Mallorca I No. 2156 I 29 Oct - 4 Nov 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal PM - 140 - 2004 - ISSN 2488-1686
Cheers, Palma
MORE THAN 20,000 people reportedly attended Palma’s Raïm Wine Fest as Mallorca celebrated its wine-making heritage with local producers, gastronomy and live music. The festival took place on Saturday, October 24, transforming Parc de la Mar and Ses Voltes into a lively meeting point for wine enthusiasts, food lovers and music fans. Organised by Vi de la Terra Mallorca, the event brought together 58 wineries from across the island, showcasing local wines alongside gastronomy and live entertainment. A post shared on Instagram by Seny Mediterrani highlighted the reported attendance, challenging the idea that wine is losing its appeal and suggesting there is still a strong appetite for wine culture when it is presented in a fresh, engaging way. The festival offered an opportunity for producers to introduce their wines to a broad audience in an accessible, social setting. Visitors could sample wines from participating Mallorcan wineries, enjoy local food and take part in gastronomic workshops pairing island wines
Credit: Instagram/vterramallorca
More than 20,000 attended.
with dishes created by chefs and other food professionals. Restaurants, bakeries and food trucks added to the offering, while live music and DJ sets helped create a festival atmosphere that continued into the evening. The programme ran from midday until 1am, with performances across two stages, including an appearance by Catalan rock band Buhos. Free entry also helped make the event accessible, although visitors needed to purchase the official festival glass to sample the wines. Organisers also used social media to thank the team at Azafatas a Punto, praising its staff for their professionalism, commitment and hard work throughout the event. The festival celebrated Mallorca’s winemaking heritage while giving local producers a platform to reach new customers and connect with consumers in an informal setting. Its reported attendance of more than 20,000 people underlined the appeal of bringing the island’s wine, food and music together in one of Palma’s most recognisable waterfront locations.
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LOCAL NEWS
Vital donations Inca comes alive SEVERAL Mallorca charities supporting vulnerable people have received essential equipment and food funding thanks to donations raised by local businesses and community initiatives. Wave Mallorca radio station’s annual radiothon has helped provide two new washing machines for Llar Inge, a women’s shelter in Palma housing more than 40 mothers and children. The fundraising also supported Siloe, an AIDS hospice in Santa Eugenia, with a new washing machine and repairs to another appliance. Meanwhile, Can Gazà, a residential home for more than 20 men recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, has received a much-needed new fridge. Donations are also helping fund around 300 meals each week for Zaqueo soup kitchen, which provides food to homeless people. The charities expressed
Credit: Facebook/YachtingGivesBack
Charities thanked Wave Mallorca radio station’s annual radiation.
their gratitude to Richie and the wider Wave Mallorca team for their fundraising efforts. Further support has come from Montego Bay Mallorca in Cala Major, where owner Clelia and her customers raised a significant donation through a successful clothes swap event. The initiatives highlight the contribution of community fundraising to organisations providing practical support for vul-
nerable people across the island. People wishing to donate clothing and other items can take them to the YachtingGivesBack container at Servicios Técnicos Portuarios in palma, which is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 10.30am. Organisers thanked everyone who contributed, helping ensure essential equipment and meals reach those who need them most.
Credit: Facebook/AjuntamentdeInca
Autumn fair season has kicked off.
INCA kicked off its autumn fair season as the town’s Fira de la Terra brought traditional Mallorcan crafts, family activities and cultural celebrations to its streets. Held on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, the event marked the first of three consecutive weekends of fairs leading up to Dijous Bo, one of Mallorca’s biggest traditional markets. One of this year’s new attractions was the Racó dels Oficis, where visitors could discover traditional crafts through live demonstrations, including palm-leaf basket weaving and the art of weaving chair seats using natural materials. The programme also featured the return of the Fira Màgica de les Rondalles,
celebrating Mallorca’s traditional folk tales through workshops, performances, exhibitions and artisan stalls. Japanese culture took centre stage at the second Inca Yokai Fest, with stalls dedicated to comics, manga and Japanese culture, alongside workshops, food trucks, and cosplay competitions. The weekend also included activities promoting sustainability, local associations and traditional rural life, reflecting the fair’s emphasis on Mallorca’s cultural heritage. The celebrations continue on October 31 and November 1, with the Fira de l’Esport i l’Oci, featuring sports, motor-related activities, music and gastronomy, before the Fira d’Època takes place on November 7 and 8.
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29 October - 4 November 2026
Changing rental terms
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New plans for autonomos Self-employed tax battle Photo credit: Sheremetio/shutterstock
NEWS
TENANTS in Spain can now check how much landlords are legally allowed to increase their rent, thanks to the launch of an updated government calculator. The free online tool, provided by Spain’s Ministry of Housing, helps renters calculate their maximum annual rent increase under new restrictions introduced on October 8. Landlords cannot increase rents that already exceed the government’s official reference price ceiling. Where rent falls below that threshold, annual increases are generally limited to 2 per cent, unless a different agreement applies. For instance, someone paying €800 monthly could face a maximum 2 per cent increase of €16, bringing rent to €816. However, a tenant paying €950 for a property with a reference ceiling of €900 would face no increase. These measures apply to annual reviews until December 31, 2027. To use the Calculadora del alquiler, tenants enter their current monthly rent, whether it exceeds the reference price, and relevant contract details. Renters unsure of their property’s reference price can consult the separate SERPAVI system, which
Credit : fizkes, Shutterstock
SPAIN’S NEW RENT CALCULATOR
The package also calls for stronger support during illness.
Spain’s new rent calculator helps tenants check how much their rent can increase.
calculates a price range based on address and property characteristics. The ministry also offers assistance via its free 047 helpline. Previously, annual adjustments depended on contract terms, including the Consumer Price Index (IPC) or Residential Rental Price
Update Index (IRAV). Introduced through a housing decree approved on October 6, parliamentary ratification remains pending. Tenants should check the tool before accepting any proposed increase. www.mivau.gob.es/vivienda/ calculadora-precio-alquiler
NEW businesses in Spain could receive two years without social security contributions under proposed reforms from the National Federation of Associations of Self-Employed Workers (ATA). Led by Lorenzo Amor, the organisation has sent political parties 10 proposals ahead of Spain’s elections in November. Under the plan, new autonomos would pay no contributions for two years, extended to three years for people under the age of 30, women starting businesses after maternity and workers earning below the minimum wage. Students under 30 running a business while studying would pay €30 a month. ATA also proposes contribution discounts of 15 to 75 per cent over two years for established self-employed workers on lower incomes. Businesses with annual turnover below €85,000 could opt out of charging VAT, while quarterly returns would be replaced by a single annual declaration. Other tax proposals include simpler deductions for certain vehicle, utility and meal expenses. The package also calls for stronger support during illness, maternity and business closures, changes to pensions and retirement arrangements, and a freeze on planned contribution increases until 2030. ATA wants improved access to cessation-of-activity benefits and a single online portal for administrative procedures. The proposals have not yet been adopted. Credit : Sebra/ Shutterstock
Lines on hold NEW CALLER RULES
PEOPLE living in Spain can now identify unwanted sales calls more easily, thanks to new telephone rules which took effect on October 17. Under the legislation, companies making commercial calls to potential customers will generally be required to use nine-digit telephone numbers beginning with 400, allowing consumers to recognise marketing calls before answering. The measure was established through a government resolution published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) on April 16, giving businesses and telecoms operators six months to prepare. Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López confirmed on October 14 that the requirement applies to companies contacting people who are not already their
customers to offer products or services. However, the new rules do not ban telemarketing altogether, and certain exceptions apply. Importantly, 400 numbers can only make outgoing calls, meaning consumers who miss a call cannot call back. Operators may also offer customers the option to block the entire 400 range, though this service is not automatically guaranteed. Customer service calls remain separate and may continue using geographical numbers, designated short numbers, or the 800 and 900 ranges. Telecoms operators are expected to block non-compliant commercial calls, subject to exceptions, and consumers can report suspected misuse to the CNMC. The government states its wider anti-fraud
Spain introduces new phone numbers to identify sales calls.
measures have already blocked over 400 million suspicious calls and 32 million messages. Users should never disclose PINs or banking details during unexpected calls.
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29 October - 4 November 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Pedalling for a cause Big boat bill Yachting community joined forces for charity cycling event.
YACHT crew members from across Mallorca joined forces for a charity cycling event supporting a local organisation helping people in need. The BWA Yachting Spain Charity Cycle brought together 45 cyclists representing 16 vessels and nine companies for a day of fundraising and camaraderie. All money raised will go to Yachting Gives Back, which supports charitable initiatives and community projects in Mallorca. BWA Yachting will also double the funds collected, in-
creasing the donations generated by the event. Organisers thanked everyone who took part, donated or helped make the cycle possible, describing it as an enjoyable day in support of a worthwhile cause. Special thanks were given to SOS Yachting and Catalina Mallorca for their support in helping the event take place. The annual cycle has become an opportunity for members of Mallorca’s yachting industry to come together beyond their day-to-day work, using their shared pas-
sion for cycling to raise money for local good causes. With 45 riders taking part this year, organisers have already hinted at a return next year, asking participants whether they will be ready to get back in the saddle for another round of fundraising. The event combined exercise, teamwork and community spirit, with the money raised receiving an additional boost thanks to BWA Yachting’s commitment to match the funds collected.
TAXPAYERS in Mallorca have been left with a €26,000 bill to remove an abandoned sailing boat that spent nine months stranded on a beach in Puerto Pollensa. Pollensa Town Hall carried out the removal on Monday, October 26, bringing an end to the vessel’s lengthy stay on Tamarells beach. The boat was swept ashore in late January during Storm Harry, which battered the Balearic coastline with strong winds and rough seas. The owner declared insolvency and failed to take responsibility for removing the vessel, leaving the local authority to cover the cost from public funds. However, environmental group Arrels Marines says the problems began before the storm. According to the association, the boat had been anchored in Pollensa Bay for months in a neglected condition, with a deteriorating deck covered in algae and damaged sails. The group welcomed the eventual removal but criticised the lengthy delay and the financial burden placed on taxpayers. It also warned that the incident highlights concerns about abandoned MORE hotels than ever are expected to remain open throughout the winter at Playa de Palma as businesses look to extend Mallorca’s tourist season beyond the summer months. The Palma Beach business association forecasts that 21 hotels, offering around 6,000 beds, will operate all year round. The establishments include
Credit: AjuntmanetdePollensa
Credit: BWA Yachting
Council paid €26,000 to remove the abandoned sailing boat.
boats and uncontrolled anchoring in the bay. The vessel’s removal is not an isolated case. Since 2023, Pollensa Town Hall has had to remove five abandoned boats, with the combined cost reaching €70,000. Environmental concerns extend beyond the expense, as neglected vessels can pose risks to the coastline and marine environment.
Winter boost three-, four- and five-star accommodation, providing options for different types of winter visitors. Mika Ferrer, chief executive of Palma Beach, told The MajorcaDailyBulletin that the outlook for the resort was positive, with more hotels staying open for the full 12 months than
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in previous years. This is also expected to benefit restaurants and other local businesses. The planned closures will be staggered, with 41 hotels due to close in October and another 47 in November. One more is scheduled to shut in December. Around 27 hotels are expected to remain open throughout December before further closures over Christmas and January leave 21 operating year-round. Businesses are particularly hoping to attract visitors during the festive period, helping sustain tourism outside the traditional summer season. Restaurants along the beachfront and in nearby streets are also expected to continue trading, while some leisure and sports facilities will remain available. The initiative aims to reduce seasonal closures and maintain economic activity in Playa de Palma throughout the quieter months.
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29 October - 4 November 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Palma wins award Streets turn pink
Balearic president visits the waterfront back in 2025.
PALMA’S revamped Paseo Marítimo has received national recognition, winning a sustainability award for its greener design and improved public spaces. The waterfront redevelopment was awarded the Saint-Gobain Sustainable Construction Award in Spain, highlighting efforts to make the seafront more accessible while reducing the dominance of road traffic. Led by the Balearic Ports Authority (APB), the project involved an investment of more than €50 million to transform a 3.5-kilometre stretch between the Porto Pi roundabout and Avenida Argentina. One of the biggest changes was the redesign of the road layout, which previously accommodated three or four lanes in each direction. The new configuration has two lanes each way, freeing up additional space
for pedestrians, cyclists and landscaped areas. Around 70 per cent of the redeveloped space is now dedicated to green areas and public use, while more than 1,800 trees have been planted as part of the environmental improvements. The transformation aims to create a more attractive waterfront for residents and visitors, with better opportunities for walking and cycling and stronger connections between the city and the sea. The Saint-Gobain awards, organised in collaboration with the Club for Excellence in Sustainability, recognise projects demonstrating good practice in sustainable construction across Spain. The award provides national recognition for Palma’s efforts to modernise its waterfront while prioritising greener urban planning and more accessible public spaces.
PALMA’S streets turned pink as around 5,700 people joined the 11th Mallorca En Marcha Contra el Cancer on Sunday, October 25, showing their support for cancer research and people affected by the disease. Organised by the Spanish Association Against Cancer in the Balearic Islands, the annual event brought together runners, families and walkers for a morning dedicated to solidarity. The programme began on Avenida Antoni Maura, near Parc de la Mar, with an eight-kilometre race starting at 9.30am, followed by a four-kilometre non-competitive walk at 11.30am. More than 1,500 runners registered for the race, while thousands more joined the walk. Organisers had received more than 4,200 registrations before the event, with final participation reaching approximately 5,700.
Children also took part in dedicated races for youngsters aged three to 14, with distances adapted to different age groups. The family-friendly programme included commemorative medals, wristbands and appearances by the Pink Panther mascot. This year’s event also highlighted the association’s ‘Nos lo tomamos a pecho’ campaign, which
focuses on women living with cancer and calls for greater support, information and involvement in decisions about their treatment. The annual gathering aims to raise funds for research while bringing the community together behind patients and their families, underlining the importance of solidarity in the fight against cancer.
FOOTBALL superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly ordered an incredible new luxury sea vessel, estimated to be valued between €8 million and €10 million, and once it is completed, it will be available to charter in
Mallorca. The Sunreef power catamaran will measure nearly 27 metres long and will boast two 1,000 horsepower engines according to luxury yacht and superyacht magazine BOAT International.
The new luxury vessel, once completed, will join MIM Ocean, Messi’s charter fleet in the Balearic Islands. The fleet consists of three Bali 5.4 sailing catamarans that can hold up to 11 guests each. The new Sunreef will be its first power catamaran, and it’s due for delivery in 2027. According to Yacht Charter Fleet, the exuberant new catamaran will boast a full-beam owner’s suite and four guest cabins, with room for up to 10 guests. At the back, the Ocean Lounge opens onto the water through fold-out terraces and a hydraulic platform, and there’s a garage for a jet ski. Charter prices for this spectacular sea vessel have not yet been announced, but once it is completed, residents and visitors on the sunny isle of Mallorca can expect to see yet another impressive yacht sailing just off the coastline.
Credit: Facebook/ Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer Illes Balears
Credit: GoverndeIslesBaleares
5700 joined the walk against cancer.
Celebrity catamaran
SPANISH NEWS
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29 October - 4 November 2026
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Passersby race to rescue.
A WOMAN was saved from drowning on Sunday, October 25 after being swept into the ocean at Riazor beach in A Coruña, Galicia. The victim was reading near the shoreline around 2pm when a wave pulled her into the water. Unable to swim back to shore against the tide, she was rescued when approximately 10 bystanders joined hands to form a human chain into the water, pulling her to safety. Emergency services attended the scene at 1.45pm, and the victim was transported to A Coruña’s university hospital to receive treatment for hypothermia. The incident took place during a yellow weather warning, which forecast coastal waves exceeding four metres. A Coruña mayor Inés Rey commended the rescuers
for their swift action, whilst warning that sitting near the water during severe conditions was irresponsible and risked additional lives. On Monday, October 26, local authorities began constructing a two-metre sand dune along Riazor beach to protect the seafront promenade from incoming winter storms. According to the Royal Spanish Lifesaving and Rescue Federation, Spain recorded 472 accidental drowning deaths in 2025, with beaches accounting for 241 of those fatalities. Galicia recorded 54 drownings over the same period. Officials urge visitors to respect official coastal warnings and contact emergency services on 112, rather than attempting untrained rescues in rough waters.
SPAIN’S medicines agency, AEMPS, has warned that minoxidil, a scalp treatment for hair loss, can seriously poison cats and dogs. Pets do not have to swallow it: residue on hands, skin, clothes, pillows or bedding can expose them. The Warning issued on October 26 draws on poison-control records. Among 211 reported dog and cat exposures, 62 cats developed symptoms and eight died, 12.9 per cent of symptomatic cats in that dataset. Separately, a European database review identified eight cases: four in Spain, three in Belgium and one in the United States, involving three cats and five dogs. Minoxidil widens blood vessels. In pets, exposure can cause low blood pressure, a fast heart rate, fluid in or around the lungs and heart failure. Other signs include weakness, poor coor-
Photo credit: ARTphoto21/Shutterstock
Credit: Viral on X
Heroic human chain Minoxidil poisoning in pets
A European database review identified eight cases.
dination, tremors and breathing difficulties. Cats appear particularly susceptible, although dogs are also at risk. AEMPS advises users to wash their hands after applying minoxidil, keep pets away from treated skin, prevent contact with contaminated bedding and clothing, and store the medicine se-
curely. Anyone who suspects exposure should contact a vet immediately, even if the animal seems well. There is no specific antidote; treatment may involve decontamination, cardiovascular and respiratory support. Vets are asked to report suspected cases through NotificaVET.
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29 October - 4 November 2026
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SPANISH NEWS
Spain targets rental listings Halloween protests SPANISH authorities have asked two accommodation platforms to remove or block 8,318 rental listings advertised as seasonal accommodation, while allowing stays shorter than 31 days. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs identified the advertisements following changes introduced under Royal Decree-Law 29/2026, which took effect on October 8. The new rules distinguish genuine seasonal rentals from ordinary residential tenancies and tourist accommodation. Madrid accounts for most of the flagged listings, with 6,772 in the Community of Madrid, including 6,523 in Madrid city. The remaining 1,546 advertisements concern properties elsewhere in Spain. Under the new frame-
Credit : Todamo, Shutterstock
Credit: Lino De Vallier / Shutterstock
Spain has targeted 8,318 rental listings under new seasonal rental rules, with most identified in Madrid.
work, seasonal rentals must meet the 31-day threshold and have a justified temporary purpose, such as work, study or medical treatment. Authorities consider that advertising shorter stays under this category could mislead consumers. The two platforms, which have not been named, were notified
under the EU Digital Services Act. However, the government has not confirmed that all 8,318 listings have been removed, and no penalties have been announced in this case. Importantly, Spain has not banned holiday rentals lasting fewer than 31 days. Tourist accommodation remains governed by separate regulations. For property owners, the action highlights the importance of correctly classifying rental listings. For travellers, existing holiday bookings are not automatically cancelled, although accommodation details and booking conditions should be checked.
Fresh Halloween calls have followed Barcelona’s night of looting and street fires.
ONLINE calls for street gatherings on Halloween night, Saturday October 31, have spread to Madrid, Algeciras and San Pedro de Alcantara near Marbella in the days after looting hit central Barcelona. The calls use the name Blocus (a French term for student school blockades), and fact-checkers Newtral traced them to about 70 TikTok accounts. However, the details change from place to place, with one Algeciras poster asking people to come in costume and not to bring anything dangerous. The worrying question on most people’s minds is whether the passive mindset will continue throughout these gatherings if they go ahead. In Barcelona, more than 20 shops were looted on October 24 and 128
people were arrested, whilst a separate Telegram group of more than 1,000 users discussed robbing luxury shops on Halloween, according to fact-checkers Maldita. Nothing links that group to the calls in Andalucia though, and reports stressed the posts alone don’t show whether anything will happen. Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, are investigating the accounts, while the National Police are reported to be looking into the Algeciras call. No public guidance has been issued for San Pedro or Algeciras so far, so anyone planning a night out there should keep an eye on Local Police and council updates, and stay indoors if things start to get out of control.
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SPANISH NEWS
CONSUMERS across Spain are being urged to avoid shopping for 24 hours on Wednesday, November 11, as consumer association FACUA launches a nationwide boycott over rising living costs. Announced on October 23, the initiative, known as a ‘huelga de compras’, aims to highlight growing pressure on household budgets from food prices, housing, energy bills and fuel costs. FACUA is encouraging consumers to avoid supermarket shopping, online purchases and refuelling vehicles throughout the day. The association also wants participants to postpone signing new electricity, gas, telecommunications and banking contracts. However, the boycott is entirely voluntary. Consumers are not prohibited from shopping, and businesses are not required to close. The campaign also does
Credit : UnImages, Shutterstock
Spain’s 24-hour shopping boycott
Boar attack outrage
Shoppers across Spain are being urged to avoid spending for 24 hours on November 11.
not call for people to stop paying existing bills, mortgages or other financial obligations. The shopping boycott will coincide with a separate general strike scheduled for November 11, which could affect staffing, transport and other services depending on participation. Supermarkets, petrol stations and shops may remain open, although individual businesses could experience disruption linked to the general strike. For British residents and holidaymakers, the distinc-
tion is important: FACUA’s campaign does not automatically mean nationwide closures. Travellers should monitor announcements from transport operators, while shoppers can check individual businesses for possible changes to opening arrangements. Participation levels and the boycott’s potential economic impact remain unknown.
29 October - 4 November 2026
A TERRIFIED wild boar charged through central Zaragoza on the final night of the Fiestas del Pilar, bursting into a crowded bar and injuring a woman before being stabbed to death by the owner and patrons. The incident has has caused a fierce debate across Spain over urban wildlife management and self-defence. Emergency services were alerted at 12.40am on Sunday, October 18, after the 50kg animal was spotted galloping down tram tracks near Plaza de España. Despite efforts by police, firefighters and animal rescuers to guide the creature towards nearby woodland, it fled into El Jardín del Temple, a popular nightlife spot in the Casco Viejo quarter. Inside the packed establishment, the animal attacked a woman, inflicting minor injuries, and reportedly bit another person.
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Credit: AA X
Amnistía Animal protesters and runaway boar.
The bar owner, who witnesses stated was a hunter, joined several customers in using a knife to kill the creature before police arrived. Animal rights organisation Amnistía Animal has since condemned the killing as cold-blooded and lodged a complaint with SEPRONA, the Guardia Civil’s nature protection service, which is now investigating the animal’s exact origin and cause of death. On Saturday, October 24, around 50 demonstrators gathered in Plaza España to protest against the incident. Supporters argue the patrons faced an immediate threat in a confined space. Opponents maintain that the frightened creature should have been contained until professional wildlife handlers arrived. The incident is still being investigated.
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EUROPRESS
Credit: Nawaasiha/IG
Horse checks in Monet for millions The painting measures almost 1.6 metres high.
Horsing around in a Belgian restaurant.
A HORSE caused a stir at a five-star Belgian hotel after wandering into its restaurant during lunch service. Diners at Bistrôt Le Ciel, part of La Butte aux Bois in Lanaken, Limburg, were eating at around 1.40pm on Saturday, October 24, when the animal entered from the street. Security footage showed it walking through reception and into the bistro, where guests made room as the horse moved between them, while staff
remained calm. Hotel manager Jessy Brepoels called it a memorable “walk-in.” In 27 years at the hotel, she had seen stray birds indoors, but never such a large animal. “It walked in a straight line to our bistro, where lunch was in full swing,” she told VRT. “It was immediately extra entertainment for our guests.” Concierge David Geurts said the horse first tried the wellness area, but found that door closed.
Photo credit: JamesYi006/Shutterstock
10 29 October - 4 November 2026
A glass door at the bistro opened automatically, allowing it inside. It sniffed a wine glass, which stayed upright. One diner reportedly joked to her partner: “You didn’t have to do that, darling.” After about 10 minutes, a guest used a dog treat to lead the horse back outside. Staff from a nearby riding centre returned it to stables at the Zangersheide stud farm. Apart from a few hoofprints, the hotel escaped without damage.
A CLAUDE MONET painting that remained in a private Paris home for decades has sold for €50 million at Sotheby’s, becoming the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction in France. Iris, painted in 1924–1925, had never previously been publicly exhibited. Its pre-sale estimate was €22 million to €30 million, but the final price, including buyer’s fees, comfortably exceeded expectations. The painting measures almost 1.6 metres high and 1.8 metres wide. It depicts flowers in the expressive style associated with Monet’s later work and was created at Giverny, the French village where he developed the gardens that inspired many of his paintings. The can-
vas remained in the Schlumberger family’s Paris collection after being acquired by Jeanne Schlumberger through the gallery of Katia Granoff. The public first saw it in colour when it was unveiled ahead of the auction in September. The sale included 28 works from the family collection. Three other Monet paintings were offered, while three works by Paul Cézanne were withdrawn after being classified as national treasures. They are being considered for acquisition by Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne’s birthplace, with support from France’s culture ministry. The auction coincides with the centenary of Monet’s death in December 1926, which is also being marked by two exhibitions in Paris.
SCENE Lights, camera, action Spooky Halloween fun MALLORCA film fans can enjoy international premieres, meet the island’s creative community and discover award-winning talent when the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival returns to Palma until Wednesday, November 4. The 15th edition will showcase more than 140 films and documentaries from around 50 countries, bringing a diverse programme of international cinema to the Balearics. German actress Diane Kruger, known for Troy and Inglourious Basterds, will receive the Evolution ICON Award, while filmmaker Edward Berger, director of All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave, will be honoured with the Evolution Vision Award. The festival opened at Palma’s Palau de Congressos
Credit: Facebook/EvolutionFilmFestival
Iconic film festival returns. on October 28 with Club Kid, directed by Jordan Firstman, and will conclude at Teatre Principal on November 4. Residents can get involved by booking individual screenings, with tickets listed at €8, or attending the opening and closing galas. A cinematography programme featuring screenings, discussions and masterclasses will also give film enthusiasts an insight into the creative process. Local talent will have a
prominent place, with the Made in Baleares section showcasing 44 audiovisual projects from the Balearic Islands. The festival aims to strengthen Mallorca’s international film profile while providing opportunities for local filmmakers to connect with industry professionals. For the full programme, screening times and ticket information, visit www.evolu tionfilmfestival.com
FAMILIES in Mallorca can enjoy an afternoon of spooky surprises, magic and trick-or-treating when a Halloween party for children takes place at Es Burotell in Calvia on Saturday, October 31. Organised by Cuqui Boys, the Halloween Kids’ Party will run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, offering three hours of entertainment aimed at children aged three to eight. The programme includes a magic show, an inflatable castle, face painting and creative workshops, giving youngsters plenty of opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit. Children can also explore a sensory corner and take part in the Witch’s Magic Cauldron activity, alongside traditional trick-or-
MALLORCA
Credit: Shutterstock/Vita_Dor
Halloween fun for children aged three to eight. treating and other themed surprises. The event is designed to give families a fun alternative to spending Halloween evening going door to door, with a range of activities gathered together in one location. Tickets cost €27.50 for children, while adults pay €5, which includes a drink. Organisers have warned that places are limited, encouraging families to book in advance. The party will be held at
Es Burotell, on the PMV1016 road in Calvia, making it accessible for families living in the municipality and surrounding areas. For further information or reservations, contact the organisers on 639 352 858 or consult the event listing on The Calendar Mallorca website. With magic, games and plenty of Halloween-themed entertainment, the event promises a playful evening for Mallorca’s youngest trick-or-treaters.
14 29 October - 4 November 2026
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Mayonnaise madness
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
Photo credit: Las Postas on Facebook
Halloween takes over
there are pumpkin farms, pumpkin festivals, pumpkin-spiced coffee and people having professional photographs taken while sitting among hundreds of pumpkins. I’ve nothing against pumpkins, but I’m beginning to think they have a better social life than I do. And then there’s trick-or-treating. Children arrive dressed as witches, monsters and zombies and politely demand confectionery under threat of unspecified consequences. In my day, that was called extortion. Today we call it a family activity. Of course, I’m only joking. I rather like seeing children enjoying themselves, and some of the decorations are wonderfully imaginative. But I do wonder how a single evening managed to turn itself into a month-long commercial operation. No sooner have the witches packed up their broomsticks than Father Christmas comes charging through the door. Poor old November hardly gets a look-in. Perhaps that’s the real horror of Halloween nowadays. It isn’t the ghosts. It isn’t the skeletons. It isn’t even the enormous spider hanging over the neighbour’s front door. It’s knowing that the moment you’ve eaten the last Halloween sweet, somebody somewhere is about to play “Jingle Bells.” Thanks for all your mail. Nice to know you’re there. 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.
The prosecution initially requested an 11-year prison sentence.
A MAN has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison after setting fire to a bar in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Sevilla province, because staff could not provide mayonnaise or ketchup for his montadito sandwich. The incident happened in August 2025 at Las Postas café on Avenida de Cádiz. The customer, identified as José Rafael, poured petrol from a plastic bottle over the counter and set it alight, despite knowing the premises were full of customers. The prosecution initially requested an 11-year prison sentence, but the final term was reduced after the defendant admitted to the offence and agreed to compensate the establishment for €9,245 in damage. He must also remain at least 500 metres away from the café for 10 years and pay fines relating to two minor injury offences. Montaditos are small Spanish sandwiches served with a variety of fillings, and mayonnaise or ketchup can be a popular accompaniment. In this case, however, the refusal to provide either condiment led to a deliberate fire inside a busy bar, putting customers at risk.
Tired pilots keep flying PILOTS at Spanish-certified airlines are more likely than those in any other country listed in a major European survey to say they keep flying when too tired. Asked what they usually do when unfit through fatigue, 42.1 per cent said they carry on without reporting it, against 24.2 per cent across all countries and 9.5 per cent at UK-certified airlines. The poll of 7,198 pilots was run for the European Cockpit Association (the body representing pilots’ unions). Pilots said they stayed quiet mainly because they feared how management would react and, in Spain, because they also worried about losing pay. However, the survey was voluntary, so it only reflects the pilots who chose to take part, not every working pilot on the roster.
Credit: Yaroslav Astakhov / Shutterstock
I’VE decided Halloween has got completely out of hand. When I was young, Halloween was one night. Somebody carved a face into a vegetable, a few children dressed as ghosts and, if you were very unlucky, somebody knocked on the door and frightened the life out of you. That was about it. Now Halloween appears to have become a season. People decorate their houses for weeks. There are inflatable ghosts, illuminated pumpkins, giant spiders crawling up walls and skeletons sitting in garden chairs looking as though they’ve been waiting for the bus since 1973. Apparently, there is now something called ‘Halloweenmas’. Yes, really. People are putting up Halloween trees. I’m not entirely sure what a Halloween tree is, but I assume it’s a Christmas tree that has fallen in with the wrong crowd. Instead of baubles, you hang bats, skulls and miniature witches from it. Then, presumably, on November 1 you take all that down and start decorating the same tree for Christmas. At this rate we’ll soon simply leave the tree up all year and change its costume. Hearts for Valentine’s Day. Eggs for Easter. Union Jacks in summer. And by September, a small plastic Dracula dangling where the fairy used to be. Even pumpkins have become complicated. Once you bought one, cut a face in it and put a candle inside. Now
Pilots were asked what they do when too tired to fly.
The figures also refer to where an airline is certified, not pilots’ nationality or routes, so they can’t single out any airline and don’t specifically show that Spanish airlines are less safe. More than half of all pilots surveyed also
said they’d flown at least once in the past three months when they later felt they should have declared themselves unfit. The ECA is calling for stronger oversight and for pilots to be able to report fatigue without fear of consequences.
FINANCE AI SAFETY and research company Anthropic has posted losses of €71.9 billion in the first half of 2026. This comes just before the company is set to go public in November and has forced investors to lower the company’s valuation to around €1.34 trillion.
Singapore setback
SPAIN has suffered another defeat in its renewable-energy disputes after Singapore’s Court of Appeal rejected its challenge over the €291 million NextEra award. The decision leaves 27 adverse awards outstanding, worth €1.75 billion, plus €600 million in legal and financial costs.
Investing in youth
AMAZON has pledged to help young Britons get by creating 30,000 jobs by 2030. Another 10,000 work experience roles are also planned. This will be a major boost to reducing the almost one million NEETs (16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training).
Carrefour sales
CARREFOUR recorded strong third-quarter sales in Spain, reaching €3.107 billion, up 2.3 per cent year on year. However, the French retailer lowered its 2026 financial forecasts, citing worsening conditions in France, including weaker consumer spending, disruption due to unrest, higher security costs and reduced store traffic.
Rental rise
ANDALUCIA’S rental market faces rising prices and shrinking supply. Average monthly rents reached €972 in 2026, up 4.18 per cent since 2025, while available properties fell by 3.68 per cent. Demand remains high, with 55 prospective tenants per property.
STAT OF WEEK
31.4 %
In September, the price of transport fuels increased by 31.4 per cent in the EU, according to Eurostat.
Luxury in jeopardy THE priorities of Chinese customers are shifting. Expensive clothing items and fancy accessories are no longer the status symbol they once were. Instead, second-hand bargains are taking their place as something to brag about. While this change in shopping habits may be kinder on their wallets, it’s posing an issue for Europe’s luxury retail market. China previously accounted for a third of the world’s luxury spending, but their share has fallen by around 20 per cent. Brands like Hermes and Louis Vuitton are feeling their absence. Luxury conglomerate LVMH’s share price dropped 40 per cent year on year. In the third quarter, growth slowed to 1 per cent, with revenue reaching €18.5 billion. It also recently lost its title as France’s most valuable listed company to L’Oreal. Louis Vuitton’s reputation in China also hasn’t recovered from suing a successful Chinese tea chain,
Luxury sales are down.
Molly Tea, for trademark infringement on its iconic four-petal logo. Louis Vuitton won the case but lost the support of potential customers. Chinese customers still have a taste for the finer things, but instead of buying brand-new they’re buying vintage, scouring second hand shops for unique pieces. The vintage fashion industry is
booming in China. Where its luxury market dropped 18-20 percent in 2024, China’s second-hand luxury market grew by 15-20 per cent the following year, according to Bain & Company. And if they are going to buy brand-new, most Chinese customers are sticking to home-grown brands.
Trillion-dollar merger ELON MUSK recently blurred the lines between car and rocket. But following the debut of the Tesla Roadster 2, the world’s first flying car, the billionaire could now be looking to merge his Tesla and SpaceX companies into one trillion-dollar corporation. Tesla is known as a pioneer for Electric Vehicles, while SpaceX deals in satellite communications, space transportation and AI. Recent market evaluations estimate that, together, Tesla and SpaceX were worth ap-
Riot costs
UPWARDS of 3,000 shops reported damages in the recent French riots. The cost of such widespread destruction is set to give insurers a headache. The CEO of Carrefour, who also chairs the FDC retail federation, estimated that the industry’s losses would reach several hundred million euros. Previous precedent gives weight to his predictions. The 2023 French riots resulted in €1 billion in property damage and €793 million in insured losses. As a result, France set out to make riot damage cover obligatory, but the legislation has not yet been approved. Even those who are protected from riot damage will likely not receive compensation from lost trade.
Exports grow
Credit: Humphrey, Shutterstock
Anthropic losses
euroweeklynews.com • 29 October - 4 November 2026
proximately $3.5 trillion (€3.12 trillion). Musk is in full support of combining his automotive and space ventures, but the move is far from official. A merger would require the approval of at least 50 per cent of all Tesla shareholders. As such, a special committee has been convened to assess a potential merger. Even the mere mention of a merger gave the stock a lift, however, as SpaceX shares rose 8 percent in extended trading after Musk called the deal “a good idea.”
Credit: Frederic Legrand - COMEO
BUSINESS EXTRA
15
Musk approves of merger.
Surprise growth
Fraud spike
THE UK unemployment rate has fallen to 4.7 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure marks the lowest levels since July 2025. This comes as a surprise to many experts, who previously predicted unemployment rates to rise to 5 per cent. Average earnings also rose by 3.7 per cent in the three months to August - a growth of 0.8 per cent when accounting for inflation. It is unlikely the low unemployment rates will hold, however, as companies cut back on recruitment. The ONS reported job vacancies fell by 21,000 during the third quarter.
SPANISH banks have noticed a worrying uptake in attempted financial fraud over the last year. According to a report from cybersecurity company BioCatch, Spanish banks have experienced a 150 per cent spike in fraud using stolen devices. Malware has also been used 35 per cent more to target Spanish customers, despite financial institutions improving defences. The criminals are also going after a bigger loot, with the average value of a fraud attempt increasing by 63 per cent.
ANDALUCIA’S exports reached a record €28.617 billion between January and August, up 5.8 per cent year on year and 2.6 percentage points above Spain’s 3.2 per cent growth. Industrial products and agriculture drove the increase, while exports to Europe rose 9.6 per cent. Asia became the region’s second-largest continental market, accounting for 10.2 per cent of sales, or €2.903 billion, an 11.7 per cent increase. Imports also rose 12.1 per cent.
Worker squeeze A TYPICAL Spanish worker is paying significantly more in tax and social contributions while seeing their purchasing power fall, according to an Instituto Juan de Mariana report. Between 2018 and 2026, their IRPF and contributions rose 17.6 per cent in real terms, while net pay lost 3.8 per cent in purchasing power. Gross monthly pay increased from €1,909.66 to €2,464.45, but deductions rose from €370.73 to €560.72, with inflation outpacing income growth.
Debt disaster UK FINANCE MINISTER John Healey faces a difficult first Budget as public sector net debt exceeds £3 trillion. Government borrowing reached £24.52 billion in September, £1.9 billion above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast. Debt interest costs rose 16.6 per cent to £10.9 billion, partly reflecting inflation-linked debt. Public sector borrowing for the financial year stands at £97.8 billion, £6 billion above forecast. Inflation also accelerated to 3.5 per cent in September.
16 29 October - 4 November 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 26 October
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 26 October
Net
3I Group.....................................2.348,00............2.362,00......... 2.335,00......... 125,58K Admiral Group.............................3.852,0..............3.860,0........... 3.828,0........... 20,52K Airtel Africa................................. 274,00...............274,00............271,80........... 68,89K Anglo American...........................3.714,0..............3.744,0........... 3.666,0.......... 109,19K Antofagasta................................3.122,00............3.147,00......... 3.064,00.......... 38,36K Associated British Foods.............1.945,5..............1.961,5........... 1.940,0........... 28,23K AstraZeneca...............................12.938,0............12.965,1......... 12.882,0.......... 55,71K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 537,20...............545,00............537,20........... 97,41K Aviva........................................... 713,20...............715,60............710,40........... 98,54K B M European Value Retail.......... 274,00...............275,60............273,00........... 56,56K BAE Systems..............................1.955,00............1.957,50......... 1.918,94......... 155,03K Barclays...................................... 414,40...............415,15............411,20............1,81M Barratt Redrow............................ 326,40...............327,50............324,81.......... 149,09K Berkeley......................................3.448,0..............3.522,0........... 3.426,0........... 17,07K BP............................................... 632,50...............635,30............630,90............1,11M British American Tobacco...........4.441,0..............4.448,0........... 4.430,0........... 70,55K BT Group.................................... 211,50...............212,00............209,60.......... 398,73K Bunzl...........................................2.814,0..............2.824,0........... 2.798,0........... 41,02K Centrica....................................... 150,00...............151,45............149,65.......... 177,43K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.546,0..............4.576,0........... 4.510,0........... 10,01K Compass...................................... 34,03.................34,24..............33,62........... 108,96K ConvaTec Group......................... 246,20...............247,00............244,40..............84K Croda Intl....................................3.592,0..............3.635,0........... 3.592,0............ 8,06K DCC.............................................6.450,0..............6.455,0........... 6.445,0............ 5,97K Diageo.........................................1.776,0..............1.789,5........... 1.769,5.......... 103,14K Diploma.....................................6.970,00............6.970,00......... 6.880,00.......... 12,98K EasyJet........................................ 679,60...............681,00............679,60........... 23,63K Entain.......................................... 446,07...............448,10............441,20........... 41,34K Experian......................................3.054,0..............3.093,3........... 3.038,0........... 67,48K F&C Invest.................................. 335,72...............337,00............335,20........... 173,3K Frasers........................................ 876,27...............885,50............857,00..............825 Fresnillo.....................................2.360,00............2.382,62......... 2.350,00.......... 41,42K Glencore...................................... 541,80...............544,90............535,00............1,18M GSK plc......................................1.908,74............1.912,00......... 1.900,00......... 129,42K HALEON...................................... 381,90...............384,00............380,30.......... 374,81K Halma..........................................3.266,0..............3.266,0........... 3.234,0........... 19,24K Hikma Pharma...........................1.692,00............1.692,00......... 1.675,00........... 4,32K Hiscox........................................1.802,00............1.818,00......... 1.797,00.......... 31,86K Howden Joinery.......................... 794,00...............795,98............793,00........... 17,51K HSBC.........................................1.354,80............1.358,00......... 1.352,60...........1,04M IAG.............................................. 403,90...............404,60............399,60.......... 577,01K ICG PLC.....................................1.802,00............1.810,00......... 1.800,00.......... 32,97K IMI PLC......................................2.834,40............2.834,40......... 2.797,06........... 8,73K Imperial Brands..........................2.871,00............2.871,00......... 2.853,00.......... 21,98K Informa....................................... 829,00...............830,40............824,00........... 49,51K InterContinental........................... 164,7.................165,2..............161,3............. 6,41K Intertek........................................5.920,0..............5.925,0........... 5.915,1............ 1,54K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 351,40...............352,00............349,20.......... 227,41K JD Sports Fashion........................ 89,54.................90,25..............89,30........... 256,45K Kingfisher.................................... 348,80...............349,20............345,90.......... 208,67K Land Securities........................... 662,50...............663,00............659,00........... 39,76K Legal General.............................. 299,00...............300,80............298,90.......... 524,75K Lloyds Banking........................... 101,55...............101,80............101,00............3,81M London Stock Exchange..............9.492,0..............9.556,0........... 9.458,0........... 34,74K Londonmetric Property............... 181,00...............181,20............180,13.......... 182,33K M&G........................................... 314,50...............314,70............312,50.......... 126,18K Marks & Spencer........................ 417,30...............419,00............415,20.......... 340,43K Melrose Industries...................... 458,90...............461,50............454,50.......... 121,94K Mondi.......................................... 747,20...............748,40............742,60........... 12,88K National Grid..............................1.225,00............1.226,25......... 1.214,00......... 207,86K NatWest Group........................... 633,60...............635,00............628,60.......... 253,83K Next...........................................14.860,0............14.975,0......... 14.855,0........... 3,46K Pearson......................................1.364,50............1.367,50......... 1.357,00.......... 13,07K Pershing Square........................3.758,00............3.764,00......... 3.740,00.......... 11,12K Persimmon.................................1.280,5..............1.285,5........... 1.274,0........... 24,45K Prudential.................................... 884,40...............887,20............884,20.......... 223,14K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.546,0..............5.556,0........... 5.526,0........... 19,92K Relx............................................3.033,08............3.050,00......... 3.021,00......... 104,65K Rentokil....................................... 340,20...............341,70............339,40.......... 194,34K Rightmove.................................. 532,00...............540,00............532,00........... 65,14K Rio Tinto PLC..............................6.267,0..............6.296,0........... 6.229,0........... 53,17K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.184,20............1.194,80......... 1.170,00...........1,42M
Company
Sage...........................................1.175,50............1.182,00......... 1.166,00.......... 43,21K Scottish Mortgage......................1.508,01............1.515,47......... 1.506,00......... 102,36K Segro.......................................... 907,40...............912,00............905,80........... 39,35K Severn Trent...............................3.250,0..............3.252,0........... 3.222,0...............4K Shell............................................4.022,5..............4.026,0........... 3.991,0.......... 233,96K Smith & Nephew........................1.145,50............1.154,50......... 1.133,00.......... 92,06K Smiths Group.............................2.635,00............2.635,00......... 2.612,00.......... 20,65K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........7.320,0..............7.325,0........... 7.255,0............ 2,49K SSE............................................2.502,00............2.529,00......... 2.493,12.......... 99,06K Standard Chartered....................1.977,50............1.977,50......... 1.964,50.......... 155,6K Standard Life............................... 915,00...............918,50............913,00............ 67,2K Taylor Wimpey............................. 82,28.................82,88..............81,80........... 751,77K Tesco.......................................... 533,80...............540,00............532,40.......... 495,08K Unilever.......................................4.949,5..............4.974,5........... 4.937,5........... 59,28K Unite........................................... 459,20...............460,00............457,80............ 7,79K United Utilities............................1.507,00............1.507,00......... 1.495,00.......... 20,15K Vistry Group................................ 251,60...............256,05............249,40.......... 119,69K Vodafone Group PLC................. 118,050.............118,700..........117,200......... 760,37K Weir Group................................2.536,00............2.536,00......... 2.496,00.......... 12,12K Whitbread...................................2.616,0..............2.616,0........... 2.596,0............ 6,84K WPP............................................ 399,02...............401,90............396,90........... 73,71K
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 173,46...............175,28............170,87............3,89M Amazon.com............................... 248,00...............250,01............246,45...........25,57M American Express....................... 313,22...............321,20............311,40............4,12M Amgen........................................ 439,26...............444,59............439,07............2,07M Apple........................................... 347,73...............351,73............345,75...........39,54M Boeing......................................... 188,35...............189,09............182,40............6,59M Caterpillar.................................... 687,00...............696,05............681,23............3,02M Chevron...................................... 233,21...............233,74............227,98............8,14M Cisco........................................... 106,50...............106,96............104,04...........13,56M Coca-Cola..................................... 92,71.................95,05..............92,64.............18,9M Goldman Sachs........................... 875,68...............886,75............870,82............1,78M Home Depot................................ 319,83...............325,91............317,55............3,66M Honeywell................................... 221,15...............223,43............212,57............2,62M Intl Bus....................................... 253,56...............254,71............247,03............5,89M J&J............................................. 263,81...............266,02............262,40............5,31M JPMorgan................................... 331,58...............335,14............330,40............4,78M McDonald’s................................. 248,46...............251,75............246,67............4,16M Merck&Co................................... 145,27...............145,44............143,41............8,38M Microsoft.................................... 524,51...............525,77............515,70...........13,68M Nike.............................................. 37,30.................38,27..............37,30............25,89M NVIDIA........................................ 210,96...............213,85............210,18...........80,19M P&G............................................ 161,02...............164,50............160,64...........10,33M Salesforce Inc............................. 248,57...............249,41............242,30............5,84M Sherwin-Williams........................ 337,06...............342,57............335,90............1,48M The Travelers.............................. 398,28...............406,38............398,12............1,29M UnitedHealth............................... 418,09...............425,25............416,37............3,89M Verizon......................................... 44,66.................45,08..............43,43............51,12M Visa A.......................................... 407,92...............412,58............406,80............5,07M Walmart...................................... 119,89...............122,40............119,12............18,6M Walt Disney................................. 112,52...............112,99............111,64.............6,6M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 26 October
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced AI OKTO CORP................................................ 182,82 %........................42,89M ClearOne.......................................................... 69,27 %.........................36,62M Bolt.................................................................. 49,64 %.........................12,88M Estrella Immunopharma................................... 35,50 %..........................3,72M Jayud Global Logistics..................................... 32,61 %..........................3,65M High-Trend International A............................... 30,77 %..........................3,58M XTI Aerospace.................................................. 25,88 %..........................4,42M Black Hawk Acquisition.................................... 25,87 %........................204,52K Lucid Diagnostics............................................ 25,42 %.........................111,8M E Power........................................................... 25,09 %.........................50,08K Nautilus Biotechnology.................................... 24,62 %.........................13,79M reAlpha Tech.................................................... 23,88 %........................154,55K Streamex.......................................................... 23,23 %..........................2,74M NewGenIvf....................................................... 22,57 %..........................1,09M SAIHEAT.......................................................... 21,81 %.........................18,07K QuantumSi....................................................... 21,74 %.........................11,46M Conduent......................................................... 20,13 %..........................2,61M LQR House....................................................... 20,00 %........................318,83K Lichen China.................................................... 19,77 %.........................91,12K M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined Aardvark Therapeutics.....................................-64,81 %.........................16,35M SHF Holdings...................................................-61,39 %........................225,24M Davion Healthcare Plc......................................-48,50 %........................479,47K PomDoctor ADR..............................................-42,36 %..........................4,61M Netcapital.........................................................-40,36 %.........................10,11M Forge Nano Holdings.......................................-39,31 %........................241,09K MacroGenics Inc..............................................-38,02 %..........................4,01M Lunai Bioworks................................................-37,23 %..........................9,58M Founder Group.................................................-36,93 %..........................8,22M Lakewood amedex Biotherapeutics..................-36,77 %.........................40,07M Nuwellis...........................................................-34,03 %..........................1,19M GlucoTrack.......................................................-32,68 %........................722,83K Click Holdings..................................................-31,78 %.........................13,14M HUHUTECH International.................................-29,59 %........................219,44K Obook Holdings...............................................-29,29 %........................158,66K Exascale Labs..................................................-28,87 %..........................7,65M Tantech Holdings Ltd.......................................-28,67 %........................616,28K MKDWELL Tech...............................................-27,04 %........................251,52K Solowin Holdings A..........................................-26,49 %..........................7,22M M - Million Dollars
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FINANCE
Stock image crash
GETTY IMAGES, the popular stock photo site, has filed for bankruptcy in the US. Merging with rival Shutterstock was meant to be the solution to regaining stability, but the deal fell through due to debt and growing threat of AI-generated imagery. Getty Images assets and liabilities are estimated to be worth up to €8.9 billion.
Eurozone debt
EUROZONE government debt rose to 88.8 per cent of GDP in Q2, up from 87.3 per cent in 2025. Greece remained the most indebted member, at 140.8 per cent, closely followed by Italy at 139.9 per cent. France’s debt reached 119.1 per cent, while borrowing costs exceeded 5 per cent.
Lenders under scrutiny
BORROWERS in Spain could recover hundreds of euros in interest charged on insurance policies linked to their loans, according to consumer organisation OCU, which is urging customers to review their agreements. In a statement published in October, OCU highlighted a European court ruling concerning lenders charging interest on insurance premiums financed alongside personal loans, particularly car loans. The issue involves single-premium insurance policies, known
Credit : joseantona, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
29 October - 4 November 2026
Borrowers in Spain could reclaim hundreds of euros.
as ‘seguros de prima unica’, where the cost is added to the loan, meaning customers pay interest on the
premium. On April 23, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that lenders
Air fares set to rise
RYANAIR CEO, Michael O’Leary, has warned of rising air fares in 2027. He predicts costs to customers to rise by as much as 20 per cent, and believes there will be a high volume of airline bankruptcies or takeovers due to the growing operating costs. O’Leary recently explained that, going into 2026, Ryanair had hedged
80 per cent of its fuel requirements. But ahead of 2027, Ryanair is 85 per cent unhedged. Most other European airlines are facing a similar situation. In July, EasyJet reported a £105 million annual rise in fuel costs, and in October announced 700,000 seats would be cut from its winter schedule to save fuel.
cannot charge contractual interest on certain credit-related costs not actually made available to borrowers. OCU estimates customers could reclaim around €308, based on an illustrative €20,000 loan taken out in 2021 over five years at 10 per cent interest. An additional €1,000 insurance premium generated approximately €275 in extra interest, potentially rising to €308 with statutory interest. Refunds are not automatic. OCU identifies two grounds for claims: lack of transparency and interest charged on financed premiums. Spain’s Supreme Court also ruled against an abusive mortgage-linked policy in June. Affected borrowers, particularly those financing vehicles through dealerships, should check their agreements, seek individual assessment and retain relevant documentation.
17
Paid donation leave SPAIN’ Social Security Administration recently took to social media to remind residents that they are entitled to 100 per cent of their salary when absent due to donating organs or tissue. The paid leave extends to the day of the transplant operation and the following recovery period.
Business battle
INDITEX has usurped Santander to become the most valuable company on the Spanish Stock exchange. The owner of multiple high-street fashion labels, including Zara and Pull&Bear, closed Monday, October 19’s session with a valuation of €172.725 billion, €1.366 billion more than Santander which has held the top spot since June.
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22
20 29 October - 4 November 2026
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FEATURE
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Festival cups aid animals
Dancing for a cause
MARBELLA’s Marbepop festival marked its 40th anniversary on October 24, with a charity appeal for abandoned animals. Organisers pledged all proceeds from 1,000 reusable eco-cups to Triple A, which cares for abandoned dogs and cats in the town. Festivalgoers at Parque de La Represa could add €1 to their first drink to receive a reusable cup. Every euro raised was due to go to Triple A. Youth councillor Alejandro Gonzalez said the initiative combined support for local organisations with more sustainable habits, as reusable cups reduce single-use plastic. Triple A cares for around 600 animals, mainly abandoned dogs and cats. Monthly costs reach about €60,000, covering food, medication, surgery and veterinary treatment. Marbella Town Hall provides an annual grant of €120,000, but Gonzalez said further support remains necessary.
HUNDREDS of people swapped their Sunday liein for dancing shoes as Alicante’s popular Zumbathon returned for a very special cause. The 13th Zumbathon took place at El Muelle Live in Alicante Port on October 25, bringing together a huge crowd for a morning of music, movement and fundraising. More than 880 tickets had already been snapped up in the days before the event, as supporters rallied behind ASPANION, the association which helps children with cancer and their families across the Valencian Community. Organised by Zumba instructor and choreographer Andrés Braganza, the event has grown into one of the Costa Blanca’s best-known charity fitness gatherings since it first began in 2013. This year, 23 instructors took part alongside international Zumba guests Hermann Melo, Robert Birchbauer and David Ávila.
Axarquia
Almeria
Ultimate nostalgia
Long walk for paws
CLASSIC Mini enthusiasts are heading to the Axarquia coast this weekend as a convoy of iconic British cars visits the Nerja Caves on Sunday, November 1. The nostalgic road trip forms part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations of Mini Club Granada, bringing together owners of the much-loved compact models for a weekend of driving, sightseeing and social events. The gathering follows a recent tour of the Costa Tropical by 14 classic Minis, with vehicles dating from 1960 to 1993 visiting Salobreña and neighbouring towns over the weekend of October 24 and 25. Designed by Alec Issigonis after its 1959 launch, the original Mini became a motoring legend due to its clever use of space and distinctive appearance. Sunday’s stop at the Cueva de Nerja offers a chance to see beautifully-preserved examples and custom models of Britain’s best-known motoring icon on Spanish roads.
AFTER six long weeks, PAWS-PATAS volunteer Paula has made it to Santiago de Compostela, marking the end of her inspiring Camino de Santiago Frances journey. Paula first set off back in September, hitting the road solo. Each day brought new challenges. She walked long stretches without water or shade, making the finish line feel impossibly far away. The Pyrenees Climb at the beginning of her journey was especially tough, an uphill battle if you will, but Paula tackled it all with determination. She had the entire PAWS-PATAS team rooting for her every step of the way. The animal shelter shared almost weekly updates on Paula’s progress on their social media, with fellow supporters celebrating each milestone. By the time Paula arrived at her final destination, she had raised an incredible €2,300 through GoFundMe. In the days since, the fundraising pot grew to €2,500, with every cent helping give animals a second chance.
Costa Blanca North
Costa Calida
Moorish magic
Motorcycle memorial
THE town of Calpe came alive in October as residents and visitors celebrated another edition of its Moors and Christians festival, featuring a full programme of colour, music, and fireworks. Town streets filled with parades and costumes, accompanied by performances from local marching bands. A standout moment was the raising of the banners in the Plaza Mayor, followed by a candle offering to the Santíssim Crist de la Suor at the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Snows. Another key feature was the mascletá, a daytime pyrotechnic display focused on sound, rhythm, and ground vibration rather than colourful lights. These displays took place during both the day and evening, preceded by solemn masses, processions, and performances by local talents. The festival also hosted a Children’s Parade, dance performances, the Christian and Moorish entrance parades, and battle reenactments, providing a dramatic spectacle for attendees.
MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts and local residents are invited to come together as the Costa Calida Cruisers Motorcycle Club celebrates the 10th edition of its Memorial Run. The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at The Buena Vista in Puerto de Mazarron, with proceeds going to the local charity Making a Difference. The charity ride-out will kick off the celebration with a roar. More than 80 motorcycles will take part in the annual route, travelling through the wider Mazarron area. After the ride, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks and live entertainment, with music provided by Badlands. The chosen beneficiary, Making a Difference, supports people in need in the local community regardless of their background. The charity has helped a range of local initiatives, including organisations caring for children with disabilities and the development of an accessible garden at a social centre.
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29 October - 4 November 2026
A CAT enrichment box is a simple way to turn everyday objects into an exciting playground for your pet. It can encourage natural behaviours such as exploring, sniffing, scratching and pouncing, without costing a fortune. Start with a sturdy cardboard box that is large enough for your cat to investigate comfortably. Add a few safe items with different textures, such as scrunched-up paper, cardboard tubes and a soft blanket. You can also hide a favourite toy or a few treats inside to encourage your cat to explore. Want to make it more interesting? Create little openings in the box for your cat to reach through and bat at a toy. A couple of cardboard boxes placed together can become tunnels, hiding spots or a mini obstacle course. Keep the experience
Emergency pet card PEOPLE who live alone with pets are being urged to carry an emergency card explaining that an animal is waiting at home if they are unexpectedly taken to hospital or otherwise unable to return. The card should contain the owner’s name and address, the type and name of the animal, and details of someone who can access the property and take responsibility for the pet. Owners can also include important information such as medication, allergies, dietary requirements and veterinary details. The warning is particularly rel-
evant for animals requiring regular medication or specialist care. If an owner is unconscious or unable to communicate, emergency personnel may have no way of knowing that an animal is alone at home. The information can also be stored elsewhere, including on a phone, with keys or somewhere accessible at home. The emergency contact should know they have been nominated and be able to reach the animal. Spanish organisations including Wamiz España and Purina provide downloadable versions of emergency pet cards.
Walking in the rain isn’t fun for anyone.
or puzzle toys can help keep your dog mentally and physically active. Try to keep your own attitude relaxed. Dogs can pick up on our reactions, so avoid making a fuss about the rain.
And remember, never force a frightened dog into a downpour. Patience, positive experiences and gradual exposure can help even reluctant walkers become more comfortable when the clouds roll in.
Box of fun
Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
FOR some dogs, rain means one thing: absolutely no chance of going outside. Wet fur, puddles, noisy downpours and slippery pavements can all make walks feel unpleasant. But skipping exercise every time the weather turns wet isn’t ideal, so how can you help? Start by making rainy walks feel positive. Keep treats handy and reward your dog for calmly stepping outside. If they are particularly nervous, begin with just a few minutes near the house and gradually build up their confidence. A waterproof dog coat can make a big difference, especially for dogs that dislike getting wet. Choose one that fits comfortably and allows plenty of movement. Paw protection can also help if your dog dislikes wet or muddy ground, although not every dog will tolerate boots. Timing matters too. Check the weather forecast and aim for a break in the rain where possible. On particularly wet days, a shorter walk combined with indoor games, training exercises
Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
Rainy day routine
Enrichment boxes are endless fun.
fresh by changing the contents regularly. You do not need to replace everything. Simply rotate a few toys or introduce a new texture to make the box feel different. Safety is important,
too. Avoid small objects that could be swallowed, sharp edges, loose string and anything with toxic materials or strong scents. Most importantly, let your cat investigate at
their own pace. Some cats will dive straight in, while others prefer to watch cautiously before exploring. That curiosity is exactly what makes enrichment so rewarding.
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Photo credit: TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock
PETS
Owners can also include important information.
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29 October - 4 November 2026
Spain lifted the trophy at the 2026 World Cup.
Football’s greatest prize FOOTBALL fans in Palma are in for a treat as the FIFA World Cup trophy arrives at the city hall for a special public display. The iconic prize, lifted by Spain after their dominant tournament run this summer, will give residents and visitors the chance to get up close to one of the sport’s most coveted trophies. The exhibition will take place in the entrance hall of Palma City Hall, at Plaza de Cort 1, on Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30. Best of all, admission is free, making it an ideal stop for football enthusiasts, families and curious visitors alike.
On Thursday, the trophy will be on display from 9am to 1pm and again from 3pm to 8pm. On Friday, visitors can drop in between 10am and 8pm. The celebrations continue on Saturday, October 31 at Son Malferit football ground, where registered football clubs from the Balearic Islands will have the opportunity to take team photographs with the trophy. Organised by Palma City Council, the Balearic Football Federation and the Spanish Football Federation, the event brings a memorable piece of football history to Mallorca.
SPORT
Cata Coll crowned MALLORCA has a new reason to celebrate. Cata Coll, the talented goalkeeper from Portol, has been crowned the world’s best female goalkeeper after winning the prestigious Yashin Trophy at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London. The FC Barcelona star was rewarded for an outstanding 2025/26 season, helping her team win four major trophies: the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League. Across 32 appearances, she conceded just 16 goals, demonstrating the sharp reflexes, confidence and composure that have made her one of football’s leading goalkeepers. Yet Coll’s journey to the top began far from the international spotlight. She started playing football at just six
Credit: FC Barcelona Femeni / X
Credit: Seleccion Española de Futbol
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Cata Coll crowned the world’s best female goalkeeper. years old with Sant Marçal, later developing her talent at local clubs before joining Barcelona in 2019. The emotional highlight of the evening came when Coll paid tribute to her family, particularly her mother. Her white outfit featured the Catalan phrase “Poc a poc i bona lletra,” meaning to take things step by step
and do them well. For Coll, the award represents more than individual success. It celebrates years of dedication, the support of those closest to her and the pride of her Mallorcan roots. From local pitches to football’s grandest stage, her remarkable rise is an inspiration to young players everywhere.
Palma beach run THE coast will provide the backdrop for a day of sport, community spirit and environmental awareness as the sixth edition of the Palma Beach Running Course takes place on November 8. The new Paseo de Playa de Palma will welcome runners of all ages and abilities for this popular charity event. Starting and finishing in Las Maravillas, the race offers three distances to suit different fitness levels: a 5K, a 10K and a half marathon covering 21 kilometres. Younger participants will also have the chance to take part in a dedicated children’s race, making the event an enjoyable occasion for the whole family. Beyond the sporting challenge, the event has a meaningful purpose. It supports Fundación Palma Aquarium, which works to protect marine life and promote ocean conservation. Participants will therefore be running not only for personal achievement but also to help raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding the marine environment. With its scenic coastal setting and inclusive atmosphere, the Palma Beach Running Course offers a great opportunity to combine physical activity with
Credit: Palma Beach / Facebook
24 29 October - 4 November 2026
Children can run the Palma Beach Running Course too.
a worthwhile cause. Online registration remains open until November 7, while in-person registration is available until race day. For registration details and further information, visit elitechip.net