adding one of the island’s popular seaside destinations to her holiday snaps. Daly described her break as a chance to “slow down, reset and recharge.” The getaway comes during a significant year for the presenter following her separation from husband Vernon Kay after 23 years of marriage. However, her latest update focuses firmly on enjoying the many things Mallorca has to offer.

Race fever

THE MARINA ALTA turned into a giant open-air cycling arena on August 30 as La Vuelta a España passed through during one of the toughest stages of this year’s race. Thousands gathered along the route to cheer the peloton as it travelled through Parcent, Orba, Tormos, Sagra and Pego before continuing through Adsubia, Benirrama, Beniali and Alcala de la Jovada. The 187.4-kilometre stage from Villajoyosa to the Alto de Aitana included more than 5,000 metres of climbing. One of the biggest tests came at the Alto de Miserat, where crowds packed the roadside to watch. The 5.2-kilometre ascent, with an average gradient of around 10 per cent, provided a spectacular backdrop as the breakaway riders fought their way up-wards. The stage culminated on Aitana, where Mallorcan rider Enric Mas crossed the finish line alone, securing his first Vuelta stage victory since 2018.

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PETS

3 - 9 September 2026