Registration open for the 27th Nativity Scene hibition
The Department of Festivities and Traditions has prepared a wide range of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy Christmas in Mijas
The UP will hold its Christmas S S S
gala on the 11th, staging a story
NEWS/04
La Cala hosts the 3rd C t ul International Open
The deadline to participate in this exhibition, which will be open to visitors from the 18th of December to the 5th of January, is December 10th at 12 noon
Alumnos y profesores interpretarán 'El día en que se perdió la Navidad' en el Teatro Manuel España a partir de las 17:30 horas
The water supply network will be renovated on eight streets in Osunillas
The public company Acosol will invest 751,000 euros in this project, which has gone out to tender with a completion period of five months NEWS/08
that
Thursday
on the Christmas lights on Wednesday 3rd
From Friday 5th to Monday 8th, this tournament, which is authorised by the Spanish Petanque Federation, will be held at the fairground
Christmas is already shining in Mijas
Friday 5th,
will be Las
turn to shine with its own light, with the lights being switched on by the mayoress, making this the first year in which each district has its own switch-on event, preceded by activities such as concerts and pastoral performances. In addition, this year residents will be able to enjoy a light and music show that will take place several times a day in each part of the town / Alberto Lago. NEWS 02-03
The Grand Park will open its doors on specific dates during the Christmas season
It will open during the Constitution long weekend, on December 13th and 14th, and from the 20th of December to the 6th of January
SPANISH NEWS/10
The Town Hall has already drawn up the 2025 call for grants for local associations The mayoress of Mijas meets again with associations of the Third Sector to discuss their concerns
NEWS/10
Mijas records the only drop in crime on the Costa del Sol, with a 10% reduction Security points to operational restructuring and new security work strategies as key factors behind these results
NEWS/09
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, pressed the button
officially switched
in Mijas Pueblo and on
4th in La Cala. Today,
it
Lagunas’
Christmas in Mijas
An exciting
is already shining in
The mayoress, Ana Mata, accompanied by a group of children, pressed the button that officially switched on the Christmas lights in the village
I.Pérez /N. Luque /A. Lago Design: M. Fernández
On Wednesday 3rd, Mijas Pueblo welcomed Christmas by switching on the lights that will illuminate the streets and squares of this town centre until the 6th of January. The ‘pastoral’ groups Vecinos del Camorro, Las Lagunas, Virgen de la Paz, Santiago, and the group of the Hermandad del Nazareno filled the historic centre with their Christmas carols, kicking off a magical afternoon eagerly awaited by families.
“We have to thank these groups for their contribution. We listened to them around a warm fire, and these are groups that help pass traditions down from generation to generation, because we see children singing with their parents and grandparents, and that is something very beautiful”, said the mayoress Ana Mata (PP).
Next, a display of fireworks, lights, images and sounds flooded the façade of the Mijas Town Hall, creating a unique Christmas atmosphere, later joined by the artist Mami Curl, who, together with the talented violinist Jesús Miguel Navas, enlivened this special day with the typical melodies of the season.
After the music, it was time to press the button to officially switch on Christmas in Mijas Pueblo, a gesture carried out by the mayoress and a group of
children. The moment when the streets and, above all, the Virgen de la Peña square were lit up caused great excitement among all those present. “I think this is the first year I’ve cried when seeing the lights. It was spectacular, listening to the music, watching the light show... really very beautiful”, said young Mijas resident Isabel María Aranda, as did her sister Laura Aranda , who said she had loved the afternoon, “I wasn’t expecting it, everything was really cool, the Christmas tree, the fireworks and even the moment when the button was pressed, which I had never seen live before”.
Mata also took the opportunity to acknowledge “the work of all those who have made it possible for us to be here today, especially our municipal employees, who have made it possible for us to enjoy a very special afternoon and evening”. Christmas in Mijas has only just begun!
An impressive
audiovisual
display
A spectacle of fireworks, lights, images and sounds flooded the façade of the Mijas Town Hall, creating a unique Christmas atmosphere
“Everything we do is so that families, friends, and visitors can enjoy a fantastic and happy time in Mijas” switch-on OUR traditions
Above, Mami Curl performing at the lighting ceremony / A.L.
Christmas in Mijas
On Thursday 4th, the seaside town switched on its Christmas lights with a celebration featuring performances by five local pastoral groups, a video mapping show and fusion music
After kicking off in Mijas Pueblo, Christmas arrived in La Cala on Thursday 4th with a celebration that combined deep-rooted tradition with new audiovisual offerings, including a video mapping show on the façade of the La Cala Branch Office. The boulevard and the branch office square were filled with residents and visitors who came to witness the official switching on of the lights, in a ceremony presided over by the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), who emphasised that “Mijas must also stand out at Christmas, in the streets, enjoying our shops and restaurants, and supporting our self-employed people, who make our municipality great”.
The mayoress wished all the residents of Mijas a Merry Christmas “here in Mijas, with their loved ones” and invited everyone to “come and visit us and enjoy these splendid light”.
The event began with the most typical sound of this time of year, thanks to five local ‘pastoral’ groups who opened the programme of events. After the traditional music, the façade of the La Cala Branch Office came to life with an audiovisual light show, and the programme was rounded off with a performance by singer Mami Curl, who offered a repertoire of Christmas carols in English and Spanish with touches of rock, blues and soul.
The reception from the audience was very positive, especially among the international community. Lauren Osman, a resident born in Spain to English parents, was delighted: “It’s very beautiful and entertaining, there’s nothing like it in England”. Isabel Bateman highlighted the emotion of the moment, saying, “I love it because it’s a tradition here, it’s
Display
up And Avant-garde and
lits
tradition
together
In addition to singer Mami Curl, pastoral groups Las Lagunas, Santiago, Vecinos del Camorro, La Rosa, and Virgen de la Paz also performed.
very moving to see the lights and how people enjoy it”. The switchon culminated with a speech by the mayoress of Mijas and the official lighting, giving way to a programme that continues on Friday 5th of December in Las Lagunas, where there will also be a Christmas switch-on.
“We enjoyed the switch-on on the Boulevard with the music show, where we only had to look at the faces of the little ones, who are perhaps the ones who look forward to Christmas the most. We wanted to create a Christmas where everyo-
Until January 6th, there will be three daily showings from Monday to Sunday to enjoy the light and sound show in La Cala and Mijas Village at 19, 20:30 and 22 hours.
ne feels the festive season because, in the end, the lights represent moments with the family, moments of sharing together, of harmony rather than conflict and, above all, of making wishes for the coming new year, so that it will be full of excitement”, said the mayoress.
F.M.Romero / C.Luque / I.Merino Design: M. Fernández
The mayoress Ana Mata together with councillors from the government team and the singer Mami Curl / A.L.
The mayoress Ana Mata, together with the singer Mami Curl and a group of children, switched on the lights / A.L.
The Christmas lights in
Las Lagunas will be switched on this Friday, the 5th
Christmas has officially begun in Mijas. The lights were switched on on Wednesday 3rd in Mijas Pueblo and on Thursday 4th in La Cala. In Las Lagunas, on Avenida de Mijas, the official switching on of the Christmas lights will take place on Friday 4th from 18 hours. There will be dance performances by the UP, and as in the village, several ‘pastoral’ groups will sing, creating a traditional Christmas atmosphere. The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), will be in charge of pressing the button to switch on the Christmas lights, as she did in the other districts. This year, the decorations feature a total of 3.8 million LED lights. In addition, an extensive programme of events has been scheduled to highlight each neighbourhood.
MIJAS PUEBLO
Virgen de la Peña Square
am om flamenca os ucena
tor telling l Tesoro de las peladillas th astorales Contest , h , h , h , h , h o al ostman
anta Claus illage
rida th, h
A enida de Mijas
witching on the Christmas lights in as agunas
Until the 6th of January, there will be:
Three daily displays: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays At 19, 20:30 and 22 hours
Two daily displays: Mondays to Thursdays At 19 and 20:30 hours
Other Christmas activities
Regarding the programme of events, on the 12th of December there will be a Santa Claus Village in Andalucía Park from 16:00 to 20:00 hours. On the 13th of December, a ‘zambombá flamenca’ will take place in El Juncal (Calle Virgen de la Concepción) starting at 19:00 hours. On the 21st of December, the storytelling event
‘La estrella de la Navidad’ is scheduled at Fernán Caballero Park from 17:30 hours. On the 27th of December, the royal postman will be in the Candelaria Square from 16:00 to 20:00 hours, and on the 30th, ta children’s party will be held in María Zambrano Park from 16:00 hours. A Christmas designed for the enjoyment of young and old alike.
LA CALA
anta Claus illage , h
oule ard car park
oule ard car park
a Cala ranch ffice quare astoral groups
oule ard quare
Tarde uena tor telling A enturas con la Misi n ol or n , h , h , h oule ard car park
oule ard car park
am om flamenca Ana errano o al ostman
oule ard car park
Tarde ieja , h , h , h
LAS LAGUNAS
anta Claus illage
am om flamenca Caletero
Andaluc a ark l uncal ern n Ca allero ark
Candelaria quare
tor telling a estrella de la a idad o al ostman , h , h , h , h
Mar a am rano ark
*Programme subject to possible changes by the organisers.
Micaela Fernández
All set to light up Christmas in Las Lagunas / Beatriz Martín.
The venue, located on Calle Río Darro in Las Lagunas, will offer workshops for children and adults, as well as family activities
On Saturday, 29th of November, the headquarters of the Ukrainian Joint Family Cultural Centre, located on Calle Río Darro in Las Lagunas, was inaugurated. It is space for creating, supporting, uniting and strengthening the Ukrainian community, while integrating all families interested in culture, art and education.
“The centre will be open every day from 10 to 22 hours. We will hold workshops for children in the afternoon and for adults in both the morning and afternoon”, said the president of the Ukrainian Cultural Space Association, Halyna Lisnycha
The event brought together leaders of the Ukrainian community, artists, teachers, volunteers, numerous families and representatives of the Mijas Town Hall.
“The Ukrainian community on the Costa del Sol has always
Anette
The Ukrainian Association
inaugurates its Joint Family cultural centre
been large, but now, unfortunately, it has grown due to the war in Ukraine. Many families, especially women and children, have sought refuge in a safe
Skou inaugurates her sculpture exhibition ‘Ana’s World II’
place while their husbands or fathers continue to fight against the Russian invasio”, said the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP).
N.L. After retiring from her job in the Foreigners’ Department of the Mijas Town Hall, and following in the footsteps of her husband, the artist and renowned sculptor José María Córdoba, Anette Skou presented her second exhibition of terracotta figures on Friday 28th of November. Ana’s World II, on display at the Escandi Design shop (Carretera de Mijas, 3.5 km), reveals the artistic side to which she is currently devoting her time.
“Each sculpture has a different interpretation. They have human, animal and natural forms. There are figures everywhere and they have messages to be discovered, some humorous, others critical”,
A heartfelt event
The inauguration began with a greeting from the president of the association, followed by a blessing from Father Vitaly, pa-
rish priest of the Orthodox community, in honour of the icon of the Mother of God, Skoroposlusnytsia. There ceremony also included music, exhibitions and a presentation of the centre’s projects.
The centre outlined its areas of work: creative and educational workshops for children and adults, cultural projects such as theatre, music and cinema. The Ukrainian school Kryla was also highlighted, promoting language, values, and cultural identity, alongside social programmes such as the Silver Age Academy and the inspiring cycle ‘We All Come from Childhood’.
said Skou. There are 18 pieces of different sizes in stoneware and black and white clay, which are displayed throughout the exhibition space. The pieces are for sale and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Food Bank through
Soroptimist International. “I think this is a time to be proud of the large number of artists who either were born here or create their art here and decide to share it with us”, said the councillor for Foreigners, (PP). Mario Bravo (PP).
Nuria Luque
Mario Bravo and the president of the Ukrainian Cultural Space Association, Halyna Lisnycha / M.C.
The headquarters promises to be a space dedicated to culture / M.C.
A moment from the inauguration with the traditional korovai / M.C.
Anette Skou alongside the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo, and some of those attending the opening of her exhibition./ N.L.
Skou’s works can be viewed and purchased at the Escandi Design shop (Carretera de Mijas, 3.5 km). / N.L.
Foreigners
The autumn charity tables give way to the
Last Saturday, 29th of November, La Cala de Mijas hosted its autumn charity tables for the last time this year. The Foreigners’ Department of the Mijas Town Hall announced that on the 3rd of December, the winter season would begin with the Christmas charity tables, which will be selling their products in the branch office square on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
One of the department’s technicians, Katja Thirion, explained how this initiative, which is repeated again in this winter, works: “Starting on Wednesday 3rd, we begin with the Christmas charity tables. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the associations gather here and set up their stalls with Christmas items. You can really find some good purchases here”. Thirion added that these tables are run by associations that are “international or linked to international residents”.
There was a Christmas market, live performances, tuk tuk rides and a visit from Father Christmas GROUPS
C.L. The La Cala Lions Club once again held its traditional Christmas charity party to raise funds for the association. The rain couldn’t spoil this now-traditional event, which featured a market, live performances, music, tuk tuk rides and a magical visit from Father Christmas. Not even the rain could dampen the Lions’ party in La Butibamba Park. The celebration, which took place on Sunday 30th of November, brought together locals and visitors on a morning marked by a festive atmosphere, a Christmas market with traditional items, tastings of seasonal products, rides in the magical tuk tuk and the eagerly awaited visit from Father Christmas.
According to Lynne Armitage, a member of the La Cala Lions Club, “because of the weather, it feels like we’re in the UK, but we’re in La
Christmas ones in La Cala
The square in front of the branch office in the seaside centre will host this charity market until the 3rd of January from 11 to 14 hours
Groups Twelve groups participated in the last autumn tables, including associations such as Afesol and Huella Felina Mijas, which highlighted the importance of this charity market to raise awareness of their work and collect funds. Blanca Aguilar, one of Afesol’s volunteers, pointed out that setting up these tables “has been necessary for the association, because it gives us the opportunity to sell everything that people do-
nate to us. We make the most of it, we sell it, and all the proceeds go to Afesol”.
At the charity stalls, you will find all kinds of items
For her part, the president of Huella Felina Mijas, Mari Luz Delgado, noted that “we have to look for external resources to help us, and this is another way of doing so. It is also a way of meeting more people who can help at any given time”.
The Christmas tables thus become an alternative way to shop, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to purchase Christmas gift ideas for charitable purposes. The tables will be in the seaside town centre until the 3rd of January from 11 to 14 hours.
The Lions Club organises its Christmas party in La Cala
Cala. Despite this, we’re celebrating our Christmas party to raise funds. Everyone has got involved and we’re going to work hard and have fun. We have singers, a special batucada performance and lots of entertainment, as well as cake and cava tasting”.
TABLES CHARITY
Wednesdays and Saturdays From 11:00 to 14:00 h
LA CALA BRANCH OFFICE SQUARE
monstrated the commitment and solidarity of the municipality, even in the rain.
From the Town Hall, the great work of this group was highlighted. The councillor Lourdes Burgos (PP) attended the event to support the club. “They work all year round and are always helping others. In Mijas, we are lucky to have associations like this one, which has been with us for many years and is mainly made up of members of the foreign community residing in Mijas. This is not just a Christmas event, it is primarily a show of solidarity. So what better way to do your shopping here at local businesses and help these groups?”
There was also music, provided by the Espacio Drang batucada, and other artists who livened
up the event. Despite the unsettled weather, the day was a great success. There was live music, performances by young talents and a charity barbecue which, together with cava and cake tasting, raised funds for charitable causes. This edition once again
Cristina Carretera, a resident of La Línea, was visiting La Cala with a group of tourists and attended the market. “I really like Christmas and its spirit, so we found ourselves at the party in the park and here we are enjoying it”. The Fuengirola Scout Club also attended the event with a stand to promote themselves and welcome new members.
As always, the Lions were showing their solidarity, seeking the support of everyone, neighbours, residents and visitors, in order to raise funds for their various initiatives and showcasing their traditional way of celebrating.
Alberto Lago / Translation: C.Arroyo
Above, Katja Thirion at the last autumn tables / M.C.
Councillor Lourdes Burgos with representatives from the Lions / M.C.
Father Christmas gave the children a present / FRD.
The Lions Club donated 1,100 euros to the British Legion. The cheque was collected by two of its members, Margery Taylor and Andy Nye / FRD.
Atmosphere at the event on Sunday, 30th of November, in La Cala / M.C.
La Cala hosts a new talk aimed at foreign residents
The Foreigners’ Department and the consultancy firms Blacktower and My Lawyer in Spain discussed taxes, inheritance, tourist rentals and changes in the UK Alberto Lago / Translation: C.Arroyo
The Foreigners’ Department of the Mijas Town Hall, in collaboration with the consultancy firms Blacktower and My Lawyer in Spain, has held a new edition of its informative talks for foreign residents. These sessions are designed to answer questions about taxation, tourist rentals and legislative updates. “These are issues that foreigners who come here to the La Cala Branch Office often ask us about, and in collaboration with several law firms representing investors in the area, we organise these types of talks”, explained the councillor responsible for the area, Mario Bravo (PP).
The talk, held on Tuesday 2nd, focused on tax, property and administrative issues that directly affect the foreign community residing in Mijas. According to the Town Hall, these informative sessions respond to the demands of foreign residents, particularly British residents. In this particular talk, “a special section was dedicated to the British, regarding the approval of the recent budget in England, where there are quite a few changes”, explained Tim Govaerts, associate director of the
TAKE NOTE
Blacktower consultancy. For his part, Alex Radford, solicitor and owner of My Lawyer in Spain, highlighted the key role of the Foreigners’ Department, “which has been here for many years, more than 40, and does a great job helping residents from other countries, which means more resources for the Town Hall. They provide a great service to the foreign population”, he stressed.
In short, according to Bravo, the aim of the Town Hall is “to bring information to foreign citizens, to encourage them to stay and live here in Spain and to integrate into our community. Furthermore, these talks, which are free for attendees, are the best way we have found to do this”. The session concluded with a period of private consultations at the end of the event.
The TAPAS choir sings Christmas carols in La Cala
C.M./A.L. The Andalusia Performing Arts Society, better known as TAPAS, held its International Christmas Concert on Thursday 4th in the auditorium of the La Cala Branch Office. Its musical director, James Burn, explained that the choir performed a repertoire of “carols and well-known modern Christmas songs” mostly in English, but they also included some Spanish. “We are an international choir with members from England, Holland, the United States and Germany. We sing in English, but also in Spanish, which we really enjoy; it’s a challenge for some”, added the director.
He noted that this is a very busy time of year for them, with several concerts to perform. “We work very hard all year round to
share music with the public and the Mijas Town Hall has given us the opportunity to do so”, Burn said, thanking the Foreigners Department for including them in their Christmas programme once again.
The councillor responsible for the area, Mario Bravo (PP), highlighted that the TAPAS choir “has a wonderful tradition of brightening up Christmas with their songs. They dare to sing one or two in Spanish and the rest in English, but these are songs that we all know and that brighten up our Christmas a little”. The foreign population residing in Mijas appreciates the concert. “Many foreigners ask us for this concert. They ask about it, and what’s more, they even sign up from one year to the nextt”, he said.
The joint singing will begin at 18h, at the same time as in all of
DECEMBER 10TH DECEMBER
Below left, councillor for the Foreigners’ Department, Mario Bravo (PP), together with department technicians K. Thirion and L. Córdoba / M.C.
Commitment of the Town Hall
The TAPAS choir gave a concert in La Cala; among the audience was the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo / A.L.
Acosol will renovate the water supply network in eight streets in Osunillas
The public water company of the Association of Municipalities will invest 751,000 euros in this project
Ed. Dept. / Design: M.F.
Acosol, the public water company dependent on the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol, has put out to tender the renovation of the drinking water supply network in several streets of the Diseminado de Osunillas area, for 751,000 euros.
The streets involved are: Puerto El Pino, Puerto de la Media Luna, Puerto de los Pescadores, Puerto de las Grajas, Puerto de los Castillejos, Puerto de la Breña, Puerto Málaga and Pasaje Puerto Blanco.
The project covers a total area of 1,958 square metres and has an estimated completion period of five months.
The Mijas Town Hall explained that these works will address the problem caused by the “continuous breakdowns” in the supply network in the area. “This modernisation of the water distribution network will improve the quality of service for all citizens”, stated the council.
Works
The project will involve installing a supply network made up of ductile iron pipes to replace the existing fibre cement and highdensity polyethylene network. The new network will run along the roadway, alongside the kerbs that delimit it.
The councillor for Infrastructure, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), highlighted that this work
STREETS involved
Puerto El Pino
Puerto de la Media Luna
Puerto de los Pescadores
Puerto de las Grajas
Puerto de los Castillejos
Puerto de la Breña
Puerto Málaga
Pasaje Puerto Blanco
has already been reviewed by the delegation and approved by the Local Government Board of the Town Hall. “This is an essential project for the residents of Osunillas, as it will solve the normalised supply shortages they have been suffering and demanding a solution for years”, said the councillor.
Improvement Levy
For her part, the CEO of Acosol, Matilde Mancha, stated that the project is being carried out using funds from the Mijas Water Infrastructure Improvement Levy.
“It is key for the municipality, as it will improve the efficiency of the service and, at the same time, guarantee a higher quali-
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES
The Town Hall is studying bids for the Sports Complex project
to the infrastructure, as well as facilities, changing rooms, and a central distribution square.
Five companies have submitted their projects for the works, valued at 5.1 million euros
JUAN JOSÉ TORRES TRELLA Councillor for Infrastructure, Mijas Town Hall
“This is an essential project for the residents of Osunillas, as it will resolve the normalised supply shortages they have been suffering and complaining about for years”
ty supply to the residents of the Osunillas neighbourhood, reducing breakdowns. This will optimise the municipality’s water resources and pormote responsible water use”.
The deadline for submitting bids is 9th January, 2026, with the estimated completion period for the work being five months. Interested companies can submit their bids through the Public Sector Contracting Platform.
The installation of the network will involve demolishing the pavements on the affected streets, which will be replaced with paving of the same characteristics. Manholes and services affected by the works will also be restored.
Ed. Dept./M.F. Five companies have submitted bids for the municipal contract to complete the expansion of the Regino Hernández Sports Complex in Las Lagunas. This project, with a tender value of 5.1 million euros, is being reactivated after two halts, one in August 2020 and another in May 2024, both due to breaches by the awarded companies.
Specifically, the companies that have submitted bids in due time and form are Gestión y Ejecución de Obra Civil, SAU; Innovaciones Técnicas y Recursos Constructivos, SA; Oreco Balgon, SA; the joint venture between Sardalla Española, SA, and Herysan 2007, SL; and Servimar 2008, SLU. The Mijas Town Hall is already reviewing the technical and financial documentation in order to award the contract as soon as possible.
It should be noted that the project includes the completion of the multi-purpose building (sports and administrative), the construction of the therapeutic swimming pool in a separate but adjoining building, a children’s playground and the necessary access points
The Sports Complex was built in 1991 and also comprises two football pitches, a sports and services building with a gym, a heated swimming pool, stands and outdoor courts. The main entrance to the buildings will be through a front door with direct access from Camino del Albero, which connects to the central square that will serve as a distribution point for users.
Car park
The basement, which covers the entire multi-purpose building, the central square and part of the swimming pool building, will have vehicle access to the car park area (23 spaces plus 3 accessible), as well as electric vehicle charging points. This floor also includes a large area for auxiliary facilities.
The ground floor will house the main entrance halls, changing rooms and administration offices.
Access to the new therapeutic swimming pool will be directly from the square. Accessible toilets and changing rooms will be provided on the ground floor.
The roof will feature beams that imitate wood, which will facilitate maintenance, and will be arranged transversally, with a large longitudinal window to allow natural light.
Mijas records the only drop in crime on the
Costa
del Sol, with a 10% reduction
Councillor Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson points to operational restructuring and new security work strategies as key factors behind these results
Editorial Department
According to data provided in its latest report by the Ministry of the Interior, Mijas has become the only town on the Costa del Sol where crime is falling, with a 10% decrease in the total number of criminal offences. This result contrasts with the increases recorded in neighbouring municipalities, where crime has risen by an average of 10%.
The first deputy mayor and head of the department, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), stressed
Cuevas:
“This decline is not a coincidence, but the result of a profound change”
that this difference compared to the rest of the Costa del Sol is the result of the work carried out since he took office, stating that “Mijas has become the exception: while all the surrounding municipalities are recording increases, here we have managed to reduce crime by 10%. This is no coincidence; it is the result of a profound change in the way we plan and operate”.
Cuevas Dawson explained that data from the Ministry of
The DECLINE according to the Ministry of the Interior
25% fewer violent robberies
“The Local Police are working with tremendous professionalism, and their daily efforts are essential to making this change possible. From the department, we are supporting this work through planning, organisation, and progressive improvements that will continue to strengthen their work”
ged the work of the police force, stating that “the Local Police are working with tremendous professionalism, and their daily effort is essential to making this change possible. From the department, we are supporting this work with planning, organisation, and gradual improvements that will continue to strengthen their role”.
More resources
10%
Mijas is the only town on the Costa del Sol where crime has fallen in terms of total criminal offences.
23%
the Interior show particularly significant decreases in the crimes that most affect the daily lives of residents, pointing out that “the 25% reduction in violent robberies, the 23% reduction in burglaries and the 20% drop in online fraud confirm that we are moving in the right direction”.
fewer burglaries
The councillor concluded that, despite the good results, Mijas still needs more resources from the State, recalling that “we continue to call for additional personnel and new Civil Guard
20%
fewer online frauds offences
The councillor added that “the improvement is tangible and shows that the new operational model we have implemented is delivering real results”.
The head of Security insisted that this work will continue in order to consolidate the trend, emphasising that “our com-
mitment is to keep fine-tuning operations, strengthening internal coordination and acting swiftly in all areas of the municipality to maintain these postive results”.
Recognition
Cuevas Dawson also acknowled-
“Our commitment is to keep fine-tuning operations, strengthening coordination and acting swiftly”
barracks, because the current staffing level does not match the population we serve”.
He explained that this situation means that “the local police have to take on extra call-outs due to the lack of State resources”, and stressed that “the cooperation with the Civil Guard is excellent, but it is essential that the government provides the force with the infrastructure and resources that Mijas needs”.
The councillor for Security, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (2nd left), at a working meeting / Mijas Town Hall Press Office.
JUAN CARLOS CUEVAS DAWSON Councillor for Security, Mijas Town Hall (Vox)
The Town Hall once again
brings together social groups to hear their concerns
At
the meeting, new activities were discussed for the coming year, aimed at giving greater visibility to the associations
On Tuesday 2nd, a new working meeting was held by the so-called Third Sector of Mijas, which brings together the municipality’s social groups. The meeting, which took place at the Las Lagunas Branch Office, was chaired by the mayoress of the town, Ana Mata (PP), and the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP).Representatives from various social groups participated in the meeting, including the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), Soroptimist, Adimi, Cudeca, AFA Mijas, AFA Mijas-Fuengirola, Sembrando Sonrisas and Avatés.
New
“This meeting with the Third Sector helps us determine the direction of the municipality’s social action, taking into account the voices of social groups as well as the Social Inclusion department”, said the mayoress of Mijas, adding that “it also allows us to achieve a joint commitment from the associations, so that when one cannot address a particular aspect, another can help, always with the essential collaboration of the Town Hall”.
Greater visibility
During the meeting, ideas were collected to give greater visibility to the work carried out by each association, “by organising, for
bus line between
Fuengirola
example, an event in the theatre for this purpose or by creating an informative travelling exhibition that passes through different points of the municipality such as supermarkets, the sports centre, the La Cala promenade... all so that people can get to know us and what we do”, explained Cristóbal Moreno, president of the Mijas Association for People with Disabilities (Adimi), who participated in the meeting. Another proposal focused on holding awareness talks in secondary schools, something that the AFA Mijas association already does, said Mari Carmen López, director of the association’s day centre. “We do this with a dual objective: first, to inform young people about the general symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, in case they notice something in a family member at home; and second, to try to recruit young volunteers for our association, because they are our future”.
For her part, the councillor for Social Inclusion stated that “this is the second meeting we have held this year with the associations, following the first one in May, and the Town Hall will continue to convene these working groups quarterly, because our goal is to
and Marbella is now in service, with a stop in La Cala
This is the M-060, which will improve public transport and benefit more than two million users
C. Martín / A.Lago. The Malaga Area Metropolitan Transport Consortium, made up of the ‘Junta de Andalucía’ and around twenty local town halls, improve mobility between Fuengirola, La Cala and Marbella with a new line, the M-060, which came into operation on the 1st of December. “A new route, the M-060, is being added to the consortium, running from Fuengirola to Marbella with one specific feature: it has a stop in La Cala de Mijas”. This was announced on Friday 28th by the regional delegate for Development, Territorial Coordi-
nation and Housing, María Rosa Morales . The delegate pointed out that the initiative benefits more than two million users and increases the number of journeys from Monday to Friday between Fuengirola and La Cala, which until now stood at 64. “With this line, we are increasing the services provided by approximately 50%. With this line, together with the M-220, which is the one we currently have, we would have a total of 96 journeys from Monday to Friday”, said Morales. The aim, she added, is to provide a better service and promote
prepared the 2025 call for grants Mijas has already
When the call for applications opens, organisations will be required to register their eligible social projects, which will be paid for after justification
The call will allocate 570,000 euros to fund the projects carried out by the groups during the current year, within the framework of the new general subsidy ordinance, which was finally approved at the plenary session in October. As usual, the Town Hall explains, “social organisations receive municipal funding for part of their activities at the end of the current year or at the beginning of the next”.
work together and network with all the groups, moving forward hand in hand”.
Rosa Planelles , president of Sembrando Sonrisas, agreed, stating that “communication with
In this case, the processing of the new ordinance - which has been extended from July 2024 to October 2025, from the first public consultation to final approval - will delay the call until early January, “a slight delay that will not affect the funds”, clarifies the Town Hall. When the call for applications opens, organisations will be required to register their eligible social projects, which will be paid for after justification.
the Town Hall is very important so that they understand our needs, concerns, the work we carry out, and the service we provide voluntarily, which must also be taken into account”.
The line
increases the services provided by around 50%
mobility for residents, offering an alternative to the use of private vehicles to avoid congestion on the motorway. In this regard, the managing director of the consortium, Javier Berlanga, said that this initiative provides “a small solution” to mobility problems by promoting public transport. An example of this is that before
the pandemic, 11 million euros were allocated to paying for the consortium’s card benefits, and “this year” the figure is 32 million euros. “This significant increase is part of Andalusia’s effort to encourage people to use public transport”, said Berlanga.
Stop in La Cala
The Mijas Town Hall welcomed this new line with a stop in La Cala. The councillor for Infras -
tructure, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), described this as “important” for Mijas. “La Cala is a densely populated area of the municipality, with many residential developments in the surrounding area, which are very interested in using this transport line. With the huge mobility problems we have on the Costa del Sol, encouraging the use of public transport is vital for our municipality”, said Torres Trella.
Report by Irene Pérez / Design: I. Merino / Translation: C. Arroyo
The mayoress, Ana Mata, and the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón, met with social groups on Tuesday 2nd / I.P.
Meeting between the mayoress Ana Mata and social groups / Mijas Town Hall Press Office.
The regional delegate for Development, María Rosa Morales (centre); with the councillor for Infrastructure in Mijas, Juan José Torres Trella (1st right); the councillor for Mobility in Fuengirola, Isabel González; and the director general for Mobility in Marbella, Baldomero León / A.Lago.
The Cudeca Foundation launches to raise 355,000 euros the ‘Your a key piece’ campaign
The Cudeca Foundation is launching the ‘You are a key piece’ campaign to raise 355,000 euros to cover part of the costs of the Hospitalisation Unit. The initiative, which started in November and will run until January 2026, encourages citizens, companies, and institutions to join a collective effort to support this essential resource for patients with complex needs.
These funds will cover the costs of its Hospitalisation Unit, a highly specialised service that cares for more than 240 patients with complex needs every year and offers comprehensive support to their families. The unit is now celebrating its 20th anniversary and has 10 single rooms, offering 24-hour care, 365 days a year, with a multidisciplinary team of 19 professionals.
“For two decades, Cudeca’s Hospitalisation Unit has been a refuge of care and peace. Today, we need everyone’s help so that it can continue to be so”, said the manager and medical director of the foundation, Marisa Martín “We have a great challenge ahead of us, but we need to start the year with these funds so that we can
Donations, which can be made online, via Bizum or at the foundation’s shops, will cover the costs of the Hospitalisation Unit
The visit
be certain the unit will operate throughout the year. That’s why every contribution is necessary; we can all be a key piece of the puzzle”, said Martín.
On Wednesday 3rd, the manager of Cudeca visited the foundation’s shop in La Cala de Mijas, where she was joined by the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), who also decided to support the initiative. The mayoress encouraged all
citizens “to support this Cudeca campaign, which does so much good for families and patients and has already become part of our fa-
Soroptimist participates in the march in Malaga and in the
‘Paint the World Orange’
C.L./M.F. Soroptimist International Costa del Sol has participated in various events in Mijas organised to mark the 25th of November. In addition, members of the feminist collective, as they have done for more than 15 years, joined the march in Malaga against violence against women. They consider it “very important to be active at the local level and over the years we have built strong links with other women’s groups, sharing activities and supporting each other. That is why it is disappointing when some voices undermine the value of this work. Real progress comes from building on the efforts made by many women and men over decades”.
campaign
The association is also involved in a social media campaign, ‘Paint the World Orange’, run by the European Federation of Soroptimist, which takes place during the ‘16 Days of Activism’, celebrated from the 25th of November to the 10th of December. This campaign focuses on cyber violence, harassment, stalking and online abuse.
How to support the campaign?
To collaborate with the ‘YOUR KEY PIECE’ initiative, you can make a donation:
BANK TRANSFER: ES11 2100 9032 3722 0010 8366. (La Caixa)
IN PERSON: At the Cudeca Centre in Benalmádena and at the foundation’s charity shops
THE CUDECA FOUNDATION
CHARITY SHOP IN LA CALA offers visitors a wide range of gift options for this Christmas season, a time when excitement and solidarity should shine with the same light.
Ed. Dept. / Design: C.M.
The mayoress, Ana Mata (centre), with the manager of the Cudeca Foundation, Marisa Martín (right), and the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón / Cristina Luque.
Photo of the march in Málaga / S.I.
mily”. She also invited residents to collaborate “through direct donations or by shopping in stores like
this one in La Cala, where we can do our Christmas shopping and also contribute to a good cause”.
THE MAYORESS OF MIJAS, ANA MATA, visited the Cudeca Foundation charity shop located in La Cala de Mijas
WHAT´S ON
FRIDAY 5TH
Painting exhibition by Helena Gallo Pintos
Las Lagunas Cultural Centre, 20 hours
Until the 7th of January
Christmas lights switch-on in Las Lagunas
Avenida de Mijas with Camino de Coín, 18 hours
Pastorales, dances by the UP group, audiovisual show and switchon of the lights
Show ‘Málaga por la infancia’, with the participation of several dance schools. In aid of Tierra de Hombres (Direct aid to disadvantaged children)
Manuel España Theatre, 19 hours
Tickets: 10 euros (adults), 5 euros (children up to 12 years old). Available at the Pop Academia Fama, Expresión, Adit, Eduandanza and Upside Down dance academies
Festival ‘Somos uno’
Andalucía Park (Las Lagunas), from 12 to 00 hours. Until Monday 8th of December
Live music, international cuisine, traditional dances
Opening of the AV Nueva Laguna nativity scene
Calle Río Guadalteba Local 1-B
Until January 4th. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 17 to 20 hours. Closed on December 24th and 31st
SATURDAY 6TH
Historical re-enactment of Torrijos’ landing
El Charcón Beach, 11 hours
Re-enactment of the daily life of the coastguards stationed at Torreón de La Cala. Organised by the Torrijos 1831 Historical and Cultural Association
Christmas show Pop Academia Fama
La Cala Branch Office, 16 hours
In collaboration with the Foreigners Department. Free admission
X Solidarity Tree Route
Mijas Pueblo. Until January 11th
Collaborate with Cáritas by picking up a map of the route at the Mijas Tourist Office, Farmacia Bootello and Calzados Moreno for just one euro. Final draw with prizes and award for the tree with the most votes.
Opening of the Nativity scene
Hermandad de Jesús Vivo y Ntra. Sra. de la Paz
HQ Hermandad parroquia San Manuel González, 11:30 hours
Visiting hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 17 to 20 hours. Sundays from 10:30 to 13 hours
MONDAY 8TH
Opening of the Nativity scene at La Inmaculada Parish
La Inmaculada Parish, 11:30 hours
On Monday, the Pastoral de Las Lagunas choir will sing
Inauguration of the nativity scene at Santa Teresa Parish Church in La Cala
Santa Teresa Parish Church, 11 hours
At 12:15 hours, there will be a blessing of the nativity scene at San Miguel Church in Calahonda
WEDNESDAY 10TH
Czechia sings Christmas carols
La Cala Branch Office, 18 hours
Traditional food and mulled wine will be served to attendees. Organised by Eva Brown in collaboration with the Foreigners’ Department.
FRIDAY 12TH
‘Papá Noel. El musical’
Manuel España Theatre, 18 hours
Tickets from 10 euros. In aid of AFA Mijas, Afesol and Avatés
SATURDAY 13TH
Play ‘Hora de la risa’ Manuel España Theatre, 20 hours
Tickets: lacocheraentradas.com
DO NOT MISS
Exhibition ‘Ana’s World II’ Espacio Escandi Design, located at kilometre 3.5 of the Mijas road
Monday to Friday from 10 to 19 hours and Saturdays from 10 to 14 hours. Until the 26th of December
Ecological market
La Cala Boulevard, opposite the branch office, on the second and last Sunday of each month
Second-hand market
Las Lagunas fairground and Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa
Sundays from 9 to 14 h
Exhibition ‘Visions of Andalusia’ by Kurt Ard Mijas Contemporary Art Centre (CAC Mijas)
Until the 12th of February
Flamenco show
Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12 h
Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo
SUNDAY 7TH
Zambombá flamenca by José Lucena
Plaza Virgen de la Peña (Mijas Pueblo), 19 hours Free
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
FOREIGNER’S DEPARTMENT MIJAS TOWN HALL
THURSDAY 11TH
UP Mijas Gala ‘El día que se perdió la Navidad’ Manuel España Theatre in Las Lagunas, 17:30 hours Free admission
Christmas market
Plaza de la Constitución (Mijas Pueblo)
11 stands open to visitors until the 5th of January from 11 to 19 hours
Paella and Olé at La Cala Resort
Every Sunday from 19:30 h at La Terraza restaurant
Enjoy a special paella menu accompanied by a live flamenco show. An evening to enjoy the art, feel the rhythm and let yourself be carried away by the Spanish spirit.
Reserve your place at www.lacala. com
Make solidarity your gift this Christmas
La Cala Branch Office Square, 11 to 14 hours
Every Wednesday and Saturday until the 3rd of January
