May 5th.- Technology company Lleida.net (BME: LLN) (EPA:ALLN) (OTCQX:LLEIF) recorded its best quarter ever between January and March 2025 up 12% on the same period last year.The company recorded an EBITDA of €1.22 million in the first quarter of the year which is also the best in its history.This result is the result of its cost control policy and commercial expansion in Europe and Latin America which it undertook throughout 2024.Operating profit for the period reached €716,000 up 387% in the first quarter of 2024.Pre-tax profit stood at €641,000 up 477% from last year and the best in the company's history."When we launched our Recovery Plan in November 2023 we knew there was work to be done to regain our market position and the confidence of our shareholders," explained Sisco Sapena in which Lleida.net has posted its best results ever proves that our approach was the right one and will continue to be so," he added.All of the company's business lines showed stability in the quarter led by the Registered Electronic Contracting product line which grew by 29%.In parallel with its sales and growth the company reduced its net financial debt by 7% in the quarter The group's strategy is focused on the most profitable lines with more standard products which currently account for 48% of total sales.The company has benefited from an orderly transition toward standard product development and an innovation policy that allows it to adapt its technology to the needs of current and future customers.Founded in 1995 Lleida.net is one of Europe's leading providers of certification and registered electronic signature services.The company holds more than 300 patents in its business segment in over 60 countries.It has been listed on BME Growth (Madrid) for 10 years This press release contains statements regarding the future of the company and its innovations Statements regarding the future may be accompanied by words such as "anticipate" the use of future time and other terms of similar meaning No undue reliance should be placed on these claims These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements including uncertainty of the company's commercial success ability to protect our intellectual property rights These statements are based on current beliefs and forecasts and refer only to the date of this press release The company assumes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements future events or any other circumstance arise Hundreds of spectators took to the streets of Lleida this Sunday to enjoy the art of puppetry on the final day of the 36th Puppet Fair With the final evening of performances still to come Already have an account? Login Lleida.net (LLEIF, Financial) and registered electronic signature services announced its strongest quarterly performance in Q1 2025 The company reported sales of €5.29 million representing a 12% increase compared to the previous year This record-breaking financial achievement is largely attributed to the strategic implementation of its Recovery Plan initiated in November 2023 The company experienced notable financial growth in several key areas while operating profit soared 387% to €716,000 Pre-tax profit also witnessed substantial growth emphasizing the company's robust financial health Lleida.net's strategic focus on cost control and expansion into European and Latin American markets has fueled its success The Registered Electronic Contracting product line saw a 31% growth and the commercial SMS line expanded by 29% This diversified growth has allowed the company to reduce its net financial debt by 7% Standard products currently account for 48% of total sales, underscoring the company's emphasis on lucrative product lines. As one of Europe's leading telecom service providers, with over 300 patents in more than 60 countries, Lleida.net (LLEIF, Financial) continues to innovate and adapt its technology to meet market demands, ensuring a promising outlook for the future. the Lleida region displays Catalonia at its most raw and rugged it's increasingly putting itself on the map as a responsible travel destination with distinctive natural landscapes thrilling adventure opportunities and a rich cultural heritage the province of Lleida stretches from the sunny olive-growing plains of Garrigues to the snow-dusted heights of the Pyrenees on the Spain-France border It might not draw the crowds of Barcelona or the Costas but those that do explore this sprawling inland region will find startlingly blue lakes punctuated by rolling vineyards and villages built from honey-coloured stone Much of Lleida’s appeal lies in its active-tourism offerings whether you fancy hitting the quiet hiking trails in Catalonia’s sole national park whitewater-rafting down the Noguera Pallaresa river skiing some of Spain’s finest slopes in Baqueira Beret or tackling rock-climbing routes across the region include the UNESCO-listed Catalan Romanesque architecture of the remote Vall de Boí and a thriving regional food-and-drink scene here's how to explore the area this spring The most rewarding way to savour Lleida’s natural drama is by diving into the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici which sprawls across 54sq miles of spectacular some of the best hiking paths in the country — including a full-day route traversing the entire park from east to west — weave past cascading waterfalls fir-forested slopes and hundreds of high-altitude lakes More low-key trails are available for gentler hikers where unspoilt mountain scenery is reflected in the glassy waters Along the way you might spot golden eagles and griffon vultures swooping high above A crop of Alpine-feel villages dotted around the national park’s fringes — including Espot and Boí — make tempting bases for exploration best known for its challenging walking and rock-climbing routes This pocket of the Pyrenees’ foothills is brimming with wildlife — keep an eye out for chamois bearded vultures and golden eagles — and makes a great road-tripping destination highlighting its strong ongoing commitment to developing tourism with a responsible focus they’re a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site Other Catalan Romanesque jewels include the 12th-century cathedral in the medieval heart of La Seu d’Urgell and the Romanesque cathedral perched above the provincial capital city of Lleida. This cathedral dates back to the early 13th century and is part of the striking monumental complex of Turó de la Seu Vella where visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the city and its surrounding cereal and fruit fields April to November is typically the best time for hiking and other warm-weather adventures in Lleida’s vast natural spaces, with autumn colours bursting into action across the region from mid-September. Winter sees the area's ski resorts swing into gear from December to March. Those visiting the region in June should be sure to catch the tradition of the Falles del Pirineu. These torchlight descents — named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO — take place in villages across the Pyrenees on the Night of Sant Joan to celebrate the summer solstice and the triumph of light over darkness. By 2025-04-30T10:11:00+01:00 Catalan fruit association Afrucat has published an estimate of the losses to this year’s stonefruit and top fruit crop caused by recent hailstorm that affected parts of Lleida It estimates that around 8 per cent of plantings were affected equivalent to a decrease of approximately 75,000 tonnes to the harvest down by around 13 per cent or 2,000 tonnes; pears down by 12-15 per cent or 20,500 tonnes; peaches and nectarines down 6-8 per cent or 39,000 tonnes; apples commented: “We have assessed the damage caused by the hailstorm a few days ago with our companies and we can assure you that Catalonia will have enough fruit to supply our markets the damage depends greatly on the specific area where plantings are located and there are many farms where hail has affected 100 per cent of their production We are currently working with the Department of Agriculture to ensure these producers receive the aid they need to keep their businesses moving forward.” Afrucat said it is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to analyse the various available options to support those primarily affected by the hail and to anticipate what long-term actions should be taken to protect fields and power plants from the elements One of the lines of action advocated by the association in this regard is support for protecting production through the installation of hail nets Simon said: “We have spoken on several occasions with Minister Ordeig about the need to look at countries like Hungary which suffer repeated weather incidents in its plantations and where the state subsidises the installation of nets by 60 per cent” Site powered by Webvision Cloud When my husband Isaac was invited to take part in a film festival in Lleida Being the tagalong spouse is one of my favourite ways to see the world Details get magically taken care of – flights which in our case have included locations off the beaten track in France It’s a work trip!” declared my 11-year-old daughter I think we travelled all the way to Europe in search of a date night pronounced “Yay-da” in Catalonian (and referred to in Spanish as Lerida Lleida is the capital of an agricultural region multifaith roots and a thoroughfare for Spanish tourists heading for the hills to hike “You like boring stuff,” my daughter reminded me before I left no schedule and the Spanish art of sobremesa Lleida let me do all of the above and three days is the perfect amount of time to do it all slowly Lleida is the capital of an agricultural region.Hannah Sung/Supplied The high-speed train from Barcelona to Lleida runs on time and is remarkably easy. Hotel Zenit is less than a five-minute walk from the train station and has all the charm of a business hotel. It’s fine. If Lleida is, however, also the site of your long-awaited date night, the occasion might call for a stay at the Parador it is a modern rebuild of a very old building is a perfect place to grab a dry vermouth with bar snacks Get a great view from one of the many bridges that cross it before heading back to the downtown side to walk along the grass alongside street art that co-exists with statues of Iberian warriors who fought the Romans 2,000 years ago or "Old Cathedral," looms over the city wherever you are.Hannah Sung/Supplied Climb a path to the expansive Seu Vella Lleida’s most majestic site and the heart of the city on a hilltop The site was most recently a Catholic church but also a military stronghold and mosque at various times over its long history and this city plays host to what may be the world’s largest snail festival every spring (the locals told us it’s a time to eat snails and “get plastered”) I was determined to eat caragols as the locals do (roasted with herbs served with aioli) but after ordering it in the restaurant hotel you should probably get used to it,” Isaac said as he helped me out “It’s gonna be this and grasshoppers.” I implore you – eat the snail dish I was coming off a bout of food poisoning and feeling sensitive It was just not going to be the day for snails I tucked in with considerably more gusto at Zeke a tapas bar decorated with loving images of the owner’s adorable dog making me pine for my own sweet pup with a sudden wave of homesickness I managed to choke down croquettes and a hot dish of peppers Everywhere we walked was within a half-hour’s stroll Institut d_Estudis Ilerdencs cultural centre in Lleida L_Espurna mushrooms and cabbage with ham in Lleida I started my first full day in Lleida at the Museu de Lleida but history is expansive here and the story of Lleida goes back to the Bronze Age The woman at the entrance greeted me warmly I peered through Google Translate on my phone as I learned that Lleida is a city built by the co-mingling of Muslim with a history long enough that every one of these groups fell in and out of favour with Jews being expelled in the late 15th century I was the only person in the museum besides a few security guards Many museums and tourist sites are closed on Mondays and sometimes close for the day at 2 p.m. less pristine than those of Barcelona and stained by pigeons while up high were the storks roosting in church bell towers the sound of their clacking beaks occasionally ringing out built in the late 1700s (everything is relative I took in the soaring stone archways and ornate wooden confessionals throughout emboldened by the welcoming nature of the locals When I learned that this basement was a prison in the 15th century I didn’t want to learn more about how justice was meted out in the underground dungeons of this era The window was filled with pastries and Spanish coca a spinach pastry and a candied orange dipped in chocolate all of it exquisite and eaten in one fell swoop Our foodie friend insisted we try El Sisè for fine dining but it’s only open on weekends, reminding me of the pace of a smaller city. Isaac and I instead met for a menu del dia, or daily menu served in courses, at the Michelin-rated L’Espurna I was astounded by how long people spend at the table I had no room to eat again for the rest of the day The pace of Lleida is slower than home and I loved it It’s a working town with a slightly worn quality that makes the durability of its historical sites feel all the more real and close Go to feel the presence of history with every step it’s perfect for putting your life in perspective Report an editorial error Report a technical issue Editorial code of conduct Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. Non-subscribers can read and sort comments but will not be able to engage with them in any way. 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For more information on our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines and our Terms and Conditions Mayor claims they do not contribute to the local economy Lleida has become the first Spanish city to ban data centers As reported by Cronica the council has said data centers do not create enough qualified jobs and consume too much energy and water with the mayor Fèlix Larrosa adding that they “do not contribute to the local economy.” The city has already rejected the opening of multiple data centers The publication added that an unnamed company had even purchased rural land for a data center build but the council refused to change the use of the land director of data centers at consulting firm Colliers said the council’s claims are based on misinformation He argued that data centers would provide indirect labor and would act as an anchor for the industry in Lleida Guillema added that concerns about water and energy could be applied to the entire industry including battery parks and hydrogen generators In June last year Microsoft pledged to invest €6.9 billion ($7.16bn) in developing new data centers in Aragon Elsewhere in Spain, Meta’s plans to build a $1.1 billion data center in the Toledo region have been heavily criticized The facility is expected to consume more than 600 million liters of water in an area at risk of drought Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker) we are relying on revenues from our banners So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.Thanks the stone fruit season will start in the Spanish region of Aragon and in the province of Lleida in line with what has happened in other growing regions the rains in March have had an impact on the pollination of some varieties the initial forecast for the stone fruit season was that this would be a year with a good volume sub-optimal pollination or poor fruit set in certain varieties and early fruit types the total production is going to be lower," says Rodrigo Masip "We at Conjuntfruit feel very fortunate because we haven't felt the impact of last weekend's hailstorm Our organic pear farms in the Lleida area were all under netting and the crop forecast remains at the million kilos we initially estimated The conventional Golden and Gala apple farms were also under netting The storm did hit some areas devoted to stone fruit things are going well for most of the production," he says the season has generally fallen on the same dates as last year for both conventional and organic fruit "although we cannot forget that in recent years the harvesting has taken place one or two weeks ahead of the usual dates whether due to climate change or for other reasons we will once again start quite early," says Rodrigo "This coincides with the fact that the Murcia season is about 8-10 days late so we fear that there will be an overlap between harvests we don't expect there to be a big impact on prices as Murcia's peach and apricot production is said to have fallen by 30-40% so we are not expecting any market saturation issues." "We are very excited because we're going to start selling Demeter stone fruit this year"Conjuntfruit specializes in the production of organic pome and stone fruit the company continues to expand the acreage devoted to one of the most interesting varieties within the peach family: the Paraguayo peach the marketing of round and flat peaches (Paraguayo and platerina) was done separately for the first time which shows the weight of flat peaches within the peach group as they account for more than 60% of the total fruit marketed in the key period of the season (June-September) "Organic flat peach consumption is growing even in spite of the general decline in fruit consumption we started up a 10-hectare plantation devoted to organic flat peaches which has been expanded to 12 hectares this year but this year we expect to harvest around 350,000 kilos of organic flat peaches which are also Biosuisse and Naturland-certified and are in the process of conversion to Demeter," says Rodrigo Masip "We are very excited because we are going to start marketing Demeter nectarines and apricots this year; approximately half a million kilos of them It's a new project and we've already seen interest from some of the clients we already work with in Switzerland and Germany as well as from supermarkets that are introducing Demeter fruit and we are planning to increase our volumes over the next few years," he says "We are facing a paradigm shift in the production model"In Spain while the foreign market remains interesting We would love to be able to work with Spain too because consumers are not choosing to increase their consumption of organic foods because the large chains that are committed to organic tend to give priority to large conventional suppliers who also provide them with a fraction of organic in broker or intermediary format," says Rodrigo there are many reasons to support the consumption of organic food," he says "because we are facing a paradigm shift in the production model large-scale production has been encouraged but we are now at a point where soil fertility has fallen Intensification in production has pushed land and crops to the extreme and has led to a decrease in soil fertility increasing erosion and loss of arable soil as well as a greater presence of pests and diseases which are also increasingly growing resistance due to abuse in the use of pesticides organic farming aims to seek a balance in the cycle of nutrient extraction and replenishment." which is having an increasing impact on food production and water availability and everything points to the fact that we are heading for years in which we encourage Spanish chains and consumers to opt for a production model that cares for our planet and offers healthy and sustainable food," and to look for the products they want at source For more information:Conjuntfruit[email protected]https://conjuntfruit.es/ FreshPublishers © 2005-2025 FreshPlaza.com 2025 — Technology company Lleida.net (BME:LLN) (EPA:ALLLN) (OTCQX:LLEIF) will submit the appointment of four new independent female directors to its General Shareholders' Meeting for approval: Anna Bisart Rosell The four will join current board member Arrate Usandizaga and will ensure gender parity on the company's governing body The meeting will be held on June 5 in Madrid The announcement was made today to the market in a document containing Other Privileged Information The agenda includes the voluntary departure of Beatriz García Torre and Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja whom the company thanks for their years of service “These candidates bring proven leadership in people key pillars for our next phase of growth,“ said Sisco Sapena “Their diversity of perspectives will make the Board more agile and rigorous which is what Lleida.net needs in this new stage,” he added Anna Bisart Rosell brings more than 25 years of global talent management experience at multinationals such as The Knot Worldwide and Johnson & Johnson She currently chairs the compensation and talent committee at aerospace company Immfly Teresa Reales Peinado has led finance and human resources for 25 years at Telefónica and its international subsidiaries Ana Serrano Oñate has four decades of experience in oil and gas with executive positions at Equinor and Repsol She has managed exploration and energy transition portfolios in Latin America Sílvia Cunill Calvet chairs the Andorra Banking Resolution Agency and advises technology companies in the contact center sector She is an expert in digitalization and strategic transformation in banking and insurance The proposal brings Lleida.net ahead of compliance with Organic Law 2/2024 which requires at least 40% representation of the less represented gender on boards by June 2026 These appointments will once again consolidate the company's reputation for transparency and compliance with legal guidelines The Board will also vote on the individual and consolidated annual accounts for the 2024 financial year The proposal includes the allocation of profits and the approval of the Board's management Lleida.net is one of Europe's leading players in certification It holds more than 300 patents in 60 countries and is listed on the stock exchanges in Madrid SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTThis press release contains statements regarding the future of the Lleida.net company and its innovations future events or any other circumstance arise   Lleida.net announces a significant board restructuring with the proposed appointment of four new female independent directors and Sílvia Cunill Calvet - will join existing board member Arrate Usandizaga to be voted on at the June 5 General Shareholders' Meeting in Madrid will position Lleida.net ahead of compliance with Organic Law 2/2024 which mandates 40% representation of the less represented gender on boards by June 2026 The new directors bring diverse expertise in: The announcement coincides with the voluntary departure of two board members Beatriz García Torre and Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja CEO Sisco Sapena emphasizes that the new directors' diverse perspectives will enhance board agility and rigor during the company's next growth phase Lleida.net annuncia una significativa ristrutturazione del consiglio di amministrazione con la proposta di nomina di quattro nuove consigliere indipendenti avanzando verso una completa parità di genere Ana Serrano Oñate e Sílvia Cunill Calvet - si uniranno all'attuale membro del consiglio Arrate Usandizaga che saranno sottoposte a votazione nell'Assemblea Generale degli Azionisti del 5 giugno a Madrid posizioneranno Lleida.net in anticipo rispetto all'adeguamento alla Legge Organica 2/2024 che richiede una rappresentanza del 40% del genere meno rappresentato nei consigli entro giugno 2026 Le nuove consigliere apportano competenze diversificate in: L'annuncio coincide con l'uscita volontaria di due membri del consiglio Beatriz García Torre e Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja Il CEO Sisco Sapena sottolinea che le diverse prospettive delle nuove consigliere miglioreranno l'agilità e la rigorosità del consiglio durante la prossima fase di crescita dell'azienda Lleida.net anuncia una importante reestructuración del consejo de administración con la propuesta de nombrar a cuatro nuevas directoras independientes avanzando hacia una paridad de género completa Ana Serrano Oñate y Sílvia Cunill Calvet - se unirán a la actual miembro del consejo Arrate Usandizaga que serán sometidos a votación en la Junta General de Accionistas del 5 de junio en Madrid situarán a Lleida.net por delante del cumplimiento de la Ley Orgánica 2/2024 que exige un 40% de representación del género menos representado en los consejos para junio de 2026 Las nuevas directoras aportan experiencia diversa en: El anuncio coincide con la salida voluntaria de dos miembros del consejo Beatriz García Torre y Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja El CEO Sisco Sapena destaca que las diversas perspectivas de las nuevas directoras mejorarán la agilidad y el rigor del consejo durante la próxima fase de crecimiento de la empresa 완전한 성별 균형을 향해 네 명의 새로운 여성 독립 이사 임명을 제안했습니다 2026년 6월까지 이사회에 덜 대표된 성별을 40% 이상 포함하도록 요구하는 유기법 2/2024 준수를 앞당기는 역할을 합니다 이번 발표는 이사회 멤버 두 명인 Beatriz García Torre와 Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja의 자발적 퇴임과 동시에 이루어졌습니다 CEO Sisco Sapena는 새로운 이사들의 다양한 시각이 회사의 다음 성장 단계에서 이사회의 민첩성과 엄격성을 향상시킬 것이라고 강조했습니다 Lleida.net annonce une restructuration importante de son conseil d'administration avec la proposition de nomination de quatre nouvelles administratrices indépendantes visant à atteindre une parité totale entre les sexes Ana Serrano Oñate et Sílvia Cunill Calvet - rejoindront la membre actuelle du conseil Arrate Usandizaga qui seront soumises au vote lors de l'Assemblée générale des actionnaires du 5 juin à Madrid permettront à Lleida.net d'anticiper la conformité à la Loi organique 2/2024 qui impose une représentation de 40 % du sexe le moins représenté dans les conseils d'administration d'ici juin 2026 Les nouvelles administratrices apportent une expertise diversifiée dans les domaines suivants : Cette annonce coïncide avec le départ volontaire de deux membres du conseil Beatriz García Torre et Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja Le PDG Sisco Sapena souligne que les perspectives variées des nouvelles administratrices renforceront l'agilité et la rigueur du conseil durant la prochaine phase de croissance de l'entreprise Lleida.net kündigt eine bedeutende Umstrukturierung des Vorstands an vier neue weibliche unabhängige Direktoren zu ernennen um eine vollständige Geschlechterparität zu erreichen Ana Serrano Oñate und Sílvia Cunill Calvet - werden der bestehenden Vorstandsmitglied Arrate Usandizaga beitreten bringen Lleida.net voran in Bezug auf die Einhaltung des Organgesetzes 2/2024 das bis Juni 2026 eine 40%ige Vertretung des unterrepräsentierten Geschlechts in Vorständen vorschreibt Die neuen Direktoren verfügen über vielfältige Expertise in: Die Bekanntgabe fällt mit dem freiwilligen Ausscheiden zweier Vorstandsmitglieder Beatriz García Torre und Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja dass die vielfältigen Perspektiven der neuen Direktoren die Agilität und Strenge des Vorstands in der nächsten Wachstumsphase des Unternehmens verbessern werden a leading technology company in certification and electronic signatures has announced a significant restructuring of its board of directors The company proposes the appointment of four new independent female directors—Anna Bisart Rosell and Sílvia Cunill Calvet—aiming for complete gender parity These appointments will be voted on at the General Shareholders' Meeting on June 5 The proposed changes will enable Lleida.net to exceed the requirements of Spain's Organic Law 2/2024 which mandates a minimum of 40% representation of the less represented gender on corporate boards by June 2026 Anna Bisart Rosell brings over 25 years of experience in global talent management with previous roles in major multinational corporations Teresa Reales Peinado offers substantial expertise in finance and human resources from her time at Telefónica Ana Serrano Oñate has held executive positions in the oil and gas industry while Sílvia Cunill Calvet specializes in digitalization and strategic transformation The announcement coincides with the voluntary departure of current board members Beatriz García Torre and Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja CEO Sisco Sapena highlighted that the diverse expertise and perspectives of the new directors are expected to enhance the board's agility and rigor essential for the company's next growth phase The June 5 meeting will also address the approval of the 2024 financial accounts holds over 300 patents across 60 countries and is publicly traded in various international stock markets By 2025-04-22T11:10:00+01:00 An intense hailstorm that hit parts of Lleida last weekend has caused significant damage to the stonefruit crop The storm swept through several municipalities in Segrià hitting production in many parts of Baix Segre and the north of the region While official estimates of losses have yet to be released it is believed that in places like l’Horta d’Alcarràs up to 90 per cent of the crop could have been damaged or lost flat peaches and cherries are all believed to have been affected said the storm struck at a time when the fruit adding that “such a violent hailstorm in April makes us think it could be a complicated summer in terms of hailstorms” The President of the Generalitat of Catalonia said the government is monitoring the effects of the storm on the 2025 campaign and assessing its impact in order to be able to meet the needs of local growers cooler-than-normal temperatures are delaying the harvest of early season stonefruit varieties Although small quantities of extra-early fruit have already begun to be harvested significant volumes are not expected until early May as the cool weather has delayed the ripening of early varieties by 8 to 10 days president of the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of the Region of Murcia (Fecoam) March rains have been very beneficial for this year’s harvest He said the region is gearing up for “a campaign of great quality and quantity” April 28.- Spanish tech company Lleida.net (BME:LLN) (EPA:ALLN) (OTCQX:LLEIF) increased its sales by 16% during 2024 according to audited data released today to the market The company closed the previous year with an audited EBITDA of €3.24 million representing a significant increase over the €84,000 recorded in 2023 This result confirms the company's recovery after the losses of 2023 the company achieved an audited net profit of €883,000 compared to losses of €2.65 million recorded in 2023 Lleida.net announced its preliminary results to the stock market the final figures show minor variations from the initial advance confirming the success of its recovery plan Lleida.net CEO Sisco Sapena highlighted that “The audited results clearly reflect the effort and rigor with which we have implemented our strategy Not only have we returned to profitability but we have done so by strengthening all our business lines and significantly improving our balance sheet.” All of Lleida.net's business lines grew by double digits in fiscal year 2024 The ICX Wholesale division recorded an increase of 24% while the Registered Electronic Notification line grew by 25% to €2.04 million SMS solutions for end customers rose by 13% to €3.77 million and the Contracting line grew by another 13% to €3.47 million The company's net financial debt fell by 22% to €7.41 million compared to €9.46 million at the end of 2023 This financial improvement was achieved thanks to strict cost control and measures taken to optimize costs including a 19% reduction in personnel expenses and a 22% reduction in external services Lleida.net also increased its consolidated gross margin by 11% to €10.18 million although the gross margin on sales fell slightly to 53.44% due to the greater relative weight of SMS lines in total turnover Lleida.net is one of Europe's leading providers of electronic certification The company has more than 300 patents granted in over 60 countries positioning itself as a benchmark for innovation It is currently listed on the stock exchanges in Madrid This press release contains statements regarding the future of the Lleida.net company and its innovations Statements regarding the future may be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “wait,” “anticipate,” “pretend,” “power,” “plan,” “potential,” the use of future time and other terms of similar meaning future events or any other circumstances arise Lleida.net (LLEIF) reported strong financial performance in 2024 with a 16% increase in sales to €19.05 million The company achieved a net profit of €883,000 reversing losses of €2.65 million from 2023 EBITDA significantly improved to €3.24 million from €84,000 in 2023 All business divisions showed double-digit growth: ICX Wholesale division: up 24% to €6.92 millionRegistered Electronic Notification: increased 25% to €2.04 millionSMS solutions: grew 13% to €3.77 millionContracting line: rose 13% to €3.47 million The company reduced net financial debt by 22% to €7.41 million through cost optimization including 19% lower personnel expenses and 22% reduction in external services The consolidated gross margin improved by 11% to €10.18 million though margin on sales slightly decreased to 53.44% Lleida.net (LLEIF) ha riportato una solida performance finanziaria nel 2024 con un aumento delle vendite del 16% raggiungendo €19,05 milioni secondo dati certificati L'azienda ha realizzato un utile netto di €883.000 invertendo una perdita di €2,65 milioni registrata nel 2023 passando da €84.000 nel 2023 a €3,24 milioni Tutte le divisioni aziendali hanno mostrato una crescita a doppia cifra: Divisione ICX Wholesale: +24% a €6,92 milioniNotifica Elettronica Registrata: +25% a €2,04 milioniSoluzioni SMS: +13% a €3,77 milioniLinea Contrattualizzazione: +13% a €3,47 milioni L'azienda ha ridotto il debito finanziario netto del 22% che include una riduzione del 19% delle spese per il personale e del 22% dei servizi esterni Il margine lordo consolidato è migliorato dell’11% sebbene il margine sulle vendite sia leggermente diminuito al 53,44% Lleida.net (LLEIF) reportó un sólido desempeño financiero en 2024 con un aumento del 16% en las ventas alcanzando €19,05 millones según datos auditados La compañía logró un beneficio neto de €883.000 revirtiendo pérdidas de €2,65 millones en 2023 pasando de €84.000 en 2023 a €3,24 millones Todas las divisiones de negocio mostraron un crecimiento de dos dígitos: División ICX Wholesale: subió un 24% a €6,92 millonesNotificación Electrónica Registrada: aumentó un 25% a €2,04 millonesSoluciones SMS: creció un 13% a €3,77 millonesLínea de Contratación: creció un 13% a €3,47 millones La empresa redujo la deuda financiera neta en un 22% que incluye una reducción del 19% en gastos de personal y un 22% en servicios externos aunque el margen sobre ventas disminuyó ligeramente al 53,44% Lleida.net (LLEIF)은 2024년에 매출이 16% 증가하여 €1,905만을 기록하는 강력한 재무 성과를 감사된 데이터에 따라 보고했습니다 회사는 2023년 €265만 손실에서 전환하여 €88만 3천의 순이익을 달성했습니다 EBITDA는 2023년 €8만 4천에서 크게 개선되어 €324만이 되었습니다 모든 사업 부문이 두 자릿수 성장을 보였습니다: ICX 도매 부문: 24% 증가하여 €692만등록 전자 통지: 25% 증가하여 €204만SMS 솔루션: 13% 증가하여 €377만계약 부문: 13% 증가하여 €347만 외부 서비스 22% 절감을 포함한 비용 최적화를 통해 순금융부채를 22% 줄여 €741만으로 낮췄습니다 Lleida.net (LLEIF) a annoncé une solide performance financière en 2024 avec une hausse des ventes de 16 % à 19,05 millions d'euros La société a réalisé un bénéfice net de 883 000 € renversant une perte de 2,65 millions d'euros en 2023 passant de 84 000 € en 2023 à 3,24 millions d’euros Toutes les divisions commerciales ont affiché une croissance à deux chiffres : Division ICX Wholesale : +24 % à 6,92 millions d’eurosNotification Électronique Enregistrée : +25 % à 2,04 millions d’eurosSolutions SMS : +13 % à 3,77 millions d’eurosLigne de contractualisation : +13 % à 3,47 millions d’euros La société a réduit sa dette financière nette de 22 % à 7,41 millions d’euros grâce à une optimisation des coûts incluant une baisse de 19 % des charges de personnel et de 22 % des services externes La marge brute consolidée s’est améliorée de 11 % pour atteindre 10,18 millions d’euros même si la marge sur ventes a légèrement diminué à 53,44 % Lleida.net (LLEIF) meldete für 2024 eine starke finanzielle Leistung mit einem Umsatzanstieg von 16 % auf 19,05 Millionen Euro laut geprüften Daten Das Unternehmen erzielte einen Nettogewinn von 883.000 Euro und kehrte damit Verluste von 2,65 Millionen Euro aus 2023 um Das EBITDA verbesserte sich deutlich von 84.000 Euro im Jahr 2023 auf 3,24 Millionen Euro Alle Geschäftsbereiche verzeichneten zweistelliges Wachstum: ICX Wholesale Division: Anstieg um 24 % auf 6,92 Millionen EuroRegistrierte elektronische Benachrichtigung: Zunahme um 25 % auf 2,04 Millionen EuroSMS-Lösungen: Wachstum um 13 % auf 3,77 Millionen EuroVertragslinie: Steigerung um 13 % auf 3,47 Millionen Euro Das Unternehmen reduzierte die Nettoverschuldung um 22 % auf 7,41 Millionen Euro durch Kostenoptimierung einschließlich 19 % geringerer Personalkosten und 22 % weniger Ausgaben für externe Dienstleistungen Die konsolidierte Bruttomarge verbesserte sich um 11 % auf 10,18 Millionen Euro obwohl die Marge auf den Umsatz leicht auf 53,44 % zurückging Spanish listed company Lleida.net signed contracts in Colombia and Peru worth 672,000 euros in the fourth quarter of 2024. The contracts have been signed mainly with government institutions in Colombia and with universities in Andean countries. In Colombia, the clients with which agreements have been signed are the National Authority of Environmental Licenses - ANLA, Andes BPO S.A.S, Superintendence of Solidarity Economy, Bogota Capital District Treasury Secretariat, Emtelco S.A.S, General Maritime Directorate - DIMAR, Superintendence of Family Subsidies and the Pension and Parafiscal Unit - UGPP. In Peru, agreements have been signed with the Universidad de Lima, Universidad del Pacífico, and Indecopi. "This agreement reaffirms our commitment to innovation and the trust of large institutions in our proposal," said Sisco Sapena, CEO and founder. "Latin America is a key market for our expansion. The confidence of these institutions reinforces our commitment to the region and our commitment to growth in strategic sectors," said Sisco Sapena, CEO and founder. Last week, in a meeting with investors after the company's results presentation, Sapena announced that the company will strengthen its work in the region in 2025 and 2026. Lleida.net has had a presence and offices in South America since 2014 and serves hundreds of clients in several countries in the subcontinent. The company recorded sales of €2.56 million in 2024, up 16% on the previous year. For the 12-month period, the company posted sales of €19.05 million, or €2.56 million more than last year. In 2024, the company posted an EBITDA of €3.26 million profit, compared to € 84,000 in 2023. This represents a growth of 3.792% year over year. Pre-tax profit recorded an increase of 131%, with growth of more than 3.56 million euros in 2024. Lleida.net, founded in 1995, has received more than 300 patents from 60 countries for its innovations in registered in the electronic notification, contracting, and signature industries. It is listed in Madrid, Paris, New York, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. Madrid, February 5th—Lleida.net CEO Sisco Sapena announced today in a call with investors that the company will study the restructuring of subsidiaries "that do not have a clear future in the medium term." Sapena stressed that the company "will continue to focus on growth in Europe and Latin America, the markets where we can grow organically and significantly." Following yesterday's presentation of the 2024 company results, in which Lleida.net increased its turnover by 16% and closed with 3.26 million EBITDA, Sapena held an open meeting today with some thirty of the company's shareholders to explain the last few financial years. Sapena, who founded the company in 1995, explained that "our objective is to maintain sustainable growth. We do not focus on volume at any price but profitability and generating value for shareholders." He also explained that he had invested nearly two million euros in recent years to acquire shares in Lleida.net personally. The company announced sales of 2.56 million euros in 2024, or 16% more than the previous year. In the 12 months of the previous year, the company had a turnover of 19.05 million euros, or 2.56 million more than last year. Similarly, in 2024, the company recorded an EBITDA of 3.26 million in profit for the year, compared to the 84,000 euros it saw in 2023. Profit before tax increased by 131%, with more than 3.56 million euros growth in 2024.This year, Lleida.net earned 840,000 euros, recovering from the previous year's losses of 2.72 million. The company's current debt position is 8.44 million euros, 2.4 million euros less than at the end of 2023. Lleida.net, founded in 1995, has received more than 300 patents from 60 countries for its innovations in registered electronic notification, contracting, and signatures and is considered one of the industry leaders. It is listed on the Madrid, Paris, New York, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt stock exchanges. A hailstorm in the Lleida area on Saturday has affected around 50,000 hectares of crops, according to Unió de Pagesos farmers union. In some fields in the Urgell county, in municipalities such as Agramunt or Ossó de Sió, losses may be between 50% and 100%, said locals talking to the Catalan News Agency on Sunday. Cereal growers expected to harvest around six tones per hectare, but "they will be between zero and one," said one of the affected farmers, Salvador Nadal. "We are sad and disappointed that all the efforts made throughout the year result in this." The cereal and fruit tree sectors have faced similar challenges in the past three years, with poor harvests for different reasons, and had expected a better year. Jaume Gardeñes, spokesperson for Unió de Pagesos, told ACN that between 12,000 and 13,000 hectares of fruit tree have been fully affected, and while some part of its production will go ahead, prices will be 70% lower than expected because their commercial value "will plummet." Also, almost 40,000 hectares of cereals such as wheat, barley or alfalfa, have suffered from the effects of the hailstorm in between 10% and 40% of the crops, the same sources said. Gardeñes explained that while some farmers had expanded their insurance policies, others did not, and have less than 40% of the crops covered. The farmers' trade union called on the Catalan government to provide financial aid to install anti-hail and anti-frost protection nets, which cost around €30,000 to €35,000 euros per hectare. Unió de Pagesos believes the sector needs to ensure the harvests despite the current situation of climate change. "In many European countries, the public administration pays for 80% of the expenses of such elements," referring to the protection nets. In Alcarràs, a very intense hailstorm that "lasted 10 to 15 minutes" on Saturday left many streets flooded with either water or hail, and in some fields 80% of the fruit fell off the floor due to the severe weather, according to local councilor Agustí Camarasa. "It is not normal to get such heavy hailstorms in April," he said, remembering a similar situation in April 2022, which affected a smaller area. Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone Lleida are back in the basketball top flight after a long 18 year absence and in the welcome return of this all-Catalan derby encounter Barça have come out winners after a gripping final few minutes The packed Barris Nord arena produced an atmosphere worthy of the occasion while Kevin Punter provided the spectacle on the court as his two early threes put some early air between the teams at 12-17 But a stop-start game saw Lleida amassing enough points to remain in contention and former blaugrana Pauli eventually levelled things up on 21 each before Barça powered off on their first big streak of the game Nine uncontested points and they were now well in command A Muric three enraptured the Barris Nord early in the third period Key scores from Joel Parra and Darío Brizuela meant they'd be starting the final +11 Perhaps complacency had crept into the Barça game and that's never a good idea in this sport Lleida still believed a miracle was possible and somehow or other managed to knock the seemingly unassailable margin down to just six Barça looked to have managed the final minutes right but Bropleh then delivered another 3-pointer But a game that had reached a much nervier climax than anyone might have expected was eventually settled by Brizuela and Abrines scores Three out of three so far this season for FC Barcelona's roller hockey teams as they defeated Pons Lleida 9-4 in the league at the Palau Blaugrana David Cáceres' team came out determined to secure a third win in the league and in the very first minute a shot from Aragonés rattled the crossbar In the eighth minute Barça finally took the lead when Pablo Álvarez finished smartly Ferran Font then added two more in the space of six minutes to put the blaugranes 3-0 up Pons Lleida fought back and Ojeda made it 3-1 before Álvarez scored again to restore the three goal Barça advantage at 4-1 Before half time Giménez pulled another back for the visitors Font completed his hat-trick early in the second half with Barça in complete control Alabart and Sergi Llorca added their names to the list of goalscorers to make it 9-2 with just minutes remaining Lleida showed spirit to score twice late on through Nico Ojeda to make the final score 9-4 to David Cáceres' team Lleida.net has secured contracts worth €672,000 in Colombia and Peru during Q4 2024 primarily with government institutions in Colombia and universities in Peru The company reported significant financial growth in 2024 Notable achievements include an EBITDA profit of €3.26 million marking a substantial 3,792% growth from €84,000 in 2023 The company's pre-tax profit showed a remarkable 131% increase The contracts in Colombia were signed with various government entities including ANLA and DIMAR while Peruvian agreements include partnerships with Universidad de Lima and Universidad del Pacífico The company plans to strengthen its presence in Latin America throughout 2025 and 2026 building on its established operations in South America since 2014 Lleida.net ha ottenuto contratti del valore di 672.000 € in Colombia e Perù nel quarto trimestre del 2024 principalmente con istituzioni governative in Colombia e università in Perù L'azienda ha riportato una significativa crescita finanziaria nel 2024 con vendite che hanno raggiunto i 19,05 milioni di € un aumento del 16% rispetto all'anno precedente Tra i risultati notevoli si segnala un utile EBITDA di 3,26 milioni di € che rappresenta una crescita sostanziale del 3.792% rispetto ai 84.000 € del 2023 Il profitto ante imposte dell'azienda ha mostrato un aumento straordinario del 131% crescendo di oltre 3,56 milioni di € nel 2024 I contratti in Colombia sono stati firmati con vari enti governativi tra cui ANLA e DIMAR mentre gli accordi peruviani includono partnership con l'Universidad de Lima e l'Universidad del Pacífico L'azienda prevede di rafforzare la propria presenza in America Latina nel 2025 e 2026 facendo leva sulle operazioni consolidate in Sud America dal 2014 Lleida.net ha asegurado contratos por un valor de 672.000 € en Colombia y Perú durante el cuarto trimestre de 2024 principalmente con instituciones gubernamentales en Colombia y universidades en Perú La empresa reportó un crecimiento financiero significativo en 2024 con ventas que alcanzaron los 19,05 millones de € un aumento del 16% en comparación con el año anterior Entre los logros notables se incluye un beneficio EBITDA de 3,26 millones de € marcando un crecimiento sustancial del 3.792% desde los 84.000 € en 2023 El beneficio previo a impuestos de la empresa mostró un aumento notable del 131% creciendo en más de 3,56 millones de € en 2024 Los contratos en Colombia fueron firmados con varias entidades gubernamentales mientras que los acuerdos peruanos incluyen asociaciones con la Universidad de Lima y la Universidad del Pacífico La empresa planea fortalecer su presencia en América Latina durante 2025 y 2026 apoyándose en sus operaciones establecidas en Sudamérica desde 2014 Lleida.net는 2024년 4분기 콜롬비아와 페루에서 총 67만2천 유로의 계약을 체결했으며 이 회사는 2024년에 1,905만 유로의 매출을 기록하며 16%의 유의미한 재무 성장을 보고했습니다 콜롬비아의 계약은 ANLA 및 DIMAR을 포함한 다양한 정부 기관과 체결되었으며 이 회사는 2025년과 2026년 동안 라틴 아메리카에서의 입지를 강화할 계획이며 Lleida.net a sécurisé des contrats d'une valeur de 672 000 € en Colombie et au Pérou au cours du quatrième trimestre 2024 principalement avec des institutions gouvernementales en Colombie et des universités au Pérou L'entreprise a rapporté une croissance financière significative en 2024 avec des ventes atteignant 19,05 millions d'euros soit une augmentation de 16 % par rapport à l'année précédente on trouve un bénéfice EBITDA de 3,26 millions d'euros marquant une croissance substantielle de 3 792 % par rapport à 84 000 € en 2023 Le bénéfice avant impôts de l'entreprise a montré une augmentation remarquable de 131 % croissant de plus de 3,56 millions d'euros en 2024 Les contrats en Colombie ont été signés avec diverses entités gouvernementales tandis que les accords péruviens incluent des partenariats avec l'Universidad de Lima et l'Universidad del Pacífico L'entreprise prévoit de renforcer sa présence en Amérique latine tout au long de 2025 et 2026 s'appuyant sur ses opérations établies en Amérique du Sud depuis 2014 Lleida.net hat im vierten Quartal 2024 Verträge im Wert von 672.000 € in Kolumbien und Peru gesichert hauptsächlich mit Regierungsinstitutionen in Kolumbien und Universitäten in Peru Das Unternehmen berichtete von einem signifikanten finanziellen Wachstum im Jahr 2024 was einem Anstieg von 16 % im Vergleich zum Vorjahr entspricht Zu den bemerkenswerten Erfolgen gehört ein EBITDA-Gewinn von 3,26 Millionen € was einem erheblichen Wachstum von 3.792 % gegenüber 84.000 € im Jahr 2023 entspricht Der Gewinn vor Steuern des Unternehmens zeigte einen bemerkenswerten Anstieg von 131 % was einem Wachstum von über 3,56 Millionen € im Jahr 2024 entspricht Die Verträge in Kolumbien wurden mit verschiedenen Regierungsbehörden während die peruanischen Vereinbarungen Partnerschaften mit der Universidad de Lima und der Universidad del Pacífico umfassen seine Präsenz in Lateinamerika in den Jahren 2025 und 2026 zu stärken basierend auf seinen seit 2014 etablierten Aktivitäten in Südamerika Spanish listed company Lleida.net signed contracts in Colombia and Peru worth 672,000 euros in the fourth quarter of 2024 The contracts have been signed mainly with government institutions in Colombia and with universities in Andean countries the clients with which agreements have been signed are the National Authority of Environmental Licenses - ANLA Bogota Capital District Treasury Secretariat Superintendence of Family Subsidies and the Pension and Parafiscal Unit - UGPP agreements have been signed with the Universidad de Lima "This agreement reaffirms our commitment to innovation and the trust of large institutions in our proposal," said Sisco Sapena "Latin America is a key market for our expansion The confidence of these institutions reinforces our commitment to the region and our commitment to growth in strategic sectors," said Sisco Sapena in a meeting with investors after the company's results presentation Sapena announced that the company will strengthen its work in the region in 2025 and 2026 Lleida.net has had a presence and offices in South America since 2014 and serves hundreds of clients in several countries in the subcontinent The company recorded sales of €2.56 million in 2024 the company posted sales of €19.05 million the company posted an EBITDA of €3.26 million profit This represents a growth of 3.792% year over year Pre-tax profit recorded an increase of 131% with growth of more than 3.56 million euros in 2024 has received more than 300 patents from 60 countries for its innovations in registered in the electronic notification SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTThis press release contains statements regarding the future of the company and its innovations All Images: Courtesy of Aymar Navarro | Skier: Aymar Navarro Winter is taking it’s sweet time hitting much of North America The Spanish Lleida Pyrenees Mountains sitting in the country’s Northernmost region near the French border received the brunt of a massive storm that delivered incredible conditions after a relatively slow start to the season With the Tour expecting to return this year from January 18-23 nobody is hoping for a repeat of last year’s circumstances Navarro wasn’t hucking cliffs into the abyss The Freeride World Tour veteran was simply indulging in the deep end To say that the snow was good would be the understatement of the century If you don’t believe us take a look for yourself “It has been a slow start to this season,” Navarro told us “but winter has arrived with some intensity!” The forecast suggests that this recent bombardment might be over this is just the first of many pow days we see from our friends at Baqueira-Beret he’s clearly enjoying his time away from the Tour leaving behind a legendary career and opening up a new chapter in his life as a skier Of course, he’s still ripping blistering lines and sniffing out every couloir and cliff known to man We can’t wait to see what he cooks up this year Don't waste time seeking out the best skiing content; we'll send it all right to you it is estimated that the hail storm that hit the Spanish province of Lleida last week has affected more than 40,000 hectares of cultivated land "The damage in the whole area where hail fell which is quite intensively used for agriculture Stone and pome fruit are the most affected crops but there is also a significant area of almond trees president of Asaja Lleida and a producer affected by the heavy hailstorm I believe that about 50% of the area affected and this has happened at a time when the fruit had just come out of the flowering phase and was already growing the hail has unfortunately fallen at the worst possible time." 95% of the anti-hail nets were not in place yet Netting systems can bring the temperature of the farms even further down which is why they are traditionally unrolled after Sant Jordi - April 23-24 onwards - when the risk of frost is already considered to be very low; and of the few that were already in place some netting systems have even yielded to the weight of the hail," says Pere who estimates the losses in his own pear and apple orchards at around 60-65% with the modification of Agroseguro's insurance for sweet fruit trees many of the plots only had 50% of the fruit insured coverage could have been extended to the other 50%." It is worth recalling how much the Catalan sweet fruit sector relies on agricultural insurance 92% of last season's fruit production was insured with almost 400 million euros of insured capital "We have no doubt about the importance of agricultural insurance for the sweet fruit sector which in Lleida accounts for 9% of the GDP and on which around twenty subsectors depend Agroseguro is the solution; it should not become the problem by changing the regulations half way through the campaign and that is why we must look for a way out of this situation together with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture of the Catalan Government because we hadn't seen a hail storm like this at this time of the year for at least 40 years." While assessments are made and administrative measures are arranged in accordance with the extent of the damage and Terres de l'Ebre are rushing to apply phytosanitary treatments to avoid fungal problems in the fruit and to save as much of the crop as possible We must bear in mind that it's not just producers who are affected; fruit generates around 25,000-30,000 jobs every season in the fields and the handling and processing plants and this hail is going to put them at risk." For more information:Asaja Lleidawww.asaja.com CEO and founder of the Spanish-listed company Lleida.net (OTCQX: LLEIF) (BME: LLN) (EPA: ALLLN) has launched an Off-Market Share Sale Plan to reward employees and shareholders following the company's positive results in the last three quarters aims to consolidate the company's already recovered confidence in the nearest market.Confidence in the company in the immediate market It also represents a logical continuity to the Restructuring Plan announced by the company on December 11 limited to a tranche of between 100,000 and 200,000 shares will be effective between September 3 and 23 current investors and employees will be able to purchase shares privately from the maximum shareholder and obtain four purchase rights for the same number of shares purchased at the auction price on August 27 These warrants may be exercised as follows: "The last two years have been hard for the company and its shareholders so I wanted to set up a plan from which they will benefit widely to remember that we are all in this boat together," Sapena explained we committed to pay double attention to the interests of our shareholders and I personally want to thank them with this gesture for all the support they have given us," he added has been listed on the stock exchange since 2015 The company has received over 300 patents from 60 countries for its innovations in registered electronic notification and signature and is considered one of the industry leaders.In the first half of 2024 the company recorded sales of €9.57 million or 10% above those recorded in the first half of 2023 the company's EBITDA had already reached 1.43 million euros or 458% above the figure recorded in the same half of 2023 Lleida.net's operating income amounted to 391,000 euros or 146% more than in the same period of 2023 SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTThis press release contains statements regarding the company's future and its innovations Statements regarding the future may be accompanied by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "wait," "anticipate," "pretend," "power," "plan," and "potential," the use of future time and other terms of similar meaning These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements ability to protect our intellectual property rights and other risks Defeat for the blaugranes in the opening game of the XX Frit Ravich Lliga Catalana Barça fell to a 5-4 defeat at Pons Lleida with David Cáceres' team squandering a 3-1 half time lead Pablo Álvarez and Ferran Font scored in the opening period for the blaugranes with Nuno Miguel replying for Lleida In the second half Ojeda made it 3-2 only Pablo Álvarez to swing the game back in Barça's favour at 4-2 Lleida Airport hosts flight tests using electricity generated from a mobile station – station transforms methanol into hydrogen or electricity Lleida-Alguaire Airport hosted the first flight tests this Thursday using electricity generated by the Nomad system a mobile service station that transforms methanol into hydrogen or electricity.  acts as a mobile charging station and serves as a charging point for any product.  The flight tests were carried out using the only electric aircraft in Catalonia and reflect the team’s desire to become a laboratory for new technologies and Charging tests were also conducted with a hydrogen car Lleida-Alguaire Airport was the site of a demonstration of the capabilities of this mobile station developed by the company Methanol Reformer the system serves as a supply point for this type of fuel anywhere and without the need for a connection to the electrical grid.  This Thursday’s flight was the first electric flight at Lleida-Alguaire Airport with the unique feature of using methanol as fuel “It’s a 100% sustainable flight,” emphasized Jordi Candela director general of Aeroports de Catalunya who also noted that the project is part of the airport’s intention to build an ecosystem of technology companies that promote sustainable aviation It’s a window of opportunity for companies that want to test their products The light aircraft used for the tests is the first electric aircraft to arrive in Spain and is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency.  It is a two-seat aircraft with “very efficient handling due to its long wings,” according to Rafael Molina head of instruction at the Barcelona-Sabadell Aeroclub.  READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central Lleida Airport hosts flight tests using electricity generated from a mobile station – station transforms methanol into hydrogen or electricity, source Stronger and safer: New design strategy for aluminum combines strength with hydrogen embrittlement resistance Aluminum alloys are well-known for their low weight and corrosion resistance Omani and Chinese R&D entities to study hydrogen liquefaction Shipping green hydrogen in its liquid state presents significant challenges due to its physical and chemical properties MUSCAT: The Sustainable Energy.. Bureau Veritas Joins NavHyS Project to Advance Liquid Hydrogen Innovation in Shipping Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) is pleased to announce its participation in NavHyS COPYRIGHT POLICY DISCLAIMER TERMS & CONDITIONS PRIVACY POLICY We love meeting interesting people and making new friends Spain’s third-largest cinema exhibition chain has chosen Christie’s CineLife+™ Series cinema projectors to equip its new Ocine Premium Lleida multiplex This will be Ocine’s first fully premium multiplex in Catalonia the new multiplex will mark the return of commercial cinema to the city after nearly a decade The two largest auditoriums feature Christie CP2420-RGB pure laser projectors and Real|Laser™ illumination for outstanding image quality The remaining eight auditoriums are equipped with CineLife+™ RBe projectors These projectors feature Phazer™ illumination technology which combines advanced performance and electronics in a cost-effective platform with 2K resolution and brightness levels ranging from 6,000 to 11,000 lumens All Christie laser projection technology was installed by Cinemanext commented: “Christie is a historic brand and has always been a benchmark in the cinema projection market We highly value the excellent performance of the Christie Series 1 projectors we previously installed Due to its technological leadership and the best value for money it offered we decided to once again choose Christie projection for our new multiplex in Lleida.” Agustí also highlighted the visual impact of Christie’s laser cinema projection: “This technology delivers excellent image quality realistic colors to ensure the best possible experience for our audiences.” The screens at Ocine Premium Lleida range from 22 m² (236 square feet) to 80 m² (861 square feet) All ten auditoriums are outfitted with reclining seats featuring footrests The new multiplex also includes an auditorium specially designed for children with a giant slide and play areas that are available before Fandango and Imax have announced a partnership with Blast which creates live and digital esports experiences to bring the Fortnite Championship Pro-Am 2025 to select Imax screens at AMC Theatres across the United States on May 10 Pictures’ critical and commercial hit Sinners will be re-released in nine select IMAX 70mm theaters across North America Tickets are on sale now for screenings taking place from Thursday Tickets are on sale now for Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service—the beloved coming-of-age story of a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service The film returns to theaters this May for five.. Following its February kickoff in Seoul and spanning across North America and Asia has entertained audiences in 15 regions with 31 concerts The grand finale of the tour will be broadcast.. the largest pear-producing region in Spain and the production prospects are far better than last year's "The province is one of the latest areas in Spain for pear blossom and flowers didn't start to appear until 4-5 days ago," says Jordi Alcaraz at the moment there are considerably more flowers than last year and as long as no unexpected frosts happen production prospects are good; considerably better than in the 2024 season." there were problems with the flowering that affected all varieties across the board but with a particularly strong impact on the Conference variety which technical studies have attributed to climatic factors followed by very intense heat with a lack of water for irrigation There was already a round of flowering in October 2023 right in the middle of the fall and before hibernation there was hardly any flowering on the trees." has led the Catalonian Government to provide aid to pear growers affected by the lack of flowering: a total of 7.9 million euros but when there's a shortage of kilos as great as the one we've had on many farms the situation is bound to become tough," says Jordi we see that the entry of Dutch and Belgian pears is also having a considerable impact They didn't have any problems in their seasons and have obtained higher yields per hectare than we have "We see that national consumers generally prefer Lleida pears there are still supermarkets working with imported pears All studies say that pear consumption is falling and that it's mostly consumed by older people and young children are taking an increasing share of winter fruit consumption." we hope that this year's production will recover as the blossom these days seems to indicate and that we will all work together to promote domestic pears and give a boost to the consumption of an excellent fruit." For more information:TornafruitAv. Lluís Companys, 17 25331 Tornabous, Lleida. SpainTel.: +34 609 74 10 04[email protected]https://www.tornafruit.com/ Frontpage photo: © Tornafruit Pont de Montiberri is a submerged historical bridge in the Alta Ribagorça region, near Pont de Suert in Catalonia, Spain It is an excellent example of medieval architecture with a single semicircular arch that used to span a narrow section of the river.  Built using local stone the bridge blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape Pont de Montiberri is located between Riuet del Convent and the Pantà d'Escales reservoir Riuet del Convent takes its name from the convent whose ruins are still visible near Pont de Montiberri A dam on the imposing Noguera Ribagorçana River created the Pantà d'Escales.  In addition to producing hydroelectricity the dam also regulates the amount of water flowing in the Noguera Ribagorçana River which means that the water level of Pantà d'Escales varies considerably.  When the water level is high and its semicircular arch can only be seen below the waterline The exact date of Pont de Montiberri's construction is unknown, but it was probably built before or during the construction of the adjacent convent, the Abadia de Santa Maria de Lavaix which was founded in the 9th century.  and architecture of the bridge are also consistent with medieval Spanish architecture during the 9th century.  only a few ruins remain of the Abadia de Santa Maria de Lavaix The ruins are located on higher ground along the shores of Pantà d'Escales These medieval wooden bridge pillars appeared out of nowhere in the aftermath of a huge earthquake The only remaining section of an aqueduct that used to supply water to Manila during the Spanish occupation This stop on the Camino de Santiago stands high above the underwater ruins of a medieval town A Roman water tunnel still flows 2,000 years on One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world blends in perfectly with a medieval castle The oldest standing building on Merseyside is special for its rich history as a Benedictine monastery and its unique connection to the origins of the Mersey Ferry and unstable—this is the real McCoy of Pakistani suspension bridges The ruins of a failed dam that was built over land later described as a "sponge." Journee-Mondiale > Travel Hidden among the rolling plains of Catalonia lies Lleida Spain’s best-kept secret where ancient Templar mysteries meet panoramic Pyrenees views While most travelers flock to Barcelona’s crowded beaches just two hours away this historic city offers authentic Spanish charm without the tourist hordes Mary of La Seu Vella combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture in a breathtaking hilltop fortress you can climb its 238 steps for panoramic views across Catalonia’s golden plains the cathedral’s cloisters now reveal intricate stonework that tells stories centuries old The morning light streaming through the lancet windows creates a spiritual atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Spain,” explains local historian Maria Puig Few visitors know that Lleida houses one of Spain’s best-preserved Templar strongholds The Templar Castle of Gardeny stands as a testament to these warrior monks who wielded enormous power in medieval Spain offers photographers a dramatic silhouette against warm evening skies Nearby, other UNESCO treasures with hidden chambers await exploration but Gardeny’s mysterious atmosphere remains uniquely captivating Just outside Lleida, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park offers 27 hiking trails through pristine mountain landscapes. Unlike Avatar’s floating mountains shrouded in mist these solid Pyrenean peaks provide accessible adventure for hikers of all levels Parque Natural Municipal de la Mitjana transforms at dawn when mist rises from the Segre River creating an ethereal landscape beloved by local photographers and morning joggers alike The Camps Elisis de Lleida offers a surprising touch of Paris in Catalonia with manicured hedges and ornate fountains host vibrant cultural events including the Emerging Artists Festival where local talents showcase innovative performances against classical backdrops The Parc Astronòmic Montsec observatory offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities in one of Europe’s few remaining dark sky preserves. While some Greek islands preserve their ancient ways Lleida protects something equally precious – its pristine night skies We’ve welcomed astronomers from around the world who come for our exceptional visibility the Milky Way spreads across the sky like a celestial highway,” notes observatory director Carlos Fernández Lleida’s markets burst with regional specialties including canelones and crema catalana. Unlike Japan’s preserved imperial cities Lleida’s culinary traditions remain vibrantly alive Local restaurant Pas de l’Ase offers menus in multiple languages making authentic Catalan cuisine accessible to international visitors seeking genuine flavors While Riga boasts 700 Art Nouveau buildings Lleida’s Carrer Major features exquisite modernist balconies with floral motifs Early afternoon light creates mesmerizing shadow plays across these architectural treasures revealing details often missed by hurried travelers Stand beneath these wrought-iron masterpieces and you’ll witness the same artistic movement that swept across Europe expressed through Catalonia’s unique cultural lens As evening falls across Lleida’s ancient stones visitors discover a Spain beyond postcard clichés – where Templar whispers echo through medieval alleys This hidden gem doesn’t just preserve Spain’s past; it offers a journey into its soul The “Whites” got the win in the Spanish Liga Endesa but once more their performance turned heads By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net Real Madrid got the 85-78 over Hiopos Lleida and has now a 6-2 record in the Spanish Liga Endesa good enough at least for a spot in the top four of the standings thanks to 18 points by Thomas Bropleh almost shocked the Spanish powerhouse Xavier Rathan-Mayes with 16 points and Serge Ibaka with 15 led Real Madrid which had a great first half and then almost committed suicide in the second Real Madrid was up by 26 points at halftime (51-25) but everything changed in the third period with a partial score of 34-15 for the guests Madrid entered the last period up by seven (66-59) and 22 seconds before the final buzzer Lleida was trailing by three (81-78) by Bropleh Gabriel Deck was fouled and made two free throws (83-78) with 14 seconds left Michael Caicedo lost the ball and fouled Mario Hezonja who made two free throws (85-78) to seal the deal With historical sites like the imposing Seu Vella Cathedral and the medieval Templar castle of Gardeny Visitors can also explore the Casa dels Gegants ("House of Giants") part of the Museum of Popular Culture of Lleida The Festivals of Giants and Big-Headed Figures are Catalan folk traditions that date back to the Middle Ages They feature parades and performances with giant and big-headed figures representing historical can be several meters high and are carried by people hiding inside them while the large-headed figures have small bodies and often appear rather comical These figures move to the rhythm of traditional music and are usually accompanied by other cultural expressions such as dances and fireworks the Casa dels Gegants houses an extensive collection of figures used in local festivals Among them are famous giants such as Marc Antoni and Cleopatra and large-headed figures that represent various characters but also provides information about the history and cultural significance of this tradition the museum organizes workshops and activities to encourage participation in these festivals and their preservation The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 A.M and on Sundays and public holidays from 11 A.M The devil masks on display at this small museum are part of an annual festival that has been taking place for centuries This 16th-century pole was once used in brutal public executions this small museum recounts local Nicaraguan myths This medieval castle is filled with an eccentric collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian artifacts to taxidermy to a mummified hand that was cut off during a duel A unique museum dedicated to culture and artistry of carpet weaving the star character of the annual Kurentovanje festival This grisly exhibit houses skeletons and weapons from a devastating 14th-century clash A shining treasure trove of fine Mexican silver dating back to the 15th century The harvest of black Cuello de Dama figs started recently in the Spanish municipality of Alguaire The production has reached just around 80% of its potential due to the impact of frosts at the end of April and there's also a predominance of fruit of medium and small sizes "We started last week with the first boxes of Cuello de Dama figs from Lleida which have been well received in the market as it is a seasonal product that consumers are eagerly anticipating," says Fruïm's Manager Genís Bordes "The season has had a slow start in terms of production volumes will start to increase," says the grower and marketer around 50% of the crop is expected to be of sizes between 63 and 56." Fruïm works with around 70 hectares of fig crops in Lleida counting both their own production and that of associated growers "The Lleida season runs from mid-August to mid-November and have become an important player in the fig market We have been one of the first companies to install a state-of-the-art grading machine specifically for figs," he says The company also produces stone fruit and vegetables The figs are sold to supermarkets in Spain our production will share the shelves for a few more days with the Colar figs from Alicante while in the export market we are competing strongly with Bursa figs from Turkey Those are cheaper figs because of their low labour costs," says Genís Although most of the fig production is intended for the fresh market some is also frozen for the jam and confectionery industry For more information:Genís Bordes ArnóFruïmLleida to Vall d'Aran road km. 16 25125 AlguaireLleida. SpainM: +34 698 65 03 32T: +34 973 75 61 68[email protected] Moving up to the top-flight division of Spain Hiopos Lleida further strengthens the roster with Dee Bost By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net Experienced point guard Dee Bost is the latest newcomer for Hiopos Lleida the former Mississippi State standout has displayed his talents in numerous leagues and 7DAYS EuroCup at the continental level The team coached by 34-year-old Gerard Encuentra previously entered Luka Bozic Playing alongside Walden at Galatasaray Ekmas last season and 3.2 rebounds per contest over 13 appearances in the BCL Logging 24 games played in the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi Earlier in his career, the North Carolina native was featured in 54 games of the EuroLeague between spells with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Khimki Moscow Region, Zalgiris In the second tier of Euroleague Basketball including a EuroCup championship with AS Monaco in 2021 Sixty games played in the Champions League and 16 in the EuroChallenge add to club continental action he competed at the international level as a naturalized player of Bulgaria The spell was highlighted by participating in the 2022 EuroBasket Read the latest News Barça have won a spectacular game of roller hockey at Pons Lleida fourth in the table going into the game and who put up a strong challenge a few day's ahead of Barça¡s important trip to Portugal in the Champions League These two teams score a lot of goals and we only had to wait three minutes for the first but Ferran Font very quickly levelled us up again and Marc Grau put Barça ahead after 9 minutes Ferran Font extended the lead with a class free hit Pablito Álvarez re-established the two-goal cushion but when Moncusí again reduced the difference and we were headed for a spectacular finale extraordinary saves and Barça defending tooth and nail to hold on for an impressive win Valencia Basket had to put in a tremendous defensive effort to come away with a 67-76 victory on the court of Hiopos Lleida marking their 21st win in domestic competition and mathematically securing their spot in the Playoffs with six games still to play in the Regular Season The taronja team managed to build a small lead in a first half that lacked much scoring but was very solid defensively significantly lowering their opponent’s shooting percentages and preventing them from finding rhythm on offense Valencia Basket was able to slightly extend their lead at the start of the second half thanks to the scoring contributions of Brancou and Montero And when the home team started finding their own scoring touch Valencia relied on Brimah’s presence on both ends of the court to stay ahead going into the final quarter Although they had an early chance to break the game open with a 16-point lead Hiopos Lleida fought back and kept it close in the final minutes a three-point play by Montero and a three-pointer by Puerto ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the taronja side News View all Made by Lobo. Resisting a late comeback bid by Hiopos Lleida FC Barcelona remains among undefeated teams in Spain’s Liga Endesa By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net Joel Parra scored eight points in the fourth quarter, on the way to a game-high 16 points in Round 2 of Spain’s Liga Endesa Regular Season. With the hosts on a 16-point sprint after falling into an 18-point hole in the fourth quarter, the 24-year-old forward helped his the team coached by Joan Penarroya hold on in Leida to join Unicaja and Dreamland Gran Canaria at 2-0 Dario Brizuela and Youssoupha Fall followed with ten points each. Willy Hernangomez and Justin Anderson added nine points apiece. Czech forward Jan Vesely sat out alongside Dame Sarr (left leg) Thomas Bropleh recorded a team-high 15 points and Luka Bozic had 14 points Inicio | News | Technology | Cellnex will provide connectivity in two tunnels on the FGC Lleida – La Pobla railway line The company will roll out a multi-operator mobile coverage solution and perform the maintenance on the equipment that will provide coverage inside the tunnels Barcelona, 9 July 2024. Through a public tender, rail operator Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) has awarded Cellnex the project to install and maintain a multi-operator mobile coverage solution to provide connectivity to the more than 4.5 km in tunnels 3 (Coll de Porta ) and 6 (Santa Linya I) of the rail line linking Lleida with La Pobla de Segur Commercial Developer from Cellnex Spain highlighted “the importance of connectivity in unique environments for generating a complete and safe user experience for travellers and workers alike.” She added that “the multi-operator solution offered by Cellnex makes it possible to enjoy the coverage provided by all mobile operators through DAS (Distributed Antenna System) technology This technology provides tailored telecommunications coverage with a radio system and distributed antennas This allows excellent mobile connectivity in indoor or underground spaces such as these rail tunnels.” Cellnex has experience in the installation and maintenance of multi-operator mobile coverage solutions on some of the most important railway and metro lines in Europe such as Paris The company has rolled out connectivity infrastructure on more than 7,500 km of roads and a total of 516 stations Cellnex also has experience in installing this type of indoor wireless coverage in high footfall environments like stadiums Cellnex is Europe’s largest telecommunications towers and infrastructures operator enabling operators to access a wide network of telecommunications infrastructures on a shared-use basis and thus helping to reduce access barriers and to improve services in the most remote areas The company manages a portfolio of more than 138,000 sites which is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange is part of the selective IBEX35 and Euro Stoxx 100 and enjoys outstanding positions on the main sustainability indices such as CDP Cellnex will provide connectivity in two tunnels on the FGC Lleida - La Pobla railway line Transformative solutions for urban connectivity Connectivity as a legacy: Barcelona and Cellnex transform the seafront Female empowerment and leadership at Cellnex relevant information or receive our newsletter ¡Thanks for subscribing!¡You have successfully subscribed! Thank you for your interest.Within a few moments you will receive an email with a link to the whitepaper/brochure. ¡Thanks for the confidence!We have correctly received your request more than 200,000 visitors descend upon the Spanish city of Lleida for L'Aplec del Caragol – a cheerful celebration of the region's most beloved food: snails You smell it long before you see it. Columns of smoke rise from the barbecues at L'Aplec del Caragol Catalonia's most important gastronomic festival and a yearly highlight for the inhabitants of Lleida a city 130km west of Barcelona in north-west Spain you hear the music coming from the 119 penyas where groups of friends and family organised into so-called colles feast on snails and dance until the early hours of the morning It's no wonder why the event draws more than 200,000 visitors and 15,000 participants for three days each spring (24-26 May 2024; 23-25 May 2025) People are curious to try the region's specialty – and discover what the world's biggest snail-eating festival is all about drink and dance," says Antonieta Solé a local who met her husband at Aplec 34 years ago All the penyas follow the same schedule with a collective lunch at 14:30 and dinner at 22:00 Some of the bigger penyas hire professional chefs while others divide tasks among its members who has been the head of the penya Lavativa for 14 years the best part is to be reunited with your friends "Half of the people here I only see once a year for Aplec," she says The makeshift streets are a crowded affair and the joyfulness of the Lleidatans is contagious as they stand around large paellas (pans) filled to the brim with snails while cooking and drinking cold beer in the warm May weather. While walking across the festival grounds in the park Camps Elisis I come across a man in an inflatable snail costume an aioli-making contest and a children's snail race The latter is quite anticlimactic given that the animals hardly move – most Catalans would probably agree that the snails are better as food than entertainment "The snail is something characteristic of Lleida it's a food that's meant to be shared with friends and family We've cooked and eaten snails all our lives," says Angels Ons Solé but with snails – whenever her family comes to visit Aplec itself could be described as a supersized caracolada on steroids Entrance to the festival is free and visitors who don't belong to any crew can enjoy traditional snail dishes in the spacious restaurant snails cooked in a sauce of spicy paprika and herbs where the mollusc is cooked using a square paella placed directly onto an open fire Snail aficionado Rosa Maria Gutierrez Naharro has come from a nearby town to celebrate her birthday at Aplec "We've tried the snails a la gormanda and the snails with ribs make sure to ask for extra bread to dip in the delicious sauce," she says The snail is like a blank canvas; it absorbs any flavours you add, and everyone has their version - Ferran PerdrixThere's an effort to conserve these traditional recipes, but they're also very open to interpretation, explains Ferran Perdrix, the president of FECOLL "The snail is like a blank canvas; it absorbs any flavours you add Francisco Vivas Fernandez has been working in the festival's restaurant for the past three years and while most visitors are domestic tourists a group of Chinese students visiting Lleida are sharing a plate of snails a la llauna While they're not entirely sure how to eat them at first – locals use long toothpicks to remove the snail from its shell – they're pleasantly surprised by the taste there are non-snail options such as cod in tomato sauce and butifarra • The ingenious wines birthed from black volcanic craters • Five countries with the best work-life balance • Almuerzo and the super-sandwiches of Valencia Apart from plenty of food, the festival also offers a crash course in Catalan culture, and visitors can enjoy everything from castellers – human towers several stories high – to the traditional dance Sardana there's also been an effort to improve the entertainment options available to those who don't belong to a penya including concerts and open-air dance floors where DJs blast reggaeton until 06:00 and the city's restaurants have to do two sittings to make sure everyone gets served The festival keeps growing and four new penyas were added this year making it the biggest edition in the festival's 43-year history In front of a big pot of snails a la gormanda I find Aplec veteran Francesc Segura who attended the very first festival back in 1980 we were only seven colles who gathered by the river Segre to eat snails once a year," he says While Aplec has changed a lot since those early days it preserves the unique spirit of this often-overlooked Catalan region referred to by locals as the "Far West" due to its arid and flat landscape In contrast to the more cosmopolitan and tourist-drawing Barcelona Lleidatans know they don't have pretty beaches or Gaudí buildings to offer – but they do have plenty of snails beer and a knack for showing others a good time If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. 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The Italian island immediately conjures up grand bougainvillea-draped villas and a whitewashed city centre, lined by luxury boutiques. But that's – literally – only half of the story. In 1956, Commander "Buster" Crabb disappeared during a visit to the UK by Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev. In 2006, a BBC reporter read the files that detailed his secret mission. Grip strength is associated with a range of health outcomes, from type 2 diabetes to depression. Here’s how to check yours. Invented to satiate pregnancy cravings, Dubai chocolate is a rare combination of creativity, flavours and social media success that has broken all industry records. Every year since 1980, at the end of May, the western Catalan city of Lleida hosts the world's largest snail-eating festival: l'Aplec del Caragol.   This year, the 43rd edition attracted 200,000 people during the three-day festival. Snail eaters in Lleida consumed a whopping 15 tonnes of snails, with 9 tonnes consumed during the festival alone.   The 'aplecs', or gatherings, are outdoor events that originally had religious connotations. Today, they have evolved into folkloric celebrations and are held throughout the region. This particular aplec celebrates snails.  "It essentially is a gastronomic festival, but it is especially social. Because around a table, with food and drinks, you socialize, make friends, and live life," says Josep Maria, from Ordre del Caragol colla.  But it is not all about snails. Revellers also watch or participate in the comical contests for which the Aplec has become known. These often silly but entertaining contests include allioli making, long distance snail spitting, hard boiled egg eating, and rapid cava cork popping.  The most famous contest is the Canya Polvoró Canya, in which participants race to drink a beer, eat a polvoró (a traditional shortbread cookie), and then drink another beer.  Participants are organized into 'colles' (groups), usually made up of about a hundred members, and they cook, eat, and celebrate together for three days. This year there were 119 colles, a record number, with a total of 15,000 members.  Each colla often has a unique history, often linked to the workplace and reflecting the city's industrial landscape.   Josep, from Colla Piticlin, explains that his colla was formed in 1986 by workers from the telecom company Telefónica.   Nearly 40 years later, many of the original members are retired and some no longer participate, but their sons and friends still gather for the Aplec.  "We reunite with many people here. There are people we see only once a year, and it is here at the Aplec. In our colla, we are 215 members from all over Spain," he says.  The event is not just about eating snails; it offers a delicious three-day menu with a variety of dishes, most of which are traditional and many of which include snails or serve them as a side dish.   Some of the most popular dishes are paella and fideuà, as well as grilled meats, sausages and stews.   Although each colla has its own menu, most of them serve 'Cassola de tros' on Saturdays: a traditional casserole from the region, usually made with pork and other seasonal ingredients.  Sunday lunch is dedicated to snails with La Caragolada, where only snails are eaten, cooked in the traditional way of the region: 'Caragols a la llauna', named after the metal tray in which they are cooked.  Eating snails is very popular in many countries around the world and dates back to ancient times.    The earliest evidence of snail consumption can be found in archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region, particularly in ancient Roman and Greek cultures.   The Romans were known for their sophisticated snail farms and considered snails a delicacy. This tradition continued through the Middle Ages and into modern times.   In Catalonia, the tradition of eating snails is deeply rooted in the culture and cuisine of the region, with the Aplec being its most prominent expression.  Snails thrive under certain weather conditions, typically in the spring and early summer when the environment is moist and vegetation is abundant.   During the rainy season, snails are more abundant and accessible. In many places, it is traditional to collect snails after the rains and cook them in traditional recipes.    Three years of drought in Catalonia have drastically reduced the availability of wild snails. Fortunately, snail farming ensures a year-round supply.   "Last year we had some problems because of the drought; there was less local production. Now there is a stable market and snails are bred all year round. We have promoted the city's cuisine and suppliers are willing to bring snails from anywhere," explains Ferran Perdrix, president of Aplec.   This year, the main importers of snails to Aplec are from Croatia, Bulgaria, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia.   To learn more about the Aplec and snail eating, listen to the latest episode of our podcast Filling the Sink.    Catalan News > Travel In eastern Spain lies a city where time has truly layered itself upon the landscape offers visitors a remarkable journey through centuries of history while maintaining its authentic local character Unlike its flashier Catalonian siblings Barcelona and Girona Lleida presents a more intimate experience with Spain’s rich past – one where tourists don’t outnumber locals and traditions remain vibrantly alive Standing proudly atop a hill in the center of Lleida La Seu Vella Cathedral commands attention from every corner of the city This 13th-century masterpiece combines Romanesque and Gothic styles in a way that leaves visitors awestruck Its cloisters offer peaceful respite and panoramic views that stretch across the Segre River Valley “Our cathedral has witnessed the entire history of Catalonia,” explains Jordi Masip “It served as a military barracks in the 1900s before being restored to its original glory The stones here have stories etched into every crevice.” Just beyond the city center lies a river valley hiding Spain’s most authentic Catalan experience where the rhythms of daily life move at a pace dictated by traditions centuries old locals still gather for evening paseos along the Segre River and seasonal festivals maintain their cultural significance rather than becoming tourist spectacles The Templar Castle of Gardeny offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval military architecture This beautifully renovated fortress once housed the legendary Knights Templar who protected pilgrims and crusaders traveling through the region Walking through its stone corridors feels like stepping directly into the 12th century Parque Natural Municipal de la Mitjana provides a refreshing counterpoint to Lleida’s historical density This urban nature reserve offers tranquil paths along the Segre River where locals jog Morning mist rising from the water creates ethereal scenes that photographers dream about Lleida’s cultural influence extends beyond Spain. Just as hidden French villages preserve 12th-century Catalan treasures Lleida maintains its own architectural wonders from that era creating a cross-border cultural tapestry that reveals how Catalan identity transcends modern boundaries Catalan cuisine shines in Lleida’s local restaurants Traditional dishes like canelones and crema catalana showcase hearty authentic flavors that connect diners to generations of culinary tradition The surrounding region’s vineyards produce exceptional wines that perfectly complement these robust flavors “Our cooking is simple but profound,” says Maria Pujol “We use ingredients grown within kilometers of where you’re sitting This is food that tells the story of our land.” Day trips from Lleida reveal medieval Spanish villages that preserve authentic Catalan life where residents still measure time differently than in bustling Barcelona just hours away These stone-built communities with their narrow winding streets offer glimpses into Catalonia’s past that feel remarkably present Lleida offers its own unique blend of cultural depth and natural beauty Its position between Barcelona and the Pyrenees creates a perfect balance of accessibility and escape Lleida embodies what makes travel truly transformative – not just seeing remarkable places but feeling their stories resonate across time beneath La Seu Vella’s watchful gaze visitors discover a Spain that exists beyond postcards and local greeting invites deeper connection with Catalonia’s authentic heart ExpandJacobs gradaute Cameron Krutwig (left) with former high school teammates Cooper Schwartz (middle) and Mason Materna (right) at a ICG Forca Lleida game in Spain's LEB Oro league this season Cameron Krutwig’s season in Spain’s LEB Oro basketball league got off to a rocky start in October when he was “fired” from Real Betis just that the team was sold and the owner wanted players with whom he was better acquainted The league allows for two American players per team were able to stay in the apartment Real Betis provided for a few weeks while he looked for another team “That was kind of a difficult time not really knowing what’s next not knowing what you’re going to do,” Krutwig said Not too long after that, ICG Forca Lleida called and Krutwig jumped at the opportunity. The 2017 Jacobs graduate’s season took a huge upswing. Krutwig began to feel comfortable, he had found a team that allowed him to play to his strengths, and soon Lleida (pronounced YAY-dah) became practically unbeatable. Lleida lost only twice in the second round of LEB Oro competition, finished the season with a 14-game winning streak and won the playoffs, earning the team a promotion next season. If Krutwig returns, and he is under contract, Lleida will play up in ACB (Liga Endesa). LEB Oro is considered Spain’s second division. “It’s one or two steps down from the NBA in terms of the leagues around the world,” Krutwig said. “Spanish leagues are very highly touted in Europe. There’s a lot of former great college and NBA guys who are there. It’s the real deal.” Of his three professional season overseas (Belgium in 2022, Japan and the Philippines in 2023), Krutwig felt like Gerard Encuentra, a young coach, best utilized his talents, which often meant running the offense through Krutwig from outside or the high post. That allowed him to use his superior passing talent to set up other players. Jess and Cameron Krutwig (Photo provided by Jess Krutwig) “We had a really good team. The coach really allowed me to play that Loyola style of basketball a little bit, where me with the ball making decisions,” Krutwig said. “Off-ball action with other players. We had another guy on our team, Kur Kuath, from South Sudan, he was more of a lob and shot-blocker. We complemented each other nicely. “When I was on the floor and he was on the bench, we played more of a slower style and allowed me to make decisions and make passes from the high post. When he came in, it was more ball screens, lobs, play faster and things like that. We were able to give teams a lot of trouble with the different styles we could play.” Krutwig averaged 9.9 points a game (third on the team, 8.4 rebounds (first) and 2.9 assists (third). Lleida was 23-3 after Krutwig joined the team and defeated Estudiantes 85-70 in the league final on June 9. Krutwig had 11 points and five rebounds in that game. In European basketball, Krutwig feels a team’s success is really about the coach. He appreciated how Encuentra, after seeing how he played, used his abilities. “This is the first year I was really able to show the type of style I can play,” Krutwig said. “I would call myself a unique player with the type of skill set, I’m not just a guy you can plug in anywhere. It takes a team to adapt to that. “We really had a special group. This was on par with some of the Loyola teams we had with chemistry on the court and off the court. That made it really easy. A lot of guys at the professional level don’t like giving the ball to the center, unless he’s posting up. A lot of my game is outside, handling the ball a little bit, making decisions and passing, that type of stuff. It takes the coach and the guys to buy into that style. For me, it was great to get back to that type of basketball.” Krutwig (6-foot-9, 270 pounds) and Jess are back at his parents Kevin and Lori’s home in Algonquin for the summer. He is working out and soon will rejoin his basketball skills coach Zac Boster for offseason work. Boster, who has a long list of professional clientele, also provides some great pickup competition when they are not working on specific skills. Cameron Krutwig and Emmi, a dog he and his wife, Jess, fostered when he played in Belgium in 2022. (Photo provided by Jess Krutwig) “I’m taking some time for lifting and recovery for my body, but after the Fourth of July, I’ll be working with Zac every day,” Krutwig said. “I’m giving my body time to recover and focus on lifting and getting some strength back. Over the course of the season, you lose some strength. Trying to build that back.” Krutwig was the 2017 Northwest Herald Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The next year, he was starting center for Loyola’s NCAA Tournament Final Four team. The Ramblers made another run to the Sweet 16 with Krutwig in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Now at age 25, Krutwig looks forward to several more years of playing professional basketball. “Until I can’t play anymore,” he said. “As long as my body will allow me to play, I’m going to play.” Krutwig and Jess Mrzlak, a 2018 Jacobs grad, had dated since his senior year of high school. She played softball at NCAA Division II Missouri-St. Louis and they continued a long-distance relationship. She went with him to Belgium and to Japan and the Philippines and they were married last summer. “Now we’re married, she’ll get the same visas that I acquire,” Krutwig said. “Saying, ‘My wife’ is better than the girlfriend title. If something is wrong and you slide the ‘My wife’s not very happy,’ and the club gets it done.” They were in Savis, Spain, to start the season with Real Betis and Krutwig played three games before the new owner brought in other American players. Krutwig’s agent, Keith Kreiter at Edge Sports in Skokie, found Lleida a few weeks later. “One of Lleida’s big men came in kind of out of shape and they didn’t like where he was at physically,” Krutwig said. “I got on a train and suited up with them. There’s a lot of player movement during the year. There’s no trades. It’s all contracts, buyouts or a team pays you for a month and you find another team.” Krutwig would like to return to Lleida and play in Spain’s top league, but he knows situations with European teams can quickly change. “I have a clause if we won, I have a contract, but they’re able to pay me out of that contract if they so choose,” he said. “It’s still a little early for stuff on my end. Now, I’m focusing on being home, family time, getting in even better shape than I am. And just enjoying it. “I’m sure in the next few weeks, I’ll hear stuff that they may move forward with me or decided to pay me out. I’m not sure yet.” Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network Every year, thousands of people gather in Lleida for the Aplec del Caragol, a vibrant festival dedicated to the art of snail eating.  Among the many dishes on the menu, the highlight is undoubtedly 'Cargols a la llauna', the most traditional snail dish of the region.  Josep Maria, a member of the Ordre del Caragol Colla, explains the simplicity behind this popular dish.  "Cooking 'cargols a la llauna' is very simple," he says. "First, you have to clean the snails while they are dry, not wet. This preserves their texture and flavor." Preparation involves placing the snails on a 'llauna' - a traditional metal baking tray, although you can also use a regular oven tray.  "Place the snails face up, with a base of salt underneath and more salt sprinkled on top," Josep Maria advises.  The next step is to drizzle the snails with olive oil and season them with black pepper. The key to 'Cargols a la llauna' lies in the way they are cooked.  "They are cooked over a flame, such as a barbecue, campfire or any kind of open fire," says Josep Maria.  The cooking time is relatively short, about 10 to 12 minutes for the snails to be ready. Once cooked, the snails are served hot, straight from the tray.  They can be eaten as they are or, for those who prefer a little more flavor, with a side of allioli - a traditional garlic and olive oil sauce. This simple but delicious dish represents the essence of Lleida's culinary tradition. If you can't make it to the Aplec del Caragol, bring the festival home by trying it yourself! very difficult to officiate for the referees We had problems with defensive rebounding and turnovers which came from Lleida’s defensive aggressiveness but I think we did well shooting from three-point range and we were good running the floor when we managed to control the rebound because they go very aggressively after the defensive rebound and also because you start to speculate a little bit the score tightened in the last three or four minutes  They’re in a very good dynamic right now — in terms of results and in their confidence — so we didn’t expect it to be an easy game They’re having a very strong second half of the season they’ve been playing very well — very good basketball we couldn't be surprised that the game was tough because I think what happened is exactly what was normal to happen — that it would be complicated to pull off the win" The Catalan farmer Josep Pamies is popular among many interested in the therapeutic use of plants. It has always promoted self-managed knowledge and use of them. In the case of marijuana, Pamies acknowledges that from its very pessimistic image the knowledge of the potential of marijuana to alleviate certain illnesses in her own home changed her perspective A farmer of great culture and an exceptional speaker he has collaborated with scientists and doctors has often denounced the monopolistic appetite of the pharmaceutical industry and has acted on the reversal of the prohibitions and limitations imposed by the state in these matters which is a better substitute for harmful sugar and the same as cannabis to those who have come to him he has always proposed that the plants grow at home to regulate their consumption when someone urgently needs the derivatives of these products Pamies does not even refuse to give them or sell them in return for their will Here’s the video testimony he left in September 2016 The French authorities - in collaboration with the Guardia Civil the National Police and the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalonia police force) - have arrested Allal El Mourabit a jihadist convicted of glorifying terrorism who he murdered three farmers in Navarra and Lleida with a machete a truck driver of Moroccan origin but naturalised Spanish citizen who was arrested in 2016 for his jihadist militancy is accused of killing two people in November and December 2023 in Tudela and Ribaforada (Navarra) the arrested man violently attacked the victims by surprise also stealing their vehicle in the last two cases who was based in Vitoria but had been in and out of prison for several years for minor offences linked to his radical militancy escaped on 27 September 2023 when he disconnected his telematic monitoring bracelet the three Spanish police forces coordinated their efforts upon realising that they were looking for the same perpetrator of the three murders According to the ministry of the interior on Wednesday the "meticulous forensic work carried out at the various crime scenes" made it possible to obtain a genetic profile that confirmed beyond any doubt that the individual now in custody was behind all three murders On the dates when the Spanish-Moroccan killed the three farmers the fugitive moved on foot through rural areas and spent the night in the open or in abandoned places and killed his victims only to steal their vehicles the investigations revealed that he fled the same evening via Andorra to France "The reconstructive work of his possible movements in Spain as well as the meticulous analysis of all the rural areas where he spent the night made it possible to obtain an image of the perpetrator and his subsequent identification," explained the ministry of the interior Once the perpetrator of the crime had been identified a request was made to the examining magistrate's court to issue a European warrant for his arrest given the high probability that he was in France urgent cooperation was requested from the neighbouring country to locate this person and he was immediately arrested and taken into custody The investigation is being kept confidential and is being conducted by the court of Tudela (Navarra) Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados Last year’s ABA League MVP won’t play in the upcoming BKT EuroCup campaign By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net When Valencia Basket acquired Luka Bozic to reinforce Pedro Martinez’s team it was likely expected he would have gained experience in the BKT EuroCup after demonstrating his value in the ABA League as announced by the orange-colored Spanish club the Croatian forward will help Força Lleida we’re talking about a two-time consecutive ABA League MVP collecting two triple-doubles throughout the whole campaign Originally, Luka Bozic signed a two-year contract with Valencia It’s likely that he will come back to the team after fully completing the next season with Força Lleida maybe once the EuroCup side gains a comeback to the EuroLeague Cas 👉 Luka Bozic, cedido al Hiopos Lleidahttps://t.co/M6j9gQLIOB Val 👉 Luka Bozic, cedit al Hiopos Lleidahttps://t.co/WP4A06pBBP Eng 👉 Valencia Basket send Luka Bozic on loan to Hiopos Lleidahttps://t.co/QH69yHrdEa pic.twitter.com/X8KZouRCPY — Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) August 16, 2024 Read all the latest news from the basketball world