Mijas book fair Mijas book fair
MIJAS is hosting its annual Book Fair from April 24 to 27 at Parque de la Candelaria in Las Lagunas de Mijas, with a plentiful collection of books to buy and a celebration of literature.
Open Thursday to Saturday from 10.30am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm, and Sunday morning, the event will have book stalls, author presentations, and activities for children. The fair opens on April 24 with a presentation of ‘Macri’ by Fernando Navarro, followed by talks with authors Juana Torrijos, Lidia Sánchez, and Mauricio Chaves. On April 25, visitors can meet Graciela Prego, illustrators Silvia Álvarez and Miguel Ángel Páez, Luna Peralta, and Pedro Miguel Ponce. April 26 there’s a lineup including Alba A López, Conchi Collado, and others, whi-
le April 27 features Diana Romero, Paola Tasca, and Lola Cabrillana.
Daily children’s activities include bookbinding and puppet-making workshops, theatre performances, and musical acts, such as José Antonio Rojas’ flamenco show. Registration for workshops is required via the library at Teatro Manuel España. The ‘Letras compartidas’ cycle will present Historia de la Guardia Civil de Mijas y Fuengirola by Agustín Fraile on April 24. As well, world-famous designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada will present her book ‘Todo por un plan’ on May 8 at La Cala’s Tenencia de Alcaldía, sharing personal stories with her signature sincerity. Parque de la Candelaria is one Camino del Albero, Las Lagunas de Mijas, near to the municipal sports centre.
Fuengirola’s fair of nations
FROM April 30 to May 4, Fuengirola’s Fairgrounds will burst with colour with the 29th year of the Feria Internacional de los Países, previously known as the Feria de los Pueblos.
One of Fuengirola’s biggest cultural highlights is primed to showcase the culture, sounds and flavours of 33 countries, offering a rich tapestry of global cuisine, music, traditions, and folklore.
The fair is free to enter and opens on April 30, coinciding with Children’s Day, featuring 50 per cent off ride prices for children. It runs daily from 1pm to 4am, with music stopping a bit earlier to respect local rest hours.
On May 1, a grand cultural parade starts at 11.30am from Plaza de España, with over 1,500 participants in traditional costumes dancing through the
town centre to the fairgrounds. Booths representing each of the countries open at noon that day.
Each country’s booth will be intricately decorated, offering authentic dishes such as Argentine roasts, Spanish paellas, Japanese sushi, and Mexican tacos, along with live performances and unique crafts. A daily ‘silent hour’ from 5pm to 6pm will make sure of accessibility for those with autism spectrum disorders.
The fair begins with an opening presentation and show on April 25 at 8pm in Plaza de la Constitución, with performances and free samples of cuisine from each of the countries. Special artistic and decorative elements, plus lively side streets, promise an immersive experience.
Estepona’s
foreign residents’
ESTEPONA is getting ready to welcome residents and visitors to one of the year’s most colourful and multicultural events.
The 20th edition of the Foreign Residents’ Day will take place on Saturday, April 26, starting at 12pm and promises a day full of flavour, music, and celebration.
Held in the Parque El Calvario, the event brings together people from more than 25 countries who now call Estepona home. It’s a chance for everyone to share and enjoy other cultures, from traditional food and drink to music, crafts and dance.
Visitors can try a wide variety of traditional dishes prepared by the residents themselves, from Argentina’s empanadas and Mexico’s cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork dish) to Swedish meatballs and Colombian arepas (stuffed corn patties). Many stands will also offer handmade crafts, giving the event a market-style feel. As well as tasty food, there will be live music and performances throughout the day. The event is open to the public and free to enter, making it a great day out for families and people of all ages.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mijas.
Fería de los Países, Fuengirola.
Fería de Libro, Las Lagunas de Mijas.
Credit: Tourism Delegation, Estepona
Town Hall
Foreign residents’ day, Estepona.
Estepona hosts first charity competition paella paella
Marina Bruce ESTEPONA is set to host its inaugural Charity Paella Competition on Sunday, June 8, at El Calvario Park. The event promises culinary tradition and community spirit, all in support of the local Vera+Cruz Brotherhood.
The competition is open to in- divi-
duals and groups aged 18 and over, capped at 20 participants. Registration runs from April 15 to May 30, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Each team must prepare at least 50 servings of paella, available for public tasting at €5 per portion. Proceeds benefit the Vera+Cruz Brotherhood, and a non-profit association will manage the on-site bar. Participants must bring their own cooking equipment and ingredients, except for rice, vegetables, and oil, which the or-
ganisers will provide. The schedule includes paella presentations to the jury at 2.30pm and 3.00pm, with awards announced at 5.00pm. Prizes include €1,000 for first place, €500 for second, €250 for third, and €100 for the remaining participants.
For expats on the Costa del Sol, this event is a great chance to connect with the local community, enjoy Spanish cuisine, and support a good cause. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just curious, the Estepona Charity Paella Competition is not to be missed.
To register or learn more, visit the Estepona Town Council’s Electronic Headquarters, where you can download the registration form and contest rules from the Notice Board.
Benalmadena hosts Sabor a Malaga fair
BENALMADENA is set to host the Sabor a Malaga fair this weekend, from Friday 25 to Sunday April 27, at Plaza Adolfo Suarez in Arroyo de la Miel. The event will run daily from 11am to 9pm. This marks the second consecutive year the town welcomes the popular food and drink market.
The fair will feature 36 producers from across the province, offering a range of local products, including extra-virgin olive oil, goat and cow cheeses, cured meats, honey, tropical fruits, artisanal bread, pastries, wines, and craft beers.
cial corner for local sweets and desserts.
Attendees can enjoy a full programme of activities, including live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and workshops led by local chefs. Live music performances are also scheduled, featuring the municipal music school’s guitar and piano concert, the group Ochenta2, and singer Gines Gonzalez.
New this year, visitors will also find children’s entertainment and a spe-
Organised by the Benalmadena Town Hall in collaboration with the Diputacion de Malaga’s Sabor a Malaga brand, the fair aims to promote the region’s agri-food sector and support local producers. Last year’s edition had an economic impact exceeding €220,000, highlighting the event’s significance for the local economy.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast or looking for a family-friendly outing, the Sabor a Malaga fair offers an excellent opportunity to experience the flavours and culture of the province.
Connecting this spring
THIS is a wonderful time of year as Mother Nature awakens from winter, bringing renewal and reconnection.
Age Concern Marbella - San Pedro invites older expat neighbours to join their five delightful coffee mornings, hosted by qualified volunteers who ensure everyone feels included. These gatherings are perfect for making new friends and reconnecting with old ones.
At their San Pedro Community Centre, Age Concern offers a variety of free activities and events tailored to everyone’s interests. They also need volunteers to support two care homes, spending time with residents who rarely receive visitors. However, a gap remains, and now
they’re looking for additional volunteers for home visits to share a cuppa and chat, bringing joy to those unable to attend the events.
Volunteering with Age Concern is a chance to combat loneliness and social isolation among older neighbours. Your life skills can make a meaningful difference. If you have time to spare and want to give back,
contact Age Concern Marbella - San Pedro. Their mission is to ensure no one feels alone and everyone can live their best life. Reach out weekdays from 10am to 6pm on 689 355 198 or email info@ageconcernmar bella.com with your daytime number for a prompt reply. Join them in making a difference today.
Credit:Canva
Having a cuppa together.
Seafood paella.
King’s Day in Torremolinos:
EVERY
dancing and Dutch pride.
love a good party, King’s King’s Day festivities.
AGE CONCERN Fuengirola, Mijas and Benalmadena got the Easter celebrations started by celebrating a fish and chip lunch with live music from Barry Mac at La Sierra Golf Club on Good Friday.
a tradition, but why?
year, the Dutch community in Torremolinos throws one of the biggest and brightest parties on the Costa del Sol, King’s Day. Known as Koningsdag in Dutch, this national holiday celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. In 2025, the celebration will take place on Saturday, April 26, as the 27th falls on a Sunday.
Torremolinos is home to more than 700 registered Dutch nationals, and on King’s Day, it seems like every one of them, and many more from across the coast, come out to celebrate. From inland towns to nearby cities, hundreds of people dressed in orange gather for a day filled with music, food,
Why orange? The Dutch royal family is known as the House of Orange, and orange symbolises unity and national pride. It’s common to see Dutch flags, face paint, and orange outfits from head to toe.
Day in Torremolinos is not to be missed. It’s easily the best Dutch party on the Costa del Sol.
Some 130 clients enjoyed a two-course lunch and transport for just €15. This offer for clients was another of the charity’s social club activities that offers supportive environments and companionship of shared meals to older adults. During the event, lucky winners got to take home prizes of Easter hampers alongside Easter eggs and themed goodies.
Age Concern, Fuengirola, Mijas and Benalmadena meet up.
Eating fish on a Friday has long been
The tradition of eating fish stems from the Church’s historical practice of abstaining from meat on this day, particularly during Lent, to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion. Fish became a popular substitute, as it was considered a permissible protein source during times of fasting. This practice also reflects the symbolic significance of fish in Christian teachings and is linked to the biblical narrative of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Age Concern Fuengirola, Mijas & Benalmadena offer a calendar of events throughout the year. For more information, visit their website at www.age concernfym.com.
King’s Day in Torremolinos: Wild Cazbah weekend Feel Good Friday Age Concern
King’s Day has a long tradition. It was originally known as Queen’s Day when Queen Beatrix was head of state. Since 2014, the holiday has honoured her son, King Willem-Alexander, who was born on April 27.
Although the official celebrations in the Netherlands often include a royal visit to a different town each year, here in Torremolinos, the focus is on fun and community spirit.
Whether you’re Dutch or
THERE’S another wild weekend lined up at the Cazbah Live Lounge in Mijas with reviving 70s and 80s rock classics, one of the greatest punk rock bands on the coast, and a night of classic burlesque for the senses.
On Thursday, April 24, free of charge, Laura Killeny brings her mix of 70s and 80s rock classics from Suzi Quatro, U2, Fleetwood Mac, and loads more to get you on the dancefloor.
On Friday, April 25, a rare chance to see the most fun rock’n’punk sounds from this
paper’s favourites, Killer Rockets, full of all your indie, rock, and pure energy rock-outs.
Then, on Saturday, April 26,
one of the Cazbah crowd’s favourites - the Cirque Magnifique night, with Cazbah’s excellent in-house performers - and a mindblowing night that will leave the audience with their jaws gaping once more. This one will set you back €15 but is well worth the show.
bah’s excellent in-house once at 9pm, and all will book out
As usual, tables can be booked by calling 602 535 710. Each evening kicks off at 9pm, and all will book out fast, so get your reservations in quick.
The Cazbah Live Lounge is located on Avenida de Rota Torrenueva, Mijas.
The weekend at Cazbah Live Lounge in Mijas.
Paige Lefley
interviewed
PAIGE LEFLEY, singer, yoga teacher, and fire breather (no, really), is about to present her spectacular tribute show to Lady Gaga at the Salón Varietes alongside Jai Northover as Ed Sheeran.
Euro Weekly News interrupted Paige’s morning run to talk with her about music, performing and life in Spain.
How did you get into performing?
Paige: I was working at Olivia’s in La Cala, and I was invited to learn fire-breathing. I thought if I don’t give it a go now, I never will. So, I joined classes.
I see you’ve become a yoga teacher.
Paige: Yeah, I went to India earlier this year for training, so now I’m going to a vegan retreat in May to give yoga classes.
Recently, Paige gave up alcohol. Now, she wants to use what she
learnt in India to help others with quitting the booze.
What can we expect at the upcoming show?
Paige: I’ll be performing with dancers this time.
We’ve had plenty of practice together at hotel dates. I’ve been pretty much Gaga all week! I’ll be doing a couple of numbers with Jai too.
When you’re not rehearsing, what do you listen to?
Paige: Nostalgic 90s and 2000s stuff, and recently Organica and Indian House.
Paige Lefley and Jai Northover are playing at
the Salón Varietés in Fuengirola. On Friday, April 25, and Saturday 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available for €20, either from the website or at the box
Students bring Mamma Mia! to life in Benalmadena
BENALMADENA’S municipal auditorium will come alive on Saturday, April 26, with the sounds of ABBA as students from IES AlBaytar take to the stage to perform the hit musical Mamma Mia!
The show starts at 8.30pm and promises a fun night out for a great cause. All money raised will go to AFAB, the local Alzheimer’s association, which supports people living with Alzheimer’s and their families across the Costa del Sol.
This musical production is a joint effort between the school and its parent association (AMPA). Students have spent months preparing the songs, dances and set design. It’s a family-friendly event with energy, catchy tunes, and colourful costumes.
Tickets cost just €5 and can be pur-
chased from the school, at AFAB’s headquarters, or the auditorium before the show. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live entertainment while helping a local charity doing vital work.
Benalmadena locals and expats are encouraged to attend and support this community initiative. Whether you’re an ABBA fan or just looking for something different to do this weekend, Mamma Mia! is sure to lift your spirits.
AFAB is based in Arroyo de la Miel and offers resources, activities, and advice to families affected by Alzheimer’s. By supporting this musical, you’ll be helping them continue their much-needed work.
So mark your calendar, grab your dancing shoes, and don’t miss this feel-good show in Benalmadena’s municipal auditorium.
Paige Lefley landed on her feet in Costa del Sol.
Credit: PL
Credit: Benalmadena Town Hall, Facebook.
Labero’s Magic World
YOU are going to be spellbound as world-renowned Swedish illusionist Joe Labero brings his mesmerising Labero’s Magic World to the Plaza de Toros in Fuengirola.
From May 2 all the way until August 31, the normally exclusive ‘boutique magic’ show promises an intimate, mystique-filled with a mix of sions, hilarity, and theatrical excitement.
Performances run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8.30pm to 10pm, with dazzling shows for audiences of all ages.
Labero, a master magician with more than three decades of global performances, has left millions across 50 countries with their mouths gaping, from Las Vegas to Singapore. His career peaks include the 1991 Grand Prix International de Magie and the 2009 Illusionist of the Decade award, previously won by David Copperfield.
Known around the world for his soldout shows like A Magic Night and Mystique in Australia, Labero’s original mix of magic and storytelling has earned him international acclaim.
You can add to your evening with a dinner package at the Plaza de Toros
restaurant, starting at 6.30pm, featuring delicious cuisine. A drinks package is available during the show, served at your table. Tickets start at €29.50 (50 per cent off regular €59), valid until August 31, 2025. For convenience, VIP parking is offered via the wooden gate beside the Church/Bioparc. Bookings can be made online at plazadetorosfuengirola.com for a magical night that will be unforgettable. Fuengirola bull ring is on Calle Camino Jose Cela, 12, Fuengirola.
Fuengirola hosts free Eurovision viewing Fuengirola hosts free Eurovision viewing
GET ready, Eurovision fans, Fuengirola is throwing a party you won’t want to miss.
On Saturday, May 10, the town will host a free, open-air screening of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 at the Marenostrum venue.
The event will kick off at 8pm with live music from Stereo 80, a popular local band known for their energetic covers of 80s hits. After the warm-up act, the main event, Eurovision’s Grand Final, will be shown on a massive screen.
Entry is free, and no tickets are required, making it a perfect night out for locals and expats. Just bring your friends, your flags, and your best dance moves.
Whether you’re cheering for Spain, the UK, or another favourite, this is a fun and
festive way to enjoy the Eurovision in one of the Costa del Sol’s most
venues. Food and drink will be available on-site, and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Fuengirola Town Hall is encouraging everyone to join in and enjoy this international celebration of music, diversity, and unity.
The Marenostrum stage, set against the backdrop of the sea and Sohail Castle, is one of the best outdoor venues in southern Spain, and it’s a fitting location for a night that brings Europe together.
Mark your calendar, grab your mates, and head to Marenostrum. Fuengirola is ready to celebrate the Eurovision in style: you’re invited.
iconic seaside
Credit: Fuengirola Town Hall.
Joe Labero, dazzling audiences.
Rodrigo Romero with representatives of the international community.
Andrew, Figaro’s heart
IN La Cala de Mijas, they know him for his warmth, professionalism and his personal touch. They know him as Andrew from Figaro.
Andrew brings with him all the experience of hospitality learned in Hungary, Germany, Austria and Michelin star quality in Switzerland.
recommend a wine perfectly.
“When we open, we are ‘on air’ and forget everything else out there. Focusing, concentrating. The customer is everything.”
He began at age 14 working in a busy restaurant on the shores of Lake Balaton, always learning. He worked for a high-end French hotel chain, and in a Swiss Michelin star hotel in Switzerland.
Andrew is an integral part of everything that happens at Figaro, from testing recipes, to checking for food intolerance issues, to ensuring the customer has the best experience.
“We are open every day, all year round, because our customers come back again and again,” says the Hungarian born manager of Figaro in La Cala de Mijas. “They say, ‘we came because you were recommended. Oh, you must be Andrew!’ They come for the quality of the food. We do things in a different way.”
Eighteen years in Spain,
“I’ve built my own system from the places I’ve worked. How the service has to be done. I train my waiters, record videos for them, how to decant the wine, how to
CHRISTY’S Irish Gastro Pub and Sports Lounge, TripAdvisor’s best bar in Fuengirola, is where cupid goes for a pint of the black stuff. Sam and Mark loved it so much, they have just returned to celebrate.
Two happy customers, Mark and Sam, loved their time at Christy’s so much that they decided to return to celebrate their honeymoon. When on their first holiday together, they happened upon Christy’s and fell in love. So, naturally, that’s where they wanted to return to celebrate their marriage.
Mark said, “We love everything about Christy’s. The staff and the craic are fabulous. I love the breakfasts and the mixed grill, and of course the Guinness is the best I’ve ever tasted outside of Ireland.”
Sam chipped in, “We
Meet Andrew at Figaro, Calle Ronda, 34, La Cala de Mijas. Booking +34 951 744 246 is in the
air
Sam and Mark in love and at Christy’s.
adore going to Christy’s. I love the cocktails and the food, plus the staff have all become friends. There was no way we’d have gone anywhere else on honeymoon. Team Christy’s even sent us a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of Champagne on our wedding day.”
Take in the atmosphe-
re with their amazing icecold beer bucket offers or a pint of Guinness. There are lunch and dinner meals to fit all bellies too, from light snacks to the colossal Tomahawk challenge (five free pints of Guinness for anyone who can finish it in under 45 minutes!). Great food, all day long, and without the siesta.
Andrew, mastermind behind Figaro.