ELCHE’S SONGBIRD

SPANISH representative and Elche­born superstar, Blanca Paloma had crowds in Elche on their feet as she performed a show ­ stopping piece at the Eurovision song contest held on Saturday, May 13.

Thousands of excited locals flocked to two community parties organised by Elche City Council at El Toscar Sports Centre and Plaza Mayor in El Altet to support the local star. Fans flocked to the parties in fancy dress to watch the competition on giant screens.

Blanca Paloma delivered her hit song ‘Ea Ea’, a heartfelt lullaby dedicated to her grandmother Carmen, finishing midway through the field, in 17th place.

The local competitions were not the only forms of support Paloma received. Several locals travelled to Liverpool in the UK who hosted the contest on behalf of last year’s winners from the war ­ torn nation of Ukraine.

Paloma garnered a total of 100 points in the vot ­ ing, with 95 points coming from the international jury, scoring one of the highest among judges. However, she did not receive much support from watchers, earning just five points. The mayor, Carlos González shared his thoughts, “Although she didn’t secure victory, she is the true champion for our city.”

A FUNDRAISER organised for a Catholic feast day in Elche saw more than 900 people come together, share a giant paella and raise funds for the charity Caritas on Sunday, May 14.

The mayor, Carlos González, the councillor for Events, Mariola Galiana, and other city council members joined the community at the event which took place in the Sector V neighbourhood. The event, was organised by the Nuestra Señora de los