SSUENN 1555 //3023 - 29 PRIL 2016 2015 IISSUE OO . .1617 June - 6AJuly
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
Fond farewell to a Mojacar icon By Adele Land Dozens of Mojacar residents turned out last weekend to say goodbye to an iconic Mojacar bar owner, who died earlier in the week following a short illness. Jaime ‘Tito’ Del Amo, was born in California and first arrived in Mojacar in 1964. He was joined in 1966 by his journalist brother, Andre, who was sent to report on the Palomares nuclear incident for a US news agency. The 22-year-old was soon recruited as the agency photographer, and according to a recent interview he was paid 500 pesetas per day to find and photograph the elusive fourth bomb. After becoming friends with then Mojacar mayor Jacinto Alarcon, Del Amo played a huge part in the regeneration of the town, introducing the deteriorating village to friends and family from the United States and encouraging them to invest in what he described as a ‘magical location.’
Having decided himself to settle in Mojacar, he bought a complex of restaurants and bars on the Las Ventanicas beachfront. The self-confessed hippy soon became one of the most popular characters in the town,
a great storyteller and amiable host. Del Amo famously defended the story that Walt Disney was born in Mojacar, a story disputed by many and, as yet, a mystery which remains unsolved. His bar, ‘Tito’s,’ became a
busy hang-out for expatriates and locals, with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. A celebration of Del Amo’s life was held at the bar on Saturday, June 25 and was attended by many local residents, some who knew the colourful character well and others who frequented the bar and wished to pay their respects. Friends and family across the world were able to be a part of the informal event via the bar’s webcam. Local dancers Nikki and daughter Aisha performed an enchanting fusion ritual dance with candles and gentle music which had onlookers transfixed, and was a perfect way to honour Del Amo’s spiritual nature. A moving tribute was written by Somos Mojacar councillor, Jessica Simpson, a close friend of Del Amo and his family. The tribute described him as ‘an institution,’ and a ‘man who followed his dreams and touched many hearts far and wide.’
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Local artists ARTWORK by three local art enthusiasts has been taking Mojacar by storm recently. The work displayed at the Shockpalmo exhibition attracted dozens of visitors. See page 6
Inspiring fashion MOJACAR has influenced the latest collection of up-and-coming young Almeria designer Jesus Vera, who recently held a show in Plaza Nueva to display the pieces the town has inspired. See page 20
Going green ALBOX Town Hall has announced it is now running on 100 per cent solar energy fol-
lowing installation earlier in the year of 30 solar panels. See page 63
Getting technical A NEW computer club has started in Albox, and is holding an open day tomorrow to allow those interested to see what they could learn from the club’s courses and meets. See page 68
Drugs haul A LARGE drugs group has been busted by the Guardia Civil in Albox following a two-year investigation. Two local properties were raided, plants, drugs and tools confiscated and five people arrested. See page 68