guided tours of the Historical Archive business meeting on the 12th.
The Hotel La Zambra will host the conference, which will address challenges and new strategies in urban planning
They will take place on November 18th, 19th and 20th and are aimed at pensioners from the three centres, who must register in advance
The competition will take place on the 8th and 9th of November and will serve to monitor the load and capacity of the park before its opening.
Out to tender the works to complete the expansion of the Las Lagunas Sports Complex
These works began in 2019 and have been halted twice, both times due to breaches of contract by the winning bidders
On “the path to budgetary stability”
The implementation of electronic administration and the creation of the Budget Management Body are two of the main achievements that, according to the Executive, have put Mijas “on the path to budgetary stability”. This was the assessment of the mayoress Ana Mata in her review of the government team’s work two years after taking office at the Town Hall. The mayoress and her government partners from Vox and PMP highlighted their commitment to social policy, mobility and infrastructure, and praised the 1.4 million-euro investment in the local police force in 2025, as well as the allocation of 36,000 square metres of land for affordable housing. NEWS 02-05
Mijas again a benchmark for radio-controlled racing
The Juan Roa Sports Centre will host the RC Cup Andalucía 2025 this weekend in the Formula 1 and Touring categories
The municipal gyms in Las Lagunas, La Cala and the racecourse receive new equipment
The renovation is part of a 730,000 euros investment that includes a series of improvements to sports facilities
NEWS/07
The municipality strengthens its international profile at the World Travel Market in London It maintains strategic contacts with British operators in order to consolidate its appeal beyond the summer season
Mijas pays 870,000 euros to Social Security for employment plans in 2020 and 2021
The Labour Inspectorate found that members of these initiatives were contributing below their corresponding categories
NEWS/08
The mayoress, Ana Mata, alongside her two deputy mayors and government partners, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson and Juan Carlos Maldonado / I.Pérez.
Security | Mobility | Infrastructure | Street Maintenance|
STRENGTHENING
the Local Police
“Our goal is to make Mijas a safer municipality, where the Local Police have the resources and organisation they deserves”, said the councillor for the area, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson. The force has been allocated 1.4 million euros in 2025.
The acquisition of new equipment has begun.
Work is underway on a new modern fire station, owned by the Town Hall and located in a strategic area. The basic project has been completed and will involve an investment of over 4 millon euros The new Municipal Territorial Emergency Plan has been completed.
PATH
Contracts have been awarded and work has begun on the La Cala-El Sheriff (700 metres) and El Faro-Fuengirola boundary (2,150 metres) sections.
Acceptance
OF THE GRAND PARK
The awarding of the last three contracts required for the opening has been completed.
The General Subsidy Ordinance has been definitively approved.
One more Blue Flag, has been obtained, bringing the total to five.
A more modern model of tourism promotion has been adopted.
Events such as the Sabor a Málaga Fair have been revived.
Literary cycles, round tables, poetry competitions, photography marathons, craft fairs and street music are some of the Culture Department events.
More than 600 people have taken part in the training and job placement projects Andalucía Orienta, Mijas Forma, Mijas Gestiona and Mitur, co-financed with regional and state funds.
STREET
According to the Executive, the cleaning service has been improved, brown bins have been installed and various awards have been received, such as the Platinum Broom 2024, Gecor 2025 and Green Flag 2025.
5.5 millions have been allocated to parks and gardens over the past two years and the maintenance contract for the Sierra de Mijas is pending award.
The number of places on the Senior Citizens’ Trip has increased to 1,600
In the Youth Department, the Mijas Entrepreneurship Day held in March stands out.
The NEXO programmes for networking, training and employment have been launched and the first Employment and Training Fair has been held.
Rural roads have been repaired and livestock farming promoted.
The local executive highlights that
Mijas is returning “to the path
of budgetary stability”
Report by Carmen Martín and Ed. Dept. / Info: Irene Pérez
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), accompanied by the first and second deputy mayors, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox) and Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), respectively, took stock on Monday 3rd of the work carried out by the government team, marking two years since its arrival at the Town Hall. The mayoress highlighted the Town Hall’s return to budgetary stability, according to the latest report from the General Comptroller’s Office, “whose calculations make it possible to foresee compliance with the spending rule”, the Executive noted in a press release.
The implementation of elec-
The Popular Party mayoress and her government partners from Vox and PMP also highlight their commitment to social policy, mobility and infrastructure
tronic administration and the creation of the Budget Management Body are, according, to Mata, achievements of the current government team, which she considered key in this process. The Executive explained that “coordination between departments and the approval of budgets for 2024 and 2025, something that did not occur annually under the previous government team, have made it possible to organise the economic management of one of the fastest-growing municipalities
on the Costa del Sol and the third largest in the province of Málaga in terms of population”. Mata highlighted the provision to the institution of basic and legally required instruments “which, surprisingly, did not exist at the Mijas Town Hall”, such as electronic administration, the Municipal Organic Regulations (ROM), the Anti-Fraud Plan (without which, the local government maintains, Mijas has never been able to apply for EU funds) and the Budget Management Body, as required, the Executive
Other projects
BUSES Free renovations
Work has been completed on the following streets:
- Río Darro 900,000 euros
Nerja and Casarabonela
euros
Glorieta de Osunillas (1,685,000 euros).
The drafting of renovation projects for more than ten streets, worth 180,000 euros has begun. The following works have been put out to tender:
Calle Vistamar (590,000 euros).
Calle Juan García Alarcón (208,000 euros).
Calle Cueva del Agua (185,000 euros).
Callejón de los Gitanos (209,000 euros).
The following projects have been awarded:
- Works on the La Puente building.
- Extension of the La Purísima cemetery
- Renovation and extension of the auditorium
- Renovation of the Employment Promotion Building
Tenders have been issued for the drafting of projects for the extension of the Las Lagunas senior citizens’ day centre, the fire station and the covering of the María Barranco stream. The feasibility study for pedestrianising the latter has been awarded.
“The new urban transport ordinance has already been drafted”, announced Mata. It will allow free bus travel within Mijas for registered residents. Four taxi licences adapted for people with reduced mobility have been awarded.
Thirteen new positions have been announced.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata; the first deputy mayor, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (left); and the second deputy mayor, Juan Carlos Maldonado / Irene Pérez.
TERM OF OFFICE 2023-2027
Maintenance| Parking | Housing | Social Welfare | Industrial Land
SPORTS FACILITIES
700,000 euros
TO IMPROVING sports facilities
“We are already installing the new equipment in the five municipal gyms”, said the mayoress.
The La Cala swimming pool has opened, offering more than 500 places for activities
The draft project for the expansion of the La Cala sports complex for 8 millon euros has been submitted.
The drafting of the renovation, turf replacement and extension of the adjoining Las Lagunas football pitch has been put out to tender.
The works on the multi-purpose buildings at the Las Lagunas sports complex, the therapeutic swimming pool and the improvement of the entrances, worth 5.1 million euros, have been put out to tender.
recalled, by the regulations for Large Population Municipalities since 2012.
MOBILITY
THE MAYORESS HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR RESTORING THE TOWN HALL’S ECONOMIC STABILITY
In addition to the Town Hall’s internal management, the Executive reviewed its work across a wide range of areas, from housing and security to tourism and employment, among many others. Both the mayoress and her government partners stressed at a press conference the Town Hall’s commitment not only to achieving budgetary stability, but also to social policy, mobility and infrastructure.
PLAN Mobility
The mayoress reported that the government team has drafted the Mijas Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, which is in its final review phase and is essential in order to qualify for EU funding.
INDUSTRIAL LAND
320,500 m2
An initial amendment of the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU) for this land in La Ventilla has been approved to encourage business investment.
ANA MATA
NEW HOUSING
IMPROVEMENTS
The Town Hall has submitted various actions to the Ministry of Transport. According to Mata, these include “ road widening works, access to the motorway and basic connections to alleviate congestion in the metropolitan area and provide a better service to the residents of Mijas”.
4,000
parking spaces
The Municipal Parking Plan will add 4,000 spaces.
The project to expand the Virgen de la Peña car park has been approved.
Other projects at various stages of development are the car parks in Los Santos (234 spaces), Las Cañadas (280), Barrio de Santana (424), La Vega (480) and La Cala (583).
MAYORESS OF MIJAS
“The government team has given a decisive boost to actions and investments that wi make Mijas an even be er place to live f a lifetime than it already is today”.
36,000 m2 HOUSING for affordable
The Town Hall has designated four plots within the PGOU (General Urban Development Plan) totalling 36,000 square metres for affordable housing. One of these plots, Finca El Maro, will be developed by the Town Hall itself
This commitment is complemented by adherence to the Housing Decree of the Junta de Andalucía, which promotes the development of subsidised housing.
The Executive has revised the application form for applicants for affordable housing in Mijas, making it simpler and faster.
Mata highlighted the simplification of procedures and the priority processing for granting licences for the public or private development of subsidised housing.
Since the beginning of 2024, the College of Architects has approved 1,600 homes
for the home
6.4 millions HELP SERVICE
The main action has been the drafting and awarding of a new home help service contract, worth 6.4 million euros. This new contract, awarded for two years with a three-year extension, will provide legal certainty for more than 140 workers and cover more than 550 beneficiaries
The service had been provided on a precarious basis since 2020, leading to payment problems for employees.
Also, as part of the Executive’s social policy, a Social Committee has been estabilished, “so necessary for dialogue and participation with social agents working for the benefit of the people of Mijas”, said Mata, along with a Technical Committee and a Suicide Prevention Programme.
Photo: Carmen Martín.
2ND ANNIVERSARY OF TAKING OFFICE
T he I nterview Ana Mata, mayoress of Mijas
“We are on the path
to making Mijas a great municipality”
Irene Pérez / Carmen Martín
Since taking office as mayoress of Mijas on the 2nd of November 2023, Ana Mata (PP) has set herself the goals of bringing “order, transparency and rigour” to the Town Hall. Two years on, the mayoress of Mijas takes stock of her administration and the work of her government team, made up of PP, Vox and PMP, at the helm of Mijas Town Hall.
Mijas Semanal. Mayoress, you were always very clear that municipal management needed to be put in order financially. Ana Mata. We presented a vote of no confidence and clearly stated why it was being presented, which was due to our concern about the management of a town hall such as Mijas, which has always been run as if it were a small town hall rather than the third largest municipality in the province. We have focused on preparing it to become the municipality we all want, rather than managing it from a narrow perspective in which many aspects were not properly organised. There were invoices for significant amounts that had not been handled correctly, and we have had to deal with services that were being provided without a contract and which have caused many problems, such as the home care service, which had been without a contract since 2018. Fortunately, we now have a 6.4 million euros contract with a company that has recently started and will provide stability for both the staff and all users. Inter-
The mayoress highlights the work of the local government to address issues that concern residents, such as housing, parking, and mobility
HOUSING “We have decided to allocate four plots of land to build affordable homes for the residents of Mijas”
“I believe that one of the main concerns among citizens is housing. We have decided to allocate four plots of land to build affordable homes for the residents of Mijas. We will soon
nally, we have focused on equipping the Mijas Town Hall with the tools that, as a municipality with a large population, it has been required to have since 2012. The Municipal Organic Regulations were mandatory, as was the Anti-
announce the tender, which will offer both rental and ownership housing options. The site covers 36,000 square metres and is intended for families”.
Fraud Plan in order to be eligible for European funds, as well as the electronic administration that any town hall should have and which was previously lacking. We have faced many obstacles, but we have now established the Bud-
get and Accounting Management Body, which had also been flagged by the previous comptroller in many of their reports. Finally, this body is now in place to ensure the budgetary stability that we are achieving. Therefore, we are on the path to making Mijas a benchmark municipality and a great municipality.
M.S. The people of Mijas are concerned about many issues, one of which is the lack of parking spaces.
A.M. That’s what I was saying at the beginning: Mijas has always been managed with a very narrow vision and has a lot of work to do, one of which is parking. We
Decline OF UNEMPLOYED in the number
“This is positive news. We are continuing with programmes that help young people find their first ob as well as those who have become unemployed There are many businesses that see i as as a great opportunity and new companies are opening their doors with the potential to create obs e are working along these lines through the mployment Promotion Department. nitiatives such as e o which have been very successful are also contributing to the reduction in unemployment rates allowing the people of i as to find work here in their own town rather than having to move elsewhere municipality that thinks big offers great opportunitie and employment is one of them”
are working on it and very soon we will be able to put out to tender the car park in Mijas Pueblo, which is now a reality because all the reports that depended on other administrations are favourable. We are working on the preliminary projects for the Parque de Andalucía car park and the Los Santos car park, which will soon become a reality. We can also say that the Municipal Parking Plan will provide for 4,000 spaces.
M.S. Another aspect that a council has to work on is cleanliness. Is this being done?
A.M. It is being done. In addition, we are perhaps bound by a contract that was made for a small
The mayoress, Ana Mata, in her office at the Mijas Town Hall / Carmen Martín.
“ HALFWAY THROUGH THE TERM OF OFFICE
MIJAS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MANAGED WITH A VERY NARROW VISION AND STILL HAS MANY TASKS PENDING, PARKING IS ONE OF THEM”
municipality, and we have to work to ensure that this contract is suited to a large municipality. One of the milestones we have achieved in these first two years is that Mijas stands out in glass recycling, having been awarded the Ecovidrio Green Flag. This is not just a Town Hall matter, but one in which we must build seek alliances with residents, the hotel sector, businesses... Moreover, we are on the path to achieving optimal quality so that cleanliness reaches every corner of the municipality, and we will continue working to draw up a specification that covers each and every part of our town.
M.S. Moving on to another topic, I’m sure you’ve been asked on the street about the Grand Park, which is about to open.
A.M. We have many projects ofour own, but there are others that we have inherited. I believe we need to be forward-thinking and take on projects that may not have been a priority for some, but now that they are already in place, we must embrace them as everyone’s. In this sense, the Grand Park project is one that we have taken on with that sense of responsibility and have improved. There was no parking area planned, and now there is a car park where everyone will be able to leave their vehicles once we open it shortly. We have also improved water and energy efficiency. Additional improvements have been made with awnings, twelve toilets, which were not originally planned, and surveillance cameras. It is a very large park, covering some 270,000 square metres, which needs monitoring because there will be life there, with sports facilities and establishments.
M.S. Speaking of sport, has any work been done in this area over the past two years?
A.M. This is also an area in which Mijas has long been seen as a very small municipality; the facilities we have are insufficient. We
“My vision for the future is to continue working to make Mijas a municipality that we can all be very proud of”
“These two years have gone by very quickly, with many internal meetings that the citizens have not been able to see, and because of that, perhaps they have missed me at one event or another. I came here with the challenge of doing things right for the municipality where I grew up and where I want there to be opportunities for everyone who lives here. It has been a very intense two years, but I am enthusiastic about continuing to work hard. For me, the future means continuing to work so that Mijas becomes a municipality we can all be very proud of. That is everyone’s task, not just mine as mayoress”.
“The
MOBILITY
“We are working on the Mobility Plan and on making city buses free of charge”
“We recently visited the Ministry of Public Works to discuss outstanding issues. We came away with the news that the widening of the Mijas road is going to become a reality and we will be able to put it out to tender soon. This allows us to continue advancing with the accessibility plan to connect the different roads.
Mijas not only has to be well connected via the AP-7 or
SECURITY
A-7 motorways, but we also have to do our own part. We are working on this mobility plan, for which we already have the assessment, and on free urban bus travel so that all residents can move around the municipality at no cost. Furthermore, at the meeting, we conveyed to the Ministry the need to subsidise the Mijas section of the AP-7 motorway”.
“There are sufficient reasons for security to increase its budget by 200 per cent”
“We have had storms, power cuts, COVID; there are sufficient reasons for security to increase its budget by 200 per cent, as it has been done. There has been excellent coordination between the forces and we have made progress with the Municipal Emergency Plan”.
are working on this, we have renewed the equipment in our municipal sports facilities, allocating 700,000 euros to this, but we are also about to put out to tender the
facilities in Las Lagunas, which have been paralysed for so long and which are going to have a therapeutic swimming pool. I should also mention that we came across
Consolidated ASSOCIATIONS network of TOURISM
“We have a very consolidated network of associations, and we must be grateful for their activity and their willingness to work as a team. The sum of all of us means that we can successfully provide the best services. We have approved the Municipal Subsidy Ordinance, which we were obliged to have. Mijas is one of the municipalities that allocates the largest budget to social entities”.
a newly inaugurated swimming pool that had not been officially accepted and, thanks to the rain, we discovered that it had a leak in the pool basin and problems with the roof. These issues have since been resolved, and those facilities are now fully operational.
M.S. Culture and leisure also have their place in the municipality.
A.M. Yes, we have hosted the Champions Burger, which I think has been one of the events that has generated the most excitement; performances in the Mijas auditorium for jazz lovers, but Mijas is also a municipality where flamenco entertainment is very important and we have held the
“Mijas has had high occupancy rates; something must be going right”
“Mijas is one of the municipalities with the most tourist accommodation, and there is a reason for that: we need more hotel facilities. Mijas has had high occupancy rates and will continue to do so in the autumn. Something must be going right. We have achieved another Blue Flag, we have nine Q-quality beaches and that submerged forest of Posidonia. We have many reasons, such as the Coastal Path, where work is already underway on two new sections, we have put the care of our mountains out to tender, and we have the crown jewel, which is Mijas Pueblo”.
provincial gathering of the different federations of flamenco enthusiasts. In addition, the tuna gathering has become established and every weekend Mijas has a very full calendar of events, along with the various fairs we organise, such as Sabor a Málaga and the Cheese and Wine Festival, which this year has been a complete success and which we are working to make it an important platform for local establishments and producers. I am an advocate of consuming what is ours, and we have been able to count on them at various cultural events to make them visible and consolidate them in our municipality, Mijas.
widening of the Mijas road is going to become a reality”, Mata stated. / Archive.
Infrastructure and Procurement
The project comprises a multipurpose building, a therapeutic swimming pool, facility entrances, and a central entrance plaza
Report by Editorial Department / Design: Isabel Merino
The Mijas Town Hall takes a decisive step towards completing the expansion of the Regino Hernández Sports Complex in Las Lagunas. The deadline for submitting bids for the works to complete the infrastructure, which began in 2019 and has been halted twice (once in August 2020 and again in May 2024, both due to breaches of contract by the winning companies), is now open. The tender amount is 5.1 millon euros.
Specifically, the project includes a multi-purpose building (for sports and administrative use), a therapeutic swimming pool in a separate but adjoining building, a children’s playground and the necessary access points to the infrastructure, as well as facilities, changing rooms and a central entrance plaza. The deadline for bids is the 25th of November, in less than three weeks. After that, the bid opening will the place by the 4th of December at the latest. At that point, the company with the best technical and financial proposal will be announced so that work can begin once the contract has been formalised.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), stated that “more than six years after the start of the first works, we are giving the final push for the completion of the Regino Hernández Sports Complex in de las Lagunas”. For the mayoress, “these works, which are being put out
Sports Complex Mijas puts out to tender the works to complete the expansion of the
THE NEW FACILITIES
to tender for more than five million euros, will provide all the residents of Mijas with modern facilities and top-quality equipment for sport”.
Central entrance plaza
The main entrance to the buildings will be through a front door with direct access from Camino del Albero, which connects to the central entrance plaza that will serve as a distribution point for users. Internal circulation within the building will be via open staircases and a lift. In the case of the multi-purpose building, there will be a protected staircase to ensure compliance with evacuation routes, connecting all floors and providing access to the covered floor.
The basement, which covers the entire multi-purpose building, the central plaza and part of the swimming pool building, will have vehicle access to the car park area, as well as electric vehicle charging points. This floor is completed with a large area for auxiliary facilities.
On the ground floor will be the main entrance halls, changing rooms, and administration offices. To improve the flow of
ANA MATA
“This
project provides further evidence of the government team’s commitment”
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), said that “more than six years after the start of the first works we are giving the final push for the completion of the egino ern nde ports omple in de las agunas”
For the mayoress of Mijas, “these works which are being put out to tender for more than five million euros will make modern facilities with top- uality e uipment for sports available to all the residents of i as” ata emphasised that sports facilities in i as are improving” adding that we are already demonstrating this with the comprehensive renovation of the gym e uipment and this pro ect is further proof of the government team s commitment”
people and avoid unnecessary crowding, a connecting door is planned in the fence around the football pitch, allowing direct access to the changing rooms without passing through the central plaza.
Therapeutic swimming pool
The building will be directly accessible from the plaza. Accessible toilets and changing rooms will be provided on the
ground floor. The roof of this building will feature beams that imitate wood and will be arranged transversely, with a large longitudinal window on the south façade that will allow natural light to enter. The exterior landscaping, as well as the connections to existing buildings and public roads, will be carried out using wide paths that comply with the mandatory accessibility regulations.
The mayoress Ana Mata during a visit to the Sports Complex with the Councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella / Archive.
Mayoress of Mijas (PP)
Current view of the Las Lagunas Sports Complex / Mijas Town Hall Press.
Sports facilities
Users of the municipal gyms are already enjoying new equipment
The installation in Mijas Pueblo is now complete, as are those at the Racecourse and the Las Lagunas Sports Centre. A total of 730,000 euros are being invested in improving sports facilities
More than 2,000 users of Mijas’ municipal gyms are already enjoying the new, modern equipment that began to be installed last week. Specifically, the Mijas Pueblo facility, with a total of 51 machines, as well as equipment including weights, bars and dumbbells, is now complete, as are those at the Costa del Sol Racecourse and the Las Lagunas Sports Centre.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), visited the Mijas Pueblo gym on Tuesday 4th, together with the councillor for Sports, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), once the installation of the machines had been completed. Mata recalled that some of the equipment had not been replaced for more than a quarter of a century “due to the neglect of previous government teams”.
Six lots
The Mijas Town Hall has awarded a 730,000 euros contract for the complete renovation of the gym equipment in the municipality’s gyms and sports facilities. The contract, divided into six different lots, will significantly improve the service for citizens and encourage
Lot 1
Ana Mata Mayoress of Mijas (PP)
“Sport is one of Mijas’ core values and must be protected and promoted”
Equipment for municipal gyms
Lot 1 of this contract relates to EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIVE MUNICIPAL GYMS, TOTALLING 871 MACHINES AND TRAINING TOOLS, ranging from treadmills, elliptical trainers, cardiovascular rowing machines, biceps and triceps machines, and squat racks to dumbbells, Olympic plates and bumpers, as well as hyperextension and calf raise benches, among many other items.
Lot 4 Lot 5
of two certified competition tatami mats
Lot 6
OTHER WORKS
The Town Hall is carrying out renovation work on the technical flooring of the ballet classrooms
Ed. Dept. The government team emphasises that this action will significantly improve the quality of facilities that were al-
active participation in sport, according to the government team.
The Town Hall emphasises that “this contract addresses a long-
ready showing signs of wear and tear due to constant use by more than a hundred people every week.
standing need to equip the five municipal gyms (Mijas Pueblo, Ciudad Deportiva Regino Hernández in Las Lagunas, Costa del Sol
The floors will be sanded, polished and varnished, and the skirting boards are also scheduled to be replaced. The work is being
Racecourse, La Cala Sports Hall and La Cala Swimming Pool building). In total, this involves more than 1,000 machines and training
equipment for the new Olympic swimming pool
The mayoress added that fundamental factors such as leisure and health are closely linked to sporting activities, “which is why the Mijas Town Hall provides the residents of Mijas with the best possible facilities”. The installation of the equipment throughout the municipality will be completed in La Cala next week. for the athletics track at the Racecourse
carried out by Operational Services.
“Those attending the classes had been requesting improvements for some time, and that is what we are doing. We are talking about floors that had not been replaced for years, so it was an urgent necessity. The work is already underway and will be completed across all the facilities involved in the coming weeks”, concluded the UP councillor Silvia Marín (PP).
pieces, technical flooring and tatami mats. In some cases, the machines had not been replaced for several decades.
Ed. Dept. / Design: Isabel Merino
Renovation work on the ballet studio floor at the theatre / Mijas Press Office.
ECONOMY AND FINANCE
Mijas pays 870.000 euros to Social Security for employment plans in 2020 and 2021
The Grand Park begins its
initial safety tests with the
The load and capacity of the park will also be monitored during this competition organised by the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation
Editorial Department / Diseño: I.M.
The Mijas Grand Park begins its final load, capacity and safety tests this weekend, ahead of its official opening, with the fifth stage of the 2025 Pickle Pro Tour. The event will bring together 146 athletes to compete in a discipline of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation that has previously visited Malaga, Barcelona and Alcobendas, among other Spanish cities.
On Thursday 6th and Friday 7th of November, the Lew Hoad tennis and padel club will host
the group stage of the various Pro division categories, as well as all matches in the Talent category. The semi-finals and finals will take place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of November in the area prepared for this purpose at the Mijas Grand Park.
Entrance will be via the main access next to La Morena, limiting entry to the sports area where the matches will take place. Access to other areas of the Grand Park will not be permitted, in line with the load tests carried out by Mijas Town Hall. With the three essential con-
The
competition:
A total of 146 PLAYERS FROM 11 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES will participate in the tournament.
Spain will be represented by 126 players, with additional participants from Slovakia, the United States, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.
tracts (gardening, maintenance and security) for the commissioning of the infrastructure –covering 270,000 square metres and will make it the largest urban park in Andalusia– already awarded, these load tests are the final step before its official opening.
The Executive claims that this has caused “serious harm to municipal accounts”
Ed. Dept. The Mijas Town Hall has received settlement notices from the Labour Inspectorate, through which it has already paid a total of 870,000 euros. This is because the employees under the employment plans carried out in 2020 and part of 2021, promoted by the previous government team, were contributing below the level corresponding to their job category.
In this regard, the local executive explains in a press release that “during that period, employment schemes were launched with external subsidies. The beneficiaries, far from receiving an amount commensurate with their positions, were paid and contributed at a lower rate”.
Harm
Years later, the Labour Inspectorate detected these anomalies and informed both the Town Hall and the General Treasury of the Social Security. In addition, it has already requested information relating to the rest of 2021 and indicated that further regularisations will need to be paid.
The General Treasury of Social Security, which reports to the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, has already demanded payment of 870.000
euros (including a 20% surcharge) and has issued the corresponding payment notices, which the Mijas Town Hall has settled from the current 2025 budget, “causing serious harm to municipal accounts”, according to the Executive.
The note continues, “the Inspectorate certifies that the local government in those years paid employees less than they should have received. Even so, the possibility of paying the salary difference has already expired and cannot be carried out”. “This is an example of how the previous government team managed things, causing serious damage to the municipal coffers and, therefore, to all the residents of Mijas”, said the mayoress of Mijas”, Ana Mata (PP).
Response from the PSOE
The PSOE spokesperson, Josele González, explained that “what not only this council, but all councils in Andalusia have done, is to follow the salary scales issued by the Junta, which in no case seemed to be match the agreement governing municipal employees”. González calls on the PP in Mijas to “ask the Junta to update the salary scales” so that “we can continue to enjoy employment schemes in our town”.
The final stages, which will be held in the Grand Park, will take place in the amphitheatre area of the Grand Park / Archive.
its international profile
The municipality strengthens at the World Travel Market in London
Mijas showcases its potential as a leading destination in southern Europe at this key trade fair for the sector
Report by Editorial Department / Design: Isabel Merino
The councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox), has given a very positive assessment of Mijas’ participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where the municipality held meetings with industry professionals to consolidate its position as a comprehensive, high-quality destination that is open all year round. “The fair is allowing us to strengthen the Mijas brand and confirm the interest of interna-
OBJECTIVE:
the summer
To consolidate the municipality’s appeal beyond season
The councillor for Tourism’s agenda at the WTM included meetings with British operators, European tour operators and representatives of specialised media, with aiming to continue promoting Mijas as a quality destination throughout the year.
tional operators in a destination that offers much more than just sun and sand”, said Jerez. “We are presenting a solid proposal based on the quality, authenticity and variety of experiences that can
be enjoyed in our municipality 365 days a year”, he added.
During the event, the Mijas delegation met with operators from the British market, representatives from the golf sector,
THE CAMPAIGN
Showcasing the municipality’s potential not only AS A SUN AND BEACH DESTINATION, BUT ALSO FOR NATURE, SPORT, CULTURE AND WELLBEING was the goal of the Mijas delegation in London. For the Tourism Department, diversification is key to spreading tourism throughout the year and ensuring stable employment in the tourism sector.
the
MICE agencies and cultural tourism professionals, strengthening ties that will translate into new opportunities for collaboration.
“British visitors continue to be one of our main allies, and we want to attract them outside the high season as well, with golf, nature and cultural offerings”, explained the councillor. “Seasonal adjustment is not a slogan, it is a roadmap that Mijas is following step by step”, says Jerez.
International operators
Mijas has stood out these days within the Costa del Sol as a whole for its ability to attract the attention of international operators and for the good results it has been achieving in terms of tourism.
“The name Mijas is gaining traction among the established destinations on the Costa del Sol thanks to a diverse and high-quality offering that is increasingly attracting British visitors”, Jerez emphasised. The councillor pointed out that the municipality’s presence in London is creating new opportunities for promotion and cooperation, while reinforcing Mijas’ image as a leading destination in southern Europe. “We are here to continue advancing and consolidate the place that Mijas already occupies on the international tourism map”, he stressed.
The councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez, has held meetings with tour operators and travel agents / Mijas Press.
Businesswoman María del Carmen Gómez from La Cala,
new president of the AECC Mijas
The main objective of the Mijas branch is to obtain premises in the town to support patients and their families
N. Luque / F. M. Romero
“The time has come to help people, head-on, dedicating all our time to them”. This was the conviction expressed by businesswoman from La Cala María del Carmen Gómez Fabra at her official presentation as the new president of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in Mijas. “I really wanted to do it, but before, due to my work situation, I didn’t think it was the right time”. Gómez has extensive experience in administrative and human resources management within the hospitality sector. Beyond her professional life, she has always maintained a very
RAISING AWARENESS
close relationship with the AECC, continuously collaborating both personally, as a volunteer, and professionally, as a socially conscious businesswoman.
Among her most immediate objectives, the new president highlighted the creation of a local headquarters in La Cala, a space that will bring the association’s services and programmes closer to the entire population. “We want to be closer to patients and their families, offer support and promote prevention, including among the large foreign community living in the area”, she explained. Numerous neighbours, family members, and
representatives of Mijas’ social and business sectors, especially from La Cala, accompanied Gómez at her official presentation. “It has been very moving and exciting. I am not alone, and I believe that together we are going to achieve something great for Mijas. We deserve it”, she said, grateful for the support she received.
The Town Hall was represented by the mayoress herself, Ana Mata (PP), together with councillors Mari Francis Alarcón (PP) and Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP). “Mari Carmen will be a president who is be very locally focused. She has strong ties to the municipali-
Gómez was well
at
ty, especially to La Cala. She is a much-loved woman and will work to ensure that all preventive initiatives reach every corner of Mijas and that all the social initiatives represented by the AECC are highly visible in our municipality. Having a new president today is great news for what it means for Mijas”, said Mata, who also highlighted the collaboration between the Town Hall and the AECC. Regarding the future headquarters, “it is essential for Mijas”, she added.
For his part, the president of the AECC in Málaga, Joaquín Morales, expressed his gratitude to María del Carmen for taking on this commitment and conveyed a message
Hundreds of neighbours join the 7th ‘Move Against Diabetes’ walk in La Cala
The event, held on Sunday 2nd at El Torreón, included free glucose tests, Zumba, performances and a market
(PP), stressed the importance of early detection.
“Something as simple as pricking your finger and getting tested from time to time is essential for prevention, especially for people who may have a family history of the disease, because diabetes is often hereditary”, she said.
A “silent killer”
of support and trust: “It is a great source pride to have people like Mari Carmen, who are so committed to their municipality and to the association’s mission. Her energy, experience and spirit of solidarity will be fundamental in helping the AECC to continue growing”.
Among the companies and groups present in support was the Idiliq Foundation, which raises funds for the AECC every year through various campaigns. “We are close to this association, which plays a very important role, and we are very happy and proud that this is happening in Mijas”, said Hernán Lara, ambassador for the foundation.
The president of the club’s Diabetes Support Group, Anne Bowles , was clear about the seriousness of the diagnosis.
“The idea of our group is to raise awareness about diabetes, because it is a killer, it can kill you.
Many people say “I only have a little bit of diabetes” and we say that’s like being “a little bit pregnant”, she said.
Solidarity for other causes
F.M.R. On Sunday, 2nd of November, La Cala hosted the seventh edition of the ‘Move Against Diabetes’ walk. Hundreds of neighbours joined this initiative organised by the La Cala Lions Club to raise awareness about the disease, promote healthy lifestyle habits and raise funds to support their social work.
The event was supported by the Town Hall’s Departments of Foreigners and Sports. The councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP), highlighted the importance of prevention: “Dia-
betes kills millions of people every year. It is a very silent disease, although it is relatively easy to prevent. It is a matter of reducing sugar intake and increasing physical exercise a little”.
For her part, the councillor for Sports, Mari Francis Alarcón
Throughout the morning, volunteers from the La Cala Lions Club offered free glucose tests in El Torreón Square. Mercy Chapman, a volunteer nurse, warned of the dangers of this condition, saying that “diabetes is something very hidden. People walk down the street not knowing they have it, and it causes problems with the eyes, circulation and heart... with many things”.
The charity day also served as a platform for other causes, such as Jenny Hannam’s initiative to install defibrillators in La Cala, a project that is very close to his heart. “In London, they have one every hundred metres. The reason we are here today is that I myself suffered a cardiac arrest in London last December, and it was the presence of a defibrillator that saved my life”, explained Hannam.
The event was rounded off with a walk along the Coastal Path, a market enlivened by music and a Zumba session.
The La Cala Lions Club organised the event / M.C.
Councillors Alarcón and Bravo attended / M.C.
supported
her presentation. On the right, alongside the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, and the president of the AECC Málaga, Joaquín Morales. The provincial delegate Carmen Sánchez was also present / M.F.
Empowerment with the Soroptimist Women’s Soroptimist Women’s
The initiative combines workshops, talks, round tables and personal growth activities aimed at women
El Cortijo Alegría in Mijas is currently hosting the first Soroptimist International Costa del Sol Women’s Leadership Academy. From the 5th to the 11th of November, the municipality will welcome this experience focused on personal and professional development. It is “a meeting point for 24 young women, aged between 20 and 30, from across Europe, who come here to learn new professional skills, but also to better understand themselves and face the challenges they encounter in reaching their goals”, explained the president of the group, Dafne Theunissen
Together with other members of the association, Theunissen was in charge of welcoming the participants and leading the inauguration of this academy, which
GROUPS
extends beyond the workplace.
“Soroptimist is increasingly organising this initiative across Europe. This year it has already been held in Slovenia and Scandinavia, but for us it is the first time, although it will not be the last”, she said.
Personal growth
Although the academy officially began on Wednesday 5th, participants and organisers had already held some preliminary online meetings. Over these five days, attendees will enhance their personal and professional skills through workshops, talks, round tables and other activities.
For Mari Carmen Banqueri, a cancer researcher and participant, “it’s an opportunity I can’t waste, because leadership is very important, especially in science and communication, as well as
in knowing how to reach out to others, handle different situations, manage emotions and deal with team problems”, she said.
“In addition to leadership”, added her colleague Nora Ripa, a theatre student, “there has to be methodology and techniques, so I think it’s fantastic. I’ve come to develop myself in that area; I want to learn how I can move forward and progress with my projects”. For Nora, the meeting will also serve to “practise my English, grow personally and take away both the experience and the connections with people”, she said.
Until next Tuesday, the participants will share experiences, training and daily life in a natural environment that, as the president of the collective pointed out, “encourages reflection, learning and the creation of bonds between women”.
The Age Concern association resumes its meetings in Mijas Pueblo
C.Luque. The non-profit association Age Concern, made up of residents of different nationalities but all English-speaking, is resuming its volunteer meetings in Mijas Pueblo. The group is also active in La Cala de Mijas, Fuengirola and Benalmádena, and now has an active team in the village again.
Age Concern is well known internationally and works primarily with elderly people or foreign residents who do not have family support in the country where they live.
From the Foreigners’ Department, technician Katja Thirion said that “the Town Hall is very pleased that they are coming together again in Mijas Pueblo
and resuming their volunteer meetings”.
Meetings in Mijas Pueblo will be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 12 noon
to 2pm, at La Bodeguita El Tejo, located on Avenida de México.
The association invites all foreign residents to request information and attend the meetings, as they
+NEWS
Suspiros de Cuatro Patas is organising its second charity tasting on Saturday, 8th of November.-
On Saturday, 8th of November, from 17:00 to 20:00 hours, the second charity wine tasting in support of the Suspiros de Cuatro Patas association will take place at Roali (Avenida Los Perales, 2, Las Lagunas). The cost is 10 euros per person, which will go entirely to the association and includes a tasting of the best wines and a 50cl bottle of water. In addition, there will be a charity auction and market, as well as tapas featuring freshly sliced Serrano ham, cheese and olives, all at very affordable prices. Those interested in attending can reserve their place via WhatsApp on 618 756 859.
The British Legion commemorates Remembrance Day on Sunday 9th.-
The Mijas Costa branch of the Royal British Legion will hold its annual Remembrance Day service on Sunday 9th at 10:30 hours in the Salon Varietés in Fuengirola. The service will be led by reverend William Small, assistant chaplain of the Chaplaincy of St Andrew’s, accompanied by the first Scout group of Fuengirola. After the ceremony, several meetings and lunches are planned. For more information, call 635 450 608 (Margery) or email MTaylor@britishlegion.org.uk.
The 3rd Mijas Lions Club charity Gala Dinner will be held on November 15th.-
On the 15th of November, at 21:00 hours, the Hotel Ilunion Hacienda de Mijas will host the 3rd Mijas Lions Club Gala Dinner. The reservation fee is 80 euros per person, and the proceeds will go towards funding the group’s activities to help the most vulnerable members of society, such as distributing food and school supplies and providing breakfasts for Alzheimer’s patients. Guests will be able to enjoy live music by the duo Good Times, dancing, a raffle, a tombola, auctions and much more. Reservations can be made by calling 617 776 258. (Loly).
can benefit from the various services it offers. According to Thirion, “this group works very well in other countries. They are very well organised, they help the elderly, they accompany them and provide transport. They offer a lot of support.
For more information, please call 619 792 738 or visit the website www.ageconcernfym.com.
Ed. Dept. The flamenco show that fills Mijas Pueblo with music every Saturday is changing venues. Starting this Saturday, 8th of November, the performances will be held in the Virgen de la Peña Square, maintaining their usual schedule at 12:00 noon. The Tourism Department of the Mijas Town Hall has confirmed that this event, already established in the municipality’s leisure calendar, will move to this location until the end of the year.
Alberto Lago
Together with other members of the collective, Dafne Theunissen was in charge of welcoming the participants and leading the inauguration of the academy / A.L.
The meeting on Tuesday 4th was attended by Katja Thirion, technician from the Foreigners’ Department / C.L.
WHAT´S ON
Mountain Film Festival
Mountain, Adventure and Nature Film Festival
Friday 7th, Mijas Town Hall auditorium
In tribute to Juan Antonio Gómez Alarcón from Mijas
19:00 h. Presentation ceremony
By Mijas Comunicación, Juan Carlos Maldonado, Carmen Gómez Alarcón
19:45 h. Talk by Mainake in memory of Juan Antonio Gómez
By Jesús Cuenca and Lázaro Moreno, from Mainake (caving and hiking society)
Saturday 8th, Mijas Pueblo 10:00 h. Guided tour of the Agua Mijas mine
In collaboration with Mainake Starting point: Tourist Office
Information and registration: cultura@mijas.es 952590380
Sunday 9th, Manuel España Theatre, Las Lagunas
18:00 h. Presentation ‘Guía de la Sierra de Mijas’
By the family of Juan Antonio Gómez Alarcón
18:30 h. Screening of ‘Una Sierra Viva’ Screening by Mijas Comunicación
Five years of the Mountain Film Festival in Mijas Summary by Mijas Comunicación
19:30 h. Picos de Europa. Anillos de los tres macizos
By Cristóbal Gambero, Ismael González, Juan Luis Vega and Antonio Cano, from the Almoradú Mountain Club
FRIDAY 7TH
Painting exhibition by Ana Ordóñez: ‘Azz House’
La Cala Cultural Centre, 18 horas
Unitl the 9th of December
SATURDAY 8TH
II Charity Wine Tasting in aid of Suspiros de Cuatro Patas Roali Wine Shop, from 17 to 20 h Price: 10 euros, includes wine tasting and a bottle of water
NOVEMBER 7TH & 8TH
Conference, music and workshop sessions, under the title ‘Ellas Next’
Manuel España Theatre
Organised by Ayuda Next, in aid of an orphanage they run in Nigeria. More information at www. iglesianext.es.
MONDAY 10TH
Guided tour of the photography exhibition by Francisco Plaza and Antonio Martín
Mijas Folk Museum, 20 h
There will be another guided tour on the 14th of November
THURSDAY 13TH
Autumn literary cycle
Manuel España Theatre stage, 19 hours
Presentation of Germán Diogracia’s book, ‘Sombras sobre la Patagonia’
DO NOT MISS
III Mijas Lions Club Gala 15th of November, 21 hours. Hotel Ilunion Hacienda de Mijas
Price per person: 80 euros. With live music, dancing, prize draws, raffles, auctions and much more.
Reservations on 617 77 62 58 (Loly)
Solidarity tables: ‘Make solidarity your gift this autumn’
La Cala Branch Office Square, last Wednesday and Saturday of each month, from 11 to 14 h
IV Las Lagunas Tapas Route
Every day until the 29th of November
A tapa and a drink for 3.50 euros at the participating establishments
Photography exhibition ‘Minimalism’, organised by the Nuevo Enfoque Mijas Association
Las Lagunas Cultural Centre
Until the 19th of November
Second-hand market
Las Lagunas fairground and Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa Sundays from 9 to 14 h
Ecological market
La Cala Boulevard, opposite the branch office, on the second and last Sunday of each month
Painting exhibition ‘Oscura luz’, by John Koltran
Mijas Arts Centre (edf. Algarrobo, 2 plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo)
With special guest Kiro and a dance performance by Valentine Rochat
Flamenco show Every Wednesday and Saturday at 12 h Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo
Exhibition ‘Visions of Andalusia’ BY Kurt Ard
Mijas Contemporary Art Centre (CAC Mijas)
Until the 12th of February
FOREIGNER’S DEPARTMENT MIJAS TOWN HALL
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
SALUD RESPONDE (Doctor’s prescriptions etc.)
EMERGENCY/DOCTOR, AMBULANCE ANDALUSIAN HEALTH
LOCAL POLICE - MIJAS
EMERGENCIES 24H
OFFICE, MON - FRI 8:00-14:00
FIREBRIGADE 24H
CIVIL GUARD 24H
MIJAS TOWN HALL - MIJAS VILLAGE
TOWN HALL BRANCH LAS LAGUNAS
FOREIGNERS DEPARTMENT (MON - FRI 9:00 - 14:00)
SENIOR CITIZEN’S DEPARTMENT
SOCIAL SERVICES (MON - FRI - 8:00 - 14:00)
WOMEN’S CENTRE FREE FURNITURE COLLECTION
Aristochat charity dinner 14th of November, Mesón El Torillo restaurant, in Fuengirola, 20 h Reservations and
