The iconic musical The Phantom of the Opera, a masterpiece by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is preparing to depart Madrid and travel to various regions of Spain. The celebrated show is preparing to embark on its first national tour in Spanish, which will span over 20 locations in Spain, following a successful residency at the Albéniz Theatre in the capital, which attracted over 300,000 spectators. The journey will commence in Torrevieja and will continue until early 2027.

The introduction of this eagerly anticipated tour will take place at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, in Plaza Miguel Hernández. Torrevieja audiences will have the opportunity to witness six performances from June 6th to 9th, 2025, during which the theatre’s galleries will be filled with music, mystery, and magic. The inaugural performance is scheduled for Thursday, June 6th, at 8:00 p.m. Subsequently, there will be two additional performances on Friday, June 7th, at 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., two more on Saturday, June 8th, at 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and a final farewell performance at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9th.

This rendition of the theatrical classic, which is set in the grand Paris Opera, is faithful to Webber’s adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel and features Manu Pilas as the enigmatic Phantom and Judith Tobella as the scintillating Christine. Viewers are transported through the eerie corridors and backstage of this iconic theatre, where an enigmatic figure skulks, causing anarchy and dread.

Approximately 25 years ago, Chinese bazaars appeared in every neighbourhood and industrial estate in Spain, displacing the traditional pound stores. Similarly, they are now disappearing. In various regions of Spain, numerous stores owned by individuals of Chinese descent are liquidating their inventory, with some giving away their stock. The closure of the enigmatic kings of the retail sector has spawned a plethora of theories and speculation on social media, as individuals seek to understand the underlying reasons.

The Balearic Wholesale Bazaar was overrun by residents, resulting in the deployment of police to the Son Castelló industrial estate in Palma last weekend to resolve the resulting pandemonium. The business announced that it would begin giving away all of its products after weeks of liquidation as a result of its closure. It is not the sole establishment that is closing in Spain or the Balearic Islands.

A few months ago, the Maxi Asia Chinese market in Málaga, which was one of the largest in the city, closed. A low-priced giant sold out its stock in Leganés just a few weeks ago, and the same incident happened. Or in Murcia, where a series of stores in the city centre have been closing since last year.

What is the reason for the closure of Chinese bazaars?

In light of the international political situation and the rearmament mandated by the EU, one of the most prevalent theories on social media speculates on a potential widespread exodus of the Chinese community from Europe. Consequently, there is a widespread rumour that China is in possession of the keys to a global economic catastrophe or an imminent war. This assertion is refuted by Fang Ji, the administrator of the Association of Chinese in the Balearic Islands.

“Indeed, we have observed that certain bazaars and shops in Mallorca that are operated by Chinese entrepreneurs have either closed or are in the process of liquidating their inventory in recent months.” He also notes that “in general, we can emphasise a number of factors: inflation, increasing rental and utility costs, and changes in consumer habits have impacted numerous small businesses, not just those in the Chinese community.”

Fang Ji posits that the viability of certain conventional businesses has been impacted by the rise of e-commerce and competition from large retailers. Ultimately, an Asian bazaar is unable to compete with platforms such as Shein, Temu, or AliExpress.

Occasionally, the causes of business closures are more closely tied to Pedro Sánchez’s policies than to the international situation: “Some business owners have indicated that the tightening of specific administrative and tax regulations has presented an additional obstacle to the continuity of their operations.” Investments and modifications that are not always practicable for all individuals are necessary to accommodate these modifications.

Fang Ji also emphasises that “the Chinese community in the Balearic Islands has contributed to the region’s commercial and business fabric for decades.” He also notes that some owners have decided to close for personal reasons or to reorient their business model, as the pandemic and economic changes have prompted many entrepreneurs to rethink their future and explore other opportunities.

What is the total number of Chinese bazaars in Spain?

The lack of specific official data complicates the process of determining the precise number of Chinese-run bazaars in Spain. In 2023, the figure was predicted to be 18,000 establishments, according to Laureano Turienzo, the president of the Spanish Retail Association. Nevertheless, Turienzo has estimated that the number of stores and bazaars in Spain could now surpass 20,000 in “very easy” fashion, as evidenced by numerous interviews with members of the Chinese community.

The Costa Blanca, while primarily known for its coastal charm, is also served by a network of train lines that facilitate travel within the region and beyond. While not as extensive as in some other parts of Spain, the train links offer a convenient and scenic way to explore the area.

The TRAM d’Alacant:

• This is the most significant rail network on the Costa Blanca, operating a modern light rail system that connects Alicante with various towns along the coast.
• The TRAM’s Line 1 is particularly popular, running from Alicante to Benidorm and onward to Denia, offering stunning coastal views along the way.
• It provides easy access to popular destinations like Altea, Villajoyosa, and El Campello, making it ideal for day trips and exploring the region’s diverse towns.
• The TRAM is known for its punctuality and efficiency, making it a reliable mode of transport.
• The TRAM is a very modern service, with comfortable trains.

Renfe Services:

• Renfe, Spain’s national railway operator, also provides train services to Alicante, connecting it with major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
• The high-speed AVE trains offer fast and comfortable travel from Madrid to Alicante, making it a convenient option for those arriving from the capital.
• Renfe’s regional trains also connect Alicante with other inland towns and cities, providing access to a wider area.
• The Alicante train station is very well connected to the rest of the country.

Accessibility and Convenience:

• Both the TRAM and Renfe services are designed with accessibility in mind, catering to passengers with disabilities.
• Train stations are typically located in central areas, making them easily accessible by public transport or on foot.
• Ticketing is generally straightforward, with options for online purchase, ticket machines, and ticket offices.
• The train services offer a very good alternative to driving, especially in the busy summer months.

Benefits of Train Travel:

• Train travel offers a relaxed and scenic way to explore the Costa Blanca, allowing passengers to enjoy the views without the stress of driving.
• It’s also a more environmentally friendly option compared to driving, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.
• The TRAM, in particular, is a cost-effective way to travel between coastal towns, avoiding the need for parking and traffic congestion.
• The train services allow people to explore the Costa Blanca without the need to rent a car.

While the Costa Blanca’s train network may not cover every corner of the region, it provides essential links for both residents and tourists. The TRAM d’Alacant and Renfe services offer a convenient, comfortable, and scenic way to explore the region’s diverse attractions, making them a valuable asset to the Costa Blanca’s transport infrastructure.