Cheers from Binissalem
Successful third edition of Vinissalem Fest
WINE lovers packed the streets of Binissalem as the third edition of Vinissalem Fest transformed the town square into one giant open-air celebration of Mallorcan wine, music and food.
Held in Plaça de l’Església, the festival drew crowds from across the island eager to sample local wines, dance beneath the lights and soak up the electric atmosphere in one of Mallorca’s most famous wine towns.
Visitors enjoyed tastings from a range of Mallorcan bodegas for just €3 a glass while DJs and live performers kept the energy high late into the night.
Food trucks and tapas stalls added to the party feel, with packed communal tables, clinking glasses and queues forming around some of the evening’s most popular wine stands.
Huge crowds filled the square as friends toasted beneath the warm spring skies, with organisers hailing the evening as another major success for the growing festival. Many visitors described
the atmosphere as one of the standout social events of the season so far.
Binissalem has long been regarded as the wine capital of Mallorca and is home to the island’s pres-
tigious DO Binissalem wine region, famed for producing some of Mallorca’s best-loved reds and whites.
The popularity of Vinissalem Fest also highli-
ghts the growing boom in Mallorca’s wine tourism scene, with more visitors seeking authentic experiences built around gastronomy, local culture and island traditions.
Iconic British ship docks
ONE of Britain’s most recognisable cruise ships turned heads in Palma this week as the Queen Victoria docked in the city during the height of Mallorca’s busy cruise season.
The Cunard liner arrived carrying around 2,000 passengers, many of whom spent the day exploring Palma’s cathedral district, marina and historic old town before the ship continued its Mediterranean journey later in the afternoon.
First launched in 2007, the Queen Victoria has become a familiar sight in Mallorca over the years and remains one of the standout vessels in Cunard’s eet. The ship was designed to recreate the glamour of classic British ocean liners, complete with ballroom-style entertainment, elegant lounges and formal dining rooms.
Onboard features include theatres with private boxes, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a spa, casino and a retractable glass-roofed Winter Garden lounge. The vessel underwent a major refurbishment in 2017 and continues to attract British cruise passengers travelling around the Mediterranean.
Cruise tourism remains a major contributor to Mallorca’s economy, especially in Palma, where visiting passengers provide a boost for restaurants, shops and excursion operators throughout the summer months.
Mallorca
Credit: Instagram/AjuntamentdeBinissalem
Local wines and electric atmosphere.
Credit: Wikipedia
Carrying around 2,000 passengers.
Famous Brit cruise liner arrives in Palma
Playa de Palma revamp Sant Elm food boost
SANT ELM once again drew crowds for a weekend centred on food, entertainment and local business during the latest edition of Tasta Sant Elm.
The event, now firmly established on the municipal calendar, brought together residents and visitors to enjoy the area’s culinary scene. A total of 17 bars and restaurants took part, preparing tapas and special dishes for the occasion.
Visitors followed a food route through the coastal town, with participating venues presenting a broad selection of creations designed specifically for the festival. The event focused attention on the standard and variety of Sant Elm’s restaurant sector.
Alongside the gastronomy, organisers arranged a medieval market and activi-
ties for all ages. Batucadas, dimonis and children’s entertainment helped create a lively atmosphere across the streets and seafront throughout the weekend.
The initiative also boosted commercial and hospitality activity in Sant Elm, attracting large numbers of people over the two days and strengthening the area’s standing within the municipality.
Andratx mayor Estefanía Gonzalvo said Tasta Sant Elm demonstrates the potential of local establishments and the role gastronomy can play in supporting economic and social activity. She added that the strong attendance confirmed the appeal of an initiative that promotes the work of local professionals while supporting Sant Elm as a quality destination.
PALMA City Council has approved a major €7.8 million project to transform part of Playa de Palma into a huge new green zone, as officials push ahead with wider plans to modernise one of Mallorca’s busiest tourist areas.
The project centres around the former Dino Minigolf site and surrounding land, where obsolete buildings and structures are set to be removed to create a large public space focused on nature, leisure and sustainability. The new area will cover around 35,000 square metres and will also include the nearby beach club area,
ONE of the world’s most unusual superyachts turned heads off southwest Mallorca this week after dropping anchor near Puerto Portals.
At first glance, the vessel Arctic looks more like a working tugboat than a luxury yacht, but behind its rugged exterior lies an expedition superyacht with a remarkable history and plenty of high-end comforts.
The ship began life in 1969 as an ice-class salvage tug designed for extreme conditions before later being transformed into one of the world’s earliest expedition yachts by Australian media tycoon Kerry Packer. Today, Arctic is known for combining old-school toughness with modern luxury.
The yacht reportedly holds a record for travelling farther south than almost any other private motor yacht, reaching deep into Antarctic waters near the Ross Sea. Its huge cruising
€7.8 million project.
children’s playground and Parc Llaüt.
Palma officials say the aim is to create a greener and more attractive environment that can be enjoyed all year round by both residents and visitors. The works are expected to take around two years to complete.
The initiative forms part of
a much larger regeneration strategy for Playa de Palma, where authorities are planning investments of up to €300 million in the coming years. The wider blueprint includes sustainability projects, infrastructure upgrades and efforts to improve the resort’s long-term competitiveness.
Arctic drops anchor
range allows it to travel long distances without needing to refuel, making it ideal for remote adventures.
Despite its industrial appearance, Arctic features hidden luxury touches including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and entertainment deck that can transform into a dance floor.
The vessel also carries submarines, tenders and specialist exploration equipment.
The arrival of Arctic adds to an increasingly glamorous superyacht season around Mallorca, with several eye-catching vessels already spotted off the island this spring.
Superyacht season is here.
Counting the costs Shifting energy costs
THOUSANDS of retirees in Spain could significantly reduce their tax liabilities due to a series of little-known exemptions. Financial advisers report that during the current tax season, growing numbers of older residents are discovering they owe far less to the Agencia Tributaria than anticipated. Some may even claim refunds for employment contributions paid decades ago.
A major advantage applies when over-65s sell their main home. Under Spanish law, they avoid capital gains tax on selling their habitual residence,
provided they lived there for at least three years. Normally, property profits incur between 19 and 28 per cent tax under the IRPF system, but this vanishes entirely for qualifying pensioners.
Furthermore, capital gains tax on second homes, investments and shares can be bypassed if the money is reinvested into a renta vitalicia, a lifetime annuity capped at €240,000. Additionally, former mutualistas who worked before 1978 in sectors like banking or civil service may qualify for refunds on historical pension contributions,
with past payouts averaging around €2,686.
Filing obligations still cause confusion. Retirees earning under €22,000 annually from a single payer generally do not need to file, but this changes with multiple pensions or foreign income sources.
Financial experts warn many retirees wrongly assume pension income automatically exempts them from filing obligations. In reality, each situation depends on individual income sources and tax conditions.
Empty homes plan
HOMEOWNERS in Spain could soon receive up to €600 a month from the government for renting out empty properties under a measure included in Spain’s State Housing Plan for 2026-2030.
The scheme is intended to address Spain’s growing housing crisis by encouraging landlords to place vacant homes into affordable rental programmes rather than leaving them empty. In return, owners would receive monthly public payments alongside the regulated rent paid through the scheme.
Under the proposal, homeowners would keep ownership of their properties but temporarily hand them over to managed affordable housing programmes. The aim is to increase rental supply quickly without waiting years for large-scale construction projects.
The measure comes as rents continue to rise sharply in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Valencia, where affordable long-term accommodation has become increasingly difficult to find. Under the framework announced so far, homes would generally need to have been vacant for a certain period before qualifying. Properties must also meet minimum habitability standards, although some owners could receive additional financial support to renovate or repair homes before entering the scheme. Landlords joining the programme would usually need to commit properties to affordable rental use for several years, with rents kept below normal market rates. Whether enough landlords will join remains uncertain, but the proposal highlights the seriousness of Spain’s worsening housing shortage.
HOUSEHOLDS and drivers across Spain could soon face higher electricity, gas, and fuel costs as temporary VAT reductions introduced during the energy crisis are expected to end on June 30. If measures expire as planned, consumers may notice increases in utility bills and petrol station prices from July, just as summer demand begins rising.
These temporary tax cuts were originally introduced to protect households from soaring energy costs linked to international instability.
However, pressure is growing to restore public revenue and gradually move away from policies supporting fossil fuel consumption. According to Gestha, broad VAT reductions mainly benefited wealthier households with higher energy use rather than those most affected by rising living costs. This follows recommendations from the European Commission to phase out blanket fossil fuel tax reductions in favour of targeted support for lower-income households and cleaner energy systems. If reductions disappear, electricity and gas bills could rise depending on market conditions, while fuel prices may also increase at filling stations. Simultaneously, Spain is expanding incentives for electric vehicles and renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
While some targeted aid for transport companies, farmers, and vulnerable households is expected to continue, most residents remain concerned that everyday bills will become more expensive during the second half of the year.
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WORKERS at Palma’s Son Sant Joan Airport say conditions inside part of the terminal have become unbearable as temperatures rise ahead of the busy summer season.
Employees working in Module C - the section mainly used for Schengen flights - have complained that ongoing air
Temperatures take-off at airport
conditioning problems are leaving both staff and passengers struggling in the heat, as reported to the local press. According to workers, the issue first appeared last summer but has now worsened as Mallorca moves
into hotter weather.
Some employees described the atmosphere inside the terminal as ‘suffocating’, claiming they have repeatedly reported the issue without seeing a permanent solution. Staff say many workers have resorted to bringing in their own fans to cope
during shifts.
The complaints come during an already tense period at Palma Airport, which has faced recent disruption linked to staffing pressures, strikes and heavy passenger numbers ahead of another record tourism season.
A GIANT bluefin tuna weighing almost 300 kilos caused a stir in southwest Mallorca after being hauled ashore at Port d’Andratx following a dramatic catch near Sa Dragonera.
The enormous fish, estimated at around 282 kilograms, was caught roughly 10 miles off the coast by local fishermen Toni Novo and Iván Perera aboard the vessel Germans Torres. The pair said they hooked the tuna while fishing in waters close to the protected islet, an area known for producing sizeable catches during the season.
When the boat returned to port, crowds gathered along the quay to watch the giant bluefin being lifted from the vessel by crane be -
Passengers are also said to be affected by the heat, with workers claiming large parts of the terminal currently lack functioning cooling systems.
The situation has sparked renewed criticism over conditions inside one of Spain’s busiest airports as summer travel ramps up across Mallorca.
turns heads
fore heading to the fish market. Tourists, locals and fellow fishermen stopped to photograph the
catch as it swung above the harbour in full view of onlookers.
Despite the spectacle, experienced fishermen in the area said giant tuna are not entirely uncommon in Mallorca’s waters, with large bluefin regularly appearing off the island’s western coastline during peak fishing periods.
The catch has once again highlighted Mallorca’s long-standing fishing traditions and the importance of bluefin tuna to the island’s maritime economy, particularly in ports such as Andratx where fishing remains part of daily life.
Magaluf’s makeover complete
MAGALUF has officially completed one of its biggest makeovers in years following the opening of the final phase of its newly transformed seafront promenade.
Local leaders say the project marks a major turning point for the resort, which has spent the past decade trying to reinvent itself as a more modern and higher-quality destination. The revamped Gabriel Escarrer Julià promenade now stretches along the beachfront with wider walkways, upgraded public spaces and a more contemporary design aimed at both tourists and residents.
The latest phase included the renovation of almost 300 metres of the seafront, as well as improvements to nearby streets and stairways connecting the area to Punta Ballena. Sustainability was also a major focus,
MALLORCA’S hotels are already seeing a major surge in bookings for summer 2026 as travellers race to secure spots ahead of the total solar eclipse set to darken skies across Spain in August. The rare event, taking place on August 12, is expected to transform the island into one of Europe’s top viewing destinations.
with native plants, recycled water systems and saltwater showers incorporated into the redesign.
Calvia mayor Juan Antonio Amengual joi -
Eclipse boom
New figures from booking platform Dingus show reservations across the Balearics for eclipse week are rising significantly faster than the rest of August, with Mallorca leading demand. Inland areas and the east coast are proving especially popular thanks to forecasts
of excellent viewing conditions.
Areas including Llucmajor, Porto Cristo, Cala Major, Peguera and Camp de Mar are already recording strong increases, while Palma is benefiting from its large hotel capacity and transport links. Despite the rush, hote -
ned Balearic president Marga Prohens and Gabriel Escarrer for an official walk along Magaluf’s newly unveiled seafront promenade as the transformation project reached completion.
Officials in Calvia believe the new-look promenade will help extend the tourist season beyond summer while attracting a different style of visitor to the resort. Hotel giant Meliá also praised the transformation, saying Magaluf is increasingly becoming known for sports tourism, cultural events and family-friendly experiences rather than solely nightlife.
The redevelopment will be celebrated on Saturday June 27 with a free beachfront concert, drone show and food festival beside the newly finished promenade.
liers have so far avoided dramatic price hikes, with room rates increasing only moderately compared to wider August averages.
Industry experts believe many visitors booked early after learning Mallorca sits directly in the eclipse’s ‘path of totality’ - the narrow zone where the sun will be completely obscured.
say the island’s western coastline and Serra de Tramuntana region could offer some of the best views in Europe, with clear skies and dramatic sunset conditions expected.
Love Island returns
THE countdown is officially on as Love Island prepares to return to Mallorca for another sun-soaked summer of romance, drama and late-night villa twists.
Ahead of the new series launching in early June, ITV has revealed a revamped version of the famous Mallorca villa - and while fans may not have seen every detail yet, the latest makeover promises one of the show’s most stylish settings to date.
Astronomy specialists
Tourism operators are now preparing eclipse-themed experiences as anticipation continues to build for what many are calling a once-in-a-generation spectacle.
Credit: Pexels/DrewDempsey
The villa has kept its signature luxury Mediterranean feel, but this year’s redesign introduces bold new colours, refreshed lounge spaces and a striking blue firepit area expected to become the centre of the nightly recouplings. Pink and green tones dominate the interiors, while striped grass, upgraded terraces and hidden seating corners add to the glamorous resort atmosphere.
As always, the sprawling outdoor areas remain key to the action, with the swimming pool, terrace and iconic hideaway all returning for another season of flirting, fallouts and surprise bombshell arrivals.
TV favourite Maya Jama is back as host for the new series, with producers teasing fresh twists and a brand-new group of islanders ready to enter the villa.
Filmed once again in Mallorca, the reality show remains one of the island’s biggest international television exports each summer - and excitement is already building among fans ahead of the opening episode.
Officially opened by Balearic president Marga Prohens.
Credit: Ajuntament de Calvia
Major surge in bookings.
Hiding from heatwaves
AS Spain approaches the summer 2026 travel season, long-range climate forecasts suggest above-average temperatures are likely across much of southern and western Europe, including Spain. In recent years, heatwaves have become increasingly intense in inland and southern regions such as Andalucia, Extremadura and central Spain, where temperatures frequently exceed 35C and sometimes rise above 40C.
Photo credit: Estudioluismatias/Shutterstock
Because of these conditions, many travellers are increasingly choosing destinations influenced by Atlantic weather systems, higher altitudes or stronger coastal airflow.
Northern Spain remains the most reliable option for avoiding extreme heat. Regions such as Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country benefit from Atlantic conditions that moderate temperatures and reduce the severity of heat spikes.
Cities including Santiago de Compostela, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastian offer coastal tourism with generally milder summer conditions compared with inland Spain. Mountain areas such as the Pyrenees and Sierra de Guadarrama also pro-
vide cooler alternatives because of higher elevation.
In southern Spain, the Alpujarra region in Granada Province offers relief from intense heat through high-altitude villages including Trevelez and Capileira. Cadiz Province also benefits from Atlantic airflow, particularly in locations such as Tarifa.
The changes highlights how increasingly frequent heatwaves are gradually reshaping tourism patterns, with more visitors adapting travel plans to prioritise cooler regions while still choosing Spain for summer holidays.
Spain’s pink lake
A BRIGHT pink lagoon on Spain’s Mediterranean coast is attracting attention after NASA shared a striking image of it captured from space. The lake, located near Torrevieja in Alicante Province, stands out dramatically because of its unusual fluorescent pink colour.
The lagoon, known as Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja, forms part of the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja. It gets its appearance from extremely salty water combined with microscopic organisms. Algae and microbes living in highly saline environments produce reddish and pink pigments to protect themselves from intense sunlight. During hotter weather, when evaporation increases salt concentration, the colour becomes even stronger. Consequently, it varies from pale pink to a much deeper shade at sunset.
In contrast, the neighbouring Laguna de La Mata looks completely different because its salt levels are lower, meaning the responsible microorganisms cannot develop in large quantities.
The lagoon became famous online through drone videos and holiday photos long before the NASA image circulated. Tourists visiting the Costa Blanca regularly share pictures because the colour looks unreal even in
person.
Human activity has also shaped the modern lagoon. The area remains one of Europe’s most important salt production zones, with channels linking the lagoon to the Mediterranean to maintain seawater flow. Today, it is both a protected natural space and a highly recognisable landscape. Local authorities continue reminding visitors that the ecosystem remains fragile despite its popularity.
The Alpujarra offers relief from intense heat.
NASA shared a striking satellite image showing the famous pink lagoon of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.
First wildfires
FIREFIGHTERS from Plan Infoca tackled
Andalucia’s first major wildfires of the year on Thursday, May 21. Separate blazes broke out in Almeria and Malaga, forcing the immediate deployment of aerial and ground crews.
Emergency services received the first alert at 11.05am in the Las Minas area of Alhama de Almeria. Teams moved quickly to contain the flames in the rural location. A helicopter provided aerial support, working with forest firefighters, an operations technician, an environmental officer and a water tanker crew to stabilise the fire perimeter.
A second fire started later that day at 2.43pm in the Portugalejo area of Canillas del Aceituno, Malaga. One heavy and one light helicopter joined two specialist units, an
operations technician and an environmental officer at the scene. Crews used coordinated tactics to limit the spread of the flames across the local terrain.
Andalucia enters this fire season with boosted capabilities. More than 4,700 professionals are available across the region, supported by 40 aircraft and over 1,000 vehicles. Upgraded bases and new fire engines have been introduced to improve rapid intervention times.
The early outbreaks come as forecasters predict imminent heatwaves and prolonged dry spells linked to the El Niño effect. Authorities have urged rural communities to remain on high alert, as the wildfire risk for the rest of the year remains exceptionally high.
Tourism returns to Benidorm
BRITISH tourists are returning to Benidorm in large numbers, with HOSBEC figures showing UK visitors accounted for 50.6 per cent of all hotel bookings during the first half of March 2026. It is the first time in years that British holidaymakers have made up more than half of total reservations in the resort. Hotel occupancy reached 77.9 per cent in early March, slightly higher than during the same period in 2025, indicating one of the strongest starts to the tourism season in recent years.
Affordability remains one of the biggest reasons behind the increase in British tourism. Benidorm continues to offer low-cost package holidays, cheaper accommodation and affordable food and entertainment compared with many competing Mediterranean destinations. Strong flight connections between Britain and Alicante-Elche
Airport have also made the resort easily accessible for short breaks and longer holidays.
The resort’s familiarity also continues to attract repeat visitors. Many British tourists return because of Benidorm’s English-speaking bars, restaurants and nightlife, while the warm climate offers an escape from colder weather in the UK. The growing ‘Costa
del Cheltenham’ trend has also boosted visitor numbers, with racing fans travelling to Benidorm during the Cheltenham Festival. Hotels are already nearing summer occupancy levels, with Easter bookings already having reached almost 90 per cent. Tourism businesses believe 2026 could become one of Spain’s busiest tourism seasons in recent years.
Regulating nightlife noise
SPAIN is moving towards stricter regulation of noise from outdoor hospitality terraces, although there is no single nationwide law requiring all bars and restaurants to install noise sensors. Instead, local councils and regional authorities are expanding controls through municipal environmental regulations, particularly in acoustically saturated zones where repeated complaints and excessive sound levels have been recorded.
Changes are expected to be gradual rather than dramatic.
Cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga already operate stricter systems in high-density or tourist-heavy districts. Measures can include reduced terrace opening hours, restrictions on seating capacity, tighter licensing conditions and stronger enforcement linked to acoustic monitoring. Some municipalities are also testing ‘smart terrace’ systems using environmental monitoring tools.
Noise from outdoor terraces remains one of the most common complaints in Spanish cities, especially in nightlife and tourism areas where residents report constant evening and night-time disturbance from conversations, furniture movement, deliveries
and crowded streets. Complaints usually intensify during summer when terrace use increases and residents keep windows open.
Authorities argue that improved monitoring could provide more consistent enforcement and reduce reliance on individual complaints. Hospitality businesses, however, remain concerned about potential impacts on revenue, capacity and operating costs.
For tourists, changes are expected to be gradual rather than dramatic. Spain’s terrace culture remains central to its tourism identity, but some districts may experience quieter environments, earlier closing times and stricter controls aimed at balancing tourism with residential quality of life.
Wildfire breaks out near Viñuela in Malaga Province.
Credit: Katja DavidsenWildfire Alert
The resort’s familiarity also continues to attract repeat visitors.
Photo credit: Aliaksandr
Photo credit: Alex Segre/Shutterstock
Farm escape
A HIDDEN countryside farm in the heart of Mallorca is drawing visitors away from the beaches and into the island’s rural interior with a series of food, wine and slow-living experiences.
Can Cavall Blau, located in Sencelles, has become one of Mallorca’s most talked-about countryside escapes thanks to its vineyard tastings, farm tours and relaxed social events set among vineyards and open farmland.
The estate offers visitors the chance to explore a working farm, meet polo horses and sample natural wines alongside home-made products and local produce grown directly on the land.
One of the most popular options is the ‘Tour and Tasting’ experience held
on Fridays, where guests are guided around the farm before enjoying tastings of wine, preserves and seasonal specialities.
Meanwhile, Sundays are dedicated to ‘Amargéro Hour’, a laid-back countryside gathering centred around the estate’s signature bitter orange aperitif, Amargéro, which is made using organically grown oranges from the farm and nearby land.
Tickets for experiences start from €49 per person, with organisers keeping groups small to maintain the intimate atmosphere.
As Mallorca continues embracing wellness, sustainability and slower tourism, experiences like Can Cavall Blau are becoming increasingly popular with residents, expats and visitors searching for a more authentic side of island life.
Creativity and crafts
A NEW creative event in the heart of rural Mallorca is inviting residents and visitors to swap busy schedules for paint, crafts and countryside calm this spring.
The ‘Creative Afternoon x Craft Club & MallorcAmor’ event will take place at MallorcAmor Farm in Sineu on Saturday May 30 from 5pm until 8pm, bringing together creativity, community and slow living in one relaxed countryside setting.
Palma’s Fervor fever
CAUGHT in a sudden Palma downpour while wandering through the winding Old Town streets, we quickly discovered exactly where everyone had disappeared to.
Behind the doors of Fervor Palma was a completely different atmosphere from the rainsoaked silence outside. The restaurant buzzed with energy as glasses clinked, conversations spilled across tables and the scent of flame-cooked food drifted through the intimate dining room. It instantly felt like one of those places people
actively seek out rather than simply stumble across.
And honestly, we understood why within minutes.
Balancing traditional Mallorcan charm with modern restaurant cool is not easy, but Fervor gets it spot on. Tucked into Palma’s fairy-tale streets, the space feels warm, atmospheric and stylish without trying too hard.
Rustic textures, soft lighting and contemporary touches create the perfect mix of cosy and chic.
The real star, however, is the menu. Known for
elevated Mediterranean cooking centred around fire and flavour, Fervor serves smoky grilled meats, beautifully presented sharing plates and fresh seafood dishes packed with bold but balanced flavours. What makes the place special is that it attracts both locals and visitors - always the sign of a restaurant truly worth returning to.
Come rain or shine, Fervor clearly remains one of Palma’s hottest tables.
Address: Carrer dels Hostals, 4, Centre, 07002 Palma
Phone: 971 209 546
Candlelight concert
A SPECIAL candlelit piano evening is set to bring music, atmosphere and a touch of romance to the heart of Soller this month.
Organisers say the event is designed to encourage people to reconnect through hands-on activities and conversation, offering a different kind of social experience away from Mallorca’s usual beach clubs and nightlife scene.
Guests will be able to enjoy an afternoon of crafting in the peaceful surroundings of the farm, with the event aimed at both adults and families looking for something wholesome and creative to do on the island.
Mallorca has seen a growing appetite for artisan workshops, wellness gatherings and community-focused events in recent years, particularly in quieter inland towns such as Sineu, which has become increasingly popular with creatives and slow-living enthusiasts.
Adult tickets for the event are priced at €35, while children under 12 can attend for €18.
For many on the island, it may prove to be the perfect excuse to put the phones away for a few hours and embrace Mallorca’s softer, more creative side.
The ‘Candlelight Piano’ event will take place at Chez Junior Soller on Friday May 29, offering guests the chance to enjoy live piano performances surrounded by candlelight in one of Mallorca’s most picturesque towns.
Located in Soller’s historic centre, Chez Junior has become known for its relaxed atmosphere and stylish setting, making it a fitting venue for an intimate live music night designed to slow things down and encourage people to simply sit back and enjoy the experience.
The event reflects Mallorca’s growing appetite for smaller, experience-led evenings that focus on ambience and culture
rather than large-scale nightlife. Across the island, candlelit concerts and live acoustic performances have become increasingly popular with both residents and tourists looking for something a little more memorable.
Set against the backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains, Soller already attracts visitors for its traditional streets, cafés and famous wooden tram, but evenings like this are helping strengthen its reputation as one of Mallorca’s most atmospheric destinations after dark.
Organisers say the evening is intended to create a calming and immersive setting where music and candlelight take centre stage.
For many, it may prove to be one of Mallorca’s most magical nights out this spring.
Stunning rural setting.
Credit: Can Cavall Blau
Paints, crafts and countryside calm.
Credit: MallorcAmor
Sing me a nice song
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
PERHAPS it’s just me showing my age again, but whatever happened to a good song? You know the sort of thing I mean. A tune you could hum on the way home. Lyrics that told a story. A melody that stirred something in the heart. Songs that made you laugh, cry, fall in love or remember someone special.
Watching this year’s Eurovision Song Contest left me wondering whether music has nally disappeared altogether beneath a mountain of ashing lights, smoke machines and enough pyrotechnics to frighten a small nation. Take the British entry. We were treated to immortal lines such as; ‘Eins, zwei, drei. Darlin, I need something salty, with a slice of pepperoni’. Pepperoni? Once upon a time Eurovision gave us songs like, ‘Puppet on a string.’ ‘Making your mind up.’ ‘Save your kisses for me.’ ‘Waterloo’ and countless others that actually meant something. Songs about romance, hope, heartbreak or joy. Today we’re apparently singing about takeaway food. No wonder the British en-
try came last! Of course, it didn’t end there, the actual winning entry featured the repeated declaration; I’m the Bangarang. Bangaranga, bangaranga, bangaranga’! Followed by; ‘I’m an angel, I’m a demon, I’m a psycho for no reason…’ Now perhaps somebody can explain to me what a bangarang actually is. I’ve listened several times and remain none the wiser.
Maybe that’s because modern songwriters seem terri ed of saying anything understandable. If the lyrics don’t make sense, nobody can accuse them of being wrong. In my day a lyric was poetry set to music. Think of the wonderful songs written by Lionel Bart, Burt Bacharach, Lennon and McCartney or Bob Dylan. Every word served a purpose. Every line painted a picture. And remember, these songs endured because people wanted to hear them again. They bought the records, sang them at parties and played them on the piano at home. Many became woven into the fabric of our lives.
Decades later we still know every word.
I very much doubt that in 50 years’ time grandchildren will be gathered around a piano singing about pepperoni pizza or chanting ‘Bangaranga’ at family celebrations. Most of today’s o erings become
hits for a weekend. The best songs become companions for a lifetime. Today it’s often a collection of slogans shouted repeatedly over electronic noise while dancers leap around as if they’ve accidentally touched a live cable. Of course, the music is only half the story. The voting remains as predictable as rain during a British bank holiday. (Not the most recent mind!) Neighbour votes for neighbour. Political friendships are rewarded. Current international events seem to matter more than the songs themselves.
One sometimes wonders whether the music is simply an excuse for a continental popularity contest. Frankly, why are we surprised? We send performers into a competition that increasingly seems to judge everything except the quality of the song. Yet I still cling to the hope that somewhere there are young songwriters producing proper melodies, meaningful lyrics and songs with genuine emotion.
Maybe I’m old-fashioned. But give me a beautiful melody and a lyric that means something over pepperoni, bangaranga and exploding reworks any day of the week.
Keep the Faith, Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Top of the Pops
The figure relates specifically to ticket revenue from concerts and live performances.
LIVE music in Spain generated €807.2 million in ticket sales during 2025, according to gures published in the Anuario de la Música en Vivo 2026 by the Asociación de Promotores Musicales. The gure relates speci cally to ticket revenue from concerts and live performances and does not include additional economic activity linked to tourism, accommodation, hospitality or transport associated with events.
The report also showed that live music ticket sales signi cantly exceeded Spain’s annual cinema box o ce revenue, estimated at around €450 million. Concert and festival admissions therefore produced close to double the income generated by cinema tickets nationwide.
According to the report, large stadium concerts, international tours and Spain’s extensive festival circuit were key drivers of revenue growth. Cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao continued attracting major domestic and international events throughout the year.
Industry analysts attributed the sector’s strong performance to sustained audience demand and the return of large-scale touring schedules following pandemic restrictions. Spain’s climate and long outdoor festival season were also identi ed as factors supporting continued growth. The report additionally noted that concerts and festivals continue contributing signi cantly to local economies, particularly during the summer tourism season.
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Nemesis
IN Netflix’s newest binge-in-one-sitting series, two men go face to face in a gripping cat and mouse chase. The series follows LAPD detective Isaiah Stiles who, like every thriller lead with a badge, is carrying unresolved trauma from a past case and an appetite for revenge. When Stiles becomes fixated on a Halloween heist and the man he be-
orchestrated the robbery, his family and future are put in jeopardy.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Export success
IN the first quarter of 2026, Andalucia achieved its best export performance, reaching €11.07 billion. Andalucia accounts for 11.5 per cent of all Spanish exports, behind Catalonia and Madrid. Vegetables remained Andalucia’s top export, while the aeronautical sector also contributed to export growth with sales reaching €770 million.
Pension problem
THE Pensions Commission has issued a warning, stating 15 million people in the UK aren’t saving enough for retirement. Worse yet, 45 per cent of working adults aren’t saving at all. At this rate, tomorrow’s pensioners will be poorer than today’s, with low and middle earners most at risk.
Home sales stall
HOME sales continued to decline in March, falling 2.2 per cent. Registered transactions exceeded 61,000 but were lacking compared to previous months. According to INE, March’s decline was due to a decrease in new home sales, which fell 10.2 per cent year on year to 13,057.
Shakira wins
SHAKIRA is set to be reimbursed more than €55 million by the Spanish tax government, after the court ruled she had been illegally penalised for tax fraud. This marks the end of a five-year long dispute, after Spain accused Shakira of not paying the necessary tax in 2011.
Butane relief
SPANISH households will soon feel the relief of one less rising cost as the maximum retail price for butane gas cylinders falls by 5.87 per cent to €15.39. Prices are being lowered largely because the VAT on butane fell to 10 per cent.
STAT OF WEEK 8%
IN the fourth quarter of 2025, the price of fertilisers in the EU rose by 8 per cent, compared with the same period of 2024.
Old Spanish hen
GREENE KING is the latest British brewery to fall into foreign hands. It was recently announced that the 227-year old pub chain would be selling its iconic Old Speckled Hen beer brand to the Barcelona-based brewing company Damm, owner of Estrella.
While the brand may have been sold to overseas buyers, the ale itself will still be brewed in Britain. Greene King will continue to brew Old Speckled Hen at its Bury St Edmunds site until the sale is complete, at which point operations would move to Damm’s Bedford brewery.
Damm opened this location in 2025, anticipating its expansion into the UK market.
Currently, the total value of the sale has not been disclosed. The deal does, however, stipulate that Old Speckled Hen will continue to be sold in Greene King pubs and in
major UK supermarkets.
British breweries divesting to foreign buyers has become a trend over the last 10 years. For example, in 2015 Camden Town Brewery sold to Belgian Budweiser for £85 million, and Fuller, Smith & Turner sold to Japanese Group Asahi for £250 million.
Spanish beers and breweries have been gaining a foothold in the
UK scene for some time now, with San Miguel and Cruzcampo becoming popular favourites.
This sale could be a lifeline for Greene King, which has been rocked by soaring costs and a tougher trading climate. They operate around 2,300 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK, but previously announced plans to scale back operations in a major shake-up.
Setbacks for high speed railway
BRITAIN’S HS2 high-speed railway has gone off the rails, with the project facing major setbacks.
Initial estimates predicted the project to cost £32.7 billion, but the price tag has since jumped to £87.7 billion and now £102.7 billion. What’s more, the project faces significant delays with the first trains not expected to start running until late 2039.
Reportedly, inflation is only partly to blame for rising project costs. Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, claimed the Conservative government “spent most of HS2’s budget without laying a single mile of track,” and described their handling of the project as an “expensive slow-motion car crash.”
Not only is the project £70 billion over the predicted budget and 13 years behind schedule, but the trains will also be slower than promised. In an effort to save £2.5 billion, the trains’ top speeds would also be lowered from 360 km/h to 320 km/h.
Food desert Oil profits
SINCE the start of the US-Israeli war in Iran, oil companies have seen a dramatic turnaround in profits. Even with 20 per cent of the world’s oil blocked, oil giants have achieved combined profits of 56 per cent as stocks rise by 15 to 55 per cent. Russia has also benefited from the crisis. Production has fallen by 460,000 barrels per day, yet Russian exports reached approximately €16.55 billion in April 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Soaring profits
SINCE 2021, UK food prices have doubled, placing a significant pressure on households and creating an epidemic of food insecurity across the country. A study by The Food Foundation found that six million adults, approximately 12 per cent of households, experienced food insecurity in January 2026.
The situation is especially dire in rural areas. Budgets are stretched thin, especially in the countryside, and access to big-chain supermarkets is made difficult by poor public transport.
As such, many rural towns and villages are becoming ‘food deserts’, with the lack of healthy, affordable food options impacting the poorest families.
RYANAIR’S profits are soaring. The airline recorded profits of €2.26 billion after tax for the year up to March 2026.
Ryanair has managed to sustain growth through a combination of rising fares and high travel demand.
During the 2025-26 period, passenger numbers increased by 4 per cent to a total of 208.4 million. For each passenger, revenue increased by 7 per cent as the airline implemented 10 per cent higher fares.
High fuel prices have not yet severely impacted the company as it hedged 80 per cent of its fuel requirements at €57 a barrel until April 2027.
WITH over 31 million users, Bizum has revolutionised instant payments, and now it could be changing in-person payment too. A new pilot programme is being gradually integrated in select establishments. The rollout will be slow, but eventually customers will have the option to pay via Bizum Pay, a wallet-style app set to be released in June.
In-store Bizum payments won’t only be convenient for customers, businesses are also expected to benefit from lower commissions.
Get the boot
DR MARTENS is making sure it doesn’t get the boot. The British company, famous for its yellow stitched boots, recently launched a new strategic plan to regain consumer appeal and market stability, and it seems to be paying off.
Dr Martens recorded its net profit for the fiscal year ending March 2026 at £23.8 million, achieving a 61 per cent increase in adjusted pre-tax profit. However, turnover has fallen by 29 per cent to £764.9 million in sales.
Pre-nup
BEFORE saying ‘I do’, a lot of couples are saying ‘sign here’ as prenuptial agreements become the new norm. In 2025, 70,646 contracts were signed, 4.3 per cent more than in 2024. More people than ever are prioritising securing their assets before heading down the aisle. Of those couples who signed a pre-nuptial contract, 93.2 per cent included a separation of property agreement, protecting the independent ownership of each spouses’ personal assets.
The Old Speckled Hen gets a new Spanish owner.
High speed railway is off track.
3I Group 2.137,75 2.196,00 2.108,00 153,24K
Admiral Group 3.306,0 3.314,0 3.298,0 13,17K
Airtel Africa 325,00 327,00 322,40 171,27K
Anglo American 3.759,0 3.793,0 3.759,0 108,14K
Antofagasta 3.764,00 3.784,00 3.729,00 43,08K
Associated British Foods 1.778,0 1.783,0 1.775,0 10,74K
AstraZeneca 13.548,0 13.558,0 13.439,9 79,06K
Auto Trader Group Plc 487,10 489,65 486,00 174,08K
Aviva 622,80 623,60 617,20 527,89K
B M European Value Retail 156,10 157,50 155,40 201,12K
BAE Systems 1.850,00 1.853,50 1.837,50 297,75K
Barclays 419,80 421,80 417,95 1,37M
Barratt Redrow 237,50 240,80 235,70 402,17K
Beazley 1.281,00 1.281,50 1.280,50 16,29K
Berkeley 3.200,0 3.228,0 3.190,0 4,16K
BP 562,40 565,80 558,36 1,31M
British American Tobacco 4.923,0 4.932,0 4.874,0 145,93K
BT Group 227,53 228,00 226,40 329,85K
Bunzl 2.326,0 2.338,0 2.318,0 12,41K
Centrica 189,95 191,85 189,05 311,07K
Coca Cola HBC AG 4.102,0 4.118,0 4.094,0 4,31K
Compass 31,96 32,20 31,95 40,48K
ConvaTec Group 208,00 208,00 206,20 55,93K Croda Intl 2.734,0 2.744,0 2.700,0 1,73K
5.865,0 5.890,0 5.860,0 1,18K
1.536,0 1.546,5 1.531,5 201,58K
6.640,00 6.677,62 6.610,00 9,68K
523,29 527,20 521,79 109,21K
BUSINESS EXTRA
Duke sells up
THE Duke of Westminster is rumoured to be selling €810m in US real estate holdings. This comes after the Grosvenor Group recorded losses exceeding €125m in its North American operations. Since inheriting the title and the family’s substantial real estate portfolio, Hugh Grosvenor has grown the family fortune to an estimated €11.6bn.
Farm stress
RISING fuel, fertiliser and energy costs prompted the Bank of England to flag agriculture as a sector facing ‘elevated financial stress’. Bad business conditions, a consequence of the Middle East conflict, are putting the already tenuous profitability of farms at risk. Food price inflation could reach 6-7 per cent if the crisis persists.
Tourists spend in Spain
DESPITE the Iran war disrupting travel plans, Spain is on track to break its record for foreign tourist spending. An EIR study by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts foreign tourist spending will grow by 5.3 per cent compared to 2025 and reach €121 billion. Such an achievement will position Spain as the European leader and as the third largest global market for international tourism spending, behind the United States and China.
Fashion fight
THE fast-fashion brands are fighting. Representatives for Shein and Temu appeared at London’s High Court recently, following Shein’s accusations Temu is conducting ‘industrial scale’ copyright infringement. Shein claims Temu have purposefully used images from their site to piggyback off the brands’ success for their own gain.
Temu countered the suit, claiming Shein
is using litigation to stifle competition. They also accuse Shein of signing suppliers to exclusive contracts, breaking competition law.
Both companies have expanded quickly. As their businesses grow so does the rivalry between them. This is not the first time they’ve resorted to litigation. Shein and Temu previously sued each other in the US.
According to the WTTC, Spain’s tourism offerings are conducive to spending. ‘High-value travellers’ are encouraged to spend on food, souvenirs and excursions. The average expenditure per foreign visitor stands at €1,144, much higher than the European average of €909. With approximately 96.8 million arrivals each year, Spain’s foreign tourist spending is 30 per cent higher than the European average.
The only real threat to Spain’s tourism industry is the rising price of kerosene. Should airlines run out of jet-fuel, foreign arrivals to Spain could dwindle.
However, Spain’s tourism industry is resilient. It recovers from global crises relatively quickly, partly due to Spain being a familiar territory and a reliable holiday destination, and also because visitors know they will get good value for money.
AI crimes
WHILE everyone frets over AI stealing jobs, in the background AI is committing a much worse crime. According to a report from Google, AI-powered hacking has become an industrial-scale threat. Capable of detecting and exploiting vulnerabilities in software systems, AI poses a real danger to banks, businesses and even governments.
TG JONES, formerly WH Smiths, is facing administration. The company previously rebranded and focused more on its travel division, in a failed attempt to return to profitability. Modella Capital, the chain’s owner, has recently outlined a turnaround plan that includes a £35 million investment and up to 150 store closures.
Tourists spend more in Spain.
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Costa del Sol Shade for schools
FAMILIES and pupils at Spanish state schools in Mijas can look forward to more comfortable school days, as the town hall begins installing covered structures over outdoor sports courts. The project follows an agreement between Mijas Town Hall and the Junta de Andalucia’s education department. It aims to protect children from extreme heat and open the spaces for wider community use outside school hours.
For years, local political groups, parents, and community organisations have campaigned for covered playgrounds, warning that children face direct sun during PE lessons and break times. Last year, opposition party Ciudadanos urged the council to speed up installations across all 12 schools, highlighting that pupils endured high temperatures without protection. Simultaneously, a Change.org petition gathered hundreds of signatures from residents worried about the risks of heat and dehydration during sports training.
Axarquia River reopening
AXARQUIA’S Chillar River route is preparing for a controlled reopening under new safety regulations that end years of unrestricted entry. Authorities closed the popular Axarquia trail in 2023 to address overcrowding, and two managed-access proposals are currently with the Junta de Andalucia. The first proposal introduces entry control near the old quarry leading to the Fabrica de la Luz. It suggests a daily cap of 615 visitors, with a maximum of 360 people allowed on the trail at once. Hikers would enter in groups of up to 15 between 9am and 4.40pm. A voluntary shuttle service would transport visitors because private vehicles are banned. This plan includes temporary ponds for amphibians, reed removal, and riverbank restoration costing €74,200.
The second proposal suggests a booking-based model from May 1 to November 1. Daily capacity would be limited to 500 visitors between 9am and 6pm. Online and booth tickets would cost €4.90, including insurance.
Costa Blanca North Regatta spectacle
CALPE’S coastline came alive over the weekend as the prestigious Trofeo Peñón de Ifach returned for another sun-soaked edition, bringing together sailors, spectators and visitors from across Spain and beyond.
Held at the Real Club Náutico de Calpe, the annual regatta once again transformed the marina into a hub of activity, with dozens of yachts competing beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Peñón de Ifach rock.
The event is considered one of the Mediterranean’s standout sailing competitions and attracts experienced crews alongside amateur enthusiasts, helping cement Calpe’s reputation as a major nautical destination on the Costa Blanca.
Locals and tourists lined the waterfront throughout the weekend to watch the action unfold offshore, while bars, restaurants and hotels in the area enjoyed a welcome boost ahead of the busy summer season.
Costa Blanca South Space surge
THE Costa Blanca is becoming known for far more than beaches and tourism, with Elche now emerging as one of Spain’s most surprising high-tech success stories. The city is home to PLD Space, the aerospace company leading Spain’s growing role in Europe’s modern space race.
The company made international headlines after successfully launching Miura-1, Europe’s first fully private rocket, marking a major milestone for both Spain and the continent’s aerospace industry. Now PLD Space is moving ahead with Miura-5, a much larger rocket designed to carry satellites into orbit as demand for communications, internet services, defence systems and scientific research continues growing worldwide.
What makes the story even more remarkable is that much of this development is happening directly from Elche, transforming part of the Costa Blanca into an unexpected centre for advanced engineering and technology.
Almeria Race against cancer
ALBOX saw an incredible turnout recently when almost 900 people, young and old, gathered for the Charity Night Race Against Cancer. Plaza Mayor was transformed into a sporting hub when runners, walkers and supporters gathered for the night race. Originally scheduled for the end of April, extreme weather conditions forced a postponement. Despite the delays, the 2026 edition recorded its highest turnout and biggest fundraising effort to date. The youngest runners set off first, but before the start of the 5k races, the mayor of Albox, Maria del Mar Alfonso Perez presented the president of the local Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) branch with a cheque worth €4,000, the total amount raised. The cheque not only represents the hard work of all involved in organising the night race, but also the countless cancer patients set to benefit from AECC’s support.
The event struck an emotional note for many whose lives and loved ones have been affected by cancer.
Costa Calida Sailing solidarity
THE Costa Calida city of Cartagena is showing its solidarity in time for World Multiple Sclerosis Day with a special sporting event, organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Cartagena and Region (or EMACC) and the city council.
The fourth edition of the Solidarity Regatta, as part of the Solidarity Day programme, is set to take place on May 30 and May 31 at the Los Nietos Nautical Club. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system. In patients with the disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, or the protective layer that insulates the nerve fibers, which interrupts the transmission of nerve signals. EMACC is a non-profit organisation based in Cartagena that has helped to develop social, psychological, neuropsychological and rehabilitation programmes since 1997.
In addition to these nearly three decades of charitable work, the organisation also helps to spread awareness and support.
Pet-sitters fall in love with Gatsby
FINDING sitters for all kinds of pets
One of our regular house-sitters wrote a blog recently telling us about caring for Gatsby, a large dog who loves company. When she was in the house with him he would follow her around, sometimes insisting on playing, other times just wanting her company when he sleeps. He was equally happy for her to go out exploring for a few hours then greeted her with real happiness on her return.
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Caring for cats
CATS are famously clean animals, spending hours each day washing their fur with careful attention. Even so, owners still play an important role in keeping their pets healthy and comfortable. Grooming is not only about appearance. It also helps prevent skin problems, painful knots, and excess fur around the home.
Most cats can handle basic cleaning on their own. Their rough tongues remove dirt, loose hair, and small bits of debris from the coat. Cats are also good at keeping certain areas tidy, especially after eating or using the litter tray. Short-haired breeds usually need very little help with everyday grooming.
However, owners should still brush their cats regularly. Long-haired cats, in particular, can
Well protected
IT was illegal to kill cats in Ancient Egypt. Not only were cats seen as an icon for Bastet, the Goddess of Protection, but they were also very effective in keeping rats at bay. Harming or killing a feline was a serious crime, punishable by death, regardless of whether it was intentional or an accident.
A clean cat is a happy cat.
develop mats that pull on the skin and cause discomfort. Brushing also reduces shedding and gives owners the chance to check for fleas, cuts, or unusual lumps. Nail trimming may also be
necessary, especially for indoor cats that do not wear their claws down naturally.
Bathing is rarely needed unless the cat becomes especially dirty or has a medical condition.
Above all, owners should make grooming a calm and gentle experience. A relaxed cat is far more likely to enjoy the attention and trust the person caring for them.
Meet Gatsby – playful and adorable, and loves company.
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Stadium revival
PALMA City Council has launched an architectural competition for a new sports pavilion at the former Lluís Sitjar stadium site, with plans for seating between 2,000 and 2,500 spectators alongside more than 650 parking spaces for Es Fortí.
Mayor Jaime Martínez Llabrés recently presented the project after the competition guidelines received approval from the municipal government. The scheme forms part of a wider urban regeneration
plan aimed at reconnecting the long-abandoned site with the city.
The project covers around 48,000 square metres, including Plaça Barcelona, Carrer Ramón Picó i Campamar and areas linked to Palma’s Falca Verda green corridor. The pavilion will include sports facilities, changing rooms, conference areas, administrative offices, a bar-cafeteria and meeting rooms.
The council also plans major parking improve-
ments. A total of 125 spaces and five coach bays will serve pavilion users, while 400 underground spaces in Plaça Barcelona will be reserved for residents. Another 131 spaces will be created on Carrer Ramón Picó i Campamar.
The development budget stands at €43.5 million. Plans also include preserving the historic entrance portico of the former stadium and incorporating a feature marking the outline of the old ground.
Toddlers sports day
CALVIA Town Hall recently hosted a recreational sports day for municipal nursery schoolchildren finishing their first cycle of early childhood education. Held under the slogan ‘El Valor dels Valors’, the large event brought together a total of 260 young children aged between two and three years old.
The Magaluf athletics track hosted the young participants alongside their educational staff. In total, 10 local nurseries took part in the collective session: Bendinat, Na Burguesa, Palmanova, Magaluf, Ocell del Paradís, Es Vedellet, Es Picarol, Santa Ponsa, Es Molinet and the Calvia nursery school.
Organised by the IMEB in collaboration with the ICE, the initiative marked the final end of this educational phase with games, psychomotor activities and a final party. As a symbol of unity, every single pupil wore a t-shirt displaying the full project title, ‘El Valor dels Valors a l’Esport Calvianer’ (the Value of Values in Calvia Sport). This joint initiative between the municipal education and sports institutes allowed the children to celebrate their development. The day provided an active, healthy, shared environment, focusing on teaching core human values through sports and play from the very earliest stages of childhood growth.
Golden jubilee milestone
CLUB ESPORTIU ALQUERIA recently marked 50 years of footballing history with an emotional tribute at their Sa Teulera ground. The event took place before the local team kicked off their official fixture against CD Montaura. It transformed the pitch into a celebration of half a century dedicated to local sport in s’Alqueria Blanca.
The celebration centred around a public tribute to original mem-
bers who joined the club when it was established in 1976. These individuals built the foundation for the club to grow across generations. Toni Rigo Rigo, the club’s very first member, took to the pitch to perform the ceremonial kick-off.
The home crowd responded with unanimous applause.
The Santanyi City Council praised the visiting team, CD Montaura, who joined the celebra-
tion by forming a guard of honour for the veterans. Santanyi mayor Maria Pons congratulated the green-and-white community. She stated the milestone proves the club is a fundamental social pillar for s’Alqueria Blanca and the municipality. Pons praised current president Joan Rigo for his tireless work. Sports councillor Martí Bonet pledged continued local authority backing for the historic club.
Competition to build new sports pavilion.
Football club celebrates 50 years with emotional tribute to founders.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Palma
Ten nurseries come together to celebrate graduation.