From the area, they emphasise that "all the seniors who were on the waiting list and fulfilled the requirements have been able to travel
the malaga symphony orchestra 7th a ‘pastorales’ cultural meeting will welcome 2025 in Mijas
The II INTERNATIONAL OPEN
C t ul is played in Mijas
Organised by the Brotherhood of Jesús Vivo and the Culture Department and will begin at 12 noon in the square of the Las Lagunas parish church
SSPANISH PAGE 08
The New Year's concert will take place on December 27th, at 20:00 hours, in the Manuel España Theatre; admission will be free
SPANISH PAGE 29
Four million LED lights illuminate Christmas in Mijas
Last Friday 29th, the official switching on of the artistic Christmas lights took place in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo
magical time of the year. The Mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, and the councillor for Festivities and Traditions, Silvia Marín, were in charge of inaugurating this year’s Christmas illumination, which now decorates some thirty streets and squares in the municipality. The event featured performances by the Mijas Music Band, the gospel choir ‘Hoy es Tiempo’ and a dance performance by Reme Fernández’s students. There was also a foam cannon and a Christmas village with Father Christmas’ house and stalls with typical Christmas products / M.C.
Mijas Navidad Gourmet
La Venta La Butibamba was the first establishment to join GastroMijas
More than 400 players will take part in this pétanque tournament held at La Cala Fairgrounds from the 5th to the 8th of December begins its journey
The IX Route of Solidarity Trees begins on December 6th
It can be visited until January 5th and, by purchasing the map with the route, you can help the victims of the DANA
Mijas celebrates on Friday 6th the anniversary of the Constitution in the Virgen de la Peña square
The event will start at 10 hours and includes a concert by the Municipal Band and a tasting of churros and fritters
SPANISH PAGE /13
Thursday 12th marks the start of the activities for Reading Day in Andalusia
SPANISH PAGE /12
The UP celebrates
its Christmas gala
The talk ‘’La realidad y la literatura: verdad, invención y fakes news‘’ will take place at 19 hours in the Manuel España Theatre
On Wednesday 11th at the Manuel España Theatre SPANISH PAGE /23
SPANISH PAGE /23
Mijas is already shining for Christmas. The Virgen de la Peña square hosted the official switching on of the Christmas lights, as this year it was Mijas Pueblo’s turn to be the stage for this long awaited moment that welcomes this
Christmas time
lights up its
Christmas
On Friday 29th, the city inaugurated its new lighting and welcomed this special time of year with a party in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña
Report by Irene Pérez / Design: Isabel Merino
Since last Friday 29th of November, the traditional Christmas lights have been illuminating more than thirty streets and public spaces in the municipality of Mijas. To inaugurate the arrival of this special time of the year, the Mijas Town Hall also organised a big party in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña, with the participation of the Mijas Music Band, the dance group of Reme Fernández and the gospel choir ‘Hoy es Tiempo’.
“This year for Christmas we have lit up the usuall streets of the municipality, but we also wanted to reach corners where, until now, had not been decorated”, said, on Friday at this event, the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), noting that “throughout this month we will celebrate Christmas all over the municipality, in La Cala, in Las Lagunas and Mijas Pueblo”. It was an afternoon full of magic and hope, in which residents and visitors alike welcomed the arrival of Christmas, one of the happiest periods of the year, especially for the youngest members of the family. This is also the time to listen to the traditional Christmas carols, which on Friday were performed firstly
by the Mijas Music Band, and the gospel choir ‘Hoy es Tiempo’, from Málaga, who continued to set the mood for an evening that, more than ever, was going to be brilliant. For their part, the group of the Mijas UP, led by the teacher Reme Fernández, danced to the rhythm of sevillanas and rumbas navideñas. After the musical performances the most awaited countdown began, which officially inaugurated and illuminated Christmas in Mijas. “I would like to thank the work that, for several weeks, has been carried out by the Operational Services, Festivities, Cleaning departments... all to prepare this special day and decorate our municipality”, said he mayoress of Mijas.
Also the councillor for Festivities, Silvia Marín (PP), pointed out that “little by little, we have tried to make Mijas, especially now at Christmas, so unique and beautiful, and this year we also wanted to add a small detail, up in our mountains, in the chapel of Calvario, where we have placed a star to illuminate the town from above and, of course, also serve as a guide for Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men”. Friday afternoon was, all in all, very enjoyable and long awaited by all those present.
An evening of performances
Prior to the switching on of the lights, the evening of Friday 29th was enlivened by various performances. The first performance was by the Mijas Music Band, with a Christmas repertoire, followed by Reme Fernández’s students, who added a flamenco touch to the evening.
Finally, the gospel group Hoy es tiempo, which illuminated the evening with their candles and voices, created the right atmosphere for the light to shine throughout the municipality.
Fun for everyone
there was also a small village where they could visit Father Christmas’ house, as well as some food stalls where they could taste, for example, some delicious fritters. In addition, there was a large marquee with music and a bar offering drinks for everyone.
Just after the Christmas lights were switched on, snow fell on the Plaza Virgen de la Peña thanks to a foam cannon that delighted the little ones. For them,
The mayoress Ana Mata, together with members of her government team, and the director of the Mijas Music Band, Francisco Valcárcel / M.C.
A CHRISTMAS REPERTOIRE
The Mijas Music Band enlivened the afternoon with the songs Noche de paz, We wish you a Merry Christmas, Adeste Fideles, Adorar al Niño, Corre, corre al Portalico; Los Reyes Magos or Campana sobre campana. For their part, the gospel group performed the pieces Jubilosos, Qué niño es este, Oh Happy Day, En la Navidad and Hermoso nombre.
Christmas time
...And there was light
Young and old alike were delighted with the illumination of the square, an area which this Christmas will host various activities such as Father Christmas’ village, the visit of the Royal
the
In Mijas Pueblo
The mayoress and the councillor for Festivities inaugurated the artistic Christmas lights / M.C.
Osunillas, the Plaza de la Constitución and the streets Carril, Compás, Caños, Málaga and San Sebastián, as well as the Avenida de Méjico and the Plaza Virgen de la Peña are the streets that have been illuminated in Mijas Pueblo.
Las Lagunas
ILLUMINATED STREETS
This year’s artistic Christmas lighting has four million LED lights, half a million more than last year. In total, 30 streets and squares have been illuminated throughout the municipality. In the picture above, Calle Málaga at its intersection with Calle San Sebastián, which on Friday 29th was already looking very Christmassy.
La Cala
In Las Lagunas, the avenues Miguel Hernández, Mijas Alta, Mijas, Los Lirios, Margaritas and Andalucía, Camino de Coín, Camino de Campanales, Camino del Albero, the park next to the parish church San Manuel González, Doña Ermita and the roundabouts t have been lit. The streets María Zambrano, Vicente Aleixandre, San Javier, Antonio Machado, Virgen de la Paz, Virgen de la Concepción, La Unión, Río Aguas, Río Las Pasadas, Dinamarca, Geranio and the streets around the Corte Inglés have lighting.
In La Cala de Mijas, the streets Cártama, Marbella, Torremolinos and Torreón, as well as the boulevard and the Paseo Costa del Sol have been illuminated.
On the left, Cs councillor José Carlos Martín; over these lines, PSOE councillors attended the event / M.C.
Postman and
start of the Three Wise Men’s parade.
Christmas time
The IX Route of the
Solidarity
The Tourism Department presented on Monday 2nd the IX Route of Solidarity Trees, an activity that seeks to raise funds for the victims of the DANA and which is organised by Caritas in collaboration with the Town Hall. It is an initiative in which businesses, associations, brotherhoods and neighbours of the municipality participate and which pursues two objectives: to decorate the streets at Christmas and to raise funds to help the people who need it most. “A lot of young people are also taking part because high school students are going to put up a tree in the Plaza de los Siete Caños. Then, in the Forge, there is another tree that a girl has put up with the help of her parents; she has made all the decorations. Then there are also neighbours who have joined together to put up a tree”, explained María Jesús Moreno, a Caritas volunteer.
Those interested in participating just have to purchase the map with the location of the trees from the Tourist Office. In addition, the route includes a competition to choose the tree with the most votes by means of a donation of one euro per map, which will be donated in its entirety to Caritas. “We want this activity to be a meeting point for families and an example of how, together, we can make a big difference”, said the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox). The trees will be on display in different parts of the municipality until the 5th of January. The places to collect and hand in the maps include, in addition to the Mijas Pueblo Tourist Office, the Botello Pharmacy and Calzados Moreno. There will also be a final draw with prizes for participants. During the presentation, the councillor for Tourism highlighted the importance of this proposal by pointing out that “the Route of Solidarity Trees is an example of the solidarity and union of the Mijeños to help those who need it most on these special dates”. Caritas emphasised the positi-
gets underway Trees
The initiative, organised by Caritas with the collaboration of the Mijas Town Hall, will run from the 6th of December to the 5th of January From 6th of December to 5th of January
IX Route of Solidarity Trees
navidades, lecturas
ve impact of these initiatives, highlighting that “in times of difficulty, it is when the generosity of our community
is most valued”. All proceeds will go to support families affected by the DANA, thus reinforcing the commitment of
both the organisation and the municipality to the most vulnerable, as confirmed by the parish priest of Mijas Pueblo,
From the 6th of December to the 5th of January
Unidos por el flamenco deseos mijas natural navidad el arbol de la luz el calvario tolerancia navidad artesana jou jou jou mil y una ilusion de todo corazon arbol musical del coro al caño santa lata lluvia de estrellas los pompones van bolas dulces de navidad salvemos el mediterraneo
Hermán Marcel. “This initiative raises awareness of all the work Caritas does, which to me is very, very meaningful”.
The councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez, together with members of Caritas and the parish priest of Mijas Pueblo, Hernán Marcel / M.C.
Report by Beatriz Martín / Design: Isabel Merino
Get your map at the Mijas Tourist Office with the location of all the trees for a donation of just one euro. Vote for your favourite tree; all proceeds will go to Cáritas.
Distinction for the tree with the most votes Donation 1
FINAL DRAW WITH PRIZES
Get the maps at the Mijas Tourist Office, the Bootello pharmacy and Calzados Moreno
Organised by Caritas and the Mijas Town Hall. Everything raised will be donated to the victims of the DANA
Christmas time
Mijas Pueblo inaugurates its
Christmas market
This is an initiative by Public Roads that can be visited until 31st of December in the Plaza de la Constitución from 11 to 19 hours
Cristina Bejarano / Design: I. Merino can enjoy this special time of the year”, explained the mayoress.
On Friday 29th, the nine stalls of the Mijas Pueblo Christmas Market opened their doors, and to inaugurate it, the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), accompanied by the councillor for Public Roads, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), the area that organises it, and other councillors of the government team, came to see first hand everything that we can find in it.
The market can be visited until the 31st of December from 11 to 19 hours in the Plaza de la Constitución, and has the participation of twelve traders, including artisans and entrepreneurs of the town.
“From the Mijas Town Hall we have tried to decorate and prepare each corner and area in the municipality so that families
For her part, the councillor for Public Roads said that “last year we started and created this market, so we had to continue it as it worked quite well last year. This year we have taken it up again and have been able to add more decoration”.
Located in a pedestrian area, it has a wide variety of products such as Christmas sweets, wooden crafts, decorations for the Christmas tree, accessories and cold meats. In addition, in some cases, the funds raised will be donated to charities such as, for example, the Association of Relatives of People with Alzheimer’s, AFA Mijas. There are also other stalls, such as that of Amor a Málaga and the one run by the artisan Humildad Ríos
The
Collectives raise funds at Mijas with a caring soul
AFA Mijas, Adimi, the AECC, Casa Luna or Avatés were some of the participants
The Andalucía Park hosted on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th the first ‘Mijas con alma solidaria’ (Mijas with a caring soul) market. The Department of Social Inclusion organised this initiative with the participation of different associations seeking to raise funds for their causes. The event included dance and singing performances and many surprises. “People are very supportive and, of course, we have some incredible associations”, said the councillor for Social Inclusion, Melisa Ceballos (PP). Among these groups were present AFA Mijas, Adimi, the Spanish Association Against Cancer, Casa Luna, Avatés, Ronald McDonald House, Afesol, Apaffer and Cudeca.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, visited the market together with several councillors from the government team / C.B.
councillors Melisa Ceballos and Daniel Gómez with members of some of the associations that set up their stands at the market / M.C.
The TAPAS choir enlivens the Christmas spirit with its concert
The international choir TAPAS gave their traditional Christmas Concert on the afternoon of Tuesday 3rd at the La Cala Branch Office. During the show we were able to enjoy a wide repertoire of Christmas carols in English which attracted a mostly foreign audience. The Mijas Town Hall collaborates in the organisation of this event, which has been repeated every Christmas for more than 20 years.
Although its name sounds very Spanish, TAPAS, this choir is mostly made up of foreign residents. This acronym means Performing Arts Society of Andalusia. “There are more than 30 members, English, Dutch, American and Spanish; the choir is growing all the time, and that is a joy for me”, said its director, James Burn, who has been conducting it for five years, although
SOLIDARITY
the group has been singing for more than two decades. “Every year it gets better and better, and I am really happy to work with them”, Burn added.
The Foreigners Department, once again this year, was responsible for setting this event in its programme of activities for Christmas, free and open to all citizens. “The aim is to make it easier for foreigners to enjoy this show and to get to know the facilities of the branch office, which are here to provide the
best possible service to everyone”, said the councillor responsible for the area, Mario Bravo (PP).
Idiliq donates 3,000 spectacles to Eyedrop, Alan and Jenny Boardman’s project in Africa
C.L. The project was born out of Alan and Jenny Boardman’s desire to help the most disadvantaged populations in Africa. Last year they travelled to Gambia, and in January 2025 they will travel to Uganda. In their suitcases, around 3,000 donated spectacles and school supplies for the children of this African country. According to Alan, “Uganda is a country with many problems, with many poor people. We launched the campaign on Facebook and in the press and we put a small box in twenty places so that people could leave their spectacles and collaborate”.
This is how the project started, but volunteers from the Idiliq Foundation set to work looking for opticians and shops that could collaborate. Several churches have also done the same. Finally, this is the result: thousands of spectacles.
The ambassador of the Idiliq Foundation, Hernán Lara, said that “this campaign has been aimed at opticians in various towns such as Benalmádena, Mijas and Fuengirola and, in particular, in Linares, where they have contributed more than 2,000 spectacles”.
In January, Alan and his wife Jenny will deliver everything collected to the most vulnerable
towns and villages in the country. The Mijas Town Hall thanked the work of these volunteers and the work of the Idiliq Foundation. The councillor for Volunteering, Melisa Ceballos (PP), expressed her gratitude “to Idiliq and to Alan and Jenny, who are the promoters of this beautiful initiative. We cannot forget the most needy throughout the year, much less at Christmas”.
FOREIGNERS AND LA CALA LIONS CLUB
The Christmas Market arrives at La Butibamba Park
A.M./C.M. On Sunday 1st, the Butibamba Park was filled with Christmas spirit with the celebration of the Christmas Market organised by the La Cala Lions Club. The market had stands of all kinds, such as that of the Foreigners Department, which collaborates with this solidarity initiative. “Today we already have more than 60 stands, when the first year we only had 20, last year 40 and next year we hope to reach 100”, said Katja Thirion, a
+NEWS
technician from the Department. “There is a lot of Christmas stuff and Father Christmas is going to visit us to give presents to the children. The event also has a train”, said the president of the Lions Club, Karen Blair. The councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP), said that “it is easy to find a space in La Cala car park but today it seems to be quite full thanks to activities like this which are also organised and supervised by the department”.
Zoco Home will hold a Christmas market this Saturday 7th in aid of Cudeca.-
With the aim of raising funds to support the Cudeca Foundation, Zoco Home, located at Centro Idea (Ctra. Mijas, km. 3.6), is hosting a Christmas market on the 7th of December from 10 to 16 hours. The market will feature a food truck, stands of talented artists, local brands, florists, live music, raffles, free fun activities for the little ones to enjoy the festive spirit and lots of surprises. Admission will be one euro and all proceeds will go directly to the foundation.
On Sunday 8th, Donkey Dreamland holds its Christmas Fair, from 11 to 17 hours.-
Donkey Dreamland has organised a Christmas Fair for Sunday 8th of December, which will be open from 11 to 17 hours and will be free of charge for all attendees. The fair will feature activities for the whole family and stalls offering handmade crafts, seasonal treats and gifts perfect for the festive season. In addition, during the Christmas Fair, visitors will be able to interact with the donkeys at the shelter. “You can visit Santa’s Grotto, where children will be able to share their Christmas wishes with our Santa Rita in person”, said the group.
Councillor Mario Bravo and the area’s technician Laura Córdoba / N.L.
The councillor for Volunteering, Melisa Ceballos (right), together with the promoters of the initiative and members of the Idiliq Foundation / C.Luque.
B.Martín / N.Luque
The councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo, with the area’s technicians at the market / M.C.
WHAT´S ON
THURSDAY 5TH
Collective exhibition ‘Viajes’, by Nuevo Enfoque Mijas
Las lagunas Cultural Centre, 20 hours
Until the 7th of January
Inauguration of the Nativity Scene of the El Juncal NA C/Virgen de la Concepción, 20 h
Performance by La Cala ‘Pastoral’
Mijas Gourmet Christmas: Workshop of sweet Christmas surprises
Christmas market in the Plaza de la Constitución in Mijas Pueblo, from 12 to 14 h
Led by the chefs Esteban Sedeño and Daniel Guerrero
FRIDAY 6TH
Celebration of the Constitution Day
Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo, at 10 h
Reading of different articles of the Magna Carta, raising of the flag, concert by the Mijas Municipal Band and a tasting of churros and fritters
La Cala Lions Club Christmas Party
Cyrano Bar & Grill (La Cala), 13:30 hours
Tickets: 60 euros per person. Available on 663 529 280 (Sandie)
SATURDAY 7TH
Cultural meeting of ‘pastorales’ Virgen de la Paz
Square of the Casa Hermandad de Jesús Vivo y Nuestra Señora de la Paz and Nuestra Señora de la Piedad
Participating: ‘pastorales’ of Las Lagunas, Las Rozas, Virgen de la Paz and Amigos del Camorro. Collaborating: Peña Unión del Cante, India Molina and C.R. Canta Marbella. They will also inaugurate the nativity scene of the brotherhood
Christmas Market at Zoco Home in aid of Cudeca
Centro Idea, from 10 to 16 hours
Tickets: 1 euro (in aid of Cudeca)
‘Madre mía’, with Ismael Lemais and Isita Díaz
Manuel España Theatre, 20 hours
Tickets: 20 euros. Available at https://tickets.oneboxtds.com
Jerez sings in Mijas for Christmas
Peña Unión del Cante, 21 h
With Carmen Grilo, Ana de los Reyes, Tamara del Tañé, Rocío Soto, Gema la Cantaora, Pedro Niño de la Fragua, Manuel Moneo, and Pedro El Chanquita singing. On guitar: Juan Manuel Moneo and José Carlos G. Pozo; percussion by Carlos Merino; ‘palmas’ by Eli G Pozo and hand drum by Ali de la Tota
SUNDAY 8TH
Zambomba flamenca
Peña Flamenca del Sur at 16 h
Performance by Manuel Heredia
‘El Yuke’, Curro Cueto, Isaac Santiago and Juan A. Pérez
‘Papá Noel. El Musical de la Navidad’
Manuel España Theatre, 12 hours
Tickets: 7,5 euros . Can be purchased from two hours before the show, at the theatre
Blessing of the Nativity Scene in the parish of La Inmaculada
After the mass at 11:30 h
Christmas Fair at Donkey Dreamland
From 11 to 17 hours
With activities for the whole family and stalls offering handmade crafts, seasonal treats and gifts for the festive season
Christmas Party
Peña Flamenca del Sur at 18 h
Performance by Pastoral La Rosa
Coexistence Day of the Virgen de la Peña Brotherhood
Outside the Casa Hermandad in Calle Málaga, Mijas Pueblo at 17 h
Inauguration and blessing of a square in honour of Manuel Martín Rodríguez
There will be fritters, chocolate, sweet wine and liquor and a performance by the Pastoral de Las Lagunas
MONDAY 9TH
Christmas show by Academina Fama
La Cala Branch Office, at 13 h
WEDNESDAY 11TH
‘La magia de la Navidad’ by the UP Manuel España Theatre in Las Lagunas, at 17:30 h
Christmas show by the UP students
THURSDAY 12TH
Reading Day
IX Route of Solidarity Trees in Mijas
Mijas Pueblo
Until the 5th of January you can visit the 20 trees that different collectives have distributed around the village
One euro will be collected in aid of Caritas as a donation for the map You can pick up a copy at the Tourist Office in Mijas
Solidarity Tables ‘Make solidarity your gift this autumn’ Branch Office square in La Cala, each Wednesday and Saturday from the 4th to the 28th of December, from 11 to 14 hours
DO NOT MISS
Christmas market in La Cala de Mijas
La Cala Boulevard, from 11 hours. Open every day until the 6th of January
Gastronomy, performances, Father Christmas visit...
Christmas market in Mijas Pueblo Plaza de la Constitución, from 11 to 19 hours
Until the 31st of December
Next performances in the marquee: Friday 6th of December, group Maniacos at 9:30 h and then DJ Tony Galiano. On Saturday 7th at 18 hours, again DJ Tony Galiano. On Sunday 8th, at 19:30 hours, Fran Alba and then DJ Caba
Second hand market
Las Lagunas Fairground and at Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa Sundays from 9 to 14 h
Manuel España Theatre, 19 h Debate of writers with the participation of Isabel San Sebastián Cabasés, Lena Rivera, Fernando Rueda and Pablo Martín Carbajal arboles Solidarios
Flamenco show Every Wednesday at 12 h
Exhibition of the Mijas Craft Association by Laura Benavides and JJ Martín Quiroga Mijas Tourist Office Monday to Friday from 9 to 18 hours. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 14 hours. Until December 30th
Exhibition of engraving, collagraph and collage by Seita Van Den Eeden Folks Museum in Mijas Pueblo
Until the 9th of December
Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo Every Saturday at 12 h
Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo
Exhibition by Círculo de Pintores Solidarios
La Cala Cultural Centre
Until the 16th of December
Until the
HOTEL LA ZAMBRA
Artisan Market at La Zambra Resort
Join for an authentic Christmas market on December 14, 15, 21, and 22, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the hotel entrance
In collaboration with the Mijas Artisans Association, you’ll find unique gifts, special experiences, and festive treats. Plus, there will be activities specially designed for children. Free entry
Exhibition ‘Dalí. The Divine Comedy. Purgatorio’ Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) in Mijas
