Magical night in La Cala and the ‘Summer Cinema 2025’
YOUTH DEPARTMENT PRESENTS
On Monday 23rd there will be live music in both centres from 20 hours, as well as the traditional burning of the 'júas' at midnight
From July 2nd to August 13th, 'Despicable Me', 'Wonka' and 'Ghostbusters' will be screened at the three centres
Las FAIR 2025
The festivities kick off on the 25th with the inauguration of the fairground, the king and queen contest, and a concert by Marisol Bizcocho and Álvaro García to the
Lagunas
labrador wins 200m freestyle
at National Adaptive Championship
The Mijas Swimming Club swimmer also won bronze in the 100m freestyle and broke the Spanish record in the 100m breaststroke
The Court of Auditors concludes there were irregularities in the Cala Mijas contract
The auditing body has closed the case, noting that the matters “are still in the administrative resolution or collection phase” NEWS/09
ive lue lags are now flying along the Mijas coastline
After meeting the stringent criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, information, and accessibility set by the Association for Environmental Education and Consumer Protection (ADEAC), Mijas’ beaches have renewed their four Blue Flags and regained an additional one at Calahonda-Riviera, ensuring their excellence. As well as at this beach, on Friday 13th the flags were raised at Calahonda-Royal Beach-La Luna, El Bombo, El Chaparral, and La Cala. The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, along with councillors Francisco Jerez, Daniel Gómez Teruel, and Marco Cortés, attended the flag-raising ceremony, joined by Carlos Morales, delegate of Mijas Beach Businesses; Juan Miguel Marcos, vice president of Aehcos in the town; and staff from the lifeguard and cleaning teams / B.M. NEWS/02-03
Mijas Comunicación is screening a documentary that showcases more than six decades of history in this residential area
The Town Hall and the Provincial Council back AI to boost the local tourism sector
A workshop will offer tools to improve the municipality’s image through technological solutions
NEWS/08
The Mijas Town Hall appears in the UCO report in messages from the year 2022
A builder asked Koldo which “ganadería” (party) governed the municipality, to which he replied that it was the “PSOE”
The Las Cañadas Water Park in Las Lagunas opens for families to enjoy the summer
This play area features a closed water circuit and pH control to ensure maximum safety of the facilities
NEWS/10
FIVE BLUE FLAGS
ARE NOW FLYING ON the beaches of Mijas
Report by Beatriz Martín / Design: Carmen Martín
Once again this summer, we can see the Blue Flags flying in Mijas, and this year, not just four but five. The flag at Calahonda-Riviera joins those that for several seasons have proudly flown at the beaches of Calahonda-Royal Beach-La Luna, El Bombo, El Chaparral, and La Cala. The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), was in charge of raising the flag last Friday, 13th, accompanied by the councillors for Beaches and Tourism, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP) and Francisco Jerez (Vox), respectively, as well as representatives from the town’s tourism sector. Speaking from Calahonda-Riviera beach, the mayoress highlighted: “We are standing at a spot where, since 2017, there has been no flag to guarantee or endorse all the standards we must work on throughout the year to keep our beaches in top condition. This shows we’ve done things better this year and we’re not stopping here, we’re going for a sixth”.
Strict Audits
These flags are awarded to Mijas after meeting the strict parameters for water quality, environmental management, safety, information, and coastal accessibility, set by the Environmental and Consumer Education Association (ADEAC), the body responsible for awarding these distinctions. “We are one of the most awarded municipalities and this is thanks to our tireless work 365 days a year, working non-stop to keep the coastline in perfect condition. Every year the audits become more selective and and it’s increasingly difficult to pass them. Earning a flag is difficult, maintaining it even more so, and regaining it is the hardest of all. We have given the auditors enough confidence to award us this Blue Flag distinction for Riviera, which is very positive for the entire municipality”, said Gómez Teruel.
These are not the only distinctions that highlight the quality of the Mijas coastline. The councillor for Beaches added that the coast has once again been awarded the
The municipality revalidates four of these distinctions and regains one more, ensuring the excellence of its coastline
QUALITY
OF THE COAST
These flags arrive in Mijas after meeting the STRICT PARAMETERS FOR WATER QUALITY, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, SAFETY, INFORMATION, AND COASTAL ACCESSIBILITY set by the Environmental and Consumer Education Association (ADEAC), the body responsible for awarding these distinctions
“nine Q for Quality flags and the S for Sustainability, while the Coastal Path has been awarded the Blue Trail and the Torreón de La Cala has once again obtained the Blue Centre certification” thanks to the Watchtowers Interpretation Centre. These certifications confirm
beaches
Calahonda-Riviera, Calahonda-Royal BeachLa Luna, El Bombo, El Chaparral and La Cala already display this distinction
that the Mijas coastline is “safe, accessible and sustainable”, said the councillor for Tourism, who also stated that “the Blue Flags are a guarantee for everyone who visits us and perceives the Mijas coastline as a benchmark on the Costa del Sol. Increasing the number of flags, and regaining the one that was lost years ago, is a reassurance for tho-
THE 5 BEACHES WITH BLUE FLAGS
se who visit us”.
From the hotel sector, they say these flags are an important factor to consider in their forecasts. The vice president of Aehcos in Mijas, Juan Miguel Marcos, said that “for all hoteliers in Mijas, it is very important that the beaches are a benchmark. The fact that we have increased from four to five blue flags serves as a reminder that Mijas is a very, very rich municipality, where we must not forget that we have magnificent beaches like this one”. Behind these distinctions, they say, there is a great deal of networking involving agents such as the Beaches, Environment, Cleanliness and Security departments, and of course, the beach bar owners. “Beach bars, in collaboration with the Town Hall, Security and Environment departments, are essential. I believe we deserve it. We lost this flag a few years ago, but this year we have regained it and I think that is thanks to good teamwork”, said the delegate of the Mijas Beach Business Association, Carlos Morales
Holding the flag are Carlos Morales, representative of the Mijas Beach Business Association; Francisco Jerez, councillor for Tourism; Ana Mata, mayoress of Mijas; Juan Miguel Marcos, vice-president of Aehcos in Mijas; and Daniel Gómez Teruel, councillor for Beaches. Also in attendance was councillor Marco Cortés (left) / Beatriz Martín.
Beaches
MIJAS REGAINS A FLAG NO DISTINCTION SINCE 2017
IN CALAHONDA-RIVIERA
The Mijas Town Hall chose Calahonda-Riviera beach for the symbolic raising of the five Blue Flags the municipality has achieved. The reason was explained by the mayoress herself, Ana Mata (PP): “We are standing at a spot where, since 2017, there has been no flag to guarantee or endorse all the standards we must work on throughout the year to keep our beaches in top condition. THIS SHOWS WE’VE DONE THINGS BETTER THIS YEAR AND WE’RE NOT STOPPING HERE, WE’RE GOING FOR A SIXTH”.
OTHER DISTINCTIONS
They are awarded by the Spanish Institute for Tourist Quality (ICTE) after passing a “strict” audit that certifies compliance with demanding standards of quality, sustainability, and safety. These distinctions apply to the beaches of La Luna-Royal Beach, Riviera del Sol, El Chaparral, Calahonda, El Bombo, El Charcón, Alhamar, La Cala, and Las Doradas.
Blue
This is an award that Mijas has received thanks to the Watchtowers Interpretation Centre at El Torreón in La Cala.
Blue Trail CATEGORY
This is an annual award granted by the Environmental and Consumer Education Association (ADEAC). The Coastal Path (Senda Litoral) has received it every year since 2016.
Another new achievement this year is that the municipality has received the sustainability award, not only for preserving the coastal flora and fauna but also for the educational workshops it runs.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, raised the flag alongside beach business owners / B.M.
Las Lagunas Fair 2025
The Las Lagunas Fair
kicks off on Wednesday 25th
Until Sunday 29th, there will be children’s entertainment, concerts, and a variety of activities on Avenida Miguel Hernández and at the fairground. Check out the full programme
Wednesday 25th
Special Children’s Day
Rides at 2.50 euros and from 19 to 21 hours fair without music or the characteristic sound of the rides.
Municipal booth
21:00H. PERFORMANCE BY THE UP DANCE GROUP, LED BY TEACHER FELI GABRIEL.
22:00H. NAUGURATION OF THE FAIRGROUND AND SWITCHING ON OF THE ARTISTIC LIGHTS. By local authorities.
22:30H. PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR QUEEN, KING, LADIES AND COMPANIONS OF THE LAS LAGUNAS FAIR 2025, with performances by Marisol Bizcocho and Álvaro García.
FREE ADMISSION UNTIL FULL CAPACITY IS REACHED. Booth managers: The Festivities Committee.
Youth booth
17:00 H. CHILDREN’S DAY AND CHILDREN’S PARTY. Snacks, games, karaoke, ‘Just Dance’, face painting...
20:00 H. KARAOKE PARTY. Contest with a prize of a weekend trip to Europe.
Thursday 26th
21:00H. TRIBUTE DINNER FOR THE ELDERLY. Performance by a group of 10 elderly people from the Centre for Active Participation in Las Lagunas, led by teacher María José Bueno.
The seniors will be treated to a glass of Spanish wine as a welcome drink.
During the dinner, the Grandfather and Grandmother of the 2025 Fair will be presented with gifts.
ENTRY ONLY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS OF LAS LAGUNAS WITH INVITATION.
22:00 H. TRIBUTE TO MEDINA AZAHARA. FIESTA FLAMENQUITO with Dj Tony Alar.
Friday 27th
21:00H. PERFORMANCE BY UP DANCE GROUPS, LED BY TEACHER MARÍA JOSÉ BUENO.
23:00H. STAR PERFORMANCE BY GRUPO DECAI.
00:30H. STAR PERFORMANCE BY SERGIO CONTRERAS.
13:15H. PERFORMANCE BY DJ CRIS MORILLO.
14:00H. PERFORMANCE BY THE DANCE GROUP FROM THE APRENDE Y BAILA ACADEMY, LED BY TEACHER EVELYN BRAVO.
15:30H. PERFORMANCE BY ALBOREÁ GROUP.
17:30H. PERFORMANCE BY DJ CRIS MORILLO.
18:00H. PERFORMANCE BY RONALD Y LOS YEYES.
20:00H. CLOSING OF THE DAY FAIR.
FREE ADMISSION UNTIL FULL CAPACITY IS REACHED. Booth managers: The Festivities Committee.
Municipal booth
21:00H. PERFORMANCE BY THE ANAMARI TINEO DANCE GROUP.
Youth booth
22:00 H. QUEEN OF MAGIC TRIBUTE. DISCO PARTY with Dj Tony Alar.
Sunday 29th
Day fair. Av. Miguel Hernández
11:00H. THRESHING EXHIBITION at Cortijo Don Elías. Threshing exhibition and singing. Performance by a ‘verdiales’ band.
13:00H. OPENING OF THE DAY FAIR.
13:15H. PERFORMANCE BY DJ CRISTIAN GALÁN.
14:00H. DECIBELIOS GROUP. 18:00H. STAR PERFORMANCE BY ALBA DREID.
FREE ADMISSION UNTIL FULL CAPACITY IS REACHED. Booth managers: The Festivities Committee.
Municipal booth
19:30H. CHILDREN’S PERFORMANCE BY QUIMIROCK.
21:00H. PERFORMANCE BY THE UP DANCE GROUP, LED BY TEACHER BERNI GABRIEL. Municipal booth
21:30H. ELECTION OF THE INFANT ADN BABY KING AND QUEEN OF THE LAS LAGUNAS FAIR. Children can sign up for the Children’s King and Queen draw just before the party starts.
22:30H. PERFORMANCE BY JOSÉ MANUEL SOTO AND SIEMPRE ASÍ.
FREE ADMISSION UNTIL FULL CAPACITY IS REACHED. Booth managers: The Festivities Committee.
FREE ADMISSION UNTIL FULL CAPACITY IS REACHED. Booth managers: The Festivities Committee.
22:00 H. ROCK BAND TRIBUTE. 80s PARTY with Dj Tony Alar.
Saturday 28th
13:00H. INAUGURATION OF THE DAY FAIR.
23:00H. PERFORMANCE BY JUANFRA CARRASCO.
00:30H. STAR PERFORMANCE BY MARÍA TERREMOTO AND ANABEL VALENCIA.
20:00H. CLOSING OF THE DAY FAIR. 22:00H. PERFORMANCE BY FRAN OCAÑA.
00:30H. STAR PERFORMANCE LOS YAKIS GROUP.
FREE ADMISSION UNTIL FULL CAPACITY IS REACHED. Booth managers: The Festivities Committee.
FREE ADMISSION UNTIL FULL CAPACITY IS REACHED. Booth managers: The Festivities Committee.
Youth booth
22:00 H. ROCK. OLD SCHOOL REGGAETON PARTY with Dj Tony Alar.
María Zambrano School
Youth booth
Youth booth Day fair. Av. Miguel Hernández
Memories with history
‘SITIO DE CALAHONDA: 60 YEARS OF STORIES’
A screeningFULL OF MEMORIES
Mijas Comunicación has produced a documentary showcasing more than six decades of history of this residential area, a landmark on the Costa del Sol, which was screened on Wednesday 18th of June at the Norwegian Church
M.Fernández /N.Luque / C.Bejarano
To mark the 60th anniversary of the Sitio de Calahonda residential development, Mijas Comunicación has produced an audiovisual documentary that captures the rich history of this landmark urban complex on the Costa del Sol. The documentary screening took place on Wednesday 18th of June at the Norwegian Church in Calahonda during an event organised by Mijas Comunicación in collaboration with the Mijas Town Hall.
The screening was attended by many people closely linked to the area, including residents who chose to settle here, workers, and developers. Also present were the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and several councillors from the government team, including the councillor for Residential Areas and CEO of Mijas Comunicación, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), and the Popular Party councillors Mario Bravo, Daniel Gómez Teruel and Lourdes Burgos
“It was a very emotional event. It is worth celebrating this anni-
versary with all the families of Calahonda, and it is also important to recognise the value of this development because it was a place that provided employment for many families from La Cala and today continues to generate significant economic activity, and therefore, a lot of employment”, added Mata.
“I’m truly quite emotional about this video, perhaps a bit less than some who were born here and have lived here longer than me.
But I have spent 30 years in Calahonda and have seen how it has gradually developed, and this has been wonderfully reflected in the documentary”, said the president of the EUC Sitio de Calahonda and one of the participants in the film, César Contreras
“The history of Calahonda is my own history because when I started working here, I also got married here, so my family life and work developed in parallel. The beginnings were very tough”, explained the developer of Calahonda, Juan de Orbaneja, who also appears in the Mijas Comunicación documentary. He is the son of
“MAYORESS OF MIJAS
“It’s important to acknowledge the value of this development, as it was a place that gave work to many families”
de Orbaneja, the founder and creator of the development.
“There are nearly 7,000 properties in Sitio de Calahonda, and if we consider all properties in the wider area, we could be talking about around 15,000. Calahonda is like a small town, and we have managed to maintain it well for many years”, added the Residential Areas councillor, who revealed he personally dedicated 16 years to the Sitio de Calahonda homeowners’ association. “I was responsible for security, and I’m very proud to see how the passage of time is reflected in this documentary”.
The audiovisual
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Mijas Comunicación created a special audiovisual piece that traces the history of the Sitio de Calahonda development. Editor Carmen Jiménez and cameraman and editor Francisco Gaona visited some of the area’s most emblematic sites and had extensive conversations with key figures involved in the complex’s history.
“I want to thank all those who
The mayoress commented that “it was a very moving event. It is worth celebrating this anniversary with all the families of Calahonda. It is also important to highlight the value of this development because it provided employment for many families from La Cala and continues to generate significant economic activity and, therefore, employment”.
“
Ana Mata Juan Carlos Cuevas
COUNCILLOR FOR RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Calahonda is like a village, and we have managed to keep it that way for many years”
“There are nearly 7,000 properties in Sitio de Calahonda, and if we consider all properties in the wider area, we could be talking about around 15,000’. Cuevas Dawson also mentioned that he dedicated 16 years to this homeowners’ community as head of security.
have driven and maintained the Calahonda area because there is a lot of natural beauty here and they take care to preserve it, which also makes us proud of Mijas overall. Mijas sometimes has hidden gems like this Norwegian church, for example, which dates back to the 1700s and which I’m sure many residents are unaware of”, the mayoress remarked.
With more than 6,400 homes built, extensive green areas, coastline, golf courses, tennis clubs, churches, a wide range of infrastructure, and over 60 years of history, Sitio de Calahonda enjoys being one of the most notable developments on the Costa del Sol, an ideal place to live, as its residents attest. In 2023, Sitio de Calahonda celebrated its 60th
anniversary. The documentary ‘Sitio de Calahonda: 60 Years of Stories’, produced by Mijas Comunicación, will be broadcast on Friday 20th of June at 10:40 hours and Saturday 21 st of June at 19:05 hours on Mijas 3.40 TV.
Calahonda Day
Once again, Sitio de Calahonda will organise big party to celebrate its day. It will take place on Saturday 5th of July and fun is guaranteed from the morning onwards. At 9:30 hours, La Siesta Golf Club will host an 18-hole golf tournament. The price to participate is 35 euros, and 20 euros for members, including drinks and tapas. Registration can be made by calling 952 933 362. In the afternoon, at 19 hours in Calahonda Park, there will be competitions and games for children, a raffle, and a photography contest. In the evening, at 21:30 hours, the festival will kick off with live music by the group ‘MasQu3Perros’. An evening to enjoy pleasant summer night.
José
Group photo of those attending the screening of the documentary / N.Luque.
The director of Mijas Comunicación, Laura Delgado, presenting the documentary / N.Luque.
60th Anniversary of the Sitio de Calahonda
Sitio de Calahonda
60 YEARS OF STORIES
With over 6,400 homes built, enviable green spaces, coastline, golf courses, tennis clubs, churches and all kinds of infrastructure, plus more than 60 years of history, Sitio de Calahonda can proudly claim to be one of the most distinguished developments on the Costa del Sol. An ideal place to live
Report by Carmen Jiménez and Micaela Fernández
Love at first sight. That’s what everyone who lives in Sitio de Calahonda seems to have experienced, admitting they were captivated by its charm from the very beginning. The residents of this residential development in Mijas (now with more than 6,400 homes built) come from all over the world and describe the complex as an idyllic place to live in every sense of the word. Its location, beauty, amenities, tranquillity, safety, and welcoming atmosphere… There must be something (or rather, a lot) about this residential enclave that makes everyone who visits fall in love at first sight.
The history of Sitio de Calahonda dates back to 1963. It could be said that this is a dream come true for one man: the developer José de Orbaneja, founder and creator of this development, who took the name from the beach, Calahonda, for the residential area. “It all started in 1963. I came in 1966. It was my father’s purchase”, recalls the son and developer of Calahonda, Juan de Orbaneja, who cannot help but get emotional when he looks back. A development that started from nothing and over the years became a privileged location on the Costa del Sol. “At first, everything was complicated, there were all kinds of problems. Development was very difficult because, of course, there were no services since there were no people; and there were no people because there were no services. Thanks to the fact that in 1968
water came from the Río Verde reservoir, development became possible. It was a very, very tough first stage. Initially, the general plan for Calahonda envisaged 40,000 people to live in 17-storey buildings, but this was reduced to five storeys and the final figure was 20,000 people. In 1980, there were 500 houses, and from 1980 to 1990, this grew to 4,500 homes. There was an influx of English people. There was a time when there were no Spaniards living in Calahonda”, recalls Orbaneja.
Over its 62-year history, Calahonda has been through it all: “We’ve
had three or four crises and tand many important people have lived here”, explains the man who was responsible for the development and son of the founder.
“I have always cared about honest, hard-working people, and
Calahonda
has a green area covering 600,000 square metres
over the years I’ve had many who have helped during the toughest times, that is when you really get to know people. Looking back, I feel
“I am very pleased with the work done in Calahonda
JUAN DE ORBANEJA,
Developer
“My father meant a lot to me. He was my father, but also my teacher; he was the president, the one in charge, the initiator of everything... Personally, I am very pleased with the work done in Calahonda. It is a unique place”
very happy here with my family, and I am proud of the work that has been done in Calahonda”.
In love with Calahonda Calahonda is managed by the E.U.C. (Entidad Urbanística Colaboradora). “We are a fully democratic entity that holds a general assembly each year, where six directors are elected, whom you could almost describe as councillors, and then there is a president at the head of the list, which in this case is me”, explains the current president of the EUC, César Contreras, who
“Calahonda impressed me from the very beginning
President EUC
“I arrived in Calahonda in 1993, when the Costa del Sol Hospital opened, where I work. I liked the residential area so much and was so impressed by it that I decided to stay and live here” CÉSAR CONTRERAS
has been in the role for six years, but he has more than 20 years of experience on the board. A native of Granada, he admits to being in love with Calahonda. For work reasons, he first rented a place and after a year he bought an apartment. He was captivated by the views of Calahonda and, above all, by its green spaces. “I’ve lived here for 30 years and I’ve raised my family here. I think we’re in a privileged environment and it’s a very happy place to live”.
Coral Castronuño, current vice president of the EUC and former
Above, Contreras, Blanco and Sara Machén, at the EUC offices / C.J.
Bladh, Contreras and Salvador González, in Calahonda Park / C.J.
IMAGES to remember
The photographs above show some historical moments from Calahonda’s past. Images to remember, showing (1) the pilgrimage honour of Santa Teresa in the church of San Miguel, (2) some of the first workers on the development, (3) Paulina Ann Dawson and her son Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, members of the family that owns Las Postas café, one of the first businesses in Calahonda., (4) José de Orbaneja with his son Juan at a tribute to the founder in 1988, and (5) families from La Cala celebrating the pilgrimage of Santa Teresa in the pine forests of Calahonda.
“
Calahonda is Mijas’ gem, a happy place to live
CORAL CASTRONUÑO
EUC vice president
“I’m from Málaga, but I’ve lived most of my life here in Calahonda. It’s Mijas’ gem, a place where people live happily, peacefully, and safely. Calahonda feels like home to me”
president for many years, shares the same affection for the development.
“When I came to Calahonda with my husband and children, I was something of a rare species because I was the only Spaniard here”, she recalls with laughter. For this woman from Málaga, Calahonda is “Mijas’ gem. One of the largest residential developments on the Costa del Sol. It’s completely finished, with 25 kilometres of streets, there are towns much smaller than this. It’s a huge development, well maintained and well preserved”. Calahonda, for her, feels “like home. People live here sa-
“I fell in love with Calahonda from the very first moment
CATHERINE BLADH
Dir of Environment EUC
“I’m Swedish and came to Spain for one year, but I’ve now been living in Calahonda for 18 years. I visited all the residential areas along the coast, and when I arrived in Calahonda, I knew this was where I had to live”
fely, comfortably, and happily”. Olivia Blanco, an administrator at the EUC, feels the same: “My family, my grandparents... I grew up here. Calahonda is very important to me”, she admits emotionally. Salvador González, head of maintenance, also speaks highly of this place: “Calahonda has been part of my life. I came here when I was 27, and I’ve pretty much always worked in and for Calahonda”. Now 62 years old, it is clear that Calahonda, with its many charms, is a place that captures the heart of everyone who gets to know it.
Calahonda, yesterday and today
SITIO DE CALAHONDA
PAST AND A FUTURE a residential area
WITH
A
Sitio de Calahonda is a residential area belonging to the municipality of Mijas, neighbouring Marbella and managed by the E.U.C. (Entidad Urbanística Colaboradora) Sitio de Calahonda. It is home to a large number of residents from various nationalities. This is privileged corner of the Costa del Sol, valued for its location and the services it offers. It one of the most prominent residential areas the province.
SET IN A PRIVILEGED
PAST AND tourist location
present
In 2023, Sitio de Calahonda celebrated 60 years of history. It can be seen as the ful lment of one person’s dream: os de rbane a, the foun der. he photographs above, taken from the same point, clearly show the e ponential growth of the residen tial area, one of the most prominent in M laga and probably in all of Andalusia.
o mark its 0th anniversary, Mi as omunicaci n has produced a special audiovisual piece captu ring the history of the itio de a lahonda residential area. Editor armen im ne and cameraman editor rancisco aona have visi ted some of the area’s most emble matic locations and held e tensive conversations with several key gu res involved in the development of this comple . BROADCAST ON MIJAS 3.40 TV
June 20th, 10:40 h June 21st, 19:05 h
SURROUNDED BY nature
RICH
IN history and tradition
Town Hall and Provincial Council continue to boost the local tourism sector
THROUGH AI
On Friday 20th, a workshop will be held to offer practical tools for improving the municipality’s image through technological solutions
The Mijas Town Hall and the Málaga Provincial Council strengthen their “commitment” to innovation and the development of the local tourism sector with a training workshop on artificial intelligence. This practical session will take place on Friday, 20th of June, from 9 to 14 hours in classroom number eight at the Training and Employment building in Las Lagunas. It is aimed especially at professionals and companies in the tourism industry.
During the workshop, real simulations based on specific sector needs will be presented, with the goal of teaching participants how to segment and solve problems using artificial intelligence tools. The methodology will be entirely practical, so attendees are advised to bring a laptop, tablet, or mobile device. “Tourism is one of the main drivers of our municipality, and at the Town Hall, we want it to
FRANCISCO JEREZ Councillor for Tourism Vox)
“Tourism is one of the main drivers of our municipality, and at the Mijas Town Hall, we want it to have all the tools possible to keep growing”
have all the tools possible to keep growing. This course is an opportunity to incorporate artificial intelligence into the promotion and management strategies of our local tourism businesses”, emphasised the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox).
The Mijas Town Hall encourages interested professionals to register
LEISURE AND GASTRONOMY
The vibrant spirit of the Gastrolatino Festival takes over La Cala
F.M.R./Ed. Dept. La Cala boulevard has been filled with salsa, flavour, and rhythm since the afternoon of Thursday 19th, thanks to the Gastrolatino Festival. This event has landed in the heart of the town centre and will stay until Sunday 22nd. Organised by Producciones Raíces in collaboration with our Town Hall, the festival
promises, and already delivered on its first day, a full immersion in the culture and joy of Latin America. The concept is simple yet appealing: an explosion of sensations for the whole family. On one hand, food trucks offer culinary treasures from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Cuba, and Mexico,
for this initiative. It represents an opportunity to further advance the digitalisation of the tourism sector and to maximise the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing the destination’s competitiveness. For more information about this workshop, please email to comercial@costadelsolformacion.es or call 636 610 361.
among others. On the other, to wash down these delights, there are artisan cocktails with tropical flavours. All this comes with free admission and a festive atmosphere that invites visitors to stay and dance the night away.
If there’s one thing that defines this festival, it’s the music. Throughout the weekend, the stage will host tributes to Latin music legends like Celia Cruz, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony, and Romeo Santos The line-up already had early
The Youth Department presents
Summer Cinema ‘25
From July 2nd to August 13th, the three centres will be transformed into a giant open-air cinema screen
Ed. Dept. The Mijas Town Hall has organised a new edition of Summer Cinema, which will start on July 2nd and run until August 13th. “We are kicking off the summer with films for the whole family, featuring various genres, including animation, action, fantasy and comedy, and we hope that everyone will enjoy them”, said the councillor for youth, Melisa Ceballos (PP).
The three centres will transform into large open-air cinema screens, showing a total of six films.
‘Despicable Me 4’ on July 2nd at Torreón Beach (suitable for all ages); ‘La Familia Benetton’ on July 9th at Virgen de la Peña Square (+7 years); ‘Black Adam’ on July 16th at María Zambrano Park (+13 years); ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ on July 30th at Torreón Beach (+16 years); ‘Wonka’ on August 6th at Virgen de la Peña Square (suitable for all ages); and ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ on August 13th at La Candelaria Square (+12 years). All screenings will be free, in Spanish and will start at 22:30 hours.
attendees salivating. “We love it; we feel at home when we listen to Latin music and eat food from our countries. That’s why we couldn’t miss this event”, said
Ed. Dept / Design: Carmen Martín
The councillor for Youth, Melisa Ceballos, together with the department technician / J.Perea.
LEISURE
Ana Laura Pérez and Aldo Medina. It’s the perfect opportunity to dance, taste, and enjoy the most exciting Latin event of the summer. Don’t miss out!
The Court of Auditors concludes that there were irregularities in the Cala Mijas contract
It has closed the proceedings, although there is the possibility of filing an appeal
Editorial Department
The Spanish Court of Auditors has concluded that there were “various administrative and budgetary irregularities related to the execution of the sponsorship contract” for the Cala Mijas Festival between Mijas Town Hall and the event promoter, Last Tour in a judicial decree that notes that the matters in question “are still in the administrative resolution or collection phase”, and therefore it is not currently appropriate to initiate reimbursement procedure, “without prejudice to the consequences that these irregularities may give rise to in other administrative or legal contexts”. The investigation began following a report submitted by the former comptroller of the Town Hall to the auditing body.
“The Court of Auditors supports both what we reported while in opposition, when we claimed there had been irregularities in the contract awarded by the former socialist mayor, Josele González, and the actions we have taken since we entered government”, said counci-
llor for Finance, Mario Bravo (PP), on Wednesday 18th.
The councillor stressed that the judicial decree by the Court of Auditors “represents a clear and indisputable endorsement of the process the Town Hall is following to claim from the company what is specifically stipulated in the contract, in defence of the interests and money of Mijas residents, as is our duty”. Bravo criticised the “obscurantism and lack of transparency” with which the former PSOE mayor negotiated with Last Tour and handled “everything related to the Cala Mijas Festival, disregarding the comptroller’s objections and bypassing the necessary administrative procedures.” He called on the Socialists, now in opposition, to “for once, stand on the side of Mijas residents and stop spreading lies and manipulating the issue of the Cala Fest”.
The ruling from the Court of Auditors highlights that the Mijas comptroller identified several shortcomings in the management of public funds related to the
sponsorship contract for the Cala Mijas Festival. These include: the improper payment by the Town Hall of invoices for transport services linked to the event, as the Town Hall is not the festival’s owner; the lack of evidence regarding the settlement and income that the event should have generated; irregularities in the sponsorship payments made by the Town Hall; and the assumption of costs that were improperly charged to the municipal budget.
In its provisional settlement report, the delegated investigating officer of the Court of Auditors concluded that, although there were various administrative and
budgetary irregularities in the execution of the sponsorship contract, none of the cases analysed revealed actual financial damage that would have an impact on the Town Hall’s accounts. The actions in question were either covered by valid, unchallenged administrative agreements, which enjoy the presumption of legality, or are still in the process of being resolved administratively or through collection procedures by the Town Hall.
The body has closed the case, although an appeal may be lodged within fifteen days of notification, which for the Town Hall was dated 13th June.
INQUIRY
The Town Hall appears in the UCO report in messages from the year 2022
Ed. Dept. The Mijas Town Hall appears in the UCO report that uncovers the alleged corruption scheme involving former Socialist Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos, his adviser Koldo García, and the now former PSOE Organisation Secretary Santos Cerdán. In a WhatsApp conversation dated 28th October 2022 between Koldo and businessman José Ruz, who was leading the construction company Levantina, Ingeniería y Construcción, the Mijas Town Hall is mentioned when Ruz asked which “ganadería” (livestock) governed the council (refering to the political party), to which Koldo replied that it was the PSOE. At that time, Josele González was mayor. Ruz was interested in Mijas, as reported by the newspaper ‘Málaga Hoy’, because he intended to bid, as he eventually did, for the public tender to build the Los Santos car park. He submitted a proposal but was not awarded the contract.
The Cala Mijas Festival, initially called Cala Fest, was only held twice, in 2022 and 2023 / Archive.
THE WATER PARK IS
now open for families to enjoy
This space is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00 hours
Cristina Luque / Carmen Martín
Photo: Archive.
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
Mijas prepares to celebrate its magical Night of
shaded areas, a pergola and awnings It has
Since Friday 13th, the Water Park located in Las Cañadas has been open. Children and their families can now enjoy this public leisure area in the heart of Las Lagunas. On Monday 16th, the councillor for Parks and Gardens, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), visited the facilities together with several municipal technicians to check they were working properly. The Water Park is open seven days a week, from 10 to 22 hours. It operates via a push-button system and includes a timer that automatically stops the water when not in use, as well as a closed circuit system. The park features shaded areas, a pergola, and awnings in the children’s play zone. It remains closed outside of opening hours to prevent vandalism.
Neighbourhood cooperation
The Town Hall is asking for maximum cooperation from residents when using the park and for respect towards the rules so that it can remain open and in good condition throughout the summer. Gómez Teruel called for “responsible use of the water features, because together we can make Mijas a better place, and that way all residents will be able to enjoy the park in perfect condition without the need for constant repairs or fixes”.
The councillor for Parks and Gardens, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), stated that the facility has been “carefully maintained, treated, and kept in perfect condition. The water is regenerated within a closed circuit to keep water consumption as low as possible. In addition, the water is treated with all the appropriate products and its pH is monitored to ensure it is safe for use”. The park is activated by a push-button system with a timer that ensures it switches off when not in use. The councillor also highlighted that work has been carried out over the winter to eliminate leaks.
SAN JUAN
Live music and the traditional burning of the ‘júas’ will be the focus of the programme
J.P. On Monday 23rd of June, what is considered the shortest night of the year, the night of San Juan, will be celebrated. To mark the ocassion, the Mijas Town Hall, through its Festivities and Traditions Department, has prepared a programme of activities that will take place in both Mijas Pueblo and La Cala. This was announced on Thursday 19th by the councillor responsible for this area, Silvia Marín (PP), who was in charge of outlining the programme. Live music will begin at 20 hours in both urban centres. Additionally, in Mijas Pueblo, there will be performances by the dance groups of Reme Fernández and Víctor Rojas.
At midnight, the traditional burning of the ‘júas’ (dolls) will take place. In the village, the Archconfraternity of the Dulce Nombre de Jesús Nazareno, María Santísima de los Dolores y San Juan Bautista will be responsible for managing it, while in La Cala, Pepa Jarillo and Obdulia Negrete will be in charge.
SPECIAL
cleaning AND SECURITY OPERATIONS
The festive nature of the Night of San Juan will also have preventative aspect.
To this end, there will be a team of firefighters in both La Cala and the village to prevent any incidents, as well as five members of the Civil Protection service.
In addition, there will be a security team made up of almost twenty local police officers who will ensure the event runs smoothly.
Once the festivities conclude, a special cleaning team will be deployed, made up of 120 workers and five tractors, two rotary machines, and two screening machines, who will begin clearing up at 3:00 am. At 6:00 am, the manual cleaning team will start emptying bins and cleaning the toilets, with the aim of having everything in perfect condition by the time the first swimmers arrive. Additionally, the 17 toilet units and the showers will remain open throughout the night.
Councillor Daniel Gómez Teruel (right), with the Andalusian representative of Costa Hábitat Servicios Medioambientales, Antonio Béjar, and the head of Parks and Gardens, Cristóbal Moreno / Cristina Luque.
Photo: Archive.
FRIDAY 20TH SATURDAY 21ST
Photography exhibition ‘New Horizons’, by the Miradas Association
Nuevo Enfoque Mijas HQ. Los Olivos residential complex, phase 1, premises 25, El Coto urbanisation. Inauguration, 20 h
Organised by Nuevo Enfoque Mijas
Photography exhibition ‘Mikros’, by Javier Rupérez CAC Mijas. Inauguration, 19:30 h
Organised by the Remedios Medina Foundation
XXXVI Velero Flamenco Festival
Cortijo Don Elías, 20 hours
Performance by Delia Membrive and Antonio Núñez “El Pulga” singing; Juan Diego Valencia and Manuel Valencia on ‘palmas’; and Juan Requena playing the guitar
Performance by Tatiana Cuevas dancing; Vanesa Fernández and Rosa Linero singing; Luis Dávila on guitar and David Moñiz on violin
Presented by Francisco Reina
Organised by Peña Flamenca Unión del Cante
XXXIX Environmental Conference organised by Ecologistas en Acción Mijas.
Lecture: “Wild birds and urban developments, a difficult balance”, by Francisco Fernández Gómez, head of Nature Conservation and Agroforestry at Ecologistas en Acción Mijas
Mijas Municipal Library,19:30 h
Poetry recital for the 12th anniversary of the Círculo Poético Folk Museum in Mijas Pueblo, 19:30 h
Nuria Tejada Band + Adri O and Hache GZ
Plaza de La Candelaria, 20:30 h Free admission
End of the academic year at the UP: Outdoor yoga to mark International Yoga Day Torreón in La Cala, 10 h, led by teacher Raquel González
Parque Blas Infante, Las Lagunas, 9:30 h, led by UP teacher María del Mar Ortiz Free admission
Participants must bring their own mats
Great ‘Guateque’Remembering the Past HQ of the AV Loma de La Alquería, 21 h
A summer welcome party featuring music by Los Diablos, Fórmula V, Seguridad Social, Karina, Palito Ortega and more Free gift for those dressed in the style of these music groups
IX Solidarity Dance, by the Expresión Academy
Manuel España Theatre, 19 h
In aid of the AECC
Donation: 5 euros in advance, 7 euros on the day
Tickets available at the academy and at the AECC
Young Flamenco Artists Tour
Peña Flamenca del Sur, 21:30 h
Organised by the Málaga Provincial Federation of Flamenco Peñas
Daniela Florido singing; Lorena Gavilán and Falito de Málaga dancing; and Marcos Martín accompanying on guitar
SUNDAY 22ND
Cirkorama 2025: ‘Tienimi Che ti tengo’ by the Circo in Rotta company
Manuel España Theatre, 12 h Free admission
Organised by the Malaga Provincial Council
End-of-Year Festival by Singing and Accompaniment Students from the Peña Flamenca El Gallo: ‘Cantar de la Tierra Mía’
Manuel España Theatre, 20 h Free admission
Corpus Christi Church of the Inmaculada Concepción, Mijas Pueblo: Corpus Christi Mass followed by a procession at, 18:30 h
Friday 20th and Saturday 21st: 19 h, worship and 20 h, mass Church of San Manuel González, Las Lagunas: Mass followed by a procession at 9 h
Parish Church of Santa Teresa de Jesús, La Cala: Mass followed by procession, 10:30 h San Miguel Hermitage, Calahonda: Mass and procession around the church, 12:45 h
III Villa de Mijas Folklore Festival Parade through Mijas Pueblo at 19:30 h. Performance at the Miguel González Berral Auditorium at, 21 h
Participants: A.M.C. Coros y Danzas de Mijas, Asociación Folclórica Municipal de Tolox and Grupo Danzas de Fuengirola Free admission
MONDAY 23RD
San Juan Night Torreón Beach, La Cala: 20 h, live music and at 00 h burning of the ‘júas’ Virgen de la Peña Square, Mijas Pueblo: 20 h live music and at 00 h burning of the ‘júas’ In Mijas Pueblo the UP dance groups led by Reme Fernández and Víctor Rojas will perform, as well as José Burgos ‘El Abuelo’. The ‘júas’ will be presented, the winners will be announced and the queen, Don Juan and the sovereigns will be chosen
TUESDAY 24TH
Graduation of 4th year students from the Costa del Sol Professional Music School
Manuel España Theatre,19 h Free admission
THURDAY 26TH
Ciclo Literario Primavera 2025 ‘Letras compartidas’. Presentation of the book ‘De la inocencia a la furia’, by Encarnación Reina Sánchez Manuel España Theatre, 19 h Free admission
las lagunas FAIR
From Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th of June Programme on page 4
Flamenco show Every Wednesday at 12 h
Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo Every Saturday at 12 h
Plaza de la Constitución, Mijas Pueblo
Exhibition ‘Mitate, sueños que despiertan’, by Elisa María Pablo La Cala Cultural Centre
Until July 7th
Exhibition by Maika Hernández and María Vega
Mijas Tourist Office, 12 h Until June 30th
Amnesty International exhibition: ‘Climate Crisis’
Folk Museum, at 20 hours
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
SALUD RESPONDE (Doctor’s prescriptions etc.)
EMERGENCY/DOCTOR,
Secret Chamber Cycle: Concert by the Sonora Fugitiva String Trio Plaza del Torreón in La Cala, 21 h Free admission
gastrolatino FESTIVAL
Until June 22nd
Opposite Carrefour in La Cala de Mijas
Friday 20th from 19:30 to 1 h; Saturday 21st from 13:30 to 2 h and Sunday 22nd from 13:30 to 00 h Music, dancing and gastronomy.
More information: Spanish page 35 Free admission
Organised by Ecologistas en Acción Mijas as part of its 39th Environment Conference
Until the 23rd of June
Exhibition by artist Ludmilla Averanova
Mijas Arts Centre, Algarrobo 2 building, Mijas Pueblo
Until the 24th of June
Second hand market
Las Lagunas Fairground and at Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa Sundays from 9 to 14 h
Ecological market
La Cala Boulevard, in front of the branch offices on the second and last Sunday of each month
