Criteria CaixaCorp is the holding company of La Caixa savings bank. Criteria had a profit of 1,529 million euros in September. Profits from investments in foreign financial companies increased by 72%
130 million kilos of citrus fruit, 10% more than last year, are expected to be produced this season. The majority of the citrus will be clementines harvested for export to countries such as Germany.
The famous biscuit company, Birba, expects to have a turnover of 6 million euros in 2010. Birba will have sold more than 1,200,000 kilos of biscuits.
The famous English rock band Pulp is reuniting after a decade long hiatus to play Barcelona’s Primavera Sound.
FC Barcelona produced a domineering display against Getafe to secure all three points on Sunday evening as Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro all scored in a game in which Gerard Piqué was sent off.
Zapatero refused to attend the ceremonies in Santiago de Compostela and in Barcelona. This meeting was the only one they shared during the Pope’s trip. Zapatero’s decision, announced several days ago, raised controversy in Spain. The Pope himself contributed to the tension answering back and criticising what he called the “aggressive secularism” present in Spain nowadays, which reminded him of the 1930s atmosphere.
The team travels to Getafe today at 19.00 in what promises to be an excitement packed clash. Every time Barça has won here, they have gone on to win the league.
The Pope decided to politicise his visit to Spain. He made a brief speech on the plane after leaving Rome in which he attacked what he called “the aggressive secularism” in Spain nowadays, which reminded him of the situation in the 1930s. It is an attack against Prime Minister Zapatero’s policies and an answer to the individuals and associations protesting against the Pope’s visit. Benedict XVI also criticised Spanish government’s laws during the religious ceremonies.
The Pope has declared the temple a “basilica”. He has also praised Antoni Gaudí’s church and the architect’s talent. The Pope was cheered by believers along the streets of Barcelona on his way to the Sagrada Família. Protesters against the Pope and his visit also showed their disagreement as the Popemobile went by. The ceremony started on time and, as announced, Prime Minister Zapatero did not attend. Benedict XVI continued criticising liberal laws and vindicated the traditional family and its values
Barcelona is preparing the final details for the Pope’s visit. Benedict XVI is coming to Barcelona on Saturday night and will leave on Sunday evening. He is coming to declare the Sagrada Familia church a “basilica” and dedicate the temple to God.
David Villa knows that at Barça, the team should always be put ahead of personal aims, and does not feel he should be judged on how many goals he scores. “Barça did not sign me to be the top scorer, but to help make Barça better”, he said.
Passenger traffic increased 12.7% and freight traffic 5.66% during the first 9 months of 2010. The Tarragona's harbour has also received good news: its passenger traffic increased 26% and freight traffic 63% for the same period.
Gas Natural Fenosa made 4,000 million euros more than in 2009, with a profit of 1,117 million euros.
Seat will invest 300 million euros in investigation, development and innovation this year, 6 to 7% of its profit. Seat’s ambitious project ‘Forma 0’ aims to create lighter, safer cars.
The opera directed by Michael Boder and Olivier Py opens today at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu. It was composed by Alban Berg, although his death prevented him from finishing it; Pierre Boulez did so. Py described the opera as a “joyous apocalypse”.