HOLIDAYMAKERS are about to fill promenades and restaurants across the coastal stretch this summer, as studies show bookings are up on last year. Terraces are operating at full capacity while multiple rows of parasols line the shores in May, with scenes reminiscent of peak August activity.
Beaches around Granada show clear growth in recent weeks. Warm conditions have pushed temperatures above 30ºC and brought crowds eager to enjoy the sea. Easter delivered excellent conditions, with chiringuito bars reporting being fully booked over the holiday weekend and some swimmers even taking their first dips of the year. Such positive results come after a difficult winter of storms and coastal damage. May has proven exceptional in both climate and visitor numbers. Francisco Trujillo, president of the Association of Chiringuitos de la Costa Tropical, stresses that these shoulder periods decide success for local enterprises.
“July and August tend to perform well unless unusual events occur. For businesses, the crucial times fall in May, June, September, and October. Those four months separate a strong year from a weak one,” Trujillo explained.
Reservations at local res-
taurants continue rising as more people start their beach season early, even though activity lasts year-round. This positive start points to an encouraging summer ahead full of opportunities for owners who benefit from sustained demand and excellent early trade.
Torrox roars to life
TORROX transformed into a roaring symbol of freedom at the weekend as thousands of bikers gathered for the sixth Día de la Moto, drawing a record 4,000 spectators and more than 1,500 vehicles to Avenida del Faro in Torrox Costa.
Organised by the Peña Motera Motorrox with the town hall, the event raised funds for the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC), supporting vital free services for local cancer sufferers.
Over 600 motorcycles and mopeds took part in the official concours, while more than 700 vehicles joined the scenic route through the town. Visitors enjoyed traditional local food, live music, and a thrilling acrobatic display.
Mayor called the day an ‘unprecedented success’, praising its positive impact on local businesses and Torrox’s image as a hub of motorsport and charity.
Beach safety boost
NERJA and Maro beaches are about to roll out their strongest daily lifeguard and rescue coverage ever, beginning Monday June 1. Operations will run without breaks until 9pm every day to support the busy season ahead.
This year, numbers in the team climb to 50 personnel, more than last summer. Forty-four lifeguards will work together with three coordinators and three boat captains. Fresh medical equipment, megaphone installations and upgraded communication tools equip the entire unit. Close work continues with civil protection for smooth response times.
Improvements reach beyond just staffing levels. New shaded zones will now serve people with reduced mobility at Burriana, Torrecilla and El Playazo beaches. These changes show a clear focus on safety, accessibility and comfort for everyone.
Activation occurs earlier this year, two weeks before the official bathing season opens. Coverage stretches right through until Sunday, September 27. Residents and holidaymakers will receive consistent protection during peak tourist months.
Efforts centre on delivering beaches known for the best standards in security and facilities. Extra resources and earlier start dates go to show commitment to quality experiences. Peace of mind for everyone has become paramount for the local government.
Beaches full in Almuñecar - La Herradura.
Peña Motera Motorrox.
AXARQUIA’S Chillar River route is preparing for a controlled reopening under new safety regulations that end years of unrestricted entry. Authorities closed the popular Axarquia trail in 2023 to address overcrowding, and two managed-access proposals are currently with the Junta de Andalucia.
The first proposal introduces entry control near the old quarry leading to the Fabrica de la Luz. It suggests a daily cap of 615 visitors, with a maximum of 360 people allowed on the trail at once. Hikers would enter in groups of up to 15 between 9am and 4.40pm. A voluntary shuttle service would transport visitors because private vehicles are banned. This plan includes temporary ponds for amphibians, reed removal, and riverbank restoration costing €74,200.
The second proposal suggests a booking-based model from May 1 to November 1. Daily capacity would be limited to 500 visitors between 9am and 6pm. Online and booth tickets would cost €4.90, including insurance. Colour-coded wristbands would monitor numbers, and the system would add video surveillance, information panels, and risk warnings. Nerja residents, schools, and local groups would receive discounts.
Unregulated access previously attracted 3,000 daily summer visitors, causing litter, erosion, and dangerous crowding. Both plans prioritise safety and conservation to ensure sustainable enjoyment of the trail.
River reopening
Life saving training
A 53-YEAR-OLD Belgian athlete survived a sudden cardiorespiratory arrest on the athletics track at the Fernando Ruiz Hierro sports centre in Velez-Malaga. The incident occurred around midday on Thursday, May 21. Regular users know the man as an experienced Ironman competitor who frequently trained at the facility.
A local firefighter training at the venue witnessed the collapse and immediately alerted staff before starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A team of seven people, including staff and gym users, quickly formed to help. Some shielded the runner from
the sun, while others continued chest compressions.
Centre staff followed emergency protocols, calling 112 emergency services and retrieving the reception desk defibrillator. Using the device during the second resuscitation cycle successfully
restored the man’s vital signs just as medical teams arrived.
Emergency services and Local Police reached the location in less than four minutes. Paramedics stabilised the athlete before rushing him to hospital. Doctors confirmed that the rapid intervention by bystanders and workers saved his life, noting that seconds are decisive in cardiac events.
Witnesses and facility personnel felt shaken but proud of their response. The incident demonstrated the value of first aid preparation and calm teamwork among sports centre employees, turning a potential disaster into a successful rescue.
Explore Spanish history
KEITH ROCKALL and the Torrox Spanish History Group are preparing for their upcoming monthly meeting. This session takes place on Wednesday June 3 at the Mediacaña Merendero, located on Carr. de Almeria, Torrox Costa, Malaga.
Doors open at 11.00. This month, Keith Rockall will deliver a presentation entitled ‘The inevitability of the Spanish Civil War’. The talk explores 100 years of political unrest, social upheaval, corruption, and bankruptcy. These collective factors led the nation into the Civil War of 1936.
The group attracts a multitude of differing nationalities. While English is the language used for all presentations and discussions, anyone with an interest in the past is encouraged to attend.
Non-members are welcome to attend. There is no charge for attending any of the group’s monthly meetings. It is a completely free event designed to share historical knowledge with the local community.
Hiking along the River Chillar near Nerja.
Life saved before ambulance arrived.
Credit: Asistencia Ambulancia malagueña.
Credit: Qart Hadasht - Shutterstock
Counting the costs Shifting energy costs
THOUSANDS of retirees in Spain could significantly reduce their tax liabilities due to a series of little-known exemptions. Financial advisers report that during the current tax season, growing numbers of older residents are discovering they owe far less to the Agencia Tributaria than anticipated. Some may even claim refunds for employment contributions paid decades ago.
A major advantage applies when over-65s sell their main home. Under Spanish law, they avoid capital gains tax on selling their habitual residence,
provided they lived there for at least three years. Normally, property profits incur between 19 and 28 per cent tax under the IRPF system, but this vanishes entirely for qualifying pensioners.
Furthermore, capital gains tax on second homes, investments and shares can be bypassed if the money is reinvested into a renta vitalicia, a lifetime annuity capped at €240,000. Additionally, former mutualistas who worked before 1978 in sectors like banking or civil service may qualify for refunds on historical pension contributions,
with past payouts averaging around €2,686.
Filing obligations still cause confusion. Retirees earning under €22,000 annually from a single payer generally do not need to file, but this changes with multiple pensions or foreign income sources.
Financial experts warn many retirees wrongly assume pension income automatically exempts them from filing obligations. In reality, each situation depends on individual income sources and tax conditions.
Empty homes plan
HOMEOWNERS in Spain could soon receive up to €600 a month from the government for renting out empty properties under a measure included in Spain’s State Housing Plan for 2026-2030.
The scheme is intended to address Spain’s growing housing crisis by encouraging landlords to place vacant homes into affordable rental programmes rather than leaving them empty. In return, owners would receive monthly public payments alongside the regulated rent paid through the scheme.
Under the proposal, homeowners would keep ownership of their properties but temporarily hand them over to managed affordable housing programmes. The aim is to increase rental supply quickly without waiting years for large-scale construction projects.
The measure comes as rents continue to rise sharply in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Valencia, where affordable long-term accommodation has become increasingly difficult to find. Under the framework announced so far, homes would generally need to have been vacant for a certain period before qualifying. Properties must also meet minimum habitability standards, although some owners could receive additional financial support to renovate or repair homes before entering the scheme. Landlords joining the programme would usually need to commit properties to affordable rental use for several years, with rents kept below normal market rates. Whether enough landlords will join remains uncertain, but the proposal highlights the seriousness of Spain’s worsening housing shortage.
HOUSEHOLDS and drivers across Spain could soon face higher electricity, gas, and fuel costs as temporary VAT reductions introduced during the energy crisis are expected to end on June 30. If measures expire as planned, consumers may notice increases in utility bills and petrol station prices from July, just as summer demand begins rising.
These temporary tax cuts were originally introduced to protect households from soaring energy costs linked to international instability.
However, pressure is growing to restore public revenue and gradually move away from policies supporting fossil fuel consumption. According to Gestha, broad VAT reductions mainly benefited wealthier households with higher energy use rather than those most affected by rising living costs. This follows recommendations from the European Commission to phase out blanket fossil fuel tax reductions in favour of targeted support for lower-income households and cleaner energy systems. If reductions disappear, electricity and gas bills could rise depending on market conditions, while fuel prices may also increase at filling stations. Simultaneously, Spain is expanding incentives for electric vehicles and renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
While some targeted aid for transport companies, farmers, and vulnerable households is expected to continue, most residents remain concerned that everyday bills will become more expensive during the second half of the year.
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Rowing season is on
la Misericordia.
Jábegas are iconic wooden rowing boats from Malaga’s maritime
heritage, once used by fishermen but now preserved for competitive sport. This year, participation has reached a record 60 per cent women, up 5 per cent from last season. Approximately 500 rowers will compete across seven categories, with 11 Malaga Province clubs entering 55 crews. Three Axarquia clubs join the competition, with
regattas scheduled in Rincon de la Victoria, La Cala del Moral and Torre del Mar. Following the opener, the league moves to Huelin on Saturday, June 6, Benalmadena on Saturday, June 13 and La Carihuela on Saturday, June 20. Further events take place in Rincon de la Victoria on Saturday, June 27, La Cala del Moral on Saturday, July 4, El Palo on
Saturday, July 11, Torremolinos on Saturday, July 18, La Araña on Saturday, July 25, Torre del Mar on Saturday, August 1 and Puerto de Malaga on Saturday, August 8. Fans can watch live streams on YouTube or use an official app for real-time updates. The free public events strengthen links to local seafaring history.
Networking supports food
LUX MUNDI Ecumenical Centre in Torre del Mar recently hosted a Tapas and Canapés event organised by the Axarquia Business Networking group.
The gathering brought together members of the organisation alongside local
entrepreneurs keen to learn more about the group’s activities, identity and approach to supporting small business owners throughout their professional journey.
Held at the Lux Mundi centre on Avenida Moscatel, the event created an opportuni-
ty for attendees to exchange ideas, make new contacts and discuss business projects in an informal setting. Guests also spent time meeting people behind a range of innovative ventures from across Axarquia.
Catering for the afternoon was provided by Taste Heave, whose food presentation and preparation attracted praise from those attending. The garden area at the centre was transformed for the occasion, with canapés and tapas served throughout the event.
Lux Mundi thanked everyone who attended and noted that the occasion also helped support its Food Drive project.
The centre is located at Avda. Moscatel 1 ‘I’, Jardines Viña Málaga/Antigua Casa de la Viña, Torre del Mar. Opening hours are Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10am until 1pm. Further information is available by telephone on 952 543 334 or via email at luxmundi@ lux-mundi.org.
Malaga’s pride in Jabegas races.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos
Beach upgrade
Snail celebrations
access.
de Torrox.
Credit:
TORROX Town Hall has launched further improvements on the municipality’s beaches with new shaded areas and upgraded access for people with special needs ahead of the busy summer season.
Mayor Óscar Medina and councillor Vanessa López said the work forms part of a wider action plan that includes new street furniture, repainting access points and installing adapted pergolas.
During a visit to the Ferrara promenade, where one of the new structures has been installed, Medina said the council had spent recent weeks preparing beaches and facilities to improve services before the arrival of large numbers of tourists. He added that maintaining se -
afront promenades in top condition remained essential for the municipality.
Two new shaded pergolas with adapted furniture have now been installed at Ferrara and El Peñoncillo beaches. These join existing facilities at El Morche and Cenicero-Las Dunas.
Flexible walkways reaching the shoreline have also been added to improve access to the sea for people with special needs. López said the aim was to ensure safe and comfortable beach access for everyone throughout the summer.
Municipal teams are also repainting railings and walkways, upgrading benches, information panels and bins, and carrying out maintenance work on showers and footbaths.
THE traditional village of Riogordo will celebrate its annual Dia del Caracol or Snail Day on Sunday, May 31, turning a humble recipe into one of the region’s favourite gatherings. Officially recognised as a festival of singular tourist interest, the unique event shows local Andalucian tradition and draws visitors from across the area.
For over 40 years, Riogordo has marked late spring with this unique culinary celebration. The festival is built around a mass tasting of local escargots simmered in caldillo, an aromatic regional broth. The distinctive flavour comes from a carefully prepared mix of herbs and spices, including anise, dried orange peel, chilli, black pepper, peppermint, bay leaf, thyme and salt.
In the days preceding the event, residents collect up to 450 kilos of
snails. Gathering them requires precise weather conditions, as they can only be properly harvested on cloudy or rainy days. The famous broth is served with local wines, olives and other regional staples. Festive music fills the streets, folk groups perform in the squares and the village comes alive.
Visitors can also explore walking routes towards the Tajo de Gomer, visit local museums and experience the surrounding countryside. It offers an ideal opportunity to discover traditional, rural Andalucia and its stunning inland scenery. For further event details, visit the Riogordo Town Hall website.
Torrox expands beach
Ayuntamiento
450 kilos of snails go into the broth.
SALOBREÑA is transforming into an expansive outdoor art space for Artepeazos 2026. Murals, installations, and sculptures occupy facades, plazas, and quiet corners, providing Mediterranean views across the Granada coast. Visitors wandering the streets can observe artists actively creating works in public locations. This allows insight into creative methods and connects the art closely with everyday surroundings.
Participating creators include Abdulkadir Hocaoglu, Jose Manuel Trigueros, Manolo Mesa, Tabata Osborne, Miguel Fernandez Hierro, Zabala, Peyo, Arquicostura Studio, Sergio Delicado, and Taquen. Their works incorporate local features like tight lanes and painted walls, leading to unexpected encounters for pedestrians.
The final days programme starts Friday, May 29, with the conclusion of the sculp-
Street art
Works in progress.
ture symposium and the presentation of completed works in Parque Nuevo de la Fuente. Murals in Salobreña and Caleta also reach completion. Workshop sessions dedicated to Bagaceira and Sugarcrete begin at 5.30pm in Acalenca, followed by guided visits around Casco Antiguo at 7pm and live music from 8pm.
Saturday, May 30, features guided tours of the new sculptures and murals from 9.30am. A drawing workshop runs at 10.30am in Parque Nuevo de la Fuente, followed by a community festival at 1.30pm with food and live music. Sunday, May 31, includes further guided visits and the official festival closure.
Bar hours boost
BARS and restaurants in Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar can now keep uncovered terraces open until much later, extending to 2am during peak periods following a town council resolution.
The new hours apply daily during three high-footfall windows, the summer season from May 15 to September 15. Easter, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
and Christmas, from December 5 to January 5. Previously, establishments fa-
ced more restrictive closing times.
Deputy mayor and Tourism councillor Jesus Perez Atencia said the measure responds to formal requests from local trade associations. Describing hospitality as a primary source of employment and economic activity in the Axarquia area, he stressed the move aims to support trade while maintaining a balance between economic development and residents’ right to rest.
Strict enforcement rules accompany the new schedule. Councillor for Industry and Commerce Beatriz Galvez confirmed that Local Police will step up patrols to ensure establishments respect neighbours and control noise levels. Drinking alcohol on the street outside designated terrace boundaries remains strictly illegal.
Credit: Streetartpedia - Instagram
New opening rules.
First wildfires
FIREFIGHTERS from Plan Infoca tackled
Andalucia’s first major wildfires of the year on Thursday, May 21. Separate blazes broke out in Almeria and Malaga, forcing the immediate deployment of aerial and ground crews.
Emergency services received the first alert at 11.05am in the Las Minas area of Alhama de Almeria. Teams moved quickly to contain the flames in the rural location. A helicopter provided aerial support, working with forest firefighters, an operations technician, an environmental officer and a water tanker crew to stabilise the fire perimeter.
A second fire started later that day at 2.43pm in the Portugalejo area of Canillas del Aceituno, Malaga. One heavy and one light helicopter joined two specialist units, an
operations technician and an environmental officer at the scene. Crews used coordinated tactics to limit the spread of the flames across the local terrain.
Andalucia enters this fire season with boosted capabilities. More than 4,700 professionals are available across the region, supported by 40 aircraft and over 1,000 vehicles. Upgraded bases and new fire engines have been introduced to improve rapid intervention times.
The early outbreaks come as forecasters predict imminent heatwaves and prolonged dry spells linked to the El Niño effect. Authorities have urged rural communities to remain on high alert, as the wildfire risk for the rest of the year remains exceptionally high.
Tourism returns to Benidorm
BRITISH tourists are returning to Benidorm in large numbers, with HOSBEC figures showing UK visitors accounted for 50.6 per cent of all hotel bookings during the first half of March 2026. It is the first time in years that British holidaymakers have made up more than half of total reservations in the resort. Hotel occupancy reached 77.9 per cent in early March, slightly higher than during the same period in 2025, indicating one of the strongest starts to the tourism season in recent years.
Affordability remains one of the biggest reasons behind the increase in British tourism. Benidorm continues to offer low-cost package holidays, cheaper accommodation and affordable food and entertainment compared with many competing Mediterranean destinations. Strong flight connections between Britain and Alicante-Elche
Airport have also made the resort easily accessible for short breaks and longer holidays.
The resort’s familiarity also continues to attract repeat visitors. Many British tourists return because of Benidorm’s English-speaking bars, restaurants and nightlife, while the warm climate offers an escape from colder weather in the UK. The growing ‘Costa
del Cheltenham’ trend has also boosted visitor numbers, with racing fans travelling to Benidorm during the Cheltenham Festival. Hotels are already nearing summer occupancy levels, with Easter bookings already having reached almost 90 per cent. Tourism businesses believe 2026 could become one of Spain’s busiest tourism seasons in recent years.
Wildfire breaks out near Viñuela in Malaga Province.
Credit: Katja DavidsenWildfire Alert
The resort’s familiarity also continues to attract repeat visitors.
Village offers cheap land
Hiding from heatwaves
THE municipality of Olmeda de la Cuesta in Cuenca, central Spain, is offering lowcost building plots to attract new residents and address long-term population decline. The initiative forms part of wider local efforts to counter rural depopulation, a major issue across inland Spain.
The scheme allows individuals to purchase municipal land at reduced prices, with conditions ensuring it is used for residential development. It is designed to encourage permanent settlement rather than short-term investment or speculation.
Photo credit: Israel Hervas Bengochea/Shutterstock
Local authorities say the goal is to maintain essential services and attract remote workers, families and small business owners. The village faces challenges linked to ageing populations, limited employment opportunities and declining infrastructure.
Olmeda de la Cuesta is a small rural municipality in Castilla-La Mancha with a very low population density and an economy centred on agriculture and land use. Previous efforts to improve infrastructure and attract residents have had limited impact.
The initiative reflects a wider pattern of local responses across rural Spain, where municipalities have introduced incentives such as cheap housing, tax reductions and employment-linked schemes. These are aimed at stabilising population loss, although outcomes vary significantly between regions.
Long-term success depends on whether new residents choose to relocate permanently and whether economic activity can be sustained.
AS Spain approaches the summer 2026 travel season, long-range climate forecasts suggest above-average temperatures are likely across much of southern and western Europe, including Spain. In recent years, heatwaves have become increasingly intense in inland and southern regions such as Andalucia, Extremadura and central Spain, where temperatures frequently exceed 35C and sometimes rise above 40C.
Because of these conditions, many travellers are increasingly choosing destinations influenced by Atlantic weather systems, higher altitudes or stronger coastal airflow. Northern Spain remains the most reliable option for avoiding extreme heat. Regions such as Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country benefit from Atlantic conditions that moderate temperatures and reduce the severity of heat spikes.
Cities including Santiago de Compostela, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastian offer coastal tourism with generally milder summer conditions compared with inland Spain. Mountain areas such as the Pyrenees and Sierra de Guadarrama also pro-
vide cooler alternatives because of higher elevation.
In southern Spain, the Alpujarra region in Granada Province offers relief from intense heat through high-altitude villages including Trevelez and Capileira. Cadiz Province also benefits from Atlantic airflow, particularly in locations such as Tarifa.
The changes highlights how increasingly frequent heatwaves are gradually reshaping tourism patterns, with more visitors adapting travel plans to prioritise cooler regions while still choosing Spain for summer holidays.
Spain’s pink lake
A BRIGHT pink lagoon on Spain’s Mediterranean coast is attracting attention after NASA shared a striking image of it captured from space. The lake, located near Torrevieja in Alicante Province, stands out dramatically because of its unusual fluorescent pink colour.
The lagoon, known as Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja, forms part of the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja. It gets its appearance from extremely salty water combined with microscopic organisms. Algae and microbes living in highly saline environments produce reddish and pink pigments to protect themselves from intense sunlight. During hotter weather, when evaporation increases salt concentration, the colour becomes even stronger. Consequently, it varies from pale pink to a much deeper shade at sunset.
In contrast, the neighbouring Laguna de La Mata looks completely different because its salt levels are lower, meaning the responsible microorganisms cannot develop in large quantities.
The lagoon became famous online through drone videos and holiday photos long before the NASA image circulated. Tourists visiting the Costa Blanca regularly share pictures because the colour looks unreal even in
person.
Human activity has also shaped the modern lagoon. The area remains one of Europe’s most important salt production zones, with channels linking the lagoon to the Mediterranean to maintain seawater flow. Today, it is both a protected natural space and a highly recognisable landscape. Local authorities continue reminding visitors that the ecosystem remains fragile despite its popularity.
The Alpujarra offers relief from intense heat.
NASA shared a striking satellite image showing the famous pink lagoon of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.
Local authorities say the goal is to maintain essential services and attract remote workers.
Sing me a nice song
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
PERHAPS it’s just me showing my age again, but whatever happened to a good song? You know the sort of thing I mean. A tune you could hum on the way home. Lyrics that told a story. A melody that stirred something in the heart. Songs that made you laugh, cry, fall in love or remember someone special.
Watching this year’s Eurovision Song Contest left me wondering whether music has finally disappeared altogether beneath a mountain of flashing lights, smoke machines and enough pyrotechnics to frighten a small nation. Take the British entry. We were treated to immortal lines such as; ‘Eins, zwei, drei. Darlin, I need something salty, with a slice of pepperoni’. Pepperoni? Once upon a time Eurovision gave us songs like, ‘Puppet on a string.’ ‘Making your mind up.’ ‘Save your kisses for me.’ ‘Waterloo’ and countless others that actually meant something. Songs about romance, hope, heartbreak or joy. Today we’re apparently singing about takeaway food. No wonder the British en-
try came last! Of course, it didn’t end there, the actual winning entry featured the repeated declaration; I’m the Bangarang. Bangaranga, bangaranga, bangaranga’!
Followed by; ‘I’m an angel, I’m a demon, I’m a psycho for no reason…’ Now perhaps somebody can explain to me what a bangarang actually is. I’ve listened several times and remain none the wiser.
Maybe that’s because modern songwriters seem terrified of saying anything understandable. If the lyrics don’t make sense, nobody can accuse them of being wrong. In my day a lyric was poetry set to music. Think of the wonderful songs written by Lionel Bart, Burt Bacharach, Lennon and McCartney or Bob Dylan. Every word served a purpose. Every line painted a picture. And remember, these songs endured because people wanted to hear them again. They bought the records, sang them at parties and played them on the piano at home. Many became woven into the fabric of our lives.
Decades later we still know every word.
I very much doubt that in 50 years’ time grandchildren will be gathered around a piano singing about pepperoni pizza or chanting ‘Bangaranga’ at family celebrations. Most of today’s offerings become
hits for a weekend. The best songs become companions for a lifetime. Today it’s often a collection of slogans shouted repeatedly over electronic noise while dancers leap around as if they’ve accidentally touched a live cable. Of course, the music is only half the story. The voting remains as predictable as rain during a British bank holiday. (Not the most recent mind!) Neighbour votes for neighbour. Political friendships are rewarded. Current international events seem to matter more than the songs themselves.
One sometimes wonders whether the music is simply an excuse for a continental popularity contest. Frankly, why are we surprised? We send performers into a competition that increasingly seems to judge everything except the quality of the song. Yet I still cling to the hope that somewhere there are young songwriters producing proper melodies, meaningful lyrics and songs with genuine emotion.
Maybe I’m old-fashioned. But give me a beautiful melody and a lyric that means something over pepperoni, bangaranga and exploding fireworks any day of the week.
Keep the Faith, Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
HOW many of us have thrown in a couple of scratch cards while at the shop buying cigarettes or milk on the off chance that ‘today’s the lucky day’? For most of us, the prize is barely big enough to cover the cost of the card itself. But one lucky winner in Ireland recently got the shock of a lifetime, scratching away the foil to find themselves €1 million richer.
This is a milestone moment for Ireland’s National Lottery, marking the first time a €1 million scratch card has been won. As announ-
Top of the Pops
The figure relates specifically to ticket revenue from concerts and live performances.
LIVE music in Spain generated €807.2 million in ticket sales during 2025, according to figures published in the Anuario de la Música en Vivo 2026 by the Asociación de Promotores Musicales. The figure relates specifically to ticket revenue from concerts and live performances and does not include additional economic activity linked to tourism, accommodation, hospitality or transport associated with events.
The report also showed that live music ticket sales significantly exceeded Spain’s annual cinema box office revenue, estimated at around €450 million. Concert and festival admissions therefore produced close to double the income generated by cinema tickets nationwide.
According to the report, large stadium concerts, international tours and Spain’s extensive festival circuit were key drivers of revenue growth. Cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao continued attracting major domestic and international events throughout the year.
Industry analysts attributed the sector’s strong performance to sustained audience demand and the return of large-scale touring schedules following pandemic restrictions. Spain’s climate and long outdoor festival season were also identified as factors supporting continued growth. The report additionally noted that concerts and festivals continue contributing significantly to local economies, particularly during the summer tourism season.
Luck of the Irish
ced by the organisation itself, the winning card was sold in Co Wexford where there was certainly a celebration or two after the win.
The National Lottery said there was only a one in 750,000 chance of winning the top prize, making the win all the more extraordinary. Even better, the lucky winner won’t have to
CROWDS gathered inside Rome’s historic Pantheon on Sunday, May 24, as thousands of red rose petals drifted down from the iconic dome to mark the annual Pentecost celebration. This striking ritual draws faithful visitors, tourists, and pilgrims from many nations to witness the event, which represents the descent of the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition.
The petals, released through the 43-metre-high central oculus by local firefighters, symbolise the tongues of fire described in the biblical Acts of the Apostles. As the choir performed the classic Veni Sancte Spi-
share any of the seven-figure sum with the tax man. In Ireland, lottery winnings from official lotteries are not considered as income or as chargeable capital gain and are therefore not taxed.
The lucky winners are free to spend 100 per cent of their winnings, however they like.
ritus hymn, the crimson cascade created a memorable visual display inside the ancient structure.
Originally constructed as a pagan temple, the Pan-
theon was converted into a Christian church in 609 AD, dedicated as Santa Maria ad Martyres. Historians trace the flower tradition back to this early period.
Today, the custom continues every year on the seventh Sunday after Easter, immediately following the main morning Mass. Due to the growing global popularity of the event, attendees filled the vast interior hours before midday to secure viewing positions. Local authorities worked closely with church officials to manage the large crowds safely, ensuring security measures preserved the solemn atmosphere of the service whilst maintaining a smooth flow of international visitors.
Lucky scratch card player wins €1 million.
Credit: Shutterstock, AmbrosiniV Millions
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Export success
IN the first quarter of 2026, Andalucia achieved its best export performance, reaching €11.07 billion. Andalucia accounts for 11.5 per cent of all Spanish exports, behind Catalonia and Madrid. Vegetables remained Andalucia’s top export, while the aeronautical sector also contributed to export growth with sales reaching €770 million.
Pension problem
THE Pensions Commission has issued a warning, stating 15 million people in the UK aren’t saving enough for retirement. Worse yet, 45 per cent of working adults aren’t saving at all. At this rate, tomorrow’s pensioners will be poorer than today’s, with low and middle earners most at risk.
Home sales stall
HOME sales continued to decline in March, falling 2.2 per cent. Registered transactions exceeded 61,000 but were lacking compared to previous months. According to INE, March’s decline was due to a decrease in new home sales, which fell 10.2 per cent year on year to 13,057.
Shakira wins
SHAKIRA is set to be reimbursed more than €55 million by the Spanish tax government, after the court ruled she had been illegally penalised for tax fraud. This marks the end of a five-year long dispute, after Spain accused Shakira of not paying the necessary tax in 2011.
Butane relief
SPANISH households will soon feel the relief of one less rising cost as the maximum retail price for butane gas cylinders falls by 5.87 per cent to €15.39. Prices are being lowered largely because the VAT on butane fell to 10 per cent.
STAT OF WEEK 8%
IN the fourth quarter of 2025, the price of fertilisers in the EU rose by 8 per cent, compared with the same period of 2024.
Old Spanish hen
GREENE KING is the latest British brewery to fall into foreign hands. It was recently announced that the 227-year old pub chain would be selling its iconic Old Speckled Hen beer brand to the Barcelona-based brewing company Damm, owner of Estrella.
While the brand may have been sold to overseas buyers, the ale itself will still be brewed in Britain. Greene King will continue to brew Old Speckled Hen at its Bury St Edmunds site until the sale is complete, at which point operations would move to Damm’s Bedford brewery.
Damm opened this location in 2025, anticipating its expansion into the UK market.
Currently, the total value of the sale has not been disclosed. The deal does, however, stipulate that Old Speckled Hen will continue to be sold in Greene King pubs and in
major UK supermarkets.
British breweries divesting to foreign buyers has become a trend over the last 10 years. For example, in 2015 Camden Town Brewery sold to Belgian Budweiser for £85 million, and Fuller, Smith & Turner sold to Japanese Group Asahi for £250 million.
Spanish beers and breweries have been gaining a foothold in the
UK scene for some time now, with San Miguel and Cruzcampo becoming popular favourites.
This sale could be a lifeline for Greene King, which has been rocked by soaring costs and a tougher trading climate. They operate around 2,300 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK, but previously announced plans to scale back operations in a major shake-up.
Setbacks for high speed railway
BRITAIN’S HS2 high-speed railway has gone off the rails, with the project facing major setbacks.
Initial estimates predicted the project to cost £32.7 billion, but the price tag has since jumped to £87.7 billion and now £102.7 billion. What’s more, the project faces significant delays with the first trains not expected to start running until late 2039.
Reportedly, inflation is only partly to blame for rising project costs. Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, claimed the Conservative government “spent most of HS2’s budget without laying a single mile of track,” and described their handling of the project as an “expensive slow-motion car crash.”
Not only is the project £70 billion over the predicted budget and 13 years behind schedule, but the trains will also be slower than promised. In an effort to save £2.5 billion, the trains’ top speeds would also be lowered from 360 km/h to 320 km/h.
Food desert Oil profits
SINCE the start of the US-Israeli war in Iran, oil companies have seen a dramatic turnaround in profits. Even with 20 per cent of the world’s oil blocked, oil giants have achieved combined profits of 56 per cent as stocks rise by 15 to 55 per cent. Russia has also benefited from the crisis. Production has fallen by 460,000 barrels per day, yet Russian exports reached approximately €16.55 billion in April 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Soaring profits
SINCE 2021, UK food prices have doubled, placing a significant pressure on households and creating an epidemic of food insecurity across the country. A study by The Food Foundation found that six million adults, approximately 12 per cent of households, experienced food insecurity in January 2026.
The situation is especially dire in rural areas. Budgets are stretched thin, especially in the countryside, and access to big-chain supermarkets is made difficult by poor public transport.
As such, many rural towns and villages are becoming ‘food deserts’, with the lack of healthy, affordable food options impacting the poorest families.
RYANAIR’S profits are soaring. The airline recorded profits of €2.26 billion after tax for the year up to March 2026.
Ryanair has managed to sustain growth through a combination of rising fares and high travel demand.
During the 2025-26 period, passenger numbers increased by 4 per cent to a total of 208.4 million. For each passenger, revenue increased by 7 per cent as the airline implemented 10 per cent higher fares.
High fuel prices have not yet severely impacted the company as it hedged 80 per cent of its fuel requirements at €57 a barrel until April 2027.
WITH over 31 million users, Bizum has revolutionised instant payments, and now it could be changing in-person payment too. A new pilot programme is being gradually integrated in select establishments. The rollout will be slow, but eventually customers will have the option to pay via Bizum Pay, a wallet-style app set to be released in June.
In-store Bizum payments won’t only be convenient for customers, businesses are also expected to benefit from lower commissions.
Get the boot
DR MARTENS is making sure it doesn’t get the boot. The British company, famous for its yellow stitched boots, recently launched a new strategic plan to regain consumer appeal and market stability, and it seems to be paying off.
Dr Martens recorded its net profit for the fiscal year ending March 2026 at £23.8 million, achieving a 61 per cent increase in adjusted pre-tax profit. However, turnover has fallen by 29 per cent to £764.9 million in sales.
Pre-nup
BEFORE saying ‘I do’, a lot of couples are saying ‘sign here’ as prenuptial agreements become the new norm. In 2025, 70,646 contracts were signed, 4.3 per cent more than in 2024. More people than ever are prioritising securing their assets before heading down the aisle. Of those couples who signed a pre-nuptial contract, 93.2 per cent included a separation of property agreement, protecting the independent ownership of each spouses’ personal assets.
The Old Speckled Hen gets a new Spanish owner.
High speed railway is off track.
3I Group 2.137,75 2.196,00 2.108,00 153,24K
Admiral Group 3.306,0 3.314,0 3.298,0 13,17K
Airtel Africa 325,00 327,00 322,40 171,27K
Anglo American 3.759,0 3.793,0 3.759,0 108,14K
Antofagasta 3.764,00 3.784,00 3.729,00 43,08K
Associated British Foods 1.778,0 1.783,0 1.775,0 10,74K
AstraZeneca 13.548,0 13.558,0 13.439,9 79,06K
Auto Trader Group Plc 487,10 489,65 486,00 174,08K
Aviva 622,80 623,60 617,20 527,89K
B M European Value Retail 156,10 157,50 155,40 201,12K
BAE Systems 1.850,00 1.853,50 1.837,50 297,75K
Barclays 419,80 421,80 417,95 1,37M
Barratt Redrow 237,50 240,80 235,70 402,17K
Beazley 1.281,00 1.281,50 1.280,50 16,29K
Berkeley 3.200,0 3.228,0 3.190,0 4,16K
BP 562,40 565,80 558,36 1,31M
British American Tobacco 4.923,0 4.932,0 4.874,0 145,93K
THE Duke of Westminster is rumoured to be selling €810m in US real estate holdings. This comes after the Grosvenor Group recorded losses exceeding €125m in its North American operations. Since inheriting the title and the family’s substantial real estate portfolio, Hugh Grosvenor has grown the family fortune to an estimated €11.6bn.
Farm stress
RISING fuel, fertiliser and energy costs prompted the Bank of England to flag agriculture as a sector facing ‘elevated financial stress’. Bad business conditions, a consequence of the Middle East conflict, are putting the already tenuous profitability of farms at risk. Food price inflation could reach 6-7 per cent if the crisis persists.
Tourists spend in Spain
DESPITE the Iran war disrupting travel plans, Spain is on track to break its record for foreign tourist spending. An EIR study by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts foreign tourist spending will grow by 5.3 per cent compared to 2025 and reach €121 billion. Such an achievement will position Spain as the European leader and as the third largest global market for international tourism spending, behind the United States and China.
Fashion fight
THE fast-fashion brands are fighting. Representatives for Shein and Temu appeared at London’s High Court recently, following Shein’s accusations Temu is conducting ‘industrial scale’ copyright infringement. Shein claims Temu have purposefully used images from their site to piggyback off the brands’ success for their own gain.
Temu countered the suit, claiming Shein
is using litigation to stifle competition. They also accuse Shein of signing suppliers to exclusive contracts, breaking competition law.
Both companies have expanded quickly. As their businesses grow so does the rivalry between them. This is not the first time they’ve resorted to litigation. Shein and Temu previously sued each other in the US.
According to the WTTC, Spain’s tourism offerings are conducive to spending. ‘High-value travellers’ are encouraged to spend on food, souvenirs and excursions. The average expenditure per foreign visitor stands at €1,144, much higher than the European average of €909. With approximately 96.8 million arrivals each year, Spain’s foreign tourist spending is 30 per cent higher than the European average.
The only real threat to Spain’s tourism industry is the rising price of kerosene. Should airlines run out of jet-fuel, foreign arrivals to Spain could dwindle.
However, Spain’s tourism industry is resilient. It recovers from global crises relatively quickly, partly due to Spain being a familiar territory and a reliable holiday destination, and also because visitors know they will get good value for money.
AI crimes
WHILE everyone frets over AI stealing jobs, in the background AI is committing a much worse crime. According to a report from Google, AI-powered hacking has become an industrial-scale threat. Capable of detecting and exploiting vulnerabilities in software systems, AI poses a real danger to banks, businesses and even governments.
TG JONES, formerly WH Smiths, is facing administration. The company previously rebranded and focused more on its travel division, in a failed attempt to return to profitability. Modella Capital, the chain’s owner, has recently outlined a turnaround plan that includes a £35 million investment and up to 150 store closures.
Tourists spend more in Spain.
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Costa del Sol Shade for schools
FAMILIES and pupils at Spanish state schools in Mijas can look forward to more comfortable school days, as the town hall begins installing covered structures over outdoor sports courts. The project follows an agreement between Mijas Town Hall and the Junta de Andalucia’s education department. It aims to protect children from extreme heat and open the spaces for wider community use outside school hours.
For years, local political groups, parents, and community organisations have campaigned for covered playgrounds, warning that children face direct sun during PE lessons and break times. Last year, opposition party Ciudadanos urged the council to speed up installations across all 12 schools, highlighting that pupils endured high temperatures without protection. Simultaneously, a Change.org petition gathered hundreds of signatures from residents worried about the risks of heat and dehydration during sports training.
Costa Blanca North Regatta spectacle
CALPE’S coastline came alive over the weekend as the prestigious Trofeo Peñón de Ifach returned for another sun-soaked edition, bringing together sailors, spectators and visitors from across Spain and beyond.
Held at the Real Club Náutico de Calpe, the annual regatta once again transformed the marina into a hub of activity, with dozens of yachts competing beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Peñón de Ifach rock.
The event is considered one of the Mediterranean’s standout sailing competitions and attracts experienced crews alongside amateur enthusiasts, helping cement Calpe’s reputation as a major nautical destination on the Costa Blanca.
Locals and tourists lined the waterfront throughout the weekend to watch the action unfold offshore, while bars, restaurants and hotels in the area enjoyed a welcome boost ahead of the busy summer season.
Mallorca
Iconic British ship docks
ONE OF Britain’s most recognisable cruise ships turned heads in Palma recently as the Queen Victoria docked in the city during the height of Mallorca’s busy cruise season.
The Cunard liner arrived carrying around 2,000 passengers, many of whom spent the day exploring Palma’s cathedral district, marina and historic old town before the ship continued its Mediterranean journey later in the afternoon.
First launched in 2007, the Queen Victoria has become a familiar sight in Mallorca over the years and remains one of the standout vessels in Cunard’s fleet. The ship was designed to recreate the glamour of classic British ocean liners, complete with ballroom-style entertainment, elegant lounges and formal dining rooms.
Onboard features include theatres with private boxes, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a spa, casino and a retractable glass-roofed Winter Garden lounge. The vessel underwent a major refurbishment in 2017.
Costa Blanca South Space surge
THE Costa Blanca is becoming known for far more than beaches and tourism, with Elche now emerging as one of Spain’s most surprising high-tech success stories. The city is home to PLD Space, the aerospace company leading Spain’s growing role in Europe’s modern space race.
The company made international headlines after successfully launching Miura-1, Europe’s first fully private rocket, marking a major milestone for both Spain and the continent’s aerospace industry. Now PLD Space is moving ahead with Miura-5, a much larger rocket designed to carry satellites into orbit as demand for communications, internet services, defence systems and scientific research continues growing worldwide.
What makes the story even more remarkable is that much of this development is happening directly from Elche, transforming part of the Costa Blanca into an unexpected centre for advanced engineering and technology.
Almeria Race against cancer
ALBOX saw an incredible turnout recently when almost 900 people, young and old, gathered for the Charity Night Race Against Cancer. Plaza Mayor was transformed into a sporting hub when runners, walkers and supporters gathered for the night race. Originally scheduled for the end of April, extreme weather conditions forced a postponement. Despite the delays, the 2026 edition recorded its highest turnout and biggest fundraising effort to date. The youngest runners set off first, but before the start of the 5k races, the mayor of Albox, Maria del Mar Alfonso Perez presented the president of the local Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) branch with a cheque worth €4,000, the total amount raised. The cheque not only represents the hard work of all involved in organising the night race, but also the countless cancer patients set to benefit from AECC’s support.
The event struck an emotional note for many whose lives and loved ones have been affected by cancer.
Costa Calida Sailing solidarity
THE Costa Calida city of Cartagena is showing its solidarity in time for World Multiple Sclerosis Day with a special sporting event, organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Cartagena and Region (or EMACC) and the city council.
The fourth edition of the Solidarity Regatta, as part of the Solidarity Day programme, is set to take place on May 30 and May 31 at the Los Nietos Nautical Club. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system. In patients with the disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, or the protective layer that insulates the nerve fibers, which interrupts the transmission of nerve signals. EMACC is a non-profit organisation based in Cartagena that has helped to develop social, psychological, neuropsychological and rehabilitation programmes since 1997.
In addition to these nearly three decades of charitable work, the organisation also helps to spread awareness and support.
Earthy tones lead
AS homeowners along the coast seek fresh inspiration, interior designer Pepa Moreno has shared her expert insights into the leading trends for Spring 2026. The current shift moves away from clinical aesthetics towards warm minimalism, a style that prioritises comfort, sustainability, and natural textures to create lived-in spaces.
Moreno, who graduated from the KLC School of Design and worked on high-end London projects like The Connaught Hotel, notes that
quiet luxury is now central to regional homes, focusing on superior craftsmanship and bespoke, handcrafted items. The previously popular cool greys are being replaced by a nature-inspired palette of sand, ochre, terracotta, deep greens, and warm browns. These earthy tones are complemented by tactile fabrics like boucle and linen, while limewash walls and microcement flooring provide organic finishes
The indoor-outdoor lifestyle remains a priority, with
significant investment in sophisticated outdoor kitchens and seamless seating areas. She also notes there is a growing demand for integrated wellness facilities, including home saunas, cold plunges, and private gyms. Having previously founded the studio The Desired House, Moreno has since returned to the coast to focus on personal projects. Planning a spring renovation? The focus is firmly on quality, detail, and a connection to the natural environment.
Warm earthy tones and fabrics with texture
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Polar Air provides energy-efficient inverter technology air-conditioning systems from Malaga to Axarquia, suitable for both cooling and heating. These systems can reduce running costs to as low as four cents per hour for both homes and businesses. They are qualified and able to work on all air-conditioning units.
They ensure quality work at fair prices, covering all makes and models at the best rates, with service extending throughout Malaga and the Axarquia area.
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PETS
A gentle climb
WATCHING your dog struggle to jump onto the sofa or bed can be upsetting, especially as they grow older. Pet steps and ramps are becoming increasingly
popular with owners who want to protect their dog’s joints while helping them stay comfortable and independent around the home. Many vets do recommend steps or ramps, particularly for smaller breeds, senior dogs, overweight pets, or those suffering from arthritis, hip problems, or back issues. Repeated jumping can place strain on joints and increase the risk of injury over time, especially for dogs with long backs such as Dachshunds.
Choosing between steps and a ramp often depends on your dog’s size, age, and confidence. Steps are usually better for smaller, agile dogs that are comfortable climbing. Ramps are often more suitable for older dogs, nervous pets, or breeds with mobility issues because they provide a gentler incline and require less impact on the joints.
Pet-sitters fall in love with Gatsby
FINDING
sitters for all kinds of pets
One of our regular house-sitters wrote a blog recently telling us about caring for Gatsby, a large dog who loves company. When she was in the house with him he would follow her around, sometimes insisting on playing, other times just wanting her company when he sleeps. He was equally happy for her to go out exploring for a few hours then greeted her with real happiness on her return.
Fancy a new adventure in pet-sitting?
Petowners have sitters move in to care for pets and property for free. House-sitters stay in free accommodation and discover a new location. It’s affordable travel with care, without expensive accommodation. Homeowners show you their favourite places to visit. Living like a local is a great way to see the world, one house-sit at a time.
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Each house-sit benefits both homeowner and sitter. Pets receive one-on-one attention at home, your property stays protected, and you avoid expensive kennel fees (stress-free pet!).
For a small annual registration fee (and no per-sit fee), you can connect with other verified members for house-sitting. Sitters stay free and owners find house and pet-sitters to care for pets in their own home. Both parties secure an affordable holiday.
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Caring for cats
CATS are famously clean animals, spending hours each day washing their fur with careful attention. Even so, owners still play an important role in keeping their pets healthy and comfortable. Grooming is not only about appearance. It also helps prevent skin problems, painful knots, and excess fur around the home.
Most cats can handle basic cleaning on their own. Their rough tongues remove dirt, loose hair, and small bits of debris from the coat. Cats are also good at keeping certain areas tidy, especially after eating or using the litter tray. Short-haired breeds usually need very little help with everyday grooming.
However, owners should still brush their cats regularly. Long-haired cats, in particular, can
develop mats that pull on the skin and cause discomfort. Brushing also reduces shedding and gives owners the chance to check for fleas, cuts, or unusual lumps. Nail trimming may also be
necessary, especially for indoor cats that do not wear their claws down naturally.
Bathing is rarely needed unless the cat becomes especially dirty or has a medical condition.
Above all, owners should make grooming a calm and gentle experience. A relaxed cat is far more likely to enjoy the attention and trust the person caring for them.
A clean cat is a happy cat.
With the right support, dogs can continue enjoying their favourite spots safely and comfortably.
Gatsby – playful and adorable, and loves company.
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CHARITY
NEW LIFE CHURCH Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer
CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/ kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)
CHURCH SERVICES
THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House - 951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail.com
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ST BARNABAS IERE Church, meets at Lux Mundi Centre, Avd Moscatel, Torre del Mar, every Sunday from 11am. More info call Jon 447738 148 306 (300065)
DOORS. New installs and repairs, Intercoms, Access control & replacement remote controls. For all your Gate/ Garage requirements call Stuart or WhatsApp 605 356 469. Email; TGDC@hotmail.co.uk The Garage Door and 2 Way Gates Co. (312995)
GLASS CURTAINS
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MOTORING FOR SALE
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Credit: Ayuntamiento de Almuñecar
Record fitness challenge
LA HERRADURA hosted the sixth Marae Cross Training Couples Challenge on Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24. Supported by the Almuñecar Sports Area and La Herradura Mayor’s Office, the event broke records by drawing almost 1,000 registered competitors across 380 pairs. Over 4,000 participants and spectators gathered inside the venue facilities by Saturday evening.
Athletes travelled from Madrid, Cadiz, Galicia, Melilla, and Ceuta. International couples from Sweden also joined. Locally, around 10 athletes competed. Javier Martín and Paola Gutiérrez secured a third-place podium finish in the mixed master category.
Organiser Manolo García Pozo noted an increase of nearly 400 entries compared to last year. To manage growth, a second competition stage was added for the five scheduled high-intensity functional workouts. These routines incorporated water tests utilising the beach. Activities stretched across the beach, Prieto Moreno Avenue, and the Marae centre.
Sports Councillor Luis Aragón praised the tournament’s growth. Crucially, the gathering maintained a charitable purpose. Entry ticket proceeds went entirely to ‘Nicolás Corazón Fuerte’. Nicolás is an 11-year-old boy from San Pedro Alcantara, Malaga, recovering from brain tumour complications.
Running heroes
COMPETA residents will gather at the end of the month to help 23-yearold Xiomara Santisteban Domínguez reach the Cerro Lucero peak. The local woman suffered a spinal injury and complex regional pain syndrome after a serious accident. Before her injury, she regularly hiked the 1,774-metre peak with her family. On Sunday, May 31, a dedicated expedition aims to restore that experience.
The Axarquia mountain club, Los Locos de la Colina, is organising the challenge using a Joëlette all-terrain chair. The club previously completed similar inclusive climbs, including a successful mountain challenge for a young girl with Mowat-Wilson syndrome.
For this event, the main support team departs from Plaza Almijara at 7am. Other participants will drive to Puerto Blanquillo for an 8am start on a shorter route. Club runners plan frequent relays to carry Xiomara safely
up the demanding, technical trail. The full climb from the town will take seven to eight hours.
Participants must have insurance or a federative licence, though oneday policies are available through the club. Registration takes place via the town hall or the club website. The mayor of Competa and regional officials support the project, which concludes with a reception at the town hall. Local organisers say the event shows how collective action removes barriers in outdoor sports.
