Mallorca I No. 2152 I 1 - 7 October 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal PM - 140 - 2004 - ISSN 2488-1686
Giants on parade
HUNDREDS of people filled the streets of Alcudia as the town hosted its 18th Festival of Giants, bringing a spectacular display of traditional figures, music and colour to the historic centre. The Trobada de Gegants d’Alcudia brought together 17 giant groups and around 300 participants for one of the municipality’s most distinctive cultural celebrations. The festivities began with the traditional gathering of the giant figures in Plaza de Carlos V before they set off at 6pm for a lively parade through the town. Visitors were able to see giant figures from Alcudia alongside groups who had travelled from elsewhere,
Credit: Instagram/gegantersdalcudia
18th Festival of Giants in Alcudia.
including Cataluña, adding to the atmosphere as the colourful procession moved through the streets. This year’s celebration was particularly special for the local Colla de Geganters d’Alcudia, the town’s giant figure group, which is marking its
20th anniversary. A new figure, Mar-
galida Barraixeta, was also presented during
the celebrations, joining Alcudia’s growing
family of giants and marking another milestone for the group. The annual gathering highlights the enduring popularity of Mallorca’s giant traditions, which bring communities together through music, parades and local folklore. For Alcudia, this year’s event combined a major anniversary with the arrival of a new giant, while welcoming hundreds of participants and spectators for an evening of traditional celebration.
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A MUSIC festival planned for Magaluf was called off at the last minute after a court ordered measures to control noise levels at the Mallorca Live Showground. S’Embat was due to take place on Saturday, September 26, but organisers announced on the day that the event would be postponed until March 27, 2027, citing “logistical reasons.” Ticket holders unable to attend the new date have been offered refunds. The postponement came shortly after a Palma court ordered Calvia Town Hall to ensure noise from the venue remained within legal limits during the festival. The order followed legal action by residents living close to the site. They argue that noise from events at the venue has affected their homes and fundamental rights. As part of their case, residents submitted acoustic measurements showing levels above 45 decibels inside homes at night, despite windows being closed. The permitted limit cited in the
LOCAL NEWS
Music event halted Credit: Facebook/MallorcaLive
1 - 7 October 2026
Festival due to take place at the Mallorca Live Showground delayed until March 2027.
case is 25 decibels. The judge ordered the council to ensure sound systems were properly controlled and that music would be stopped if permitted levels were exceeded. It has not been confirmed that the court order directly caused S’Embat to be postponed. The or-
ganisers have publicly given logistical reasons for the decision. The wider legal case against Calvia Town Hall and event promoters has yet to be decided and could have implications for future music events at the Magaluf venue.
Electric carriages unveiled PALMA’S iconic horsedrawn carriages could be heading for a major transformation, with drivers unveiling a new electric model that could take to the city’s streets next year. The €45,000 prototype was presented near Palma Cathedral on Monday, September 28, giving carriage drivers their first close look at a design intended specifically for tourist transport.
Credit: Carrulet
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€45,000 prototype built especially, similar to this signature model by Carrulet.
More than half of Palma’s drivers are reportedly
interested in making the switch, although the cost could make a gradual transition necessary without financial support. The new carriage is designed to retain the traditional appearance of Palma’s tourist vehicles while replacing the horse with electric power. It is expected to offer a range of around 160 kilometres and can operate for approximately 14 hours on a
full battery. The project has been developed by the Carrulet group in cooperation with the local carriage drivers’ association, drawing on experience from electric carriages already operating in Alcudia. However, the model still needs to clear several hurdles before it can enter service. It must be assessed by Palma City Council and comply with requirements from Spain’s traffic authority and the Mobility Department. Local regulations will also need to be changed, with the council expected to hold a 15-day public consultation. More than 10 Palma drivers have already expressed interest in the electric model, with the aim eventually being to replace the city’s horse-drawn fleet altogether.
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NEWS
1 - 7 October 2026
Hidden extras
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Bathroom accessibility How to claim support
Credit: Mehaniq - Shutterstockjpg
CHECK YOUR BILL
Credit: sweet_tomato / Shutterstock
Turning your bath into a walk-in shower? Spain could cover 80 per cent of the bill.
Hidden added extras can raise your bills.
EXPATRIATES in Spain could be paying for an extra electricity or gas service every month without realising it. Energy adviser Álex Bermúdez has warned households that maintenance and assistance packages attached to their contracts can cost more than €100 a year for unwanted or unnoticed services. Spain’s energy regulator, the CNMC, confirms that bills may contain separately charged extras such as installation maintenance, home insurance, and legal assistance. These payments must be listed separately under head-
ings like ‘Servicios y otros conceptos’, ‘Servicios adicionales’, or ‘Mantenimiento’. Terms to look out for include asistencia, reparaciones, urgencias, and seguro. While small monthly fees of €7.99 to €12.50 may seem minor, they quickly accumulate to annual costs between €95.88 and €150. Recent consumer complaints lodged with the OCU in June and September 2026 highlight cases where customers claimed additional services were added without informed consent. Consumers are advised to review their latest energy
bills and check original contracts for renewal conditions or cancellation penalties. Bermúdez suggests cross-checking existing home insurance policies, as they may already cover emergency repairs. However, residents should compare policy limits before cancelling any package, as older boilers or specific electrical systems might still benefit from dedicated cover. To help decipher complex bills, residents can use the CNMC’s free ‘Entiende tu factura’ online tool via the QR code printed on their statement.
DISABLED residents adapting their bathroom in Spain could get up to €18,000 towards the cost. The figure comes from the state housing plan the government approved back in April, and it only covers work that genuinely improves accessibility, rather than a general makeover. Homes can claim 80 per cent of the eligible cost, capped at €15,000 where a resident has a recognised disability of 33 per cent or more, rising to €18,000 at 65 per cent or above. Covered work includes turning a bath into a walk-in shower, widening doorways, and fitting grab rails, ramps and non-slip flooring. New tiles or fittings just for the aesthetic don’t count. The home usually needs to predate 2006, be the applicant’s main residence, and a professional must certify the work meets the country’s accessibility standards. Applications must also go through each autonomous community’s own call, however not every region has one open yet. So anyone hoping to use this grant should check with their regional housing department before planning any work around it, rather than assuming the money is there to claim immediately.
Credit: Wikkiq / Shutterstock
Waiting for answers AUTONOMO QUOTAS IN LIMBO MILLIONS of autonomos (self-employed workers) in Spain still don’t know what they’ll be paying into Social Security from January, with the government yet to agree a contribution table for 2027. Talks between the ministry and self-employed associations and unions have stalled for months, despite barely three months of 2026 remaining. Autonomos association ATA wants any rise capped at inflation, while another says negotiations “cannot continue to be postponed.” One change is already locked in regardless: a pension top-up charge is rising from 0.9 to 1.0 per cent, a minor change that could add somewhere between around 65 cents and just over €5 a month.
But the bracket system that decides most of what an autonomo actually pays, currently running from around €205 to €1,606 a month, has no 2027 figures yet. Improvements to sick leave, parental leave and unemployment-style protection for the self-employed are tied to the same stalled talks, along with the bill facing more than 26,000 British autonomos now working in Spain. Until the ministry and the associations meet again, the safest bet for any autonomo is to budget for 2027 using the numbers already confirmed and loosely based on an increment to this year’s figures.
Spain’s autonomos still don’t know what they’ll owe in Social Security from January 2027.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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food and environmental activities to the beach town. Film remains at the heart of the event, with an international selection exploring surfing, ocean culture and environmental issues. Among the films being shown is Women & the Wind, following three women on a
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Surf on screen journey across the North Atlantic, while Makai explores identity, diversity and racism within the surfing world. Plaza Torà has become one of the festival’s main hubs, with live performances, DJs, food trucks and a Surf Market adding
to the atmosphere. The music line-up includes Los Coronas, Mena G, Mallorca band LA and Los Pucheros Atómicos, with special guests from the international surf and film community. Environmental protection is another key theme,
with Balearic marine organisations involved in activities including a beach clean-up and Paddle Out. The programme is open beyond the surfing community, with activities aimed at different ages and interests, giving locals and visitors the chance to experience Peguera’s growing connection with surf and ocean culture.
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PEGUERA has become a surf-centric hub as surfers, filmmakers, musicians and ocean lovers gather for the fifth edition of the WIPEOUT Mallorca Surf Film Fest. It kicked off on September 30 and will continue to run until Saturday, October 3, bringing surf films, live music, art, workshops,
LOCAL NEWS
Surfers, filmmakers, musicians and ocean lovers gather for WIPEOUT festival.
Runners unite by night
PALMA came alive after dark on Saturday, September 26, as 1,372 runners took part in the 12th Cursa Sa Murada Iberia Express - SER Runner, an event designed to make running accessible to as many people as possible. Starting beside Palma Cathedral at Parc de la Mar, the evening featured three races, including a 1,609-metre solidarity event open to participants of all ages. Importantly, people with mobility difficulties were able to take part in the solidarity race free of charge, along with an accompanying person or volunteer. The race was non-competitive, putting the emphasis firmly on participation rather than speed or finishing position.
1372 runners took part in charity night run.
Children were also encouraged to get involved, with youngsters taking part in the event receiving a medal. The evening continued with 5km and 10km races, attracting runners aged 12 and over and 16 and over respectively. The 10km route took participants through some of Palma’s best-known streets and landmarks, including Paseo Sagrera, Sa Feixina, Santa Catalina and the historic centre, before finishing back at Parc de la Mar. Organised by Club Marathon Mallorca and Cadena SER Radio Mallorca, the annual event combines sport and charity with a clear message that Palma’s streets should be open to everyone, regardless of age or mobility.
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1 - 7 October 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Credit: Shutterstock/Mazur Travel
ALCUDIA will welcome representatives from some of Spain’s most beautiful villages this October when it hosts a major national gathering. The northern Mallorca municipality has been chosen as the venue for the 14th National Assembly of Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España, taking place from October 23 to 25. Representatives from 125 municipalities across Spain are expected to attend the three-day event, which will bring together towns and villages recognised for their architectural, cultural, natural and heritage appeal. Alcudia has been a member of the prestigious network since 2020 and successfully bid to host this year’s assembly after presenting its proposal at the association’s Eastern Region Assembly in Arties last October. The national network was created to promote
Credit:Shutterstock/Shyntartanya
Alcudia’s beautiful moment Backgammon is back
Representatives from 125 of Spain’s prettiest municipalities will gather in Alcudia.
Spain’s smaller destinations while encouraging them to preserve the features that make them distinctive. Villages seeking recognition undergo an assessment covering areas including heritage, architecture, public spaces, cleanliness, traditional buildings and the overall appearance of the municipality. Membership can provide smaller communities with greater visibility among visitors
looking beyond Spain’s major tourist destinations. Alcudia will have plenty to showcase of its own, from its atmospheric walled old town and historic streets to the beaches and marina of Port d’Alcudia and the nearby S’Albufera wetlands. The October gathering will put Mallorca firmly in the spotlight as Spain’s most beautiful villages come together on the island.
BACKGAMMON is making a welcome return to Café Mozart in Santa Ponsa, with players invited to join the Backgammon Group for a friendly game every Tuesday. The group has returned to the popular café, offering enthusiasts the chance to enjoy a relaxed afternoon or evening of games while meeting fellow players. Whether you are a seasoned backgammon player or simply fancy giving the classic board game a try, everyone is welcome to take part. Guests are also invited to join the group, making it an easy way to socialise and enjoy a game in a friendly setting. There is an added incentive for anyone heading along, with all players and their guests receiving a 20 per cent
Every Tuesday at Café Mozart in Santa Ponsa.
discount on their food and drinks bill at Café Mozart. The weekly get-togethers provide a chance to enjoy the café’s food and drinks while getting involved in a game that has been played for centuries. Backgammon remains hugely popular across the Mediterranean, and the Tuesday sessions offer a relaxed setting for both regular players and newcomers. For more information about joining the Backgammon Group or the Tuesday sessions, contact Martin via WhatsApp on +34 626 044 371. So, whether you already know your gammons from your backgammons or are completely new to the game, grab a board and head to Café Mozart for the next Tuesday session.
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Baby baskets Sublet costs tenant home Credit: Shutterstock/Lopolo
FAMILIES across the Balearic Islands are set to receive a helping hand when their babies arrive, with the regional government preparing to provide newborn welcome baskets in hospitals. The new initiative, known as the Cistella Nadó, is expected to launch in the coming months after the Families Department put the service out to tender with a budget of €430,000. Each basket will contain a selection of practical essentials for newborns, including a cotton muslin cloth, hooded towel, hypoallergenic booties and a silicone teething ring. Parents will also receive baby hygiene products such as shampoo and wash, nappy cream, body lotion, wet wipes and a pack of five nappies. The package is designed to offer more than just free baby supplies.
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Credit: Andrei Bortnikau / Shutterstock
LOCAL NEWS
Welcome baby basket for every child born in the Balearics.
Each basket will include a welcome letter signed by the Balearic president and a QR code linking parents to information about public services, assistance and support available to families. Up to 9,000 baskets could be distributed each year, with supplies sent to both public and private hospitals across the islands. Families Depart-
ment Director General Catalina Isern said the arrival of a baby can bring many questions, particularly for firsttime parents, and the scheme aims to make information about available support easier to access from the beginning. The Balearic initiative follows a similar newborn basket scheme already operating in Galicia.
Letting a room without the landlord’s written consent can end a tenancy.
RENTERS in Spain who take in a lodger without asking their landlord risk losing their home, as one tenant in Palma has just found out after reporting her lodger for not paying €400. She went to the police over the unpaid rent, but that complaint told the flat’s owners about a sublet they’d never agreed to. The contract expressly banned it, and the Provincial Court has now upheld the ending of her lease. As well as her own statement, the court heard about a Facebook advert offering the room and messages from
the owners saying they hadn’t consented. She argued that losing her home was unfair, asking what would happen if a partner or relative moved in. The court wasn’t convinced, saying it doesn’t matter whether the other person pays or not. Spain’s rental law lets tenants sublet only part of their home, and only with the landlord’s written permission. So if you’re thinking of renting out a spare room to help with your own rent, get that consent in writing first.
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1 - 7 October 2026
BAT-RELATED attacks have increased by 23 per cent in Cataluña this year, prompting health authorities to remind the public about the risks of contact with the animals. There were 86 reported bat incidents between January 1 and August 12, compared with 70 during the whole of 2025. Bats accounted for 43 per cent of the 198 animal attacks recorded in Cataluña during that period, making them the most common source of reported animal attacks. Dogs accounted for 28 per cent. Across Cataluña and cases involving people exposed abroad, 368 animal-exposure notifications had been recorded by August 12. The increase does not mean Cataluña is experiencing a rabies outbreak. The region has been free of endemic terrestrial rabies since 1978, although an infected dog imported from an endemic coun-
SPANISH NEWS
Bat attacks New ticket system Photo credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock
Photo credit: Tulip25/Shutterstock
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The changes cover Renfe’s website and app.
There were 86 reported bat incidents.
try was detected in 2013. Bats remain the main local source of rabies risk because European bat lyssaviruses have been detected sporadically. Health authorities advise people never to handle bats, even if they appear injured or unable to fly. Anyone bitten or scratched should wash the area immedi-
ately and seek medical attention, as treatment after exposure can prevent the disease from developing. Encounters are more common during summer, with July accounting for 20 per cent of reported bites this year. The advice is to avoid direct contact and seek professional help when necessary.
RENFE is replacing its ticketing system from Wednesday, October 28, in an attempt to make buying and managing train journeys easier for passengers. The new system will initially handle bookings for journeys from January 25, while the existing system continues operating during the transition. It is scheduled to be fully operational on January 25. The changes cover Renfe’s website and app, station ticket offices, self-service machines, travel agencies, telephone sales and onboard sales. The operator says passengers will have fewer steps and shorter forms when booking, while information about fares should be easier to understand. The new system will allow passengers to compare options by price, journey du-
ration, available services and train occupancy. Fare conditions will also be clearer, including what is included in a ticket and which changes are permitted. Renfe is also redesigning post-purchase services. Passengers will be able to manage bookings, change reservations or passenger names, request invoices and submit compensation claims through the new system. Pets and bicycles are being incorporated more clearly into the booking process, allowing passengers to see relevant options and conditions while purchasing tickets. Renfe says the system was developed following research involving 2,000 people, work in 18 cities and more than 50 testing sessions. The technology investment is close to €160 million.
SPANISH NEWS
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Little Spain, Big Apple
Little Spain in New York.
MANHATTAN has brought back a slice of its Spanish past, after one woman spent four years fighting to put “Little Spain” back on the map. Michelle Miron grew up in Brooklyn hearing stories about a Spanish corner of Manhattan that has almost vanished. Her Galician father told her of the dances, restaurants and community spirit that once filled West 14th Street, nicknamed “Calle Catorce.” At its peak, around 30,000 Spaniards lived in this small patch of the West Side, home to restaurants including Café Madrid and La Bilbaína, and shops selling paella pans and Spanish magazines. Working at La Nacional, the oldest Spanish cultural organisation in the US, Miron
heard countless memories from former residents. “Almost nobody knows the story of Spanish immigration to New York,” she said. That realisation sparked a campaign to give the corner of West 14th Street and Eighth Avenue an honorary co-naming. Progress was slow. Every signature had to come from a verified local resident, and Miron’s first attempt at collecting them stalled badly. Petitions later moved online, though strict deadlines meant a single slip could have ended the effort. In January, Manhattan Community Board 4 backed the plan unanimously. Now, a new sign reading “Little Spain–La Nacional Way” honours those who built the community, and keeps its culture alive.
EGGS and fish in Spain now cost far more than they did a year ago, and where shoppers buy them can make a real difference to the final bill. Recent price comparisons put Lidl narrowly ahead of Mercadona and Carrefour on a basic shopping list. A 10-item basket, including eggs, minced beef, chicken and vegetables, came to €23.21 at Lidl, €24.40 at Carrefour and €24.86 at Mercadona. A separate study of 20 own-brand products also found Lidl cheaper in nine out of 10 categories. Carrefour, however, beat Lidl on minced beef and matched it on cheese and bananas. Consumer group OCU’s latest index scores Lidl and Mercadona almost equally, with Carrefour only slightly higher. Eggs offer the clearest comparison. Carrefour sells a dozen medium eggs for €2.60, the cheapest of the three. Mercadona has held its
Credit: Andrzej Rostek/shutterstock
Supermarket savings
Save on your staples.
price at €2.85 since a cut in July, while Lidl matched that price after its own reduction in August. The gap between cheapest and priciest is just 25 cents. Fish prices have risen 7.8 per cent year-onyear. OCU found packaging pushes costs up sharply: whole bream cost €8.95–
€9.95 per kilo, against €22.49–€23.95 for fillets, a mark-up of around 27 per cent once waste is factored in. Mixing shops between chains, rather than sticking to one, may offer the best savings as food prices rise 33.9 per cent over four years.
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Investigators are particularly interested in the safety equipment.
A 22-YEAR-OLD specialist rope-access worker has died after falling around 10 metres while installing a new lighting system inside Rome’s Colosseum. Andrea Moretti fell between the second and third levels shortly before midnight. Two other workers, including his brother-in-law, were inside the monument but did not see the fall. They heard the impact and raised the alarm, but emergency crews were unable to save him. Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged culpable homicide and possible workplace safety violations. Seven people are currently under investigation while authorities examine the companies involved, including the subcontractor carrying out the installation.
Investigators are particularly interested in Moretti’s safety equipment. He was reportedly wearing a harness and other protective equipment, but his safety rope was not attached when he was found. The rope had not broken and was located several metres above where he fell. The equipment has been seized for technical analysis, while CCTV footage and drone imagery are also being examined. Human error has not been ruled out, but prosecutors have not established that it caused the accident. The Colosseum was temporarily closed following the death. A post mortem and further technical examinations are expected to help establish what happened and whether safety rules were breached.
Rare mug, huge price A RARE Moomin mug has sold for €46,023 after five collectors reportedly bid more than €40,000 for the unreleased design. The Diving with Shells mug was auctioned privately in Finland. The auction took place in December 2025, although the sale was completed in April 2026. News of the record price was released on September 24, at the buyer’s request. Only about 10 examples of the mug are believed to have been made. Most
were reportedly given to employees at the Arabia factory, where Moomin tableware is produced. The mug was created as a test version of Arabia’s 2006 Diving summer mug. It features extra shell and coral details, which were removed before the standard design went into production. Collectors can therefore tell the rare version apart from the more widely available mug. Rasmus Rantanen, chief executive of Finnish Moomin collectibles company Mukilaakso Oy, said
the sale was the highest known price paid for a single Moomin mug. His company bought the piece for €27,000 from a Swedish auction site before selling it on. A similar mug sold for about €9,000 in 2019, while another fetched roughly €23,000 in 2021. Created by Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson, Moomins remain popular with collectors worldwide. One of these tiny test mugs could now be worth more than a family car. Credit: Trygve Finkelsen / Shutterstock.com
Colosseum fall mystery
EUROPRESS
Rare Moomin mug sells for huge amount.
Plot twist Charity day Credit: FLEM
MAGALUF is preparing for a very different kind of party as the popular Mallorca resort gets ready to host a major literary festival this October. The sixth edition of the Festival de Literatura Expandida de Magaluf (FLEM) takes place from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4, bringing more than 30 writers, artists, musicians and cultural figures together for four days of talks, readings, live performances and music. The festival will be based at INNSiDE Wave Calvia, with organisers aiming to showcase a different side of the resort beyond its famous nightlife scene. Among the headline names attending this year’s event is American author Anna Todd, best known for her hugely successful After series. Todd’s latest novel, The Last Sunrise, is set in Mallorca. The international programme also features French novelist David Foenkinos, Spanish
Sixth edition of the FLEM literary festival. author Elísabet Benavent, crime writer Alicia Giménez Bartlett and palaeoanthropologist Juan Luis Arsuaga. British writers Anna Hope and Ben Brooks are also expected to take part. But FLEM is about much more than books. The programme combines literature with concerts, poetry, podcasts, art installations and
other live events, creating a festival designed to appeal beyond traditional literary audiences. A new €10,000 FLEM-Magaluf Novel Prize for Spanish-language writers under 35 is also being introduced this year. With thousands of people attending previous editions, book lovers will be out in force.
FAMILIES are being invited to swap the beach for a day of live music, games and fundraising at a special charity event in Magaluf this weekend. Blackbeard’s Beach Bar & Grill will host a Charity Day on Sunday, October 4, bringing together music, family entertainment and fundraising in aid of the Cancer Support Group and Asdica, the association supporting people with disabilities in Calvia. The beachfront venue is promising a fun-filled day for all ages, with live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and a raffle with prizes among the attractions. Music will be provided by Eamonn, Apple and Juanda, giving the event a lively soundtrack while families enjoy the seaside setting at Plaza Jacques Sasson. Organisers say that all profits from the day will go to charity, with the event designed to raise funds while giving locals, residents and visitors a chance to enjoy a relaxed family day by the sea. The Cancer Support Group provides support to people affected by cancer, while Asdica works to support people
Credit: Instagram/BlackbeardsMagaluf
SCENE
MALLORCA
Special fundraising event at Blackbeard’s bar and grill. with disabilities and their families in the Calvia area. Bookings can be made by WhatsApp or telephone on +34 697 615 876, or online through Blackbeard’s Beach Bar & Grill. The Charity Day will run at the Magaluf beachfront venue on Sunday, October 4, offering a chance to enjoy music and family activities while supporting two local causes.
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Rescue dolphin dies
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
I’VE actually done a bit of filming during my somewhat peppered showbiz career. When I was a teen dreamer, I did manage to get work as an ‘extra’. Extras were those who made up the crowd scenes or military in war films etc. Sometimes you could actually pick up a couple of lines; ‘Pass it over here Bert’ or ‘watch out’ were a couple of mine during those starry-eyed times. The best ‘job’ I ever had was on a movie called The Criminal (no pun intended). It starred, among others, the well-known film actor Stanley Baker. I never really got well acquainted with the other extras. Most were just in it as a job and spent most of their time playing cards or reading. I, of course, was waiting for stardom to rise up and capture my budding talents! The director of the movie was Joseph Losey, an extremely famous administrator in the film business. I would watch him work for hours. One scene was being shot in front of high prison gates. These were being opened and closed by two prison warder extras in what was referred to as ‘special action’. At the end of the ‘action’ the great doors were closed and the scene was over. They shot it several times till the director called ‘Cut’ and informed the cast there would now be a tea
break. But it can’t be over, I thought. In the background I noticed that in the final take, the two bungling extras hadn’t actually closed the prison gates. I quickly crossed over to where another actor, Kenneth Cope, who later found fame in the TV series Randall and Hopkirk, was supping his tea, and told him what I had noticed. ‘Then you must tell the director,’ he urged, ‘and do it now before they prepare the set for the next scene’. With nerves jangling, I approached the great man and stumblingly explained to him what I had witnessed. To my amazement he suddenly lost it. ‘Why didn’t you tell me earlier?’ He almost screamed and with that, turned and bellowed at all his minions and continuity people, informing all they would have to repeat the shot again. Luckily, as we had broken for a tea break, they didn’t have to reset the scene. I never heard from the great man again. What I did notice however, was that I was called up for my extra work every day for the next three weeks. So, Mr Losey never did totally forget the young ‘spare’ who had saved him a great deal of time and money! Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Credit: Facebook/Oceanografic Valencia
A starry-eyed extra
Marineland dolphin dies in Spain weeks after dramatic rescue.
A DOLPHIN rescued from a shuttered Canadian marine park has died in Valencia just weeks after being transported to Spain. Echo, a female Black Sea bottlenose dolphin believed to be around 30 years old, died at Oceanogràfic València on September 23. She was among four dolphins and two beluga whales transferred from Marineland Canada in August, after the attraction closed to the public in 2024. Oceanogràfic said Echo arrived on August 26 following a 19-hour journey from Ontario. She had serious health problems, including blindness, and was placed under close veterinary supervision. Her condition deteriorated when she developed difficulty swallowing and respiratory problems. Staff moved her to a medical pool and provided treatment, but she died overnight. The aquarium said a post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death, with specialists from CEU Cardenal Herrera University involved in the investigation. Echo’s death comes just days after Jelly Bean, a beluga whale also relocated from Marineland, died at the Valencia aquarium. The remaining four animals transferred from Canada are continuing to receive veterinary care.
FINANCE UK WAGE growth slowed to 3.9 per cent in the three months up to July, while unemployment held at 4.9 per cent as the labour market showed signs of cooling. The figures come as the Bank of England weighs interest rates against persistent inflation. Rising oil prices add further pressure.
Big Mac bust
FORCED by the rising costs and declining interest in beef products, McDonalds is switching focus. The fast-food chain will invest €7.4 billion to promote and improve its chicken range. Chicken generates €157 billion in sales annually. Comparatively, the beef market is worth only €43 billion.
Tariff threats
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has called the EU’s proposal to make Canada an associate member “laughable” and threatened “very serious” tariffs or stopping EU trade. The US already imposes a 15 per cent tariff ceiling on most EU exports, while the EU has removed tariffs on US industrial goods.
Farmer funds
ON September 22, the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme opened in the UK. Just six hours later, the UK confirmed applications were closed, as the entire £253 million had been allocated. Many farmers didn’t get a chance to apply for funding, and won’t get another until 2027.
United losses
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a seventh consecutive annual loss, losing £43 million. Cumulative losses since 2019 total £444 million. Despite record revenue of £677.6 million, financial pressure remains. The club is also selling pieces of Old Trafford’s former pitch for £125, adding another unusual revenue stream.
54.1%
STAT OF WEEK
54.1 per cent of the EU’s electricity came from renewable energy sources in Q2 of 2026, according to Eurostat.
Commute costs more DRIVERS across Europe are feeling the pressure of higher fuel prices as ongoing conflict in the Middle East and attacks on Russian refineries cause prices to skyrocket. According to a recent Transport & Environment report, high fuel prices have cost the EU an estimated €53 billion since the start of the Iran war. €40 billion of that extra cost comes from diesel as, compared to other major economies, Europe is the most reliant on diesel. In the UK, for example, average diesel prices have climbed 32 per cent to 196.29 pence a litre since February 2026. With ongoing global conflicts showing no sign of slowing, costs could reach record highs of £2 a litre. It’s reaching a point where the commute to work is becoming more expensive with every trip to the petrol station. Following the US and Israel’s attack, Iran restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz. On an average day before war broke out, around 20.3 million barrels passed through
Fuel prices continue to rise amidst global unrest.
each day. Consequently, a fifth of the world’s oil supply has been removed from the global market since February, causing crude oil prices to frequently hit $100 a barrel (€87). The issue isn’t only a lack of crude oil, but an incapacity to refine it into
fuel. The Middle East once supplied 10 per cent of the world’s fuel but their refineries have been severely damaged by the war. It’s a similar case in Russia. Only recently, on September 20, was one of Moscow’s largest refineries targeted by Ukraine.
Russia takeover RUSSIA recently seized control of several foreign operations, including 16 businesses linked to Swiss food giant Nestle. Following a presidential decree by president Vladimir Putin, Nestle’s Russian operations and the assets of French supermarket chain Auchan were placed in temporary administration and handed over to LEV Management. This is thought to be Russia’s largest takeover of foreign corporate assets since 2024. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry
Transport costs
MOVING oil around the world has suddenly become very expensive. Hiring a supertanker from the Persian Gulf to Asia now costs about €965,750 a day, roughly 12 times the rate seen just months ago. The impact is even clearer on individual cargoes. Shipping crude from Saudi Arabia to China now costs as much as €55 million, up from around €3.9 million. Transport has risen from about 5 per cent to 25 per cent of the cargo’s value. On the Houston-to-Asia route, freight adds roughly €22 a barrel, or €45million per shipment, making distance an increasingly costly part of the oil equation.
Athlete retirement
Credit: Dusan Petkovic, Shutterstock
Wages slow
euroweeklynews.com • 1 - 7 October 2026
Peskov explained: “One of the factors taken into account when making this decision was that these are unfriendly countries, which are currently most actively involved in military operations against our country.” Nestle, meanwhile, is “assessing the situation and its options.” Nestle has operated within Russia since 1995. While it trimmed its operations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it did not withdraw completely from the region.
Made in the EU
THE EU’s new Made in Europe scheme was implemented to boost its manufacturing industry, protecting it from foreign competition. However, a new report shows it is consumers who will pay the price, especially when it comes to electric cars. According to Brussels think tank Bruegel, customers could pay an additional €2,100 because of the stipulation that battery cells be made in the EU rather than imported. This will especially impact cheaper models and low-income consumers.
Credit: Richard M Lee, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
15
Russia takes over Nestle operations.
Supermarkets hit
AS families ease into their everyday routines, Spanish households are noticing how nearly everything in the supermarket has jumped in price. Food prices in Spain increased overall by 2.3 per cent year on year, but this increase wasn’t felt evenly across the shelves. Fresh fruit rose 17.1 per cent, with fresh berries now 35.7 per cent more expensive compared to 2025. Meat and seafood were also impacted. Beef prices increased 9.4 per cent, while fish rose by 7.8 per cent.
RETIREMENT comes earlier for athletes than most Spanish workers, but now years spent competing can be counted towards their state pension. A newly approved Royal Decree allows professional sporting activity carried out between March 15, 1980, and the athlete’s integration into the General Social Security System to be recognised as contributory time. Until full integration in 2003, some athletes had gaps in their contribution records. The measure covers athletes who lived in Spain, worked there under a professional contract and were covered by the special employment relationship for professional athletes. It excludes professional footballers, who have specific rules.
Entry-level AI THE biggest threat to young people’s future in full-time employment remains AI. Entry-level jobs are being replaced with automated AI systems, essentially removing the first rung on the career ladder for aspiring young professionals. In Spain, entry level positions have fallen by 1.9 per cent. Senior employees are safe, for now, but there’s a worry there won’t be a capable cohort from which to promote their replacements in the future.
Conflict impact
ECONOMIC experts feared the worst when war broke out in Iran in February, 2026. But according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the global economy proved more resilient than expected. Its continued resilience does depend heavily, however, on a swift and lasting resolution to the conflict. With energy supplies running out, fiscal space shrinking and costs rising, there are so many more hits the economy can take.
16 1 - 7 October 2026
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FINANCE
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 28 September
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 28 September
Net
3I Group.....................................2.653,00............2.661,00......... 2.643,00.......... 94,02K Admiral Group.............................3.628,0..............3.656,0........... 3.620,0........... 14,59K Airtel Africa................................. 304,60...............308,80............303,20.......... 141,47K Anglo American...........................4.033,0..............4.104,0........... 4.017,0........... 124,3K Antofagasta................................3.748,00............3.834,00......... 3.721,00.......... 74,79K Associated British Foods.............1.845,0..............1.846,0........... 1.833,0........... 30,66K AstraZeneca...............................12.546,0............12.550,0......... 12.398,0......... 154,72K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 466,90...............468,60............457,00.......... 613,52K Aviva........................................... 702,96...............704,00............700,00.......... 143,41K B M European Value Retail.......... 246,60...............248,00............246,00.......... 184,23K BAE Systems..............................1.979,50............1.993,00......... 1.973,50......... 250,43K Barclays...................................... 461,57...............465,15............461,53............1,42M Barratt Redrow............................ 308,08...............308,30............305,20.......... 582,39K Beazley.......................................1.306,00............1.307,00......... 1.306,00.......... 37,37K Berkeley......................................3.350,0..............3.364,0........... 3.270,0............ 1,72K BP............................................... 558,30...............561,40............556,50............5,77M British American Tobacco...........4.204,0..............4.235,0........... 4.195,0........... 92,08K BT Group.................................... 195,24...............195,40............192,95.......... 511,11K Bunzl...........................................2.674,0..............2.694,0........... 2.672,0........... 64,44K Centrica....................................... 149,00...............149,60............148,35.......... 948,97K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.383,0..............4.398,0........... 4.356,0........... 20,79K Compass...................................... 29,35.................29,49..............29,16............ 50,54K ConvaTec Group......................... 209,80...............212,80............209,80.......... 468,24K Croda Intl....................................3.242,0..............3.265,0........... 3.224,0........... 15,13K DCC.............................................6.439,4..............6.440,0........... 6.344,9........... 11,06K Diageo.........................................1.644,3..............1.647,5........... 1.635,8.......... 110,37K Diploma.....................................7.794,60............7.815,00......... 7.750,00........... 9,21K EasyJet........................................ 671,20...............672,80............670,60........... 93,84K Entain.......................................... 447,50...............450,90............443,90.......... 305,74K Experian......................................2.633,0..............2.636,0........... 2.613,0........... 85,14K F&C Invest.................................. 345,20...............346,40............343,00........... 60,35K Frasers........................................ 802,50...............818,00............798,50........... 13,92K Fresnillo.....................................2.858,00............2.895,00......... 2.846,00.......... 25,28K Glencore...................................... 559,70...............567,30............557,48............2,24M GSK plc......................................1.886,00............1.887,50......... 1.867,50......... 197,35K HALEON...................................... 341,90...............344,90............340,70............2,25M Halma..........................................3.548,0..............3.596,0........... 3.518,0............ 67,6K Hikma Pharma...........................1.607,00............1.619,00......... 1.589,00........... 9,94K Hiscox........................................1.884,00............1.887,00......... 1.876,00.......... 53,36K Howden Joinery.......................... 760,00...............768,50............759,50........... 32,63K HSBC.........................................1.519,20............1.523,60......... 1.515,20...........1,02M IAG.............................................. 434,90...............437,86............434,10.......... 734,16K ICG PLC.....................................1.852,00............1.859,00......... 1.835,00.......... 58,46K IMI PLC......................................3.144,00............3.144,00......... 3.120,00.......... 27,74K Imperial Brands..........................2.466,00............2.476,00......... 2.462,00.......... 46,77K Informa....................................... 880,60...............881,40............874,00.......... 180,25K InterContinental........................... 157,4.................158,2..............157,1............. 6,54K Intertek........................................5.868,6..............5.870,0........... 5.865,0............ 4,28K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 336,30...............336,90............335,20.......... 196,18K JD Sports Fashion........................ 77,42.................78,16..............76,76........... 868,55K Kingfisher.................................... 326,35...............330,50............326,35.......... 263,42K Land Securities........................... 619,00...............623,50............618,00........... 150,5K Legal & General.......................... 299,49...............300,40............298,00............1,92M Lloyds Banking........................... 108,45...............108,85............107,75............5,27M London Stock Exchange..............8.258,0..............8.274,0........... 8.232,0........... 33,57K Londonmetric Property............... 179,39...............180,50............179,10.......... 185,28K M&G........................................... 329,50...............330,60............328,30........... 93,65K Marks & Spencer........................ 374,70...............375,90............372,20.......... 222,34K Melrose Industries...................... 473,40...............477,20............471,90.......... 100,19K Mondi.......................................... 817,20...............826,00............814,20............ 40,1K National Grid..............................1.146,50............1.148,50......... 1.139,00......... 404,68K NatWest Group........................... 686,40...............692,80............685,80.......... 765,39K Next...........................................14.600,0............14.640,0......... 14.470,0........... 5,05K Pearson......................................1.217,50............1.222,50......... 1.208,95.......... 29,93K Pershing Square........................3.634,00............3.668,00......... 3.622,00........... 8,03K Persimmon.................................1.159,0..............1.163,0........... 1.153,5........... 16,31K Prudential.................................... 954,20...............956,20............950,80.......... 433,28K Reckitt Benckiser........................4.903,0..............4.921,0........... 4.883,0..............39K Relx............................................2.532,00............2.539,00......... 2.512,00......... 138,56K Rentokil....................................... 307,68...............310,28............307,60.......... 398,34K Rightmove.................................. 448,70...............459,20............447,00........... 96,42K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.115,3..............7.189,0........... 7.099,0.......... 113,43K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.495,20............1.510,06......... 1.492,20......... 572,76K Sage............................................ 991,00...............996,80............988,40........... 54,41K Schroders.................................... 588,5.................589,0..............588,5............ 95,43K Scottish Mortgage......................1.582,72............1.594,50......... 1.580,00.......... 153,5K Segro.......................................... 954,60...............960,20............953,40........... 53,95K Severn Trent...............................3.080,0..............3.090,0........... 3.056,0........... 12,96K Shell............................................3.624,5..............3.632,4........... 3.593,5.......... 390,12K Smith & Nephew......................... 999,80..............1.004,63...........998,80........... 72,85K Smiths Group.............................2.820,00............2.826,00......... 2.772,00........... 56,2K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........7.000,0..............7.070,0........... 6.970,0............ 3,45K SSE............................................2.500,00............2.515,00......... 2.477,00......... 108,47K Standard Chartered....................2.295,00............2.300,00......... 2.287,00......... 208,19K Standard Life............................... 897,00...............903,50............893,00.......... 170,73K Taylor Wimpey............................. 79,72.................80,04..............79,20............ 436,2K Tesco.......................................... 473,70...............476,30............472,50.......... 246,56K Unilever.......................................4.682,5..............4.692,5........... 4.658,0.......... 124,88K Unite........................................... 460,60...............461,40............458,00........... 47,68K United Utilities............................1.406,00............1.414,00......... 1.397,00.......... 42,45K Vistry Group................................ 267,40...............270,00............264,60.......... 452,62K Vodafone Group PLC................. 125,800.............127,300..........124,750............2,5M Weir Group................................2.636,00............2.652,00......... 2.610,00.......... 25,75K Whitbread...................................2.335,0..............2.348,0........... 2.328,0........... 22,72K WPP............................................ 385,36...............387,00............382,00.......... 113,32K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 167,52...............170,75............167,26............2,43M Amazon.com............................... 249,38...............250,43............245,60...........33,04M American Express....................... 305,66...............305,89............299,91............3,96M Amgen........................................ 406,04...............409,99............403,88............2,53M Apple........................................... 335,92...............338,91............334,30...........24,73M Boeing......................................... 196,80...............199,49............194,40............9,63M Caterpillar.................................... 805,25...............809,14............794,20.............2,2M Chevron...................................... 205,65...............208,10............204,87............9,39M Cisco........................................... 106,97...............107,06............105,06...........32,36M Coca-Cola..................................... 88,10.................89,36..............88,10............13,17M Goldman Sachs........................... 923,29...............933,41............914,68............2,35M Home Depot................................ 292,18...............299,10............291,07............7,06M Honeywell................................... 211,79...............212,97............209,18............2,14M IBM............................................. 227,06...............232,62............226,01............4,15M J&J............................................. 270,68...............275,23............269,01............6,32M JPMorgan................................... 338,56...............339,37............335,28............6,94M McDonald’s................................. 237,02...............242,56............237,02............7,39M Merck&Co................................... 147,98...............151,46............147,90...........10,31M Microsoft.................................... 497,93...............498,90............491,22...........16,66M Nike.............................................. 35,99.................36,14..............35,52............39,24M NVIDIA........................................ 224,58...............224,94............221,09...........77,47M P&G............................................ 145,68...............149,20............145,68............7,43M Salesforce Inc............................. 238,22...............242,09............237,00...........11,07M Sherwin-Williams........................ 320,40...............326,20............316,57............2,49M The Travelers.............................. 362,39...............366,49............361,85............1,05M UnitedHealth............................... 375,01...............375,28............368,50............4,65M Verizon......................................... 47,32.................47,77..............46,92............21,04M Visa A.......................................... 367,98...............368,21............362,00............4,42M Walmart...................................... 107,59...............111,17............107,51...........26,17M Walt Disney................................. 105,56...............105,75............103,90............7,89M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 28 September
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Beneficient.......................................................-50,00 %.........................21,49M Trio-Tech.........................................................-36,59 %..........................2,88M 22nd Century...................................................-35,47 %........................855,26K Wheeler REIT...................................................-31,25 %..........................3,51M Artelo Biosciences............................................-29,27 %..........................1,06M Hub Cyber Security..........................................-27,41 %........................381,45K Arcadia Biosciences.........................................-25,82 %........................889,44K NeoVolta..........................................................-24,45 %..........................4,59M Top Wealth Holding.........................................-24,11 %.........................94,86M Professional Diversity......................................-23,06 %........................710,77K Hennessy Cap Inv............................................-22,20 %........................444,25K GreenPower Motor Company...........................-21,92 %........................664,35K Stitch Fix..........................................................-21,63 %.........................14,14M Jaguar Health...................................................-20,76 %..........................2,08M Solowin............................................................-20,73 %........................914,65K Healthcare Triangle..........................................-19,87 %..........................2,69M VistaGen Therapeutics.....................................-19,82 %.........................20,47M Tvardi Therapeutics..........................................-19,70 %........................609,63K Inflection Point Acquisition V..........................-19,57 %.........................40,99K M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined Surrozen......................................................... 108,42 %........................11,53M Greenland Energy............................................. 83,85 %........................166,24M Powell Max...................................................... 81,01 %.........................56,95M STAK Inc.......................................................... 53,19 %.........................45,26M Profusa............................................................ 47,80 %.........................79,27M YD Bio.............................................................. 47,68 %..........................3,17M Hang Feng Tech Innovation.............................. 38,07 %..........................7,84M Springview Holdings........................................ 35,56 %.........................13,03M Greenland Mines.............................................. 33,07 %.........................42,18M AVAX One Tech................................................ 32,93 %..........................2,03M Wetour Robotics.............................................. 31,03 %.........................28,58M SVRN............................................................... 29,74 %........................502,16K EZGO Technologies.......................................... 28,99 %...........................3,9M Valion Bio......................................................... 27,47 %.........................10,75M GlucoTrack....................................................... 27,09 %..........................51,6M Montauk Renewables....................................... 26,59 %..........................3,47M Z Squared........................................................ 25,34 %.........................908,9K Murano Global Investments Plc....................... 24,04 %..........................7,56M Alpha Compute................................................ 23,57 %........................160,07K M - Million Dollars
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FINANCE
Blackstone backing
BLACKSTONE is doubling down on Spain, targeting affordable housing, logistics, hotels and data centres. The US investment giant sees strong long-term potential despite recent asset sales, assessing opportunities in Madrid and Valencia, along with a €7.5 billion data-centre project in Zaragoza.
Military deal
SPAIN’S Council of Ministers has approved a new five-year agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Renfe’s freight and passenger divisions, covering military rail transport until 2030. The agreement authorises up to €110 million in state spending, including provisions for transporting personnel and equipment.
Spain lags behind SPAIN’S property market is showing impressive momentum, but the latest figures show it still has a long way to go to match Europe’s biggest real estate markets. According to the latest forecasts, investment in Spanish real estate is expected to reach €156 billion in 2027, representing growth of 10.2 per cent. That follows an estimated 10.7 per cent increase this year, putting Spain among Europe’s fastest-growing markets.
Credit: Mazur Travel, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
1 - 7 October 2026
Spain’s real estate market has some catching up to do.
Pension abolition A REFORM UK linked think tank, The Centre for a Better Britain, recently released its Boosting Britain report. The report proposed cutting wealth taxes, eliminating stamp duty, digital service tax, air passenger duty and reducing corporation tax by 10 per cent. Such measures would come at a cost of £75 billion to public finances. To avoid a market melt-
down, public spending would also need to be cut. CFABB suggested closing public pensions to new teachers and civil servants and abolishing the state pension, which CFABB founder described as “a Ponzi scheme”, and instead replacing it with a lifetime investment account, with account holders contributing 15 per cent of annual earnings.
But growth is not the same as scale. Germany is expected to attract €338 billion in real estate investment in 2027, more than twice Spain’s projected total. France is forecast to reach €234 billion, while Italy is expected to record €194.1 billion. Spanish property prices are forecast to rise by 10 per cent in 2026, followed by a further 7 per cent increase in 2027. Strong demand, limited housing supply and continued interest from buyers are helping to push the market higher. For Spain, the figures point to a market gaining speed, but still operating below the investment levels of Europe’s largest property economies. The challenge now is whether this rapid growth can translate into a bigger, deeper and more competitive real estate market, rather than simply higher prices.
17
Housing shortage SPAIN’S affordable housing shortage is not simply a lack of investment. Developers face high construction costs, expensive financing, limited land, lengthy planning procedures and regulatory uncertainty. At the same time, demand continues to outpace supply. Only 33 per cent of new households formed between 2022 and 2024 were matched by new homes, widening the affordability gap.
Onion import SPANISH onion growers are under pressure as imports increase and prices fall. Between January and June, extra-EU onion imports reached a record 126,923 tonnes, up 4.5 per cent. Meanwhile, growers reportedly abandoned 10 to 15 per cent of early and medium-storage onions because selling prices failed to cover harvesting and production costs.
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22
20 1 - 7 October 2026
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FEATURE
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Flying high for dementia
A summer to remember
A TOTAL of 17 participants took on Andalucia’s longest zip line to gather funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia care across the Costa del Sol and inland Malaga. Held at Sunview Park Adventure near Alhaurin de la Torre, the 2026 challenge generated an estimated €6,000 for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group (ADSG). Event organizer Pat Jay cheered on the brave flyers from the ground after a broken ankle prevented her from taking part. The funds raised will support ADSG’s work providing free guidance, meetings, and practical assistance to individuals and families coping with memory loss. Individual collectors contributed to the success of the day, with a four-person collection team raising €1,028 towards the final total. Sunview Park’s 1,350-metre double zip line offers views over the Guadalhorce valley, proving a memorable location for the charity event.
NOW September has drawn to a close, the Costa Blanca can look back on a summer that delivered plenty of reasons to celebrate. British consumer champion Which? put the Costa Blanca at the top of its original 2026 peak-summer package holiday ranking after comparing 5,393 breaks. A seven-night August package averaged £864 per person, including flights and accommodation, the only destination in that study below £900. Orihuela retained 10 Blue Flags, including La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Campoamor and Mil Palmeras, while Torrevieja retained six. Visitors arrived in record numbers. Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport recorded its busiest August ever, handling 2,337,378 passengers, up 11.4 per cent on August 2025. By the end of August, 14,739,523 passengers had passed through the airport this year, an increase of 9.9 per cent.
Axarquia
Almeria
Torre del Mar windfall
Canine competition
AN ONCE lottery seller has brought a €1.235 million windfall to Torre del Mar, delivering a series of major prizes to local residents along his daily route. Juan Carlos Zalazar sold 22 winning tickets during his rounds on Thursday, September 24. The winning number was 35972, with series 044 claiming the top €500,000 jackpot. A further 21 customers won €35,000 each. Mr Zalazar, who has worked for the organisation since 2022, does not operate from a fixed kiosk. Instead, he sells coupons directly to regular buyers in the Axarquia town. The major payout coincided with a personal milestone for the seller, who was celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary on the same day. He noted that the news gave his family an extra reason to celebrate, whilst expressing delight at helping his daily customers. Despite the excitement, Mr Zalazar returned to work as normal the following morning.
TREX ANDALUCIA was busier than usual on Sunday, September 27, when two and four-legged friends stopped by for the annual Autumn Fair. What followed was an incredible afternoon full of fun which helped raise more than €1,000 for the sanctuary. Year after year the Fun Dog Show brings a smile to everyone’s faces. Five categories were contested this year: Best in Show, Handsomest Hound, Loveliest Lady, Best Rescue and Fancy Dress, by far the highlight of the day. Dogs and owners alike showed up in style. Some were dressed ready to ride out to the Wild West, others to set sail on the seven seas in search of hidden treasure. But it was little Bertie, dressed in his Hogwarts uniform, who stole everybody’s hearts to take home the coveted Best in Show trophy. This year’s edition raised an incredible €1454.70 through Dog-Show sign-ups, stall pitches, a raffle and 2027 calendar sales.
Costa Blanca North
Costa Calida
Foodie heaven in Denia
Retro rides
DENIA is celebrated its culinary identity as the D*na Festival Gastronòmic took over the Marineta Cassiana for a weekend dedicated to food, local produce and Mediterranean cooking. The ninth edition was held on September 26 and 27, with the seafront transformed into a gastronomic meeting point featuring restaurants, producers, artisans and chefs. Around 50 stands stretched across more than 800 metres, showcasing local seafood, rice dishes, wine, olive oil, honey, spices and traditional products. The festival, directed by three-Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta, also placed a strong emphasis on sharing culinary knowledge. Visitors watched live cooking demonstrations, took part in tastings and attended workshops. There was a strong local presence throughout the event, with Denia and the Marina Alta’s food culture taking centre stage.
IFEPA, an event venue in Torre Pacheco recently closed out a smash hit double event: the 23rd edition of the Antiques and RetroAuto show, which this year saw nearly 14,000 visitors. The event, a combination of an antiques fair and a vintage vehicle showcase, saw more than 40,000 antique pieces and more than 200 classic and vintage vehicles united over the three days of the event. The antiques portion of the event featured nearly 100 exhibitors from both Spain and France with tens of thousands of pieces, each with its own unique history and charm. The selection of vintage items included furniture, decorative objects, works of art, books, toys, porcelain, lamps, clocks, collectibles, and more. RetroAuto, a Classic and Antique Vehicle Show, was a “museum on wheels,” according to IFEPA. The show united more than 200 classic and vintage vehicles, including cars, trucks and motorcycles of different eras and models.
• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •
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PETS
1 - 7 October 2026
Credit: Annabell Gsoedl, shutterstock
FACT
21
Dog donors
DOGS actually have a unique blood donor system. While humans have four main blood types, dogs have over 13 distinct blood groups! Because dogs don’t naturally produce antibodies against other blood types, a dog can usually receive a ‘freebie’ life-saving blood transfusion from almost any other dog for their first transfusion without an adverse reaction.
Keep dog’s nails at a comfortable length.
KEEPING your dog’s nails at a healthy length is an important part of their routine care. Overgrown nails can become uncomfortable, affect the way your dog walks, and may even curl into the paw. So, when do nails need trimming? A good rule is to listen for a clicking sound when your dog walks on a hard floor. If their nails touch the ground when they are standing naturally, they
Happy paws may be due for a trim. Choose proper dog nail clippers or a nail grinder and start slowly. Get your dog comfortable with having their paws handled before attempting a trim. When clipping, take off small amounts at a time and avoid the quick - the sensitive area inside the
nail, containing blood vessels. With pale nails, it is usually easier to see the quick. Dark nails require extra care, so trim tiny sections and check the cut surface as you go. Keep treats nearby and reward calm behaviour throughout. There is no need to rush,
and stopping after one or two nails is perfectly fine while your dog gets used to the process. If you’re nervous about doing it yourself, don’t worry. Many vets are happy to trim dogs’ nails, often for a small cost, so don’t be afraid to ask at your next check-up.
Kitten toy box explore their environment. When choosing toys, avoid anything with loose parts that could be swallowed. Rotate toys regularly too. A toy that disappears for a few days can suddenly seem exciting again. The best toy isn’t necessarily the most expensive. For kittens, variety,
safety and plenty of opportunities to chase, pounce and explore are what really matter.
Credit: Silvaj10, Shutterstock
KITTENS are naturally curious, playful and full of energy, so the right toys can do much more than keep them entertained. Play helps kittens practise their hunting instincts, stay active and learn how to interact with their surroundings. Wand toys are a brilliant choice for interactive play. Feathers, ribbons and small attachments encourage kittens to chase, pounce and leap, giving them both mental and physical exercise. For independent entertainment, small balls and lightweight toys are ideal. Choose toys that are easy for tiny paws to bat around and carry. Toys with interesting textures, sounds or movement can keep curious kittens engaged for longer. Puzzle and treat-dispensing toys can also introduce kittens to problem-solving. Start with simple designs and gradually increase the challenge as they become more confident. Don’t forget the importance of scratching posts and toys. Scratching is a natural behaviour that helps kittens stretch, exercise their claws and
Rotate toys for endless fun.
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Credit: Rafa Nadal Academy
Andy Murray and Rafa Nadal face-off.
Champions face off RAFA NADAL and Andy Murray are set to renew one of tennis’s most compelling rivalries when they meet on court again at the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam in Mallorca. More than a decade has passed since their last encounter, but memories of their battles remain fresh. The pair faced each other 24 times during their professional careers, with Nadal winning 17 of those meetings and Murray claiming seven. Their final competitive clash came in the semi-finals of the 2016 Madrid Open, where Murray prevailed 7-5, 6-4. Now, with both legends retired from professional tennis, the stage is set for a very
different kind of contest. Nadal will captain Team Rafa, while Murray will lead Team Murray as the Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary. Nadal has already promised to be competitive, joking that although Murray has been practising “almost like a professional.” He believes he can still challenge his old rival. So, who will come out on top when these two icons share a court once again? There may be no ranking points or trophies at stake, but with Nadal and Murray involved, expect plenty of competitive spirit, familiar intensity and a few unforgettable moments.