ISSUE NO. 1599
25 Feb - 2 March 2016
AXARQUÍA - COSTA TROPICAL YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
An avalanche in Axarquia ANDALUCIA DAY will see one of the year’s biggest parties
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Easter exhibition Playmobil brings holiday joy to Velez THE Easter Playmobil exhibition has now made its debut in Velez-Malaga, and parents and children alike can enjoy all of their favourite thrones and heroes, boiled down to the size of Easter eggs. See page 2
Breaking barriers Accessibility in Almuñecar and La Herradura ALMUÑECAR and La Herradura have put their weight behind the regional government’s Pact for Accessibility,
which will remove architectural barriers and create disability awareness. See page 6
Plankton party Biologists solve Salobreña sea mystery A RED mass that recently turned up on Salobreña beaches was revealed to be plankton that travelled to the shore thanks to tides and seismic shaking. See page 12
Taking the high road By Matthew Elliott Nerja, Torrox and Almuñecar will be packed to the rafters as an avalanche of thousands of jubilant travellers and locals descends on Axarquia to celebrate an historic Andalucia Day. Astonishing rates of 95 per cent occupancy have already been reported by top hotel establishments in Almuñecar as the revellers gear up to make Sunday February 28 a day for Andalucia, a day for Axarquia, and a day to remember. Speculation is rife as to the
precise numbers, but with an incredible volume of British, Dutch and Scandinavian tourists and expats expected to flock to the region’s beautiful towns and villages, bars, restaurants and local businesses are in full preparation. All that is certain is that the food, fun and festivities will be flowing in the major town squares. For those visiting Nerja the municipal band will kick off a major performance at 10am in the Plaza de Andalucia. Exciting activities, fine cuisine and vibrant culture will be highlights of the day as visitors will
be able to join a triathlon, attend religious ceremonies, hear poetry, listen to song and dance the night away while enjoying the rich gastronomy of Costa Tropical. Andalucia Day has been celebrated each year since the region became an officially autonomous community in 1980, with each passing year seeing more colourful revelry as Andalucians cultivate their own unique cultural identity. The striking green and white emblem of the Andalucian flag will be out in full force. For long-term expats, new arrivals and adventurous tourists
alike, exploring Nerja, Torrox, Frigiliana, Torre de Mar and all of Axarquia’s best kept secrets couldn’t be done at a better time as the whole region will be brimming with passion, and in the finest Spanish spirits.
Axarquia looking better than ever THIRTY-SEVEN Axarquia roads covering a total of 204 kilometres will be looking smoother and shinier thanks
to a €2.1 million cash boost from the Malaga Provincial Council. See page 16