Latest Spanish News In English
Orihuela Secures Major Fleet Upgrade as Ten Companies Bid on Key Waste Contract
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:11:35Orihuela, Spain â' The Orihuela City Council is moving decisively to modernize its street cleaning and urban solid waste (USW) services with a landmark supply contract intended to renew nearly the entire municipal vehicle fleet in 2026. The Council anticipates that the first new vehicles could be operational on city streets as early as before Easter.
The City Council initiated the tender process in September, dividing the contract into five lots for the acquisition of essential equipment, including:
Seven waste collection trucks
Three 3,500 kg open-box trucks
Four street sweepers
One watering tanker truck
One high-pressure cleaning unit
Councillor for Street Cleaning and USW, RocĂo Ortuño, confirmed the high level of interest in the project, stating, âThe tender has been very well received, with about ten specialized companies from the sector submitting bids. This demonstrates the interest in a service that is essential for our city.â
The total budget allocated for this contract is $3,493,788 (VAT included), making it the most significant investment in the service since its municipalization.
Over âŹ7 Million Investment in Modernization
Councillor Ortuño emphasized that this new contract is the pinnacle of a series of investments that, throughout the current legislature, have already surpassed seven million euros.
The newly acquired vehicles will complement recent additions to the fleet, including:
Six 3,500 kg tipper trucks
Five pick-up and SUV type vehicles for staff and supervisors
Five compactor collection trucks already in operation since August
Furthermore, the renewal of waste and recycling containers, which began last summer, is set to continue. A new tender worth âŹ1.8 million will be launched shortly to acquire over 2,500 new containers, including the new fifth (organic waste) container.
Ortuño concluded that every action is aimed at both modernizing the service and ensuring that workers have access to the best machinery to carry out their duties under optimal conditions. âOur objective is clear: we want a cleaner Orihuela, and we are putting all our efforts into achieving that,â she affirmed.
Keep your Spanish home comfortable and protected with Generali Expatriates
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:23:56Winter in Spain may be mild compared to Northern Europe, but cooler evenings can still make your home feel less comfortable â and rising energy costs donât help. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can keep your space cosy while keeping your bills under control.
Simple habits that make a difference:âą Let the sunshine in. Open curtains and blinds during the day to make the most of natural warmth, then close them once it gets dark to trap the heat inside.âą Block cold air. Fit seals on windows and doors, or use draught stoppers to keep warm air where it belongs.âą Heat smarter. Set timers and thermostats so your home warms up just before you wake or return from work, instead of running the system all day.âą Look after your equipment. Clean filters, check your boiler and service your air conditioning regularly â well-maintained systems use less energy and last longer.âą Add comfort layers. Soft rugs, heavier curtains, blankets and slippers make a noticeable difference on chilly nights.âą Switch off properly. Electronics left on standby still consume power, so unplug whatâs not in use.
A few mindful changes can go a long way towards creating a more comfortable, welcoming home â without seeing a spike in your utility costs.
Regular maintenance isnât just about comfort; itâs also about safety and prevention. A well-kept heating or electrical system is less likely to fail and more likely to save you money in the long run.
Whether your property in Spain is your main home, a holiday retreat or a rental investment, Generali Expatriates offers flexible cover tailored to your needs. From emergency callouts and professional assistance to Legal Defence in cases of illegal occupation, our policies are designed to provide reassurance â even when youâre abroad.
Read more about heating options and energy-saving tips on Generali Expatriatesâ blog and make informed decisions to keep your home comfortable all year round.
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Orihuela Backs Student Internships with 15 Scholarships
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:02:12Orihuela, â' The Orihuela City Council and the El Palmeral Integrated Public Vocational Training Center (CIFPP) have joined forces to create a collaborative framework that will provide valuable work experience to students through a municipal scholarship program.
VĂctor Valverde, Orihuelaâs Councillor for Employment, met this week with the CIFPP El Palmeralâs Corporate Training coordination team. The purpose of the meeting was to establish joint actions under the Dual Vocational Training model, which allows students to complete practical internships across various municipal departments with the aid of a scholarship.
Councillor Valverde highlighted the positive results achieved through similar partnerships with other vocational training centres in the region. He emphasized that these scholarships are crucial because they âallow students to acquire valuable work experience and develop practical skills and competencies in a real-world work environment, in addition to receiving remuneration.â
Due to the integration of new training cycles at El Palmeral center, the Orihuela City Council plans to grant a total of 15 scholarships annually once a new multi-year collaboration agreement between the two entities is formalized.
Valverde stressed the municipalityâs growing commitment to employment training, particularly in vocational education. âThe productive sectors in this areaâagriculture, industry, and constructionâare increasingly demanding qualified personnel to hire,â he noted.
The City Council aims to boost this educational model, which combines theoretical training with practical company activity. By utilizing municipal areas as a platform for work placement, the program provides students with their first structured opportunity for professional experience and curriculum development.
Controversial Speed Camera Sparks Outcry and Fine Appeals in San Miguel de Salinas
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:54:09The installation of a controversial speed camera targeting red-light violations at a main intersection in San Miguel de Salinas has triggered a wave of public outrage and legal challenges. In just two months, the town council has issued hundreds of âŹ200 fines, prompting dozens of successful complaints centred on alleged deficiencies in the deviceâs signage and installation.
The camera, located at the heart of the town on Calle GalĂĄn y Delgado, has become the dominant topic of conversation, generating widespread frustration. Drivers caught running the red light face a substantial penalty of âŹ200 (or âŹ100 if paid promptly) and a four-point deduction from their license.
Many of the initial fines were issued and subsequently contested, with several appeals being upheld due to non-compliance with regulatory standards regarding the traffic lightâs setup.
A Longstanding Problem
The intersection in question is not a typical crossing but a narrow, single-lane stretch used for two-way traffic distributionâthe main access and exit point connecting the town center to the Orihuela Costa and other key areas. This traffic light has been in place for years, and many drivers systematically ignored it due to excessively short green light cycles, which often caused lengthy queues and delays.
Mayor Juan de Dios Fresneda (Socialist Party) strongly defends the crackdown. âIf they donât want a fine, they shouldnât run the red light,â he stated, arguing that systematic red-light running at the location was unacceptable.
Regulatory and Revenue Concerns
However, the core of the controversy lies not just in the violations but in the installation itself. Complainants successfully argued that the initial warning signs were undersized (30Ă30 cm instead of the required 132Ă90 cm). While the council has largely rectified the signage, some basic legal requirements remain unmet, potentially invalidating further fines.
The opposition Peopleâs Party (PP) suggests the move is purely for revenue generation. The outsourced company managing the system charges âŹ12 per fine processed and has reportedly collected around âŹ22,000 in just two monthsâimplying over 1,800 alleged infractions. Additionally, sanctioned drivers must expressly request the photographic evidence proving the violation.
Impact on the Community
The fines have disproportionately affected residents of British and Central European origin living in the surrounding housing developments. Paradoxically, the traffic light has not achieved its intended safety goal; instead of slowing down, some drivers now accelerate through the stretch to minimize waiting time, further endangering pedestrians in an area near two schools. As a result, many drivers are now choosing the longer western ring road to bypass the controversial traffic light entirely.
A Rare Treat for Book Lovers on the Costa Blanca: âWriting Homeâ with Renowned Journalist Pat McArt, plus Jayne Marshall & Nilo NĂșñez
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:44:1319 December 2025 âą The Old Don Carlos, Ciudad Quesada (Alicante)
Join acclaimed journalist Pat McArt, writer Jayne Marshall, and musicianâ'author Nilo NĂșñez for âWriting Homeâ â' an inspiring conversation about belonging, exile and the places that shape us.
For many in the area, this will be a unique opportunity to hear McArt speak, something rarely available outside Ireland and the UK, which makes âWriting Homeâ, taking place on 19 December at The Old Don Carlos in Ciudad Quesada, a truly special opportunity for readers, writers, and curious minds across the region.
A Rare Chance to Hear from Pat McArt â One of Irelandâs Most Respected Journalists
Headlining the event is Pat McArt, celebrated former editor of the Derry Journal, who guided the paper through some of the most turbulent years of the Troubles. His memoir, War, Peace and the Derry Journal, has received widespread praise for its insight and integrity. In 2024, he was honoured with the first-ever Alumni Award from Atlantic Technological University, recognising his extraordinary contribution to journalism and public life.
Also Featuring Two New Voices
Jayne Marshall is a British writer and editor based in Madrid, and author of A Line Drawn or Printed: Six Routes Through Madrid (Modern Odyssey Books). Her work beautifully captures the strange, surprising ways a foreign city can become home. She is also Associate Editor of the literary magazine The Madrid Review.
Nilo NĂșñez is a writer and musician. Born in Castroâs Cuba, inspired by a forbidden Beatles broadcast, founder of the rock band Rhodas, and ultimately exiled, his book, A travĂ©s de los obstĂĄculos (CĂrculo Rojo) and his appearance on BBC World Serviceâs Outlook have brought his story to a global audience. NĂșñez is also a popular musician on the Costa Blanca circuit with many fans in the area.
Why Attend?
A rare English-language literary event on the Costa Blanca
A chance to meet and speak with Pat McArt, a major figure in Irish journalism
An inspiring, globe-spanning conversation about belonging, exile, creativity, and the meaning of home
A warm, intimate venue perfect for discussion, connection, and discovery
Event Schedule â 19 December
19:50 â' Arrival, drinks, and seating20:00â'20:45 â' Conversation with Jayne Marshall, Pat McArt & Nilo NĂșñez20:45â'21:00 â' Audience Q&A21:00â'22:00 â' Mingle with the writers
Venue â' The Old Don CarlosAv. de las Naciones 503170 Ciudad Quesada, Alicante, Spain
Mystery Fire Destroys Inspection Platform Used in Torrevieja Palm Tree Safety Check
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:18:11TORREVIEJA â An intense fire has completely destroyed the elevated work platform being used by Torreviejaâs parks and gardens maintenance company for an urgent palm tree safety inspection.
The specialized lift machine was engulfed in flames on Tuesday afternoon on the Punta Margalla promenade.
Urgent Inspection Triggered by Tragedy
The machine was central to a city-wide inspection of the municipal inventory of 5,000 palm trees. This mass evaluation was ordered by the government team following the tragic death of a young man on November 15, who was crushed when a palm treeâinfected with the Red Palm Weevil (picudo rojo)âcollapsed onto his vehicle on the CV-905 road.
Machine Burned After Use
The fire started shortly after 1:30 PM in the lower part of the lift, where the engine and wheels are located. According to the Provincial Fire Consortium, the flames spread quickly via the tyres, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle.
Six firefighters from the Torrevieja park, supported by Local Police and Guardia Civil, responded to the blaze.
Sources indicate that the machine was not running at the time of the fire. Maintenance crew had finished their work and the machine was parked, awaiting collection by the company that owns it. The column of smoke was highly visible from Los Locos beach, alerting nearby residents.
Specialized Safety Work Continues
The destroyed lift had been used for over a week for an in-depth inspection that goes beyond visual checks, as the Red Palm Weevil larvae can be difficult to spot.
The inspection process involves:
Taking samples from the palm crown.
Tapping the trunk with a mallet to check for hollowness.
Drilling a small hole to extract material for analysis.
The company, which had recently finished inspections on the Vista Alegre and Juan Aparicio promenades, confirmed that work will continue in other areas using rented machinery.
In a separate, unrelated incident nearby, a motorcycle also caught fire on Tuesday, causing damage to two balconies of a nearby building.
Student Designer Wins Top Sustainable Fashion Award and Spot at Central Saint Martins
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:33:04ORIHUELA COSTA â Keyla Cabral, a fashion design student from UDIT, has clinched the top prize at the fourth annual Greenwalk Awards, a national competition that merges fashion, sustainability, and emerging talent.
The event, held for the first time at the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre, saw twelve fashion students from nine institutions compete for the grand prize: an exclusive course at the globally renowned Central Saint Martins school in London, complete with travel and accommodation expenses.
The gala was hosted by TV presenter LujĂĄn ArgĂŒelles and featured actress and model Vanesa Romero as the eventâs patron and a member of the expert jury.
The Winning Design: An Ode to Slow Fashion
Keyla Cabral secured the first prize with a design deeply inspired by African music and culture. The sustainability of her proposal lay in its meticulous craftsmanship and the upcycling of materials.
The winning piece was entirely constructed from a mesh fabric that was intervened with over 20,000 cable ties, each one meticulously placed and dyed by hand. This painstaking process was undertaken to reproduce a pattern from a painting by the designerâs father.
Cabralâs work is a powerful statement, celebrating the value of time and human effort against the backdrop of fast, disposable fashion production.
Recognising Responsible Talent
Other top prizes underscored the competitionâs focus on environmental and social consciousness:
Elle Education x Mindway Award: Went to Nuria Gil (from the Higher School of Art and Design in Alcoy). Her conceptual design was inspired by a study linking the presence of hairdressing salons to an increase in injured pigeons caught in hair residue. Her piece was made using biodegradable materials, including vegan leather and human hair extensions salvaged from her own workshop (which ironically used to be a hair salon).
Public Prize: Awarded to Asier LĂłpez (from the Higher School of Art and Design in Burgos) for his collection, Nether Tide. Inspired by mermaids suffering the effects of marine pollution, his design prioritized low-impact processes, using 100% linen and reused fishing nets which he dyed black using minimal chemicals.
Organized by Nhood, the Greenwalk Awards aim to support young talent and promote conscious consumption, fostering recycling and innovation within the textile industry. The choice to host the event near Orihuelaâs coast, alongside Barcelona and Vigo, reflected the organizersâ commitment to highlighting the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
Torrevieja Plans âHistoricâ Summer 2026: City Unites with Major Festivals for Valenciaâs Biggest Music Strategy
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:06:21TORREVIEJA, Spain (November 27, 2025) â' The Torrevieja City Council, led by Mayor Eduardo DolĂłn and Councillor Domingo Paredes, is already coordinating the Summer 2026 music program with the organizers of LOW Festival, BIGSOUND Festival, and BRILLA Torrevieja. This collaboration aims to establish Torrevieja as the city with the largest and best music offering in the entire Valencian Community.
Key Highlights:
Advanced Coordination: The strategy involves early planning across crucial areas, including logistics, mobility, accommodation, promotion, and safety, to ensure the successful execution of all three large-scale events.
Key Planning Areas: Discussions covered joint marketing campaigns to position Torrevieja as a Mediterranean music hub, coordination of stage setups, security and traffic plans, dedicated shuttle services (from the airport and train station), and organized accommodation packages through the Tourism Department.
Three Major Events:
LOW Festival is moving its headquarters to Torrevieja, featuring artists like Editors and Fangoria.
BIGSOUND Torrevieja will debut its own edition on July 24-25, 2026, adding the city to the national mainstream and urban festival map.
BRILLA Torrevieja continues its run, highlighted by a highly anticipated concert by Leiva on August 15, expected to draw over 20,000 attendees.
Economic Impact: Mayor DolĂłn stated that the move confirms the cityâs lead in the regionâs music strategy, expected to generate employment, boost the economy, and create unprecedented cultural projection.
The council emphasized that this proactive approach demonstrates that Torrevieja is working systematically to offer âthe best musical summerâ while preparing the city to welcome thousands of attendees safely and efficiently.
History Made! Ancient Egypt Course Becomes Biggest Hit at UNED Torrevieja
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-28 07:29:32TORREVIEJA â The UNED (National Distance Education University) in Torrevieja has reached a significant milestone, achieving its first-ever âFull Capacityâ rating for its recent course, âLife on the Banks of the Nile: Ancient Egypt.â
The lecture hall at the International Conservatory of Torrevieja was packed every afternoon for the seven-session course, which ran from November 4 to November 26.
The Success Story: âThe Nile Overflowedâ
Jesucristo Riquelme, coordinator of UNED Torrevieja, likened the success to the flooding of the Nile, noting that the demand exceeded the most optimistic forecasts. He attributed the success to several key factors:
Exceptional Speaker: The lecturer, Santiago Mallebrera, was praised for his âdynamism, knowledge of Egypt, and method of transmittingâ the subject matter.
Word-of-Mouth Promotion: The course attracted both habitual students and a large influx of newcomers drawn by stories of pharaohs and pyramids.
Good Weather: Favourable weather encouraged the predominantly senior student body to leave their homes for the afternoon classes.
Students were captivated by Mallebreraâs approach, which focused less on the typical âglitter and goldâ of tombs and more on everyday life in Ancient Egyptâcovering family life, the role of women (who had rights such as divorce and property ownership), the work of scribes, and even the importance of household pets, particularly cats.
Beyond Age: The University of the Curious
Mallebrera, who directs the translation workshop for the ITERU Egyptology association, concluded the course by redefining the student body. He stated, âThis is not the university of the elderly; I call it the university of the curious. Because you are defined not by your age, but by your desire, will, interest, and eagerness to learn.â
The successful lecturer is already being considered for a role in the new 2026-2027 academic year.
Up Next: Contemporary Alternative Energy
The UNEDâs focus shifts from the ancient world to contemporary challenges next week. The third course of the academic year, titled âContemporary Alternative Energy,â begins on Monday, December 1st.
The program will cover:
Four sessions on marine wind energy, led by civil engineer Lara CerdĂĄn Aznar.
Later sessions on unconventional hydrocarbon extraction and electric power generation, led by civil engineering doctor Alåa Jasim Dakheel Almalik and industrial engineer José Manuel Pedrero.
OpenAI projects major jump in paid ChatGPT users by 2030
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-29 00:00:00SAN FRANCISCO, California: OpenAI expects paid adoption of ChatGPT to expand sharply over the next five years, projecting that more than 220 million weekly users will subscribe to the chatbot by 2030, The Information reported, citing a person familiar with the forecasts.
The projection assumes that 8.5 percent of an estimated 2.6 billion weekly users will pay for access, putting ChatGPT on track to become one of the world's largest subscription businesses, the report said.
As of July, about 35 million users, roughly five percent of ChatGPT's weekly active base, were paying for \"Plus\" or \"Pro\" plans priced at US$20 and $200 per month.
Reuters was not able to independently verify the report. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
OpenAI's revenue run rate is expected to reach about $20 billion by year-end, though the company is also seeing rising losses, sources have told Reuters. In September, The Information reported that OpenAI generated roughly $4.3 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, up 16 percent from all of last year, while burning $2.5 billion in research and development and operating costs.
The report also said that about 20 percent of future revenue is expected to come from new products, including shopping and advertising-related tools. This week, OpenAI introduced a personal shopping assistant inside ChatGPT, a move that could open the door to ad-based or commission-driven monetization.
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