Costa del Sol 1 – 7 May 2025 Issue 2078

Being Kept in the Dark

SPAIN on Monday April 28 plunged into a world of darkness - no electricity, no communication, just an eerie silence and a feeling of deep vulnerability.

On a busy Monday morning in the head office of the business I have loved for nearly 30 years - the business of news, the business of connection and community - we were all isolated and alone.

‘Chinese whispers’, if that’s appropriate, were in abundance, but the end

result was simple: we were left in the dark. We unplugged everything, packed up, and locked the doors at 1.00pm on Monday, April 28, 2025.

It felt hauntingly reminiscent of March 13, 2020 - the never-to-be-forgotten days of Covid. We had seven papers to complete, a bank holiday looming, a website with more than two million monthly visitors - and suddenly, all workers, all suppliers, rendered impotent.

After visiting the vulnerable in our community, we hurried home to make sure we had provisions: torches with sufficient batteries, candles, and a kettle that could work on a BBQ. Last night, we made a makeshift meal with friends and neighbours. We played Jenga after copious glasses of refreshment. We talked. We laughed. We buried our fears as deep as we could.

Later, after a luxurious bath by candlelight, we talked and read by flicke-

ring flame. But as the night deepened, the flames of doubt grew into an uncontrollable blaze. By midnight, I was incandescent with rage.

Turn to page 2

How dare they keep us in the DARK?

We elect politiciansthey are paid handsomely, revered, respected. They live the best lives possible. They were not left in the dark, neither physically nor metaphorically. They

This is only the beginning

have the knowledge they are refusing to share with the people they are sworn to protect.

They are not keeping us safe.

They are not ensuring peace.

They are not standing be-

side us.

They did not have to cancel holidays. They did not have to explain to children why cancer treatments were suddenly cancelled. They slept soundly while the rest of us lay awake with worry.

As an employer for nearly 40 years, my people are always my paramount concern. When there is discord, it is my job to bring peace.

When there are shortages, it is my duty to nd a way to fund it. When mistakes happen, I own them.

I have survived global recessions. I have navigated

Brexit. I have clawed my way through Covid - all at great personal cost. And now I am once again being kept in the dark.

We are working under immense pressure, carrying dreams that must once again be put on hold.

But I am surrounded by an army of business owners just like me, battling to survive, while still paying taxes to governments who have proven themselves utterly incompetent.

And now - I am ANGRY - VERY ANGRY

If I did my job so shambolically, I would be red, ned, imprisoned. Yet we

are expected to carry on,often working 20-hour days and pay them for the privilege of their failures.

I have never liked the dark. I never have, since childhood. And I refuse to be placed back into this terrifying place after more than six decades of surviving their misdemeanours.

I want truth.

I want peace.

And more than anything, I want these people who run our countries to be held to account!

Am I alone?

I don’t believe so.

The housing crisis is spiralling out of control. The

numbers of homeless innocents grow daily. Mental health issues are reaching pandemic levels.

In this darkness, it is time to scream and be heard. With the daylight comes the realisation: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. With the emergence of light do you too feel this anger - this injustice of life changing decisions which are impacting us all so severely?

One thing I do know after listening to their endless excuses this morning - this is only the beginning.

Cash is king again

THE power blackout that hit Spain on Monday, April 28, caused major disruptions across the country. For many, it was the moment they realised just how reliant we are on digital payment systems.

The blackout severely impacted most electronic payment systems. Without power, electronic payment terminals in places such as shops, restaurants, petrol stations and public services stopped working. Many ATMs were also down, either due to the lack of internet connection or simply because their backup batteries ran out.

A signi cant number of businesses in Spain reverted to cash-only transactions, creating long queues and purchase cancellations. For example, in Madrid-Barajas Airport, taxi drivers couldn’t accept card payments, forcing passengers without cash to nd alternative transport options.

As a result, basic goods like bread, water and medicine became temporarily inaccessible for many people. So basically, we all realised how vulnerable we are when even buying some milk becomes impossible.

Spain’s incident also casts serious doubt on the EU’s plans for a digital euro. Monday’s blackout demonstrated that physical cash remains ‘the king’, at least during technological or infrastructure failures. While the idea of a cashless future has gained ground in recent years, without power, digital money is useless.

Electricity was gradually restored in Spain during the evening, but many businesses continued to accept only cash, unsure when payment

systems would return to normal. The incident has raised serious questions about emergency planning in an increasingly cashless society.

Electricity prices plummet

SPAIN’S wallets breathed easier on April 29, after the Big Blackout sent electricity prices crashing - with nine hours of free power up for grabs.

According to the Operador del Mercado Ibérico de la Energía (OMIE), the average cost for Tuesday, April 29, was just €5.79 per megawatt-hour - a whopping 68.7 per cent drop compared to Monday.

From 10am to 7pm, plugging in cost zero or less, dipping into negative prices around midday.

10am-7pm: Free or negative prices.

12pm-4pm: Lowest point, at -€1.90.

9pm-10pm: Spike to €35.01.

That’s a daily saving of around €12.71.

But hold your horses - it’s not completely free. Fixed charges like network fees, system costs, and taxes still apply, so don’t expect your bill to vanish. And there’s another kicker: VAT on electricity is rising back to 21 per cent for most households, after dropping to 10 per cent during the energy crisis. Only those on the social tari will keep the lower rate.

Experts warn this week’s bargain prices might not last long.

Despite a 28 per cent drop in 2024, prices surged over €100/MWh late last year.

So plug in, power up, and make the most of it.

from Front page

Many businesses continued to accept only cash.

Michel Euesden

Card numbers will vanish New tech promises safer payments

BANKS across Spain are phasing out printed numbers on cards to fight fraud. Discover how the change works and why your next card could be safer than ever.

The days of flashing your 16 digits at checkout are numbered - literally - as the world’s biggest payment giants, Visa and Mastercard, usher in the biggest shake-up in decades.

For years, your trusty credit card has done it all - online shopping, Netflix subscription, that sneaky takeaway - but it’s also been a golden ticket for fraudsters. Why? Because the printed numbers are basically an open door to your bank account.

But now, in a bold move, Spanish banks are binning those digits for good. And this isn’t just a rebrand. International banks in Spain like ING have been printing numberless cards for a while, but it looks like the change is coming to every bank.

Easier legal residency

Why Spanish bank card numbers are disappearing

Both Visa and Mastercard have confirmed the shift to ‘numberless’ cards, ditching the classic 16-digit codes that have been printed on the front of every credit card for decades.

Instead, cards will be fitted with hidden, tokenised information - smart tech that generates a unique code for each transaction. It means no visible num -

bers, no expiry date, and no CVV. In short? Nothing for hackers to steal.

According to Visa, token technology isn’t just a flashy idea. It’s already prevented over 650 million fraud attempts since 2014 and has issued more than 10 billion tokens globally. That’s a lot of digital armour.

ON May 20, 2025, Spain will implement new ‘Arraigo Social’ rules, simplifying legal residency applications for foreigners in irregular situations. The ‘arraigo social’ programme grants residence and work permits based on family ties or social integration.

Applicants must have lived continuously in Spain for two years without seeking asylum, as asylum and arraigo systems are distinct. Proof of residency can include municipal ‘padrón’ registration, employment records, bank statements, or other documents confirming presence, legally or otherwise. Consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable.

A key requirement is posing no threat to public order, security, or health, necessitating a clean criminal and police record. Applicants must prove financial stability, either through personal means or a close family member’s (eg, parent or spouse) pledge of support. Those with job offers or business plans apply via the separate arraigo socio-laboral process.

Family-based arraigo requires a parent, child, spouse, or registered partner with permanent residency, with justification for proximity. Distant relatives do not qualify. Applicants must show a monthly income of approximately €600, per the IPREM, akin to requirements for grants or social housing.

Without relatives or Spanish income, an integration effort report assessing Spanish language skills, cultural knowledge, and societal participation may bolster applications. Starting a business requires a business plan, training, and investment proof, aligning with self-employment regulations.

IMV tax alert Summer bonus

IF you’re receiving Spain’s Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV), there’s one thing you can’t ignore this year: your tax return. From April 2, 2025, everyone who received the benefit in 2024 must submit their tax declaration. Missing the deadline could mean losing your payments. Even if you owe no tax, you still have to file. Failing to submit by June

30 allows Social Security to suspend your IMV. It’s crucial paperwork if you rely on this income for essentials like rent or groceries. Spain’s tax agency, Hacienda, will pass your income information to Social Security, helping them decide if you still qualify for the benefit. If your income stayed below €12,600, you likely won’t pay anything, but you must still file. Good news: the IMV rose by 9 per cent for

2025, meaning a single person now receives €658.81 monthly. Filing is easy online through Agencia Tributaria or in person. Families with children should consider joint filing if both parents live together. Also, keep your address and income records updated. Remember, not filing, travelling abroad without reporting it, or changing your living situation without notice could all cost you your IMV. Don’t wait until the last minute. Sort your tax return early to stay eligible and avoid losing this vital support.

PENSIONERS in Spain have good news to celebrate. Most major banks started releasing April pension payments from April 23, with Bankinter leading, followed by CaixaBank, Santander and others. But the bigger news is the confirmed date for the summer bonus payment, which will arrive earlier than expected - in the final days of June. The summer bonus, also known as the ‘extra pay’, is one of two additional pension payments Spain’s contributory pensioners receive each year. Pensions are paid in 14 instalments annually, with extra payments in June and November, each equal to a full month’s pension. Most banks advance payments, so pensioners usually see the bonus in their accounts at the end of June. However, pensioners receiving payments for permanent disability due to workplace accidents or occupational disease won’t get a separate bonus - their extra is already distributed monthly. Regular pensioners, including those receiving retirement, widowhood, orphanhood, or non-contributory pensions, can expect the extra amount. April’s standard payments followed a consistent schedule across banks, and June’s bonus should follow the same pattern. If you’re a pensioner in Spain, check your account towards late June. The extra payment is arriving just in time to help ease summer expenses or fund a well-deserved holiday.

Banks across Spain are phasing out printed card numbers in a bid to stop fraud.

Credit: Shutterstock, Thanumporn Thongkongkaew

A BRITISH mother’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare when she gave birth prematurely outside a Torremolinos hotel during a town-wide blackout - and now her newborn son is fighting for his life in intensive care.

The terrifying drama unfolded around 3am on Tuesday (April 29) at the four-star Puente Real hotel, as a major power outage left the town plunged into darkness.

Thirty weeks into her pregnancy, the young woman - believed to be in her 20s -

British mum gives birth during blackout

went into labour, 10 weeks early. She and her partner rushed to the hotel lobby for help.

On night duty was hotel employee Arturo, who immediately dialled for an ambulance - but emergency services were overwhelmed and communication was patchy.

With the baby already ‘crowning’ and no

ambulance in sight, Arturo stepped in to assist the birth himself.

The delivery happened in the garden at the hotel entrance. The newborn showed signs of asphyxia and turned purple. Arturo, following urgent instructions over the phone, performed CPR until the baby started to cough.

Paramedics arrived minutes later and

rushed the mother and baby to Malaga’s Materno Infantil Hospital. The mother is stable, but the baby remains critically ill.

A regional emergency spokesman confirmed the birth took place “right in the middle of the blackout chaos sweeping the Spanish mainland.”

Doctors are fighting to save the newborn’s life.

Survival kit alert

SPAIN’S blackout this week has reignited public interest in a warning recently issued by Brussels: be ready for the next major crisis. Just weeks ago, the European Commission launched a strategy encouraging all EU citizens to prepare for large-scale emergencies - from blackouts and cyber-attacks to pandemics or even war.

The advice? Build a basic survival kit. Monday’s massive power outage, which left parts of Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla without electricity for hours, has turned that recommendation into a pressing concern. The EU’s emergency checklist includes at least five litres of water per person, canned or dried food, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, portable stove, backup batteries, matches, cash, essential medication, and a first-aid

kit. Other suggested items include iodine tablets, hygiene products, adhesive tape, and even a fire extinguisher.

The goal is to help households survive 72 hours without help. The recent blackout showed how fragile daily life can be: supermarkets closed, traffic lights failed, and mobile networks went down. While the cause of the outage is still under investigation, it has un-

derscored the importance of personal preparedness. Brussels insists planning ahead isn’t alarmist - it’s smart. In today’s world of rising natural and man-made threats, a few simple steps now could make all the difference later. For many in Spain, the crisis has already served as a wake-up call.

Survival essentials: The EU advises every household to keep a basic emergency kit ready — water, food, first aid, and more.

Speed checks

Local Police have launched their first block of additional measures to tackle road safety on the promenade. The intensification of comprehensive police controls and the reinforcement of road signs are two of the actions that are already up and running, and soon they will add the creation of three new footbridges. The council made the announcement in which it detailed that the Local Police have intensified the organisation of random roadblocks in different parts of the town. These police operations, in addition to measuring speed, inspect issues such as blood alcohol levels, drug use, use of seat belts and child seats, as well as devices that cause distractions at the wheel.

Likewise, the Road Signalling team has installed new additional information signs on the speed limits of the Paseo Marítimo and other roads in the town, as well as the presence of fixed and mobile radars.

On Wednesday April 23, about 400 vehicles were stopped and checked, of which 18 received fines. Ten of them for not using the seatbelt, four for using a mobile phone, two for driving scooters on the pavement and another two for driving with the ITV out of date.

More police have been assigned to other areas around the town, although in the wake of the terrible accident recently in Fuengirola, police activity has been increased.

May Day Costa del Sol

DON’T forget that Thursday, May 1, is a holiday in Spain and in most corners of the world, and that will affect opening times.

The individual shops in La Cañada shopping centre in Marbella, including AlCampo, will remain closed all day, while the food courts upstairs will stay open, although evening closing times may vary. The good news is that from June, everything will stay open on Sundays, until the middle of September.

Miramar shopping centre in Fuengirola will operate the same as La Cañada, so make sure you get that last-minute shopping done beforehand.

Public transport will be operating a ‘Festivos’ service which tends to be the same timetable as Sundays, and all other services such as post offices and

banks will keep their doors shut until Friday.

Mercadona will be closed everywhere, as will Lidl and Aldi, as this particular holiday is rarely missed by workers all over the country.

It’s a ‘puente’ weekend, which translates as ‘bridge’, so many

around Spain will be taking off Friday too and making a long weekend of it. Expect a huge influx of visitors and possibly some traffic jams beginning the night of Wednesday, April 30. Book ahead tables in restaurants, especially for lunch on Thursday, May 1.

FUENGIROLA

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Fuengirola.

Police checks in Fuengirola.

La Cañada - is it open on May 1?

Nadal, Gasol & Cristiano

MARBELLA will welcome a new high-end dining and leisure experience in summer 2025 when Tatel, the eagerly awaited restaurant brand backed by sports legends Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol, and Cristiano Ronaldo, takes over the legendary Villa Tiberio site.

Directly in the middle of the luxurious Golden Mile, the sprawling estate, surrounded by lush gardens, will transform into Tatel’s sixth global outpost, joining Madrid, Ibiza, Dubai, Riyadh, and Valencia.

Due to open by August, the Marbella venue is undergoing extensive renovations. Unlike its counterparts, it will double as a beach club, offering poolside relaxation by day and exclusive fine dining with live music by night.

Tatel’s signature mix of gourmet

cuisine and sophisticated setting will define the experience, targeting Marbella’s big-spending clientele.

Tatel, part of Mabel Hospitality under Mabel Capital, has long been after the perfect Golden Mile spot, drawn by Marbella’s renewed appeal, according to the group. The former Villa Tiberio, a Mediterranean and Italian fine-dining landmark since 1989, closed in March 2024. Its opulent gardens and salons once hosted stars like Sean Connery.

Meanwhile, Mabel Capital is investing €200 million in Marbella and Estepona, developing 75 luxury apartments and six villas. These ‘branded residences’ will offer five-star hotel-style amenities, bringing in the highest of global flyers.

Be that someone to talk to

AGE CONCERN Marbella

- San Pedro seeks a new Head of Welfare to lead their established Welfare Department. For seven years, Sandra has been the calming, knowledgeable voice for callers to the Helpline. Now, she is stepping back, creating an opportunity for someone with unique skills to take over.

Run by unpaid volunteers, our association provides fun, friendship, and free welfare advice to the English-speaking community. As Head of Welfare (volunteer), the chosen candidate will oversee the Helpline, often being the first contact for those needing support.

We are a people-focused organisation, so if you en-

Someone to talk to.

joy helping others, have a good telephone manner, and want to join a supportive team, this role could be ideal. Some Spanish knowledge is helpful.

A calm, reassuring voice is essential, as some callers may be distressed. We provide a full induction programme and an easy-to-read manual

to ensure consistent, accurate advice, whether general or detailed. Ongoing support is guaranteed. If interested, contact us at 689 355 198 or email info@ageconcernmarbella. com with ‘Welfare’ in the subject line. Include a daytime number for a callback.

The sports legends are taking over a local restaurant.

Chefs for children

THE seventh year of ChefsForChildren brought together Spain’s culinary masters and 150 children at Anantara Villa Padierna for a day of learning and fun under the theme ‘Eating healthy is fun.’ The event put together Michelin-starred chefs with children from DiabetesCERO, a foundation supporting type 1 diabetes research, and students from Daidín and Atalaya schools in cooking workshops making nutritious, enjoyable meals with fun.

Chefs, including Malaga’s Michelin stars like Mario Cachinero (Skina) and Benito Gómez (Bardal), taught simple recipes alongside Le Cordon Bleu Madrid professors and Benahavis Hospitality School students. The evening gala event had to be postponed due to the massive power outages, but during the day, the celebrity chef event continued in the glorious sunshine.

Benahavis mayor José Antonio Mena praised the event’s blend of gastronomy and solidarity, lauding the town’s hospitality training legacy.

Malaga’s Diputación, via Sabor a Malaga, and the Costa del Sol Occidental Municipalities supported the initiative, giving emphasis to its promotion of local products and social impact.

DiabetesCERO’s Sandra Campinas expressed gratitude, noting the event’s emotional impact on children with type 1 diabetes, a condition affecting 1,200 to 1,500 Spanish children annually.

Anantara’s Jorge Manzur and event promoter Pilar Candil both expressed the initiative’s role in fostering hope and healthy habits through gastronomy.

Manilva’s new social kitchen to serve over 150 daily

A NEW social kitchen is set to open in Manilva, offering daily meals to over 150 people in need. The project, backed by the local town hall, aims to support the town’s most vulnerable residents, especially those struggling to make ends meet.

The new kitchen will be set up in the old nursery building, which is currently being transformed to serve this new initiative. Work is already underway, and the kitchen is expected to be up and running soon. Local officials say the goal is to ensure no one in the community goes hungry.

and inclusive Manilva.

“We’re not just opening a kitchen. We’re creating a space of dignity, support and community,” he said.

Mayor Jose Manuel Fernandez says the kitchen is a step towards building a more caring

The kitchen will provide hot meals and be a hub for other social services. Volunteers and professionals will be on hand to offer guidance,

support, and a friendly face to those in need.

Manilva is placing greater emphasis on social care and community development. As living costs continue to rise, many families and individuals find it increasingly difficult to manage. The new social kitchen provides practical assistance and a sense of solidarity and support to those facing hardship.

Locals have praised the initiative, and many have already offered help. Donations, volunteering, and local business support are expected to play a significant role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly.

Top chefs guide kids in preparing the best healthy meals.

Location of Manilva’s new social kitchen.

Credit: Manilva Town Hall, Facebook

Bus to Malaga change

EXPECT changes to bus timetables, as the 110 from Malaga City, which connects Malaga and Torremolinos. Starting May 1, the M-110 bus line connecting Malaga, Torremolinos, and Benalmadena Costa will switch to its summer schedule.

The change deals with the rise in public transport demand during the busy summer season along the Costa del Sol. The updated schedule will improve one of the

region’s most popular routes.

From Monday to Friday, the line will offer 76 full round-trip journeys, an increase of 14 trips compared to the winter timetable. On Saturdays, services will rise from 52 to 60 departures, while Sundays will see 57 trips, up from 52, improving frequency during peak days. As well as more rides, the M-110’s operating hours will expand. Monday to Saturday, buses

will run from 6am to 3am from Malaga and from 6am to 4am from Torrenueva. On Sundays and holidays, services will operate from 5.05am to 2am from Malaga and from 6am to 3am from Torrenueva.

The changes aim to guarantee seamless mobility for both residents and visitors, catering to the increased transport needs during the summer season on the Costa del Sol.

Pedestrian-friendly

A RECENT study by Buycycle.com has crowned Malaga as Spain’s top city for pedestrians and cyclists, showing off its appeal for two-wheelers and strollers who prefer exploring on foot.

According to the Observatory of Tourism, 69.2 per cent of tourists in Spain choose walking as their primary mode of transport within cities, showing that pe -

Malaga M110 on its way to Torremolinos.

Credit: autobuses de catalunyaFlickr

Costa del Sol in the dark

COSTA DEL SOL came back online after a widespread blackout hit Spain, Portugal, parts of France, Italy, and Germany on Monday April 28.

The unexplained power outage disrupted daily life, shutting down traffic lights, halting cash withdrawals, card payments, and petrol pumps. Supermarkets saw panic buying, and 35,000 people around the country were stranded on trains.

The Costa del Sol community remained calm and mostly, took it in their stride as they attempted to get home in lengthy traffic jams.

For Helen Stanley, it was a time to spend with family. “Fortunately, we were ok and not affected by the blackout like many other people have been! It was just very surreal not being able to communicate with the rest of the world.”

Singer, Rocio Stanley who saved the freezer food with ice bricks, took the time out for a big siesta.

And for reader Paul, “we just had a few hours of a nice peaceful moment to enjoy.”

Val Williams said, “I was fine but several of my friends not. Some disabled and living on their own in high rise apartments and no lifts working and no phone. They felt very isolated.”

And, the poor guys at Tapa y Tai restaurant Los Boliches could not leave because of their electric security shutters and had to throw all prepared food out.

Electricity restoration began gradually. Marbella regained power by 7pm, Elviria by 6.15pm, Ronda by 6.40pm, and Fuengirola’s Carvajal area after seven hours. However, Internet connectivity remained unstable, and cash machines operated in emergency mode with limited withdrawals.

Malaga airport stayed functional but faced disruptions, with passengers advised to check flight statuses.

Hardship into hope

IN June, as she nears her 60th birthday, Estepona resident Caroline Sice will take on a challenging six-day, 70 km trek across the Pyrenees along the French Camino de Santiago, reaching 1,430m high. The walk aims to raise funds for AECC Estepona and Collective Calling, two charities close to her heart.

In December 2020, Caroline was diagnosed with breast cancer, enduring chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Declared cancer-free in September 2021, she faced ongoing challenges, including heart damage, chronic joint pain, and emotional recovery. Her trek symbolises resilience and hope, honouring those battling cancer, those lost, and those yet to face it.

AECC Estepona, part of the Spanish As-

sociation Against Cancer, provides vital support and resources. Caroline credits their team for giving her strength during her darkest days. Collective Calling, a local charity with a new Estepona shop, supports the homeless locally and protects vulnerable children in Tanzania, addressing the growing divide in Estepona.

Caroline invites sponsorship for her Camino due to start on May 12, with all donations split equally between the charities. “Every euro makes an impact,” she said. Her mission is to transform hardship into hope. Supporters can donate via AECC Estepona (contraelcancer.es) or Collective Calling (collectivecalling.org), or by her GoFundMe page AECC Estepona and the Collective Calling Charity in Estepona.

Petrol stations shut down in Fuengirola.

Credit: Fuengirola se queja

Intrepid Caroline tackles the Pyrenees.

Credit: Jimmie48 Photography, Shutterstock

Chaos at Madrid

IT was lights out and game over at the Mutua Madrid Open on April 28, as Spain was plunged into darkness during one of the biggest blackouts in its history - leaving tennis stars stuck in lifts, eating by candlelight, and fans fumbling in the dark.

Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France were hit by the mammoth outage just after lunch, cutting power to 60 per cent of Spain in seconds and throwing hospitals, airports, motorways, and

La Caja Mágica into chaos.

“A nationwide blackout of this scale has never happened before in Spain,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, according to NPR. Matches were abandoned mid-play. Grigor Dimitrov’s battle against Jacob Fearnley was halted, as was Damir Dzumhur’s clash with Matteo Arnaldi. Doubles matches also collapsed into darkness.

Coco Gauff finished her match before the lights failedbut her post-match interview

ended abruptly when the stadium blacked out.

“Everyone is in darkness,” Sky Sports’ Gigi Salmon said via MSN, describing players eating by candlelight.

Brazil’s Fernando Romboli was trapped in a lift for 30 minutes, joking it off with a selfie.

Spain declared a state of emergency. Early theories suggest rare atmospheric phenomena interfered with high-voltage lines - but the real cause remains a mystery.

Could we go dark again

SPAIN plunged into blackout bedlam this weekand some fear the lights might not stay on for long.

Just after midday on Monday, April 28, millions across Spain, Portugal and parts of southern France were left in the dark. Streetlights fizzled out, mobile signals vanished, and homes from Madrid to Malaga lost power. Petrol stations and supermarkets saw endless queues, while an eerie quiet swept through the streets.

The great blackout of 2025 has left experts scratching their heads – and the rest of us wondering: could it happen again?

Red Eléctrica de España (REE) managed to restore power by nightfall, after a tense evening of frantic repairs.

Energy expert Carlos Cagigal warned on Spanish TV: “This isn’t an isolated case. People need to prepare, because it’s going to happen again in the coming months.”

The European Commission recommends a “72-hour survival kit”: bottled water, non-perishable food, a torch, a radio, warm clothes, essential documents – and a stack of cash for when card machines crash.

Experts say another blackout is unlikely short term – but it’s better to be ready before the lights go out again.

Cagigal blames “overgeneration” –too much electricity and not enough infrastructure to handle it. Until Spain upgrades its system, he reckons we’re stuck on a “live wire.”

The Caja Magica tennis centre during a break at the 2015 Mutua Madrid Open WTA Premier tennis tournament.

Spain’s total blackout. Could it happen again? A white burning candle in close-up on a desk against a computer out of focus.

Credit: Alejo Miranda, Shutterstock

First female F 6 fighter pilot Dutch town hall tosses €250K Warhol by mistake

IN a historic first for Poland’s Air Force, a female officer has success fully earned her wings as an F 16 fi ghter pilot.

After completing ri gorous training in the United States, she now serves at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask—joining the ranks of just 48 F 16s in the country’s fleet.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz broke the news on Friday via the X platform, congratulating her personally: “Important news for our Air Force and all the Polish Armed Forces: the first woman has become an F 16 aircraft pilot. We are proud of you!”

Her achievement comes at a moment of heightened regional tension: Poland has intensified air patrols in response to recent Russian air strikes against Ukraine, some of which have even skirted into Polish airspace.

Against this backdrop, the minister noted that while this trailblazing pilot

“We are proud of you!”, said Polish Defense minister .

patrols the skies over central Poland, “another woman pilot is in training at the 31st Base in Krzesiny,” signaling that Poland is rapidly expanding its pool of qualified aviators.

This milestone resonates beyond Poland’s borders. The world’s first female F 16 pilot was Dutchwoman Manja Blok, who flew a combat jet in 1991. Closer to home, Poland’s own Katarzyna Tomiak Siemieniewicz paved the way for women in combat aviation back in 2018, starring in NATO’s “We are NATO” campaign.

THE Dutch city of Maashorst has confirmed that a rare print by Andy Warhol was among 46 artworks that were “most likely” thrown away during a renovation last year.

The town hall said in a statement that the works were part of a collection which was then split up, with a number of pieces being loaned to a local museum, others placed in the town hall, and a few returned to the artists. In the process, more than 40 went missing, and it appears that Andy Warhol’s Queen Beatrix, a rare portrait of the former Dutch monarch by the legendary pop artist, was one of those that could have ended up in the rubbish.

“It’s most likely that the artworks were ac -

cidentally taken away with the rubbish,”

Maashorst town hall said in a statement. The lost artwork is a portrait of Queen Beatrix, part of Warhol’s 1985 series “Reigning Queens”, a series of prints of four monarchs.

Maashorst’s mayor, Hans van der Pas, expressed regret about the incident to Dutch state broadcaster NOS. “It is a serious matter when

public property, especially art with cultural and historic value, is treated so carelessly — but it happened, and we regret that.”

After this incident, the town hall announced they will be reviewing the procedures and guidelines for storage, conservation and security of artworks, since they blame the loss on an absence of policies on this matter.

Credit: Stawomil Koziol. Polish Air Force

Andy Warhol’s prints of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Paying too much

BELGIAN supermarket chain Delhaize has admitted to accidentally charging customers for products they never purchased.

It’s due to a bug in the company’s checkout system, VRT reported on April 24. The glitch, uncovered by VRT’s consumer programme WinWin, has led to shoppers unknowingly paying for random ‘ghost products’ for several months. While the issue affects only a limited number of cases, it has already cost some customers tens of euros.

The problem lies with how Delhaize’s system reads product packaging. Specifically, it’s linked to items that carry both a standard barcode and a ‘data matrix’ - a small, square code similar to a QR code.

When these products are scanned, the system sometimes registers the

real item plus a random, unrelated product. The extra item appears on the receipt, but if unnoticed by the customer, then Delhaize profits from the mistake.

The issue occurs at both staffed and self-service tills. Delhaize said proving after the fact that you didn’t purchase an item can be challenging, so catching the error immediate-

ly is key.

Spokesperson Roel Dekelver confirmed Delhaize has been aware of the issue “for some time” and is actively working to resolve it.

“The problem is not easy to solve,” Dekelver told VRT.

“We are trying to find a solution in various ways, but the key has to lie mainly in adjusting our own system.”

Wolves boost tourism

WILDLIFE tourism centred around wolves is growing across Europe, with organisers highlighting its value for both conservation and rural revitalisation.

In Italy, particularly in Abruzzo’s national parks, travellers can now join guided treks to track free-ranging wolves.

The region, a remote wilderness of limestone peaks and ancient beech forests, is home to one of the highest densities of wolf populations in Europe. These animals, once on the brink of extinction, have made a slow return thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.

Wildlife Adventures offers three-day wolf-tracking trips in Abruzzo. Participants hike up to 10 kilometres daily, led by expert guides.

The visitors learn to identify paw prints, follow tracks and understand the predator’s habits.

Beyond conservation, wolf-related tourism also creates employment in guiding, hospitality, and the sale of local crafts and produce.

Vueling’s

LOW-COST carrier Vueling has announced it will be increasing its capacity on flights connecting the UK and Spain.

The Spanish airline’s already established routes, connecting the UK with Sevilla, Barcelona and Alicante, will be expanded, with two new routes announced, connecting London-Heathrow Airport with Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela. The move is part of Vueling’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the very competitive UKSpain travel corridor.

In July, Vueling will operate 19 additional weekly flights between the two countries. The routes that will benefit from this increase include the ones connecting London-Gatwick to Sevilla and Malaga, six weekly additional flights from London-Gatwick to Alicante, four weekly additional flights from Edinburgh Airport

Other parts of Europe have also embraced wolf tourism. In Transylvania, Romania, there are tours in some of the continent’s healthiest forests, home to wolves, bears and lynx.

In Sweden, Much Better Adventures offers excursions into wolf territory, teaching about their role as a keystone species and ongoing conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, Undiscovered Mountains in the French Alps takes participants into regions where wolves, once extinct, have returned naturally from Italy.

new routes

to Barcelona, and two more flights from Cardiff Airport to Malaga.

When aggregating all of these newly added flights, and taking into account the rest of the low-cost airlines, flights from the UK to Spain will add up to 207 weekly flights, a 6.2 per cent increase from July 2024.

However, some lines will be reduced to accommodate these updated frequencies: Vueling no longer plans to operate

from London-Gatwick to Gran Canaria Airport or Granada’s Federico Garcia Lorca. Other carriers are expected to cover these routes, so travellers should not worry about missing out on the islands or on the Andalucian coast.

Spain is the most popular destination for tourists from the UK, with British nationals representing one in five visitors to the sunny southern European country in 2024.

Delhaize supermarket in Belgium.

Credit: defotoberg, Shutterstock

Italian wolf pack in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.

Credit: Luigi Filice. Creative Commons.

Vueling will offer increased flights to Spain from the UK.

Credits: simpleflying.com

Belgium grapples with stolen packages issue

TENS of thousands of packages continue to go missing across Belgium, either before arriving at their intended recipients’ homes or on their doorsteps. Many more claim they received nothing but empty boxes.

In 2023, employees at Bpost, a company founded in 1830 that is currently responsible for delivering mail in Belgium, were increasingly suspected of stealing packages.

On Monday April 28, a news report revealed that 75 per cent of Belgian online shoppers de -

mand extra security for high-value orders. In response, Bpost announced the launch of a new tool to combat parcel delivery fraud, an increasing problem in the country.

“This demand for greater security is also present among webshops in Belgium, which are seeing an increase in fraud-related incidents each year,” Bpost said recently.

“From now on, webshops can opt for a ‘Secure Delivery’ via Bpost,” Post and Parcel said.

“With this system, a parcel

AFTER Europe’s massive blackout on April 28, conspiracy theories spread faster than the outage itself - and once again, The Simpsons were dragged into the story.

Power cuts hit Spain, Portugal and parts of southern France, disrupting airports, hospitals and city infrastructure. Experts blamed an overloaded grid, worsened by unreliable renewable energy and weak backup systems. But online, the panic took a different turn.

Viral videos claimed The Simpsons had predicted the blackout, pointing to fake episodes like ‘The Last Day of Springfield’ and ‘Last Day of Civilisation’. The clipsshared widely on TikTok and YouTube - looked convincing but were AI-generated. In reality, those episodes never existed. While the show has featured blackouts before, including in Season 35’s Thanksgiving special, none matched the scale or timing of the real-life Euro-

Belgium faces an increasing issue with package deliveries

is only handed over by the postman when the recipient can provide a secret code.” According to the news report, Bpost said it is the first parcel service in Belgium to offer that level of security. And it’s in response to information that there is an alleged increase in delivery fraud.

Earlier this month, the Consumer Ombudsman Service (COD) published its annual report in which it mentions a “worrying trend in a rising number of suspected cases of fraud in parcel deliveries.”

Simpsons blackout myth

pean outage. The confusion highlights a growing problem: AI-generated content is becoming harder to spot, especially in moments of crisis. When people are scared, tired, or searching for answers, it’s easy to fall for something that feels familiar - like a decades-old cartoon. But the real reasons behind the blackout had nothing to do with cartoons or premonitions. They were painfully human: fragile infrastructure, poor planning, and overloaded systems. And in the end, that’s the real warning we should be paying attention to.

The Simpsons logo, often linked to eerie predictions, was falsely credited with foreseeing Europe’s recent blackout.

Do you think bullfighting should be completely banned? VOICE Your

ONE of Spain’s most controversial traditions, bullfighting has sparked debates for centuries. Considered by some to be a core part of Spanish heritage, others view it as a barbaric and outdated practice that subjects animals to unnecessary suffering for the sake of entertainment. In recent years, the ethical and moral implications of this sport have come to the forefront, with campaigns such as ‘No Es Mi Cultura’ (Not My Culture), protesting against the practice and signing petitions to change the laws that protect bullfighting as part of Spanish heritage.

On the other hand, bullfighting is not only a cultural tradition, but also a significant economic contributor, generating revenue through ticket sales, tourism, and merchandise. Despite its economic significance, recent surveys found that 77 per cent of Spaniards surveyed agreed that bullfights cause suffering and nearly 60 per cent are against the sport completely. With this in mind, we asked our readers: Should bullfighting be completely banned?

Many commenters acknowledge that the decision is up to the Spanish people, such as Lesley Dixon who writes, “YES! But it is up to Spain and their people to decide,” and Edith Farminer, “Yes. But it must be the Spanish people who

achieve this, as we must respect their feelings and traditions.”

Janet Dawdry agrees, and notes, “There are a lot of Spanish people that want an end to this. They love their animals.”

Michael Lindsay says “I know it’s a ‘Spanish tradition’ etc but that doesn’t trump animal cruelty.”

Gordy O’Keeffe writes, “Yes. It’s an easy decision to make. Why would anyone want to see an animal tortured and killed for sport and actually sit there and pay for the privilege?”

Deb Horses shows a different perspective: “Before stating yes or no, you need a plan to employ all those involved in the bullfighting business. [...] It is essential that people understand the history and why behind bullfighting. Once you understand that, and have an employment plan, then we can ponder other aspects.” With several commenters such as Pam Joseph , noting in response that there is “no excuse” for this practice.

In conclusion, while there is overwhelming support for banning bullfighting with many people condemning the practice for its cruelty, there is also a recognition that the decision ultimately rests with the Spanish people, as bullfighting is deeply intertwined with their culture and history.

Bullfighting is deeply entwined with Spanish culture and history.

Ski resorts close

AN unprecedented snowstorm for this time of year has hit large parts of the Alps with force, creating a chaotic scenario: ski resorts closed, villages cut off, widespread power outages, and an extreme avalanche risk.

With snow accumulations already exceeding two metres in higher areas, this is shaping up to be one of the most severe weather events of the season in this mountainous region.

The Italian mountain passes of Simplon and

Grand St Bernard have been closed due to heavy snow.

In the Monte Rosa and Cervinia regions, intense snowfall continues, and the storm is expected to remain active over the coming hours.

The epicentre of the storm has been in the Swiss town of Zermatt, where over a metre of snow has fallen at village level, forcing the closure of all road and rail access.

The rail connection with Visp was suspended, and electricity supplies have been cut across wide areas, affecting thousands of residents and tourists. Eighteen hotels have been partially connected to emergency power, and a food distribution operation has been launched for the population.

In France, the heavy snowfall has left more than 1.2 metres in areas such as Val d’Isère and Tignes, forcing both ski resorts to shut completely.

Parton on the runway

Anna Ellis

TWO creatives from Nashville have launched an online campaign to rename the city’s airport after country music icon Dolly Parton, and it’s quickly gained momentum, attracting over 50,000 signatures.

Comedian Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion, who runs Goat Song Records, created the petition on Change.org following a failed attempt by state Representative Todd Warner to rename Nashville

International Airport after President Donald Trump.

The idea to honour Dolly Parton had been in the works for a couple of years, but they decided to move forward when the political climate made the moment feel right.

Popovich explained that Parton represents something rare and positive in American culture. “She’s a true Tennessean and a unifier. Her story speaks to everyone no matter your background, wealth, or beliefs,” she told The Nashville Tennessean. “When people

talk or think about Dolly, they smile. She represents the best of the South, and that’s worth celebrating.”

The petition has received widespread attention, even appearing on Change.org’s official Instagram page.

Dolly Parton herself has responded to the idea, sharing a bit of humour about the campaign. In an interview with The Tennessean, she said, “I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say: ‘Your flight is departin’ from Nashville’s D Parton.’”

County music’s icon, Dolly Parton represents the best of the South.

John Smith

EVERY country has its own form of bureaucracy and when you grow up, whether you realise it or not, you are often likely to understand the rules and regulations. If you don’t then you have every chance of being able to discover what’s required as you understand the language and the general way in which the rules work.

Free healthcare in Spain

This however becomes more problematical when you move to another country, especially if you don’t speak the language and have no background of understanding the way in which

that country’s bureaucracy works.

Therefore many new settlers (word deliberately used to defuse arguments about expats or immigrants) find it difficult to understand let alone know what to do.

They therefore have two stark options, firstly try to get help to wade through the requirements to deal with a whole load of complicated rules or alternatively to ignore them and get on with their lives, hoping for the best!

This second route becomes more ‘dangerous’ the older that you get and a perfect example is health care in Spain where many British settlers who are now residents following Brexit and were UK pensioners had the right to join the social health service thanks to the existing reciprocity agreement between Britain and Spain, or if younger and they are/were working then they also had access to free health care. A number of pensioners, in-

cluding myself, considered themselves healthy (if not that fit) and put off by the considerable form filling in Spanish, were content to pay the occasional private doctor for minor problems. However at the age of 72, I found myself faced with a serious (at least for me) illness and without the funds to pay for long term investigation via the private route, realised how short sighted I had been

and had to turn to the Spanish Health Service (Sistema Nacional de Salud or SNS) for help.

Luckily, a Spanish friend working with my bilingual wife offered to organise my enrolment in the health service and because I had worked in Spain and held a social security number this was arranged quite quickly.

Happily, although I had been admitted to the Costa

del Sol Hospital as a ‘private patient’, I was able to present my health card and then not only was all treatment free, but I was also able to obtain prescriptions at significantly reduced cost.

Those readers who are citizens of the European Union and EAA but resident in Spain are generally able to enjoy free healthcare but are advised to check requirements for registration and

Spain has a very efficient free medical service.

PRESBYOPIA, commonly known as age-related long-sightedness, is a natural vision condition that makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects. It occurs when the eye’s crystalline lens loses flexibility, reducing its ability to accommodate (adjust focus). This process typically begins around 40-45 years of age and stabilises by the early 60s.

Causes and Symptoms

• The lens and surrounding eye muscles stiffen with age.

• Key symptoms include:

o Blurred near vision (eg, reading small print or using a mobile phone).

o Needing to hold objects farther away to see them clearly.

o Eye strain and headaches after prolonged close-up tasks.

o Increased reliance on bright lighting for reading.

Diagnosis and Prevention

• Diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam (visual acuity, refraction, and ocular health checks).

• Cannot be prevented, but symptoms can be managed with:

o Corrective glasses or contact lenses.

o Healthy habits like the 20-20-20

Understanding Presbyopia

rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

Treatment Options

1. Non-surgical Corrections:

o Glasses (single-vision, bifocal, or varifocal lenses).

o Multifocal contact lenses.

2. Surgical Solutions:

o Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implants (replaces the natural lens, restoring near, intermediate, and distance vision).

o Laser eye surgery (PresbyLASIK) (less common, reshapes the cornea).

Who is Eligible for Surgery?

• Adults over 45-50 with stable presbyopia.

• No severe eye conditions (e.g., advanced glaucoma or retinal disease).

• Requires pre-operative assessment by an ophthalmologist.

Post-Operative Care

• Quick recovery (resume normal activities within 24-48 hours).

• Prescribed eye drops and artificial tears.

• Follow-up appointments to monitor results.

In summary, presbyopia is an inevitable part of ageing, but modern solutions - from spectacles to advanced surgery - can restore clear vision. If you experience symptoms, consult an ophthalmologistfor personalised advice.

IN the middle of Havana, where power cuts and outdated tech are still part of daily life, one restaurant is quietly pushing boundaries. Doña Alicia might look like a typical Cuban eatery at first, but step inside, and it’s clear something different is going on. Instead of printed menus, guests are greeted by glowing tablet screens built into the tables. A small robot glides smoothly between diners, carrying food with quiet efficiency. It’s a surprising mix of traditional Cuban hospitality and modern tech, in a place not usually known for digital innovation. Doña Alicia has been open for seven years, but its shift toward high-tech dining happened gradually. It started with tablets for ordering and slowly expanded. Voice-activated services were introduced, and eventually the restaurant welcomed its most

Uniting strengths for the elderly

BY NICOLE KING MARBELLA MOMENTS

WE have brought forward the date for this year’s ninth annual United Nationalities of Marbella Summit (UNMS2025) to May 20. The topic needing immediate attention is our vulnerable ageing community.

Despite the dedicated efforts of numerous charities, associations and support networks, there remains a pressing need for a more coordinated approach to ensuring folk can actually find the help they require. With this in mind representatives from all along the Costa del Sol are participating.

National statistics for Spain indicate that about 19.6 per cent of the population is aged 65 and over. Applying this percentage to the Costa del Sol, we can assume there are at least some 276,000 residents aged 65, plus our area is particularly popular for retirees.

While many enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, others face challenges that impact their quality of life, including navigating social care, healthcare, accessing financial support and overcoming language barriers.

The vision is to create a streamlined support system that enhances access to essential services, including administrative assis-

#UNMS2025 – www.united-marbella.com

tance, social and healthcare guidance and support and financial aid. It would seem there is also a need to establish a Centralised Helpline with not just a fluent Spanish speaker but one with Spanish know-how to navigate the system effectively.

Many elderly residents face difficulties in finding qualified nurses, carers or appropriate financial aid. A shared network would streamline these processes and improve accessibility. A united approach also strengthens the ability to work with local authorities, pushing for improved resources, funding, and policy changes that benefit elderly care.

If any of this resonates with you: Register Now. We are #bettertogether #marbella #mijas #costadelsol

Mojitos & microchips

unique staff member, a robot server named after the owner’s grandmother, Doña Alicia. The robot now works alongside human servers, adding a futuristic twist. Menus offer Cuban classics and cocktails are still made by hand, keeping that old Havana charm alive even as the experience gets a modern refresh.

Losing its sparkle?

GERMANY’S legendary beer, once a global icon of brewing excellence, is seeing its golden age fade. Fresh figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reveal a sobering trend: the world’s thirst for Ger man beer is dwind ling - and domestic demand is drying up even fas ter.

In 2024, Germany exported 1.45 billion litres of beer - a 6 per cent decline compa red to 2014, ac cording to the country’s Federal Statistical Office.

“Despite the drop in foreign demand, beer exports proved more resilient than domestic sales,” the statisticians reported. In Germany itself, beer sales slumped to 6.8 billion litres last year - down 15.1 per cent from a decade ago.

breweries. While Germany counted 1,459 breweries in 2024 - around 7.4 per cent more than in 2014 - the figure is steadily falling from its pre-pandemic peak of 1,552 in 2019. Compared to 2023, the brewery count dipped by 3.4 per cent. These fresh statistics were released of Germany’s annual Beer Day, celebrated every April 23. The date commemorates the famed Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law, first enacted in Bavaria in 1516.

As sales shrink, so does the number of

According to the German Brewers Association, the law - which restricts beer ingredients to just water, malt, hops and yeast - not only safeguards a proud brewing tradition, but also stands as the world’s oldest food regulation still in force.

Tourist tax for Norway

NORWAY, it seems, is about to impose a new tourist tax to deal with complaints about overtourism, after the country in 2024 experienced a record-breaking 16.7 million overnight stays in summer.

The boom in popularity, caused by travellers seeking cooler climes and aurora-viewing opportunities, has provoked the government into reviewing its visitor fee plan. Initially it was suggested it should be at 5 per cent, but the tax has been lowered to 3 per cent of the cost of an overnight stay, according to the Minister of Trade and Industry.

The optional charge, to be decided by local councils, will go towards funding local projects like maintaining hiking trails and installing public toilets, to benefit both residents and tourists. This is hardly new in southern European countries like Greece and Spain, but it’s the first time the trend has arrived so far north.

However, the bill faces stiff opposition. The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) warns it may deter visitors, calling it ‘madness’ during the biggest tourism boom the country has ever enjoyed. Critics have argued the tax unfairly hits overnight visitors, excluding cruise passengers and day-trippers, whose presence is felt at popular destinations like the Lofoten Islands.

Tourism in Oslo fills the streets.

High-tech Cuban dining.

Image: Stefano Mazzola Shutterstock.com

The law restricts beer ingredients to just water, malt, hops and yeast.

Credit: Ich. Creative Commons

Furry sommeliers Lapland’s airport

RATS have long suffered from a bad image, blamed for spreading the Black Death in the 14th century and spending centuries skulking in sewers. But now, a new study suggests they might be ready for a surprising change in career, wine tasting.

Researchers from universities in London, Lincoln, Trento and Vienna teamed

with a particular wine, earned them a treat. Training carried on until each rat was correctly identifying wines at least 80 per cent of the time over three sessions in a row.

Then came the real test. The rats were put back in the chambers and given both familiar wines and new ones made from the same grapes. The results

they’d been trained on, the rats chose correctly 94 per cent of the time.

Not all the rats were up to the task, though. One named Peanuts passed the training phase but struggled when it came to recognising new wines. So, while most of the team showed real promise, Peanuts may need a bit more practice before he’s ready for the

ROVANIEMI AIRPORT in Finland’s Lapland is getting a €3 million expansion, set to finish by November 2025 - just in time for the winter tourist season.

The airport, a vital travel hub for Lapland and a festive favourite among international visitors, saw nearly one million passengers in 2024. This was a 29 per cent jump from the previous year, with nearly half of all travellers arriving from abroad, according to Airports Council International, according to the Helsinki Times . According to airport operator Finavia, the growth in visitor numbersparticularly during the peak December travel season - has made the expansion both necessary and timely. The project will add almost 1,000 square metres to the departure hall, improving services for both locals and tourists.

Rovaniemi,” said Jani Jolkkonen, Director of Finavia’s Airport Network.

The expansion is part of Finavia’s ongoing strategy to strengthen air travel infrastructure in the region. Between 2018 and 2020, Finavia spent €25 million on upgrades to Rovaniemi Airport, adding gates, check-in lines, a baggage centre, and revamped shops and restaurants.

“Finavia has for years supported the development of Lapland’s airports to allow regional tourism to expand. We are now responding to the continued growth in demand with this new investment in

Jolkkonen told Yle: “Thanks to the investments made in the past and the continuous development of customer experience, the customer satisfaction of Lapland’s tourists with the airport experience is very high.”

A new career for rats.

Rovaniemi Airport is a festive favourite for travellers.

ITALY

Deleted tribute

ISRAEL’S official social media account briefly posted a condolence message following Pope Francis’s death. However, the message, which included a photo of the pope at the Western Wall, was deleted shortly after. Israeli officials later called the post a ‘mistake’, explaining it was removed due to the Pope’s past criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Pension gap

IN the first quarter of 2025, the Italian National Institute of Social Security (INPS) reported that the average monthly state pension for women was €1,011, 32 per cent lower than the €1,486 received by men. This disparity, up from 29.1 per cent in 2024, reflects ongoing gender inequalities in Italy’s pension system.

PORTUGAL

Bird sanctuary

THE Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) launched a fundraising campaign to establish a national network of bird sanctuaries to reverse the decline of various species. These sanctuaries will collaborate with landowners to implement conservation measures such as creating ponds, and replacing invasive plants with native ones.

Ambulance crash

LAST week a speeding ambulance on route to an emergency in Espinho, Portugal, collided with two pedestrians, resulting in four injuries. Among the injured was a doctor travelling to an emergency, who sustained serious injuries. The other victims, two pedestrians, were also seriously injured. Authorities are investigating.

NORWAY

Royal relief

QUEEN Sonja of Norway has been discharged from Oslo University Hospital, after being admitted for breathing issues. She had been airlifted from a royal cabin in Sikkilsdalen. Her condition stabilised following medical tests, and she is on sick leave for a few days. This is her second hospitalisation this year.

Scholar strategy

NORWAY has introduced a 100 million kroner initiative to attract top international researchers, particularly those affected by recent US academic policy changes. The Research Council of Norway aims to bolster academic freedom and support critical research areas like climate, health, energy, and artificial intelligence.

EURO PRESS

Media lawsuit

SOME 67 French media companies representing 200 publications have filed a lawsuit against Meta in the Paris business tribunal. They allege that Meta’s dominance in digital advertising is based on unlawful practices, including extensive personal data collection and targeted advertising techniques.

FRANCE DENMARK

Royal portrait

GERMANY

Monkey business

PRINCESS Isabella of Denmark’s 18th birthday portraits were released last week, showcasing her first tiara and an elegant gown. However, one photo released of her holding an iPhone has sparked attention online as it broke royal protocol. The candid image provided a more personal glimpse of Isabella, marking her step into royal responsibilities.

Harbour hazard

COPENHAGEN’s harbour baths were temporarily closed after a sewage leak from Biofos, Denmark’s largest wastewater company. Around 12,000 cubic metres of wastewater were released into a stream flowing into the harbour, impacting local ecosystems. Authorities advised against swimming until water quality improved.

IRELAND

Compost trail

EAMON QUINN, 38, has been jailed for six months after stealing €500 worth of garden products from Vaughan’s Garden Centre in Ennis. Gardaí traced him via a trail of compost leading to his home. Described as a ‘cartoonish’ crime by his solicitor, Quinn, who suffers from health issues, pleaded guilty. Some items were recovered.

Rising tensions

IRISH hip-hop group Kneecap received death threats after their controversial Coachella performance, where they displayed messages against Israel and led ‘Free Palestine’ chants. Their manager confirmed the severity of the threats but praised the band for their bravery. Despite backlash, Kneecap has gained strong fan support.

Mail decline

A COURT in Chemnitz has sentenced three young men to three and a half years in prison each for stealing a monkey from Leipzig Zoo. The men had abducted 15-year-old Ruma, a female monkey, over Easter 2024 to take selfies and videos. They kept her in a garage for three days before eventually releasing her.

Eco-protest damage

A PROTECTIVE amphibian fence spanning several kilometres in Hamburg was deliberately destroyed. The fence was intended to safeguard amphibians during nearby construction activities. Authorities suspect radical environmental activists opposed to the motorway extension are responsible. The damage is estimated in the six-figure range.

NETHERLANDS

Gold gang

TWO additional suspects, aged 20 and 18, have been arrested in connection with the January gold heist at the Drents Museum in Assen, bringing the total to seven. They are believed to have purchased tools used in the break-in. Despite extensive searches, the stolen Romanian artifacts, including the Cotofenesti helmet, remain missing.

Pandemic debt

AS of April 2025, Dutch companies still owe €5.9 billion in deferred taxes from the Covid-19 pandemic. Approximately 120,000 businesses remain in debt, with 28 per cent currently in arrears. The tax office anticipates that some of this debt will never be recovered, estimating that €3.5 billion may ultimately not be repaid.

SWEDEN’s mail volume fell 12 per cent in 2024 to 1.05 billion items, a faster decline than previous years. The drop is driven by digitalisation and changing habits. PTS urges balancing service with cost-efficiency as revenues fall. Postnord currently delivers mail every other day and remains the sole nationwide distributor of traditional letters.

Hate speech case

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy in Landskrona, Sweden, is facing charges for inciting hatred against LGBTQI individuals after delivering a speech in an English class. Using terms like ‘abomination’, he expressed readiness to ‘take up arms for society and its customs’. Prosecutor Nina Bengtsson stated that the speech warranted legal action.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Bear boom

FINLAND’s bear population has seen a significant recovery, growing by 10-20 per cent in recent years to approximately 2,400 animals, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland. This resurgence follows a policy change in 2022 that reduced hunting quotas, reversing a previous decline.

Budget cuts

FINLAND’s government has announced a new budget plan featuring tax cuts, including reducing the corporate tax rate from 20 to 18 per cent and cutting employee income taxes by €1.1 billion. To finance these cuts, Finland will withdraw from the state pension fund.

BELGIUM

Go-slow protest

UBER and Bolt drivers in Brussels staged a spontaneous ‘go-slow’ protest, starting from Charles Quint Avenue in Ganshoren. Between 50 and 100 drivers participated, aiming to draw attention to disparities between street and rank taxis. Their demands included access to dedicated lanes, lower commissions, and higher minimum fares.

Jet boost

BELGIUM is accelerating military investment by purchasing more F-35 fighter jets, aiming to meet NATO’s 2 per cent GDP defence spending target by 2025, four years earlier than planned. The country has already ordered 34 F-35s and plans to manufacture additional jets in Italy.

Credit: Shutterstock / Skorzewiak

A lawsuit has been filed against Meta.

Going with the flow

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I NEVER initially chose to be a nonconformist. Sitting here at the ripe old age of 85 and looking back over decisions made as a highly disciplined young mortal (Dad was ex-army!) it soon became painfully obvious that choosing to remain within society as an ‘anti-social’ was at the very least going to be difficult and certainly not make me the winner of many popularity contests. Of course, at the outset you don’t know who, or even what you are. As a new-fangled soul manifestation you simply go with the flow.

There are also no set beginnings to non-conformity, it is something that just happens. There does however become a point when the choice has to be made; you either drop out, or stay in. Well, I (finally) chose to stay in. Although, through my spiritual leanings I was offered a host of escapes, ie, Hippie communes, becoming a Tibetan monk, taking the Junkie

route, membership of numerous cults, including the highly dangerous Scientology and all of its perilous offshoots, specifically designed to control the weak, I realised that to have any chance of influencing events in a society I already basically didn’t agree with, I simply had to stay a part of it. Politics would have been an obvious choice I suppose, but unfortunately, in my day to enter into the political arena, you had to either be a total conformist, a complete hypocrite, or an old boy with connections (no change there then!) In my early teens I had already been fortunate enough to meet my future wife and was actually looking forward to a normal loving relationship and hopefully a new family.

I had always loved the smell of greasepaint and the creation of songs – so to remain a true member of society I chose Showbiz. Ha! The most hypocritical occupation of them all.

Typical examples of this profession that I have never been able to abide are the egotistical celebrities who, followed by cameras and han-

gers on, spend their non creative breaks wandering between mud huts, trying to make us all feel bad and responsible for the ills of the world, before scurrying back to their existence of cosseted grandeur and luxury; the same starry-eyed bunch who attempt to deliver political philosophy when collecting their bronze statues of dramatised splendour. For heaven’s sake give us all a break and stick to your lives of fantasy, where most exhibitionists belong. Some 60 years ago, the realisation that if you really wanted to deliver and receive widespread opinions on your points of view then writing was by far the most expedient, led me to subsequently pursue it throughout a long life that has so far been almost yo yo like. One thing non conformity does achieve however is a relentless thickening of the skin. So, keep those letters coming, Doncha just love the hackles raising a bit? Keeps the ol grey matter ticking over - that’s fer sure.

Keep the Faith Love Leapy Lee leapylee2002@gmail.com

Publisher’s Comment

AT Euro Weekly News , we have always believed that our greatest strength lies in our community - in the voices of real people, real businesses, and real families.

The front page article is not just an expression of one person’s anger and frustration. It is a call to all - the hard-working entrepreneurs, the carers, the dreamers, the survivors - to stand together and demand better from those who claim to lead us.

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Taste of France

OVERLOOKING Fuengirola marina, Café on the Port - Bar and Bistro is a must-visit for foodies and wine lovers on the Costa del Sol.

The charming spot offers an unforgettable dining experience and a casual meeting point, featuring fresh, locally sourced dishes and a unique selection of French wines, rarely found elsewhere in the region.

The menu celebrates seasonal produce, crafted with passion to deliver vibrant flavours. Without freezers or microwaves, the kitchen focuses on freshness, from

hot stone-seared steaks to colourful salads inspired by local ingredients. The hot stone method, a specialty, enhances meat’s rich, tender taste while preserving nutrients, blending health with indulgence. The owners emphasise, “We believe in fresh food, not fast food,” reflecting their dedication to quality.

The owners’ deep knowledge of French varietals shines in a curated wine list, featuring a three-time world champion rosé, a gold-standard 2018 vintage, and an original ‘Hmmm’ wine that puzzled critics

- hence the name. Each bottle has a story and a fair price, with France’s unique terrain and climate creating smoother, distinctive flavours compared to Spanish grapes. Wine tastings allow guests to explore these artisanal selections.

Set against the serene marina, Café on the Port invites diners to enjoy fresh dishes, warm hospitality, and fine wines, creating lasting memories in the sunshine with great company.

Puerto Deportivo, Local 4, Fuengirola www.cafeontheport.

Manterola’s Art Shines

THE Elena Laverón Exhibition Hall at the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Centre in Torremolinos hosts a captivating display of works by Basque artist Valentín Manterola until June 30.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge, Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for April 30 at 7pm.

Born in Zumaia, Guipúzcoa, in 1946, Manterola has left a lasting mark on the art world. From a young age, he was drawn to the sea and its surrounding landscapes, mixing reality and imagination in bright colours and forms. Renowned for his neo-figurative style, he merges recognisable elements with bold,

expressive brushstrokes, earning acclaim as a master of landscapes and still lifes.

Manterola’s paintings ooze elegance, capturing the majesty of cliffs, the grace of sailboats on Basque waters, the dynamism of fishing boats, and the calm of umbrellas on rainy days. His works are featured in prestigious venues like Madrid’s Herráiz Gallery, Getaria’s Elcano restaurant, and San Sebastián’s Kutxa Bank, as well as in private collections around the world.

The exhibition offers a rare chance to experience Manterola’s evocative artistry in Torremolinos. The Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Centre is at Calle de la Cruz, 42, Torremolinos.

Some of the most exquisite wines at Café on the Port.

Fuengirola nations fair

FROM April 30 to May 4, Fuengirola’s fairgrounds come alive with the colours and sounds of the Feria de los Países, one of the biggest events in the Fuengirola calendar showcasing the different cultures resident in the town.

This year, 33 nations are taking part, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, and Senegal, as they present their traditions, cuisines, and musical performances, attracting locals and tourists to this colourful cultural display from as far afield as Malaga City.

Known locally as the ‘Feria de los Pueblos’, the fair features 33 country-themed stalls, each presenting authentic music, dance, decor, and traditional dishes. Visitors can savour Lebanese mezze, Jamai-

can jerk, or Spanish tapas while enjoying folkloric shows.

Daily from 1pm to 4am, the fair buzzes with live music, dance, and central stage performances presenting each nation’s heritage.

A highlight is the May 1 Nations’ Parade at 11am, starting from Plaza de España.

Approximately 1,500 participants in traditional costumes will march through Fuengirola, creating a wildly diverse show.

New this year are improved accessibility features for those with reduced mobility, themed rest areas, and cultural workshops, including Hawaiian dance and African drumming.

Safety and medical services have also been doubled.

Spiritual abstract

INTERNATIONALLY recognised artist Gabrielle Ange, based in Marbella, is currently exhibiting her paintings in Arsenal Inoxis in Alhaurin el Grande.

Born in Paris and artistically educated at the School of Modern Art, Paris, Ange has lived in various countries developing her unique style, such as the US, Spain and France, where she was awarded the Gran Prix d’Aquitaine, the Grand Prix du Sud Ouest and the Biennale du Sud Ouest.

Euro Weekly News caught up with her to discuss where she is coming from in terms of her artistry.

According to Ange, her works are a communication of her spirituality, but not religious in any way.

“I’m a channeller. I’m a spiritual person, and I work in a spiritual way. What I feel in the vibrations, I go and paint. ‘It’s like a cosmic orgasm’.”

“Where do you start with an empty canvas?”

“I put some music on. I give clas-

ses of music therapy, in fact. I want my students to feel something when they begin painting. And that they feel creative, because we are all creative. Something that touches your soul. That makes you let go.”

The images, no matter how abstract they may appear at first, have a tangible look to them, almost as if there were a figure one could grab.

Connect with Gabrielle Ange via her website gabrielleangeart.com or her Instagram.

Credit: FlP

Gabrielle Ange in front of her works.

All the colours of culture at the international fair.

Ayurveda and yoga

RENOWNED experts from India, the US and Europe unite for a unique day of holistic health, ancient wisdom and inner transformation - all in the heart of the Costa del Sol.

On Saturday May 3, Marbella will host the Ayurveda Marbella Summit 2025, a groundbreaking event dedicated to Ayurvedic medicine, yoga, and self-knowledge. Held at the Marbella Conference Centre, this full-day experience aims to bridge Eastern traditions with modern well-being, bringing together world-leading voices in spirituality and holistic health.

“True well-being isn’t just personal - it’s collective,” says Yovanka Manolovic, founder of Diksha España.

to this initiative, many children will have a genuine chance at a better life.”

A family’s passion

FOR a taste of the real Ireland, a new family-run, warm and friendly bar-restaurant has opened up at Fuengirola’s harbour - Mc Loughlin’s.

On May 4 and 5, those wishing to dive deeper can book one-to-one consultations with Ayurvedic doctors, tailored to individual needs. Dr Erize will also be offering private sessions on May 5 and 6. For music lovers, Bittu Mallick’s vocal masterclass on Sunday May 4 promises to be another highlight.

“True well-being isn’t just personalit’s collective,” says Yovanka Manolovic, founder of Diksha España. “Thanks

• General admission: €5 (donated to charity)

• Concert by Bittu Mallick: €25 (sold separately or bundled with general ticket)

• Venue: Marbella Conference Centre, May 3, 10.00 to 20.00

• Tickets: Available at the ANS Clinic Marbella, at the venue on the day, or online at www.ayurvedasummit2025.com

• Contact: ansclinic@gmail.com | Tel: +34 722 322 094

“We’ve been open since last November. And it’s getting really busy now. I’ve just come over. Until now it was just my mam, dad and my brother. It’s a completely family-run business,” Peter McLoughlin tells us. In fact, they’re all McLoughlins. It really is a family affair.

The Guinness was amazing. Micheal, the dad says, “It’s Irish Guinness, not the African one you get in a lot of places. The African one is a bit cheaper, but ours comes from Dublin. The food we sell is all the Irish stuff you can get back home, especially the Irish break-

fast, which is really popular.

“I smuggled over black pudding at first, and nobody was eating it, so we took it off the menu. We give them white now, and they love it. Parker’s sausages are on there too. We’ve got roast beef. We do a Sunday roast. All fresh.”

The Irish and English communities are beginning to cotton on that this is the place to be for a taste of authentic Ireland. And those who do come back come three or four times a week.

The McLoughlins are passionate about their Guinness. They open from 9am until 10pm, or beyond, there’s plenty of Irish goodness on offer.

McLoughlin’s is overlooking the marina at Fuengirola harbour.

Credit: Ayurvedic Summit

Delirios de Cherry

PREMIERE CLUB Marbe-

lla presents a free musical fiesta as rising stars Delirios de Cherry take the stage for a one-off concert at the famed Marbella venue on Friday, May 2, at 11.30pm.

Formed in Ronda just last September, the trio, Alba Cherry (vocals), Brazilian guitarist Gui Ferrari, and Argentine drummer Andrés Crisci, has already made waves with their debut album, YSIMEAMO?, a wild mix of indie pop/rock, Latin rhythms, soul, and folk.

The band’s eclectic sound, weaving raw emotion with dreamy vibes, reflects their diverse backgrounds and influences.

“We’re all about throwing a party on stage,” Crisci says, noting their aim to spread joy. Their journey began serendipitously when Crisci and Cherry met by chance in a Ronda bar, sparking the idea for the band. Sceptical at first, Cherry was stunned

didn’t believe it was serious until Gui arrived,” she laughs.

With Ferrari’s recording expertise, the trio crafted their album on a shoestring budget, even filming a heartfelt music video at Ronda’s iconic El Pensamiento venue as a farewell to the closing spot. Now, after captiva-

across Ronda’s Serranía, they’re bringing their infectious energy to Marbella. Expect a night of Spanish and English tunes, raw passion, and a performance that’s nothing short of a celebration.

Premiere Club Marbella is at Plaza de los Olivos 2, Marbella.

HIDDEN in Estepona’s bay is something truly unique: Escaramujo Wines, Spain’s first sanitary licence for underwater wine ageing. Launched in 2021, it operates under strict European regulations, combining innovation with deep respect for the sea.

At Escaramujo’s underwater cellar, wines are aged between 20 and 30 metres deep. Cold temperatures, low light, atmospheric pressure, and the gentle swaying of currents create the perfect environment, giving the wines a smoother, fresher, and more balanced character. As co-founder Victor M Gomez explains, “The sea gives our wines a different rhythm.”

Sustainability is at the heart of the project. Bottles are suspended in the water using oyster and scallop farming techni-

ques, without damaging the seabed. Over time, marine life, such as barnacles and corals, colonises the bottles, and even the endangered Mediterranean mussel, Pinna nobilis, has grown in the area over time.

The inspiration for Escaramujo came from wines recovered from centuries-old shipwrecks, showing how well wine can age underwater. After years of research and hard work, Victor and his team succeeded in creating a project that blends winemaking with marine conservation.

Visitors can join their ‘Tasting at Sea’ experience by sailing out to the underwater site and tasting sea-aged wines paired with fresh local oysters. This is a must-visit for wine lovers and expats on the Costa del Sol.

Credit:

Escaramujo Wines.

ESTEPONA’S Casa de Las Tejerinas is exhibiting Más se perdió en Cuba: Homenaje a Aldo Menéndez, a contemporary art exhibition featuring Cuban artists from the 1980s generation, until May 3.

Cuban Art celebration

Drawn from the collection of Jorge Reynardus, a prominent Cuban art collector and founder of The Cuban Art Alliance, the show pays homage to Aldo Menéndez, a multifaceted Cuban artist who passed away in Miami in 2020.

The exhibition showcases works by over 30 artists, including Aldito Menéndez, Arturo Cuenca, Pepe Franco, and José Bedia, many of whom escaped Cuba in the 1990s and now reside in the US, Spain, and Mexico.

The title reflects both the historical migration of Andalucians to Cuba and

the loss of these artists to the diaspora. Menéndez, a painter, graphic designer, and curator, led Cuba’s Taller Porto Carrero, which taught printmaking, and earned the National Culture Order in 1987.

The display has the objective of fostering a cultural exchange between

THE Costa del Sol welcomes a new era of classical music with an exclusive concert featuring Bulgarian soprano Iva Ionova and Estonian pianist Maria Bachmann.

On an elegant terrace filled with the sound of silky sound of evening gowns brushing against the marble floor, the smell of exotic perfumes lingers in the air, gentle clinking of Champagne glasses, elegant terrace is filled with sensual atmosphere. Then it all begins... a captivating voice begins to sing, transporting the listeners to a realm where time stands still. Accompanying the voice is the smooth, melodic sound of a piano.

A Night of Extraordinary Music at this inaugural event promises a

Estepona and communities passionate about art. Visitors can explore the fascinating works Tues-

sensual celebration of culture and refinement. During the concert break, attendees can savour a de-

days to Fridays, 9am to 8pm, and Saturdays, 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm, totally free of charge.

lightful selection of tapas and wine from the golf club’s esteemed restaurant, ensuring a culinary experience as memorable as the music.

The event will be held at Marbella Golf Country Club on Saturday, May 17. Presale tickets, available until May 10, are priced at €75, with regular tickets at €90 thereafter. Discounts for children under 18 are offered. For tickets or inquiries, email bachmannartistsagency@gmail. com, call/WhatsApp 699 958 369. Don’t miss this perfect blend of music, cuisine, and elegance.

Manilva’s Got Talent: Enter and support a good cause

IF you sing, dance, act

chance to step into the spotlight and do Got

IF you sing, dance, act or play a musical instrument, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and do something amazing. Manilva’s Got Talent is back, and this time it’s helping raise funds for a vital local cause.

Organised by Age Concern Sabinillas Dementia Support Group, the event is open to ages eight to 80. Your talent is welcome whether you’re a seasoned performer or just love to entertain. All you need to do is send a short video showing what you can do. Entries must be sent by May 10 to age concernsabinillas@gmail.com (Attn: Nina Valdes), or call 633 096 939 for more info.

cent goes towards supporting people affected by dementia in our area. It’s a great night out that really makes a difference.

The live final will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 5pm to 7pm at the stunning Civima Theatre in Manilva. Expect a fun-filled evening full of local talent, good energy and community spirit.

Tickets cost just €20 per person; every

So, if you’ve got a hidden talent or a passion for performing, now is your time to shine and help a fantastic cause while doing what you love.

Join your Costa del Sol community for a night to remember. Enter now and be part of something meaningful.

Más se perdió en Cuba: Homenaje a Aldo Menéndez.

Credit: Casa de las Tejerinas.

Maria Bachmann pianist and soprano Iva Ionova.

Credit: Bachmann Artists Agency

Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels

Take a book, leave a book: Estepona’s new reading initiative

ESTEPONA has just launched a lovely new idea for book lovers, and it’s all about sharing. The town hall has created a network of ‘Libros Libres’ or ‘Free Books’ spots across town. These small wooden boxes, shaped like miniature houses, have been set up in parks, squares, and public areas.

The idea is simple: take a book, leave a book.

Everyone in the community, locals and expats alike, is welcome to pick up a book for free, read it, and then return it or swap it with another. It’s a great way to promote reading, encourage sustainability, and bring people together through the love of books.

These little libraries are dotted around key locations in Estepona, inclu-

ding La Cala, Parque del Calvario, and Plaza ABC. Each book house is easy to spot and open to all. Just open the door, pick a book, and enjoy.

The town hall hopes this project will encourage people of all ages to read more and share stories with others. It’s also a great way for English-speaking expats to find books in different

languages or even introduce locals to English titles.

So next time you’re out for a walk, keep an eye out, you might find your next great read waiting inside a wooden book house. And if you’ve got a book you’ve already read at home, why not give it a new life by leaving it for someone else?

Celebrate May Day in Mijas with free sardines and live music

LOOKING for a fun and traditional way to spend May 1? Head to La Cala de Mijas for the much-loved sardinada, where more than 600 kilos of sardines will be cooked and handed out for free.

The event, which begins at 12pm in Plaza del Torreon, marks International Workers’ Day, a public holiday across Spain. Visitors can enjoy freshly grilled sardines prepared by 18 local espeteros, skilled workers who will cook the fish the traditional Malaga way over open wood fires.

As well as delicious food, the day includes live music and family-friendly entertainment. From 1.30pm, local bands Alborea and Radio 80 will take to the stage under a large marquee, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

The La Cala Youth Association will also run a bar area, serving drinks and extra snacks at affordable prices, making it a great day out for all ages.

The Mijas Town Hall, which organises the event each year, encourages locals and expats to come along and enjoy this popular celebration of community, food and music.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, the May Day sardinada in La Cala is the perfect way to enjoy the local traditions of the Costa del Sol. Bring your appetite, grab a plate, and join in the fun!

Freshly grilled sardines prepared by local espetero.

Credit: Estepona Town Hall, Facebook.

Credit: Mijas Town Hall

1st comedy open mic night

GET ready to laugh, Sabinillas - the town is gearing up to host its first-ever comedy open mic night, and it promises to be a good one.

This event, taking place at The Corner House Irish Bar on Thursday, May 1, is the brainchild of Lucy Amans, a British expat who’s been making waves on the Costa del Sol comedy circuit.

Credit: Amans World Comedy, Facebook.

Open mic night.

If the first night is a success, the open mic will be held monthly. Whether you’re looking to perform or enjoy a fun evening with friends, the organisers say everyone is welcome.

up to host its first-ever co- open mic will be held you’re looking to is central, of can advan-

Known for her sharp wit and honest humour, Lucy says the idea is to give both seasoned comics and first-timers a space to try out material in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

“There’s so much talent here,” Lucy told Euro Weekly News in an interview. “We’ve got a great mix of expats and locals, and laughter really

The venue is central, right in the heart of Sabinillas, and serves food and drinks throughout the evening, making it a perfect spot for dinner and a show.

Doors open at 7.30pm, and performances start at 8pm. You can book tickets in advance on Eventbrite, or just show up and bring your sense of humour.

Follow Comedy Costa del Sol on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on future events.

Immersive Van Gogh

ESTEPONA Council has announced the arrival of Van Gogh ‘Grandes Éxitos’ (greatest hits), an immersive exhibition opened on June 5 at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos.

The exhibition, which runs until September 21, invites visitors to step inside the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh, whose life was marked by suffering, madness, and a relentless pursuit of beauty. Special pricing will be available for Estepona residents.

The one-off exhibi-

put together exclusively for Estepona, uses cutting-edge technology like Digital Art 360,

ring over 40 projectors and multi-screen displays to create a dynamic, multisensory experien-

ce. Visitors will feel as though they’re actually inside Van Gogh’s paintings, with works like The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Almond Blossom brought to life through kinetic, holographic, 3D, and morphing effects. Projections up to six metres high, coupled with a curated soundtrack, transform the venue’s surfaces into virtual canvases, offering an emotional journey through the Dutch artist’s world.

Organised by Ramproart, a leading event company with over 20 years of experience, the exhibition follows its success in cities like New York, Paris, and London, gaining fame through features in Netflix’s Emily in Paris.

Tickets are available at www.van-gogh.es , promising Estepona a cultural experience filled with colour, sound, and emotion.

Credit: van-gogh.es

Van Gogh’s greatest hits.

Feria de los Paises Fuengirola:

The Blue Stompers Jump Review live

FUENGIROLA’S

popular Feria de los Paises is back - and one live act you won’t want to miss is The Blue Stompers Jump Review.

This international blues band will perform live at Caseta Belgica during the fair. The group consists of musicians from Finland, Britain, Cyprus, and Spain. Their sound combines boogie-woogie, New Orleans jazz, raw R&B, and deep blues. Expect high-energy performances, lots of rhythm, and a real connection with the crowd.

pean and Mediterranean influences gives their music a unique, vibrant feel.

Charity farm-to-table lunch at Marbella Club

The Blue Stompers Jump Review have been described as one of the Costa del Sol’s hidden gems. Their authentic style and lively shows have built a strong local following over the years. Their blend of northern Euro -

The Feria de los Paises in Fuengirola runs from Wednesday, April 20, with the colourful parade on Thursday, May 1. Every day, visitors can enjoy food, crafts and live performances from around the world. Entry is free, and the atmosphere promises to be lively, family-friendly, and full of surprises. If you love live music and want to experience some real blues at the Feria de los Paises, make sure to catch The Blue Stompers Jump Review at Caseta Belgica.

For more information about the fair, visit www.fipfuengirola.com.

FOOD lovers and nature supporters are in for a treat this May. The Marbella Club is hosting the first edition of SustainTable, a farm-to-table charity lunch that celebrates seasonal cooking and local produce.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 4 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the beautiful Kitchen Garden of Finca Ana Maria. Guests will enjoy a special four-hand menu created by chef Andres Ruiz and Coco Montes from Michelin-starred Pabu in Madrid. Both chefs are joining forces to create a meal that honours the rich flavours of the Costa del Sol.

All proceeds from the event will support the Arboretum Foundation, a local non-profit group focused on ecological regeneration and environmental education.

Led by ecologist Alejandro Orioli, the foundation works to protect and restore green spaces across the area.

This charity lunch is a perfect mix of fine dining, sustainability, and giving back. Expect fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and a relaxed outdoor setting surrounded by nature.

Places are limited, so early booking is recom-

mended. Access will be through the Herb Garden gate.

To reserve your place, email restaurantes@ marbellaclub.com.

Don’t miss the chance to support a great cause while enjoying a delicious meal crafted with care by two talented chefs. SustainTable promises to be a highlight of Marbella’s social calendar this spring.

The Garden, Marbella Club.

The Blue Stompers Jump Review live.

Marbella Club

All about the essential Spanish tomato

IT may surprise you to know that tomatoes are originally not Spanish; they were brought from the Americas in the 16th century after the voyages of Christopher Columbus and later Spanish conquistadors. They arrived along with other ‘New World’ foods like potatoes, peppers, and cocoa.

Venta Victoria in Casares Venta Victoria Venta Victoria in Casares is a must-visit for Sunday lunch

The first tomatoes in Spain were small and yellowish, and at first were treated more like decorative plants, admired for their beauty, but thought to be poisonous. So, In the beginning, tomatoes were rarely eaten.

VENTA VICTORIA in Casares is a must-visit for an authentic Spanish Sunday lunch with stunning mountain views. Situated at kilometre 8 on the scenic Casares road, this family-run restaurant offers rustic charm and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

tomatoes, thanks to its varied climates and strong culinary traditions and in addition to the historical varieties, Spain also began cultivating unique local varieties, each adapted to regional climates. Each region tends to have its prized local tomato variety, often suited to particular dishes. Here are some of the most popular types:

Tomate Raf - Sweet, with a hint of acidity, irregular, ridged shape. Popular for salads.

The menu features traditional Andalucian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Tomate de Pera (Pear Tomato) - Elongated, pear-like shape. Meaty, fewer seeds. Ideal for sauces and preserves.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, tomatoes gradually became accepted as food, especially among rural and poorer populations. By the 19th century, tomatoes were essential in Spanish cooking and we are now one of the largest tomato producers in Europe. Tomatoes are central to Spanish identity, featured in everything from home cooking to festivals like La Tomatina in Buñol, where thousands throw tomatoes at each other for fun!

Whether you’re seated inside the cosy dining room or outside enjoying the sunshine, the ambience is relaxed and inviting.

For a genuine taste of Andalucia in a picturesque setting, Venta Victoria in Casares offers an unforgettable Sunday lunch experience.

Tomate Corazón de Buey (Oxheart Tomato) - Very large, heart-shaped. Juicy and soft flesh. Used fresh in salads or for stuffing.

Tomate Kumato - Dark brown to greenish colour. Very sweet and intense flavour.

Tomate Cherry - Small, round, and sweet. Perfect for snacks, salads, or garnishes.

Tomate Muchamiel - Large, greenish with red stripes. Meaty and slightly acidic.

From hearty stews to grilled meats, each dish is prepared with care and served in generous portions. Specialities include tender oxtail stew (rabo de toro), slowcooked goat stew (caldereta de chivo), and marinated pork ribs (costillas en adobo). Indulge in home--made treats like apple and chestnut pudding or a rich chocolate mousse for dessert. The friendly staff ensure a hospitable experience, making it a favourite among locals and expats.

The outdoor terrace offers lovely views of the surrounding countryside, making it the perfect setting for a leisurely Sunday meal.

Spain grows many different types of

Tomate Rosa de Barbastro - Big, pink-colored tomato. Extremely sweet and tender. Specialty from Barbastro region.

Tomate de Montserrat

- Green to pink colour, hollow inside. Crisp and less juicy.

Popular in Catalonia for stuffing and salads.

Tomate ValencianoFlat and ribbed. Sweet and juicy. Key ingredient in Valencian summer salads. And here are some of the most popular dishes: Gazpacho (cold tomato soup), Salmorejo (a purée of tomatoes and bread), Pan con Tomate or Pa amb Tomàquet (tomato bread), Pisto (Spain’s answer to ratatouille), Tomate Aliñado (a simple salad of dressed sliced tomatoes), Patatas Bravas (potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), Ensalada de Tomate y Atún (tomato and tuna salad).

Given its popularity, especially on weekends, it’s advisable to book a table in advance. Venta Victoria is open from 10am to 5pm and closed on Tuesdays. For reservations, you can contact them at +34 952 894 199.

Estepona melting pot

HUNDREDS gathered at Calvario Park to celebrate Estepona’s 2025 Foreign Residents’ Day, a colourful tribute to the town’s international mix.

Deputy Mayor Begoña Ortiz said of the event, “This annual gathering brings together and promotes harmony among all residents, regardless of their origins, while showcasing each country’s unique culture.”

International Day melting pot of cultures.

The event honoured three elected foreign residents of the year: Johnny Cuéllar from Bolivia, Carlos Stieffel from Argentina, and Teresa Rocío Mateos Torras from Mexico for their community contributions and long-standing participation in Foreign Residents’ Day and the Sweet Christmas Encounter. Ortiz praised their integration efforts, noting the event’s role in recognising such work.

Twenty-five countries, including Belgium, Italy, Morocco, Ukraine, and newcomers Germany, Switzerland, and Ecuador, set up stalls offering examples of traditional cuisine and artisanal crafts. Spain gave excellent performances by local dance schools La Milana, Ana Guerrero, and Marví Dominguez and Claudia Ramírez ‘La Maravilla’. The stage was non-stop all day with Chilean cumbias, Mexican folk songs, Celtic tunes, Scandinavian melodies, Argentine folk, Paraguayan dance, and Venezuelan salsa.

Informational stalls from groups like the Estepona Foreign Residents’ Association (AREME), Gatos y Amigos, AECC, and the Official Language School added to the community feel. The event, a melting pot of music, dance, and flavours, shows Estepona’s commitment to celebrating its global community.

Credit: Marko Saborido Pineda, Venta Victoria Facebook

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona

Cookin’ with gas

THE lights may have gone out, hundreds of bars had to close on Monday, April 28, but Christy’s Irish pub in Fuengirola kept on.

‘Power outage? What power outage?’ Asked Nik from Christy’s.

“When the going gets tough... you know you can rely on Christy’s!”Monday night during, Spain’s unprecedented 12 hour power cut, team Christy’s sold 100s of bottles of beer and cooked over 50 delicious hot meals by gas.

For Christy’s the massive power outage had little or no effect. “OK we had no electricity, we had no Internet, we had no live sport or music and we obviously couldn’t accept card payments but what team Christy’s did have was initiative, determination and the will to

stay open to serve our regulars and the many new customers we gained.”

They had candlelight, they had gas to cook with by candlelight they had the spirit of camaraderie.

The feeling was one of staff and customers mucking in together determined to enjoy themselves.

As long as they have electricity, they will be continuing the week as usual, cooking with gas.

Free concert in Estepona by US orchestra and choirs

MUSIC lovers are invited to a free concert in Estepona on Friday, May 2. The Symphony Orchestra and Choirs from Weber State University, USA, will perform at the Felipe VI Auditorium at 8.30pm.

The Diputacion de Malaga organises the concert with the support of the Estepona Town Hall. Admission is free, but an invitation must be collected in advance at the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre.

The orchestra and choirs will present a varied programme conducted by Francisco de Galvez. The evening will open with a Hoedown from Aaron Copland’s famous ballet Rodeo, followed by a selection of choral pieces led by Dalan Guthrie.

The concert’s second part will feature Beethoven’s Triple Concerto for violin, cello, and piano. Estepona residents and visitors will be treated to performances by three soloists: ShiHwa Wang (violin), Cesar Jimenez (ce-

llo), and Yu-Jane Yang (piano).

The event promises a wonderful evening of classical music, bringing together American and Spanish talents. It also offers a rare chance to enjoy a full symphony orchestra and choirs live without the need to travel far or pay for tickets.

For more information about invitations, visit the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre as soon as possible, as availability is limited.

Don’t miss this special night of music in Estepona!

Christy’s in Fuengirola, by candlelight.

Weber State University Concert Choir.

Credit: Nik

Credit WSUCC, Facebook

Estepona’s half marathon returns with live streaming for 2025

OPEN 11.00 - 01.00 7 DAYS A WEEK

DELICIOUS GASTROPUB FOOD SERVED ALL DAY

AMAZING OFFERS

Reser vations: (+34) 620 226 911 - Calle Olleria 20, Fuengirola

Two streets behind El Puerto Hotel, 30 seconds from Fish Alley

Large secure private terrace

RUNNERS, get ready - Estepona’s popular half marathon is back on Sunday, May 5. And this year, it comes with a modern twist. The race will be live-streamed online for the first time, allowing friends, family, and fans to watch the action in real time from anywhere in the world.

The Estepona Half Marathon has grown quickly over the past few years, and 2025 looks to be its biggest event yet. More than 1,000 runners are expected to hit the scenic coastal route, taking in sea views, palm-lined promenades, and some of Es tepona’s best spots.

The route follows the Sen da Litoral and inclu des a mix of flat sections and gentle slopes, making it ideal for beginners and experienced runners. As always, the race finishes near the beachfront with a festive atmosphere - including live music, local food, and a medal for every participant.

sold out over a month in advance, showing how much this event has become a key date in Estepona’s calendar.

If you’re not running but want to support someone who is, the new livestream means you won’t miss a moment. Organisers hope it will also shine a spotlight on Estepona as a top sports and tourism destination.

Whether you’re running, cheering, or watching from home, Estepona’s 2025 half marathon promises energy, excitement, and plenty of Costa del

Registration

Waiting for Godot

in Fuengirola:

a tale of life’s uncertainties

THE Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola presents a powerful and thought-provoking production of Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett on the Costa del Sol stage.

This famous English-language play has been called one of the most important of the 20th century. First performed in London in 1955, it remains just as relevant today.

The story follows two friends, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait by a tree for a man called Godot. They aren’t sure who he is, if he’ll show up, or even why they’re waiting - but they wait anyway.

It’s a strange, sometimes funny, sometimes sad look at how we all deal with uncertainty, routine, and hope. The characters distract themselves with jokes, arguments, and

Waiting for Godot performance.

questions that don’t have answers. It’s been called absurd, existential, and even poetic.

This new production at Salon Varietes features five talented actors bringing Beckett’s unforgettable characters to life. Whether you’ve seen the play before or are discovering it for the first time, this is a show worth experiencing.

Performances run from Wednesday, April 30, to Sunday, May 4, with evening shows.

Tickets are on sale now at www.salonvarie testheatre.com. You can also book directly at the theatre box office or by calling 952 474 542. Don’t miss this clever, moving night of theatre in Fuengirola.

Credit: Estepona Town Hall, Facebook.

Estepona Half Marathon 2025.

Enjoy Estepona on a budget: top picks

offers a variety of activities.

LIVING on the Costa del Sol doesn’t have to be expensive. Estepona offers a variety of free activities that allow you to enjoy the town’s charm without spending a euro. Here are some top picks:

Explore the Mural Route

lunteers to walk their dogs. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and help animals in need. Your time is appreciated if you’re a regular or have a free afternoon.

Visit Colectivo PhotoEstepona

walk with lovely sea views, linking various beaches and offering a peaceful escape.

Tour the Scorched Earth Chilli Farm

Estepona’s streets are decorated with over 60 vibrant murals, making the town an open-air art gallery. Take a self-guided tour to discover these artworks that reflect local culture and creativity.

Volunteer Dog Walking at ADANA

ADANA is a local dog shelter that welcomes vo-

This non-profit photography group often hosts exhibitions showcasing works by local photographers. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with the community and appreciate local talent.

Walk the Senda Litoral

The Senda Litoral is a scenic coastal path that stretches along Estepona’s shoreline. Enjoy a leisurely

For something unique, visit the Scorched Earth Chilli Farm. Explore the farm, learn about different chilli varieties, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a spicy adventure that’s both educational and fun. These activities provide enjoyment and help you connect with Estepona’s community and culture. Embrace the local lifestyle without stretching your budget.

VE Day celebrations

THE Andalucia Performing Arts Society (TAPAS) , which is based in Alhaurin El Grande, is known for its highly regarded international choir and varied programme of excellent music shows. But the Society also holds many popular social events each year.

TAPAS will be marking the 80th anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe with a celebration in Estacion de Cartama on Saturday, May 10, from 4pm to 7pm. The event will take the form of a 1940s tea party with music and songs from the era. There will also be a quiz, along with tea and delicious homemade cakes.

TAPAS brings together members

from the local community, other European expat communities from as far afield as the Americas and Africa. The event organisers and hosts, Betty and Ken Ross, would like the party to be a joyful celebration of the beginning of a new era of peace and hope in Europe 40s-style dresses and costumes are optional, but there will be a prize for the best dressed.

The event is open to TAPAS members ( 10€ ) and non-members ( 12€ ). For tickets and location contact Linda via WhatsApp on 693 104 060. There will be a raffle, and the proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group based in Mijas.

Estepona

Credit: Ekaterina Chuyko, Canva

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Vino victory

SPAIN’S top white wine region, Rueda, reached a new export record in 2024, selling 15.8 million bottles abroad, a 5.4 per cent increase from the previous year. “This is a big achievement, especially with global wine sales dropping,” said Carlos Yllera, head of the Rueda Council.

Sleep science

RADISSON Hotel Group is rolling out ‘Revitalise Rooms’ to help guests sleep better. This new feature is being launched in partnership with Biow, a company known for its sleep science technology. The goal is to help guests rest more deeply and wake up feeling energised.

Rate relief

UK inflation fell to 2.6 per cent in March, down from 2.8 per cent in February and 3 per cent in January, boosting hopes for a Bank of England rate cut. Analysts expect a reduction from 4.5 per cent to 4.25 per cent at the policy meeting on May 8.

Basque boost

SPAIN’S Basque Country is advancing self-government with an amendment to the Basque Economic Agreement, granting control over VAT and 13 other taxes. The changes affect 20 articles and two provisions, raising the threshold for smaller taxpayers from €10m to €12m, enabling more to pay taxes locally.

Goya glory

THE Bank of Spain and the Prado Museum have collaborated to restore the portrait of José de Toro-Zambrano y Ureta, a painting by Francisco de Goya, returning this work to its original state. This collaboration is part of the agreement signed by both institutions in 2013.

AS the use of cash declines around the globe, digital payments are becoming the norm. In Spain, Bizum has made sending and receiving money easier than ever. It lets users instantly transfer small amounts between mobile phones, without needing account numbers. It’s fast, easy, and widely used across the country.

However, that has also attracted scammers. To keep users safe, Bizum has added stronger security. If it detects unusual or suspicious activity, it may temporarily block your bank account. A common reason for this is going over the platform’s transaction limits.

Many users don’t realise Bizum has set rules. There’s a minimum and maximum amount you can send per transaction, plus daily and monthly limits on how much money you can send or receive. You can receive only a certain number of

The additional amount Spain has approved in spending to meet the goal of allocating 2 per cent of GDP to security and defence in 2025.

Cashless catches Sales slump Fare fiesta

AS online dating celebrates its 30th anniversary, romance scams are seeing a sharp increase, with reports rising by 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Barclays Bank has revealed that one in 10 adults in the UK have either been targeted by a romance scam or know someone who has. The financial losses for victims are significant, with the average amount lost in

EU success

THE EU’s employment rate reached its highest level ever by the end of 2024, while the unemployment rate also dropped to its lowest point in years.

According to new data, the EU’s employment rate reached an all-time high in the fourth quarter of 2024. During this period, eight EU member states recorded their highest employment rates since data began in 2005.

The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in February 2025, the lowest since 2000, indicating fewer people in the EU are unemployed.

payments per month. While there’s no limit to how often you can send money, every transaction is tracked. If you go over the allowed amounts, it may trigger a block.

On top of Bizum’s rules, your bank may have its own limits too, which vary from one bank to another. If you exceed any of these limits, your

Heart hustle

transaction might be declined. Worse, your account could be temporarily frozen, not just for Bizum, but for other banking services as well.

To avoid issues, check your limits and adjust them in your banking app if needed. If you need to send a larger amount, a regular bank transfer is a safer choice.

2024 reaching £8,000. For those aged 61 and older, this figure rises to £19,000.

Flynt forward

DUTCH startup Flynt has hopes of disrupting the European light commercial vehicle market with its first fully electric van.

The vehicle is set to launch in 2026.

The van, currently called the eLCV, is designed for urban and regional use as well as last-mile deliveries. It’s expected to offer a range of up to 500 kilometres on a single charge and promises a low total cost of ownership.

Flynt has confirmed that the vehicle will be efficient, carry a high payload, and deliver a modern, digital driving experience, all within a durable and flexible design.

Adding to its appeal, the model can also be configured as a camper van.

AIR EUROPA has launched a new discount campaign in a bid to strengthen its position in the international long-haul market. The Spanish airline is offering tickets to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America from €249 one-way and to the US from €226. The promotion, valid until May 4, includes flights until November 30. It also includes reduced prices for domestic and European routes, with fares starting at €25 between mainland cities and €29 to other destinations in Europe and Asia.

Men make up a larger share of the volume (60 per cent) of reported scams.

Three-quarters of consumers believe tech companies should take stronger action to stop romance scammers on their platforms. Romance scams typically occur when fraudsters build a fake romantic relationship to gain their victims’ trust.

Skyward growth

BRUSSELS Airport has announced a major upgrade to its infrastructure, with a series of projects planned over the next few years. These include building a new intermodal transport hub, expanding both the arrivals and departures areas, adding a new hotel, creating a redesigned drop-off zone, and developing a green boulevard with a park.

This is the airport’s biggest investment since the 1990s.

The expansion is part of preparations for growing numbers of passengers.

The full project is expected to be finished by 2032.

The focus is on improving travel quality and sustainability while staying in line with environmental guidelines.

FRENCH sports retailer Decathlon will shut down 25 stores across France in May as part of a major restructuring.

The move comes after a 15.4 per cent drop in global profits last year. Stores in both big cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Nantes, as well as smaller towns like Arras, will be affected.

The company says the closures are due to changing shopping habits, with more customers choosing online shopping, express delivery, and click & collect services.

THE six largest banks in Spain, Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, Bankinter, and Unicaja Banco, earned a combined €7.26 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This figure is an impressive 8.7 per cent increase from the same period last year. This growth came despite a special tax on banks and recent interest rate cuts. Even so, they managed to improve their profit margins, according to early market estimates.

Romance scams are seeing a sharp increase. Image: Kaspars

Bizum has recently added stronger security.

3I Group 4.209,65 4.215,00 4.200,00 13,35K

Group 3.218,0 3.234,0 3.212,0 9,58K Airtel Africa 166,50 166,90 166,10 50,33K

American 2.155,5 2.160,5 2.148,5 37,01K

1.709,50 1.710,00 1.696,50 13,93K

Group 4.120,0 4.137,0 4.110,0 77,36K

British Foods 2.229,0 2.240,0 2.224,0 23,65K

812,20

293,40 294,28 291,25 1,9M

Redrow 454,80 456,22 454,30 172,72K

Beazley 892,75 896,00 890,00 57,3K

Berkeley 4.072,0 4.102,0 4.072,0 11,12K

BP 365,75 367,77 365,55 1,09M

British American Tobacco 3.157,0 3.166,0 3.151,0 55,64K

Group 168,70 168,85 167,65 344,2K

2.308,0 2.318,0 2.286,0 37,62K

158,30 158,85 157,05 728,48K

HBC AG 3.808,0 3.818,0 3.800,0 11,16K

2.465,00 2.471,00 2.458,00 58,56K

Group 258,20 258,80 256,60 41,46K

4.828,0 4.848,0 4.824,0 7,03K

Euro

EUR/GBP: Up from £0.83 to £0.85

EUR/USD: Up from $1.08 to $1.13

The euro surged higher over the past month, with the common currency enjoying its strong negative correlation with the collapsing US dollar.

EUR was also buoyed by hopes for an EU-US trade deal, along with optimism after Germany’s leading political parties agreed to form coalition.

The European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision failed to derail the euro’s rally, even though ECB President Christine Lagarde warned of risks to growth. Amid the USD decline and global uncertainty, the euro’s safe and stable status made it an attractive option.

Looking forward, the euro could face headwinds in the month ahead if EU-US trade tensions flare up again.

Currency outlook: US dollar collapses amid mounting confidence crisis, Euro rallies on USD weakness

Otherwise, a continued unwinding of USD could support EUR.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Down from €1.19 to €1.17

GBP/USD: Up from $1.29 to $1.33

The pound initially found success over the past month amid hopes that the UK would be able to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, the UK was una-

ble to secure a tariff exemption, which undermined the pound and saw it trim earlier gains.

GBP then faced more pressure as markets increased their expectations for Bank of England (BoE) interest rate cuts this year, amid signs of cooling inflation, slowing economic activity, and the potential disinflationary impact of US tariffs on the UK economy. Looking ahead, the BoE’s interest rate decision is in focus.

If the bank cuts rates and indicates that it could cut further in the future, Sterling may slide.

US dollar

USD/GBP: Down from £0.77 to £0.75

USD/EUR: Down from €0.92 to €0.88

The US dollar cratered over the past month as Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs fuelled fears of a US recession.

Investors were also unnerved by the way in which the

White House calculated the tariffs, along with Trump’s calls for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates – despite fears tariffs could push up inflation.

The result has been a growing confidence crisis in the US dollar, with the American currency collapsing to a three-year low.

We may see the US dollar confidence crisis continue, particularly if trade tensions flare, the US economy shows signs of weakness, or Trump continues to pressure the Fed. However, the outlook for USD is increasingly uncertain.

Currencies Direct have helped over 500,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

The EUR was buoyed by hopes for an EU-US trade deal.

Mammograms

MAMMOGRAMS are a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer, playing a vital role in improving survival rates. These low-dose X-rays allow doctors to examine breast tissue for any abnormalities, often detecting cancer long before symptoms appear. Early detection is critical because it can catch cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Women aged 40 and older are typically advised to have regular mammograms, though the frequency may depend on personal and family medical history. For those at higher risk, doctors may recommend starting scree-

nings earlier or having them more frequently.

Mammograms can detect even small tumours or changes in breast tissue that may not be noticeable through self-exams or clinical exams. By identifying these issues early, mammograms can help prevent cancer from spreading and reduce the need for more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or surgery.

Regular mammograms are an essential component of preventive health care, empowering women to take control of their health and reducing the overall risk of breast cancer complications. They save lives by providing early detection and timely intervention.

THE temperature changes of the seasons can cause respiratory disorders and discomfort to which on many occasions, we do not give the importance they deserve, therefore, if you feel discomfort when breathing or suffer from any pathology, it is time to call us and take care of yourself again. Changes in temperature can cause various respiratory disorders thereby leading to discomfort. Should you experience any discomfort or feel unwell, we can help you with it at our clinic. Avenida de España 20, Local 5, Sitio de Calahonda, Malaga. +34 952 933 377

Travelling light

HEADING off on a ho liday? When space is tight, smart packing is key - especially with your beauty routine. The trick is choosing multi-tasking products that save space without sa crificing your glow.

Start with tra vel-sized skincare: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturiser, and SPF (non-negotiable!). A tinted moisturiser with SPF is a great two-in-one solution. For make-up, think minimal: a lightweight foundation or BB cream, a versatile lip and cheek tint, mascara, and a brow pencil that doubles as eyeliner. A compact palette with neutral

eyeshadows can also double as a highli -

ShutterstockOlgaChapova

Haircare?

Swap bulky bottles for solid shampoo and conditioner bars or decant your favourites into mini bottles. A dry shampoo can be a game-changer

Pack smart by using a clear, zip-up toiletry bag to save time at security and keep everything visible. Consider leak-proof containers and pack them upright in a corner of your suitcase or inside a shoe for extra protection. With the right essentials, you’ll be looking fabulous without the excess baggage.

Computer eye strain

SPENDING long hours in front of a screen can take a toll on your eyes. A condition known as computer eye strain - also referred to as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain - is becoming

increasingly common in today’s digital world. It happens when your eyes have to work harder than usual to focus on screens, whether it’s a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Unlike reading from paper, screens constantly refresh and often have glare, contrast issues, or poor lighting. This forces your eyes to continuously adjust, leading to fatigue. Symptoms may include dry or watery eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and even neck or shoulder pain from poor posture.

The condition isn’t typically serious, but it can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Fortunately, simple habits can help - like following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, reducing glare, and ensuring proper lighting and posture can also ease the strain.

If symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to consult an optician. Regular breaks and mindful screen use can go a long way in protecting your eye health in the digital age.

Step to it

THE often-quoted goal of 10,000 steps a day may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal number of steps depends on factors such as age, sex, and overall health. Research suggests that younger adults benefit from aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, which supports cardiovascular health and weight management.

Older adults, particularly those over 65, may find 6,000 to 8,000 steps a more realistic and bene-

THE connection between what we eat and how we feel is becoming increasingly clear, as research continues to explore the link between nutrition and mental health. While food isn’t a cure-all, certain nutrients play a vital role in supporting brain function, mood regulation, and overall emotional well-being.

A diet rich in whole foods - such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and oily fish - helps fuel the brain with essential vitamins and minerals.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and walnuts, have been linked to reduced symptoms of depression, while B vitamins, especially B12 and folate, support energy levels and mental clarity. Conversely, diets

ficial target, helping with mobility, bone strength, and mental well-being.

Men often naturally walk more steps due to occupational differences and stride length, but gender doesn’t drastically affect the health benefits gained from regular walking. The key is consistency over quantity, especially for those new to regular activity.

Step counters and wearable trackers can be a worthwhile

investment, especially for those needing motivation or structure. Many devices offer more than just step counts - they can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and even stress levels. While basic models start at modest prices, even a simple pedometer can encourage healthier habits. Ultimately, it’s not just about the number of steps, but making daily movement a part of your routine - whether that’s a brisk walk or dancing in the kitchen.

Food for thought

high in processed foods and sugar may contribute to mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety.

Gut health also plays a surprising role. A well-balanced microbiome can influence serotonin productionthe ‘feel-good’ chemical - which is largely

support this delicate system.

Of course, nutrition is only one piece of the mental health puzzle, but making

You are what you eat is most relevant.

mindful food choices is a gentle, everyday step that can have a lasting impact. As science catches up

with common sense, the old saying ‘you are what you eat’ feels more relevant than ever.

Regular walking helps with mobility, bone strength and mental well-being.

Vlasova

May Day Celebrations

WHILE many associate May Day with placards and picket lines, its roots stretch far deeper and are considerably more cheerful. Long before workers demanded an eight-hour day, May Day was a joyful European festival marking the start of summer, celebrated on May 1. In the UK, this meant dancing round the Maypole, crowning a May Queen (sometimes a May King) and ‘bringing in the May’ with garlands and greenery.

Meanwhile in Spain, May Day, known as Los Mayos (‘the Mays’), blossoms in equally fascinating ways, especially in regions like Galicia.

There, the ‘Fiesta de los Mayos’ with Celtic origins centres around decorated trees or sculptures. Locals parade around them singing

witty, topical verses (maios) accompanied by the clack of sticks. In Lugo, it was once traditional to reward singers with chestnuts or hazelnuts (no cash, just kernels!).

Nowadays, this has become a lively competition, with prizes for the most inventive songs and elaborate displays. Think village fête with a poetic twist.

So, whether you’re partial to a bit of Morris dancing or intrigued by musical chestnut-perks, May Day has plenty to offer beyond the rallies and banners.

It’s a celebration of creativity, community and (hopefully) warmer weather to make us all feel just a little bit better - with the traditional start of summer.

Finally, thanks for all emails to my website! So pleased you enjoy my column - and novels!

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Marbella’s Easter Hat extravaganza shines

FROM COAST TO COAST

ON Sunday, April 20, Marbella on the Costa del Sol, was alive with sunshine, sea breeze, and a flourish of feathers as the American International Club of Marbella (AICM) hosted its beloved Easter Hat Competition at the fabulous Garum Restaurant.

It was a sight to behold. Friends and elegant guests arrived dressed to impress, their hats as dazzling as their smiles. From vibrant blossoms to vintage flair, every creation told a story. There were hats that whispered spring, others that shouted celebration and all of them carried the spirit of Easter on top.

The competition, a cherished Marbella tradition, drew a delightful crowd and brought out the best in creativity. Categories were hotly contested, and the judges had their work cut out for them.

Taking the crown in the ladies’ category was Norma, whose breathtaking floral creation captured the magic of the season. Her design blended colour, grace, and a touch of whimsy earning her top honours with ease. The elegant and ever-stylish Milagros also our Vice-President, won second prize with a stunning design that perfectly paired originality with charm.

In the men’s category, Len wowed the crowd with his stylish and clever masterpiece, snagging first prize. Dennis followed with a second-place win, his bold hat proving that gentlemen know how to have fun with fashion too!

Presiding over the festivities with charm and wit was Lucca, Master of Ceremonies and President of the AICM. His lively presence set the tone for the event. A heartfelt thanks goes to the dedicated board members: Claudia, Johnnie, Pat, Jo, and our ever-elegant Vice-President Milagros. With grace, enthusiasm, and great humour, they brought this celebration to life, ensuring every detail was perfect. Their hard work and unwavering commitment made this event a standout moment for our community.

Garum Restaurant, once again, proved to be the perfect host, offering delicious cuisine and impeccable service. Their flawless organisation made the day even more memorable.

This wasn’t just a contest it was a celebration of friendship, elegance, and community. It was a day that exemplified the spirit of Marbella, where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate creativity, connection, and, of course, fabulous headwear.

Hats off to all who made it memorable. Until next year, stay fabulous!

aif2018@hotmail.com

aif2018@hotmail.com

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

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

Fines for loud phones

Putting an end to mobile phone noise on public transport.

PORTUGAL wants to put an end to mobile phone noise on public transport, and from now on it will fine passengers who are causing noise that may disturb other passengers.

Portugal’s Transport and Mobility Authority (AMT) has launched a campaign to monitor and control the inappropriate use of mobile phone volume on public transport. Users who are making excessive mobile phone noise will be fined between €50 and €250, as this will be considered an offence of lack of civility. Alongside sanctions, the Portuguese authorities intend to launch awareness campaigns ‘for an appropriate and civic use of mobile phones’. Among other measures, it recommends transport operators to carry out

INTERVIEW

passenger satisfaction surveys including questions related to this problem, to reinforce the current warnings, or to implement the so-called ‘silent wagons’, already active in Spain or France. These infringements are independent of the source of the sound, according to Portuguese authorities. It does not necessarily have to be music or videos, but users who are making calls or video calls and can hear their interlocutor on the other end of the phone will also be taken into account. Spanish law does not impose fines or punishment when users are being loud, instead, there are signs recommending the use of headphones so as not to disturb other passengers. However, here it is simply a recommendation and not an obligation.

Ovidiu Chiriac - Speaking European

“I’VE been living in Spain for 23 years,” he says, adding that “I spent the longest time in Burgos.”

But a year and a half ago, he decided to relocate. “I moved here [Manilva] to be closer to family,” he explains.

Now working in renovations and general home maintenance, Ovidiu says his job keeps him busy with “both interior and exterior” work. Al though he’s settled in, he does miss some aspects of life back home. “The working conditions and the salary” in Romania, he says, were better in some respects.

family again has also made a big difference.

Integration hasn’t been a problem – Ovidiu has friends “from different nationalities,” and while learning Spanish came with its challenges, it didn’t take long to overcome them. “… working all the time with Spanish people made it much easier and quicker to learn.”

Interestingly, both Spanish and Romanian are part of a family of languages known as ‘romance languages’ – their Latin origin means they have a lot of similarities.

That said, Spain has plenty to offer. “I like the climate and the culture,” Ovidiu shares, highlighting two things that often top the list for many expats who move to Spain. Being surrounded by

For those in the area looking for maintenance and renovation work to be done, you can WhatsApp Ovidiu on +34 667 277 785 or find him on Facebook.

Ovidiu likes the climate and the culture.

Over two decades ago, Ovidiu made the leap from Romania to Spain.

Costa Blanca North Costa Blanca boom • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

THE Tourism sector had hoped that Easter would, as predicted, bring a surge of tourists to the Marina Alta and Baja, and according to the latest data from Hosbec, Hotel And Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community, their hopes were answered. An astronomical number of tourists arrived in the Costa Blanca North over the Easter period. Benidorm was expected to hit high occupancy numbers, but what no one predicted was that Gandia would match the tourism giant. The Valencian Community as a whole reached 85 percent of its tourism capacity. International news has been rife for months with stories of how tourists were not welcome at the coasts in the Marina Alta and Baja regions, but if anything disproves these comments, it is the sheer numbers of tourists that came this Easter holidays to the region. In fact, hotel occupancies in the Alicante, Costa Blanca region reached 89.1 per cent occupancy according to Hosbec’s data, beating the major city of Valencia and the Castellon region.

Axarquia Axarquia’s global recognition

THREE beaches in Nerja have been ranked among the 20 most beautiful in Andalucia by National Geographic. Calahonda Beach, located in the centre of Nerja near Balcon de Europa, achieved an impressive fourth place. Maro Beach took the 11th place in National Geographic’s rankings, while Burriana Beach was placed at 20th place. Both of them were praised for their natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Another beach from Axarquia also made it into the top 20. Bajamar, from Velez-Malaga, took the 19th place. Its low occupancy rate makes Bajamar perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the more crowded beaches in the area. Additionally, it is one of the beaches in Axarquia where nude bathing is permitted. The inclusion of four Axarquia beaches in the rankings of National Geographic is a source of pride for the region. In fact, local authorities in Nerja stated that such accolades serve as further motivation to continue enhancing the town’s policies for beach protection and visitor services, due to the crucial role tourism plays in the local economy.

Mallorca A romantic surprise

THOSE lucky enough to be at the Mallorca 312 OK Mobility this year witnessed a truly unforgettable moment - a romantic proposal that stole the show.

Among the 8,500 cycling enthusiasts taking part was a familiar face to many islanders: Cintia Rodríguez, the former elite gymnast who brought home numerous national titles and proudly represented Spain at the highest international level.

Now retired from gymnastics since November 2022, Cintia has channelled her competitive spirit into cycling, even racing in federated events. This year, she tackled the gruelling 225-kilometre intermediate course but the real highlight came not at the starting line, but at the finish at Platja de Muro.

As captured by the cameras of IB3 Televisió, Cintia’s partner, who had also ridden the race, dropped to one knee in front of the cheering crowds and presented her with an engagement ring. “Will you marry me?” he asked. Overwhelmed with emotion, Cintia said a heartfelt “yes,” to joyful applause.

Costa Blanca South Global buyers

FOR the second year in a row, around 29 per cent of all property sales on the Costa Blanca were made by foreign buyers, confirming the region’s popularity among international clients.

These figures come from the 2024 Yearbook of Real Estate Registry Statistics. The report shows that more than 103,515 properties were sold in the Valencian region in 2024, with nearly 30,000 bought by foreigners. This is the highest number ever recorded, surpassing the 27,900 foreign purchases made in 2023.

Interest in the Costa Blanca from international buyers has been strong for many years. However, there was a noticeable increase two years ago when foreign sales rose from just under 27 per cent to about 29 per cent, and this level has remained stable for a second year.

Within the region itself, Alicante stands out with nearly 44 per cent of all its property sales going to foreigners.

Almeria Happy place

MOJACAR has been ranked as one of the top 10 happiest towns in Spain. The 2025 ‘Top 39 Happiest Towns in Spain’ list, compiled by YouGov and Azucarera, places Mojacar in eighth place, a jump of three spots from last year’s 11th position. The ranking considered several factors such as climate, local community, culture, natural surroundings, and food. Mojacar stands out for its stunning views, whitewashed buildings, and warm Mediterranean climate, offering more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and mild temperatures around 20°C. This makes the town a popular place to live and visit year-round.

Mojacar is also known for its friendly and welcoming residents. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with famous festivals like the Moors and Christians celebration and the ‘Noche de las Velas’ (Candlelit Night), which draw both locals and tourists. The area’s beautiful beaches and variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to water sports, contribute to a high quality of life.

WHILE some of Spain’s busiest tourist regions saw a drop in visitor numbers this year, Murcia quietly reached a new record. Between January and March 2025, more than 295,000 people stayed in hotels across the region, the highest figure ever recorded for the first quarter of the year.

It’s not just about the numbers. Many travellers are now looking for quieter, more affordable places to unwind, and Murcia is ticking all the right boxes. With mild winters, beautiful beaches, and quaint towns that feel more authentic than overcrowded hotspots, the region is starting to attract more attention, especially from international visitors, whose numbers rose by more than 10 per cent compared to early 2024.

Visitors are also staying slightly longer, with the average hotel stay rising to 2.41 days. Hotel earnings are up too, showing that this quiet corner of Spain is becoming a smart choice for holidaymakers and a boost for the local economy.

Costa Calida

Visitors choose Murcia

PETS

Does your bird need a pet-sitter?

SULTAN is a chatty bird and always like company. He moves around this cage trying to attract your attention, and always gets excited when a new pet-sitter comes in to care for him. It’s a new person to chat to. And it means that when HouseSitMatch sitters move in he has new playmates for the duration of their stay.

HouseSitMatch saves you money

We promote collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win!

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.

If you’re planning travel this year, join now.

Sultan loves to chat to people, and petsitters can be very attentive…

Get organised today:

1. Register as a house-sitter or a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos

4. Sitters apply for the available housesits, you hold a video interview via the site and match!

How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

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Unbelievably good service! HouseSitMatch take the worry away from leaving your dog. Lamia and her team helped me through the whole process of finding the right sitter for my slightly nervous dog. HouseSitMatch’s professional approach and secure platform allowed me to have confidence in the people who applied to look after my dog.

All sitters are checked and referenced before they can approach available ‘sits’, so I found it easy to select the person based on their likelihood of getting on with my pet and our home location.

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Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

A proper fit

A DOG’S collar might seem like a simple accessory, but if not fitted correctly, it can lead to a range of health and behavioural issues. One common problem is a collar that’s too tight, which can cause skin irritation, fur loss, or even breathing difficulties in extreme cases.

A tight collar can also restrict neck movement and put pressure on the trachea, especially in smaller breeds. Over time, a poorly fitted collar can affect posture and lead to muscular tension.

If the collar is too loose, however, your dog could slip out and risk injury or getting lost. Constant rubbing from the collar may also result in so- tricting comfort.

ACE OF SHADES

FOR the first time in 20 years, the DGT, Spain’s governing traffic department, will update road signs. Here’s what you need to know.

New signs, new rules 3 documents every driver MUST carry

While Spanish roads have evolved over the last two decades, the design of traffic signs has remained largely unchanged, aside from minor technical corrections. Now, the DGT is almost ready to modernise the country’s traffic signs and update them so they reflect the current times.

Some of these new signs have already been installed by local councils. These include informative signs banning access to low-emission zones and restrictive ones limiting access to electric scooters and other vehicles in densely populated urban areas.

Also present on more rural, secondary roads is a brand new sign that warns drivers of the pre-

sence of wild boars, the cause of more than 40 per cent of traffic accidents involving wild animals.

Nearly 100 new signs are being introduced, while a further 30 will be updated or redesigned. Reasons for these updates include visibility issues, outdated concepts - such as the use of a steam-powered train symbol - and gender inclusivity.

Some other signs will see their designs up-

dated for more trivial reasons: the octagonal ‘STOP’ sign has a new font, with enlarged letters to make it more visible to drivers.

The previous road sign catalogue was approved in 2003, at a time when scooters were not conceived as vehicles. This modernising aspect of the DGT’s plan also includes signs banning hoverboards and Segways - signs that will probably be spotted in tourist areas.

WHETHER you’re doing the school run in Marbella or heading to the beach in Benidorm, Spanish law couldn’t be clearer: there are three documents every driver must have in the car - and if you’re missing even one, the Guardia Civil won’t be giving you a friendly wave.

Forget your insurance receiptthat’s so 2008. What matters now is carrying the holy trinity of motoring documents. No excuses, no exceptions.

The three documents that could stop your car being towed

Here’s what needs to be in your glovebox - every time you get behind the wheel:

Driving licence (‘Permiso de Conducir’) - If you’re in the driver’s seat, you’d better be licensed to be there.

Vehicle registration certificate (‘Permiso de Circulacion’) - Proves your car’s not just some rogue tin can on wheels or some dodgy fo-

reign car trying to slip under the radar.

ITV certificate or ITV card (Tarjeta ITV) - Confirms your car isn’t a death trap on wheels.

These three must be valid and either original or officially certified copies. Got a crumpled photocopy in your glove compartment? That won’t work. If you’re pulled over or involved in a bump, these are the first things the police will demand.

Don’t leave it to chance - check that you’ve got your licence, registration, and ITV card every time you set off.

Insurance documents? Not needed since 2008 - the police can check that on their system. But your legal right to drive and your car’s roadworthiness? That’s still needed.

Spain’s new AI speed system

SOME are up in arms, others are revving their engines in delightSpain has ushered in a new era on its motorways. One where drivers who can barely handle a roundabout are now legally hitting 150km/h. What could possibly go wrong?

Spain has just waved the chequered flag on a bold new traffic initiative - and it’s left many drivers doing a double take.

The speed limit on a stretch of the AP-7 motorway in Catalonia has officially been raised to 150kph (93mph), making it one of the fastest public roads in Europe. That’s rightSpanish motorists can now legally cruise past the 120 km-an-hour mark, but only under specific conditions.

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), Spain’s traffic authority, is calling it part of

their ‘smart traffic’ revolution. In a move that blends artificial intelligence with everyday motoring, the system uses real-time dataincluding weather conditions, traffic flow, volume, and time of day - to decide how fast cars can go.

If conditions are ideal - think clear skies, quiet roads, and off-peak hours - the limit can shoot up to 150kph. But if the heavens open or conges -

tion builds, the speed cap will drop, helping to keep things safe and sensible. It’s a dynamic limit that adjusts with the times - literally.

The variable speed zone covers the stretch between Maçanet de la Selva and El Vendrell, spanning roughly 145 kilometres. Normally limited to 120kph (75mph), the AP-7 is getting a futuristic facelift in this pilot rollout.

New signs will be rolled out during the summer on Spanish roads.

Two of the car documents every driver in Spain must carry.

Credit: Prisca Laguna, Shutterstock

Smart traffic system to put the pedal to the metal on AP-7.

Credit: Den Rozhnovsky, Shutterstock

Alvis’ latest Lancefield continuation car, 88 years after the first

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

THE Alvis Car Company has unveiled its latest Lancefield continuation car in Japan 88 years since the first special order left Alvis’ Coventry factory in the UK for the 1938 London Motor Show. This latest model, fully certified for road use, features a celebrated Art Deco design, with modern engineering techniques and the finest of British manufacturingin line with the ethos of a 21st-century Alvis.

Crafted entirely in the Alvis Works, in Kenilworth, UK, the almost five metre long 2025 Lancefield draws on Alvis’ unmatched archive of more than 25,000 drawings, 23,000 car records and 300,000 original parts. As a true continuation, it uses parts curated from the new old stock retained since the end of car production in 1968. Power steering, electronic engine management and servo-operated brakes have been integrated without compromising the car’s ori-

ginal character. Fully compliant to meet legislation to enjoy on the road, it has a catalytic converter, indicator repeater lights and a collapsible steering column.

Dispatched from Alvis on August 19, 1937, the original would’ve cost €1,581/£1,350, more than double the price of the average house in the UK at the time. Alvis craftspeople using a blend of contemporary tools and traditional techniques have faithfully recreated the bodywork, created using traditional coachbuilding techniques - carefully for-

ming aluminium over a bespoke ash frame in a painstaking, 3,800 hour process. Completing the appearance, the car is painted in-house in two-tone cream.

At its heart, the straight-six, 4387cc engine is assembled to the same specification as Alvis’ revered original, but now benefits from fuel injection and electronic engine management for easy hot starting, smoother throttle response and improved torque. The engine and body are mated to a fully galvanised steel chassis which carries a consecutive

over long distances yet wei- ghing just 1,500 kg it offers surprisingly punchy performance; a 0-60 mph acceleration of under 10 seconds is possible. Before delivery, the Lancefield is put through its paces with a comprehensive road test on the same Warwickshire routes used by Alvis since the 1920s. It is supplied with an updated owner’s handbook, faithfully based on the original.

Built to be used, this first Lancefield is destined for a Japanese enthusiast and follows three other continuation series to find homes via the local agent Meiji Sangyo, distributor for the marque in the country more than 50 years ago.

Piqué’s tweet becomes sensation

BARCELONA lifted the Copa del Rey trophy after a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium.

It was a night to remember for the blaugrana team, with Jules Koundé scoring the decisive goal in the 116th minute. Composed and resilient, Barcelona took the lead early with Pedri’s strike. Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni turned the game for Madrid with two quick goals, but Ferran Torres’ equalizer forced extra time.

Thanks to Koundé’s decisive blow, Hansi Flick’s team claimed their first silverware of the season after a tense and heated encounter.

Following the final whistle, Barcelona legend Gerard Piqué posted a tweet that quickly went viral: “In the end, the good guys always win.” The for mer Barça defender’s

Piqué.

post racked up nearly four million views and was shared more than 32,000 times, winning once more the hearts of Barcelona fans.

The 38-year-old’s remark also delivered a sharp jab at Los Blancos’ long-standing persecution complex regarding refereeing decisions.

DON CARLO ANCELOTTI looks set to swap sangria for samba, with the Real Madrid boss very close to becoming Brazil’s new manager, according to bombshell rumours.

The legendary Italian, who’s steered the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan and Madrid to glory, is expected to pack his bags as soon as next week, with talks heating up faster than a Rio summer.

According to the latest reports, negotiations will continue

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

A busy time for all!

AWFL Over 60s

Nerja Utd. 6 v 3 Sporting Benahavis

Real Madrid finished the Sevilla night in disgrace, with three players sent off after the final whistle. Antonio Rüdiger now faces a lengthy ban for throwing ice at the referee, while Jude Bellingham’s frustrations had already boiled over before the se-

Piqué, a true icon of the club, made 616 appearances for Barcelona between 2008 and 2022. During his career, he won nine La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and three UEFA Champions League crowns.

Carlo

Ancelotti

‘very close’ to new job

into May, but the writing’s already on the wall at the Bernabéu. Diego Fernandes, the Brazilian businessman thought to be brokering the blockbuster move, was even spotted at the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, April 26raising eyebrows and fuelling speculation.

Brazil have been sweet-talking Ancelotti ever since their World Cup dreams crumbled in 2022. Now,

with the 2026 tournament looming, the Seleção seem desperate to get their man - and fast. Ideally, they’d like ‘Don Carlo’ calling the shots before the June internationals.

Both Real Madrid and the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) have been tight-lipped, refusing to comment.

But behind closed doors, it’s clear Brazil are ready to samba to Ancelotti’s beat.

Mick Sweeney clinically fired Nerja into an early 2-0 lead before Kev Sweeney added a third, reacting quickest to a rebound and suggesting an easy victory. However, a break down the right saw Sporting pull one back and then a Benahavis penalty made it 3-2. Fast approaching half time, the hosts were awarded their own penalty, coolly dispatched by Tony Wells to restore Nerja’s cushion. After the break, Andy Field-Millard further extended their lead before the visitors fought back again to make it 5-3. Eventually, Wells bagged his second to seal the points, but not before further pressure from Benahavis threatened to reduce the deficit. Full marks to the visitors for never giving up and well done to Nerja who still have a chance to secure second place in the league.

AWFL MAIO Over 60s Cup Semi Final

Real Calahonda 2 v 3 Malaga WFC

A late goal from Malaga’s Paul Lennon in this dramatic match put them into the final for the second year running against the winners of the game between AC Benahavis and Nerja United.

THE Champions League could be in for major changes. According to Sport Bild, UEFA is reviewing bold new proposals that could reshape Europe’s top competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. One major idea is scrapping extra time altogether. If a knockout match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it would go straight to penalties.

And elsewhere......

Good luck to two of our league clubs, El Cañadon OB and Malaga WFC, who have entered teams in the Eurocopa in Albufeira, Portugal, and are playing as your reporter writes! The results will be known by the time we go to press!

And don’t forget......

The Walking Football World Nations Cup 2025 will be held in Alicante in October!

And finally......

Best wishes to our League Chairman, Mark Sargent, who is out of hospital and recuperating well at home, having recently undergone major surgery. All the best, Mark!

See you next week!

UEFA shake-up

If it all goes through, Ancelotti will make history as the first foreigner to take permanent charge of Brazil’s national team - and with his trophy cabinet groaning under the weight of silverware, few would bet against him adding the World Cup to his glittering collection.

The reason? Players are exhausted, schedules are overloaded, and clubs have been pushing for reforms. However, TV broadcasters are reportedly not thrilled about the idea, fearing the loss of dramatic moments that drive viewership. Another idea is giving an advantage to the top eight teams in the group stage by allowing them to always play the second leg of knockout rounds at home. It’s a change that would reward strong early per-

formances and make the group stage even more competitive. UEFA is also considering preventing teams from the same country from facing each other before the quarter-finals.

This would mean no early Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid or Bayern vs Leverkusen

matchups, keeping the tournament more international during the initial rounds. Although these proposals are still being discussed and nothing is final, it’s clear UEFA is under pressure to adapt. Fans should be ready for some unexpected twists in future tournaments.

The iconic Champions League trophy – UEFA could introduce major format changes next season.

Gerard