SSUENN 1555 //2323 APRIL 2015 IISSUE OO . .1616 - 29- 29 June 2016
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
A night of magic
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MACS and the moon Lemon Tree Images / Shutterstock.com
MOJACAR was the scene of an annual Moonwalk organised by MACS cancer support charity where supporters dressed up and walked five or 10 kilometres to raise funds. See page 10
Farmers’ Brexit fears FARMERS all over Almeria are keeping an eye on the news as they fear a yes vote to Brexit at today’s referendum could see them seriously affected. The UK is the fourth largest market for local fruit and veg. See page 14
Australian author visit MOJACAR received a visit this week from an award winning Australian writer, Simone Lazaroo, who presented
a reading of her latest novel at the British library in the artisan centre. See page 25
Ex-mayor’s appeal By Eleanor Hawkins Mojacar, like the rest of Spain, is gearing up for a magical night of celebration for the San Juan beach bonfire fiesta tonight (Thursday June 23). Each year, thousands of people take to the beaches all along the Spanish coasts for the event, which marks the shortest night of the year and the summer solstice with magical celebrations focused on fire, water and purifying the soul. Mojacar’s main San Juan event will be taking place tonight at Playa Descargador and the fun begins in the evening, continuing to the early
hours with some people even staying to watch the sunrise. The local council provides the bonfires and music as it is keen to ensure the event attracts people of all ages and can be enjoyed by young people and families alike. There are many traditions and superstitions surrounding the night of San Juan. Legend has it that if someone jumps through the fire three times then plunges themselves into the sea their soul will be cleansed, a belief which often leads to more cleansing of burns and wounds than souls when young enthusiasm and alcohol combine! More sensible superstitions
include walking into the sea backwards at the stroke of midnight to attract a year’s worth of good luck, while some insist that a swim at midnight (or at least wetting your face if the water’s too cold) will lead to waking up more beautiful the following day. The fires, apart from provid-
ing light and warmth for nightlong parties, are also believed to be magical and tradition has it that throwing in objects which bring bad memories will have the desired effect. Magical or not, one thing is sure: anyone in or near Mojacar tonight has no excuse not to have a great time on the beach!
FORMER mayor of Albox Rogelio Mena has appealed against a sentence which saw him banned from office for two and a half years. He insists he is innocent and claims his rights have been violated. See page 63
Aspiring future foodies ALBOX’S first ‘mini chef’ events attracted dozens of budding chefs who spent the day rubbing elbows with top chef Ruben Rey and local winner of Master Chef TV competition Juan Manuel. See page 65