hemeroteca_1142 by mijas.semanal

International Volunteer Day

Mijas presents 15

Volunteer Day awards on International

On Friday 5th, the Manuel España Theatre hosted a ceremony recognising individuals who work in various social organisations

Report by Nuria Luque / Design: Isabel Merino / Translation: C. Arroyo helping, often silently, and do their bit to help others”.

A total of 15 awards were presented by the Mijas Town Hall on International Volunteer Day, celebrated last Friday, 5th of December, in a ceremony that proved the perfect way to thank associations and individuals for their selfless help throughout the year. Training, accompanying the elderly, palliative care and disability are the areas in which volunteers in Mijas typically work.

The gala was organised by the Volunteering Department and attended by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), who highlighted that “there are associations that do exceptional work, anonymous people who do not want to draw attention to the fact that they are

Social groups

For her part, the councillor for Volunteering, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), pointed out that “volunteers devote whatever time they can to helping others, to contributing to different associations, as we have seen today; it has been a very emotional event because we have seen that they did not know they were going to be awarded”. Fifteen well-deserved awards were presented by the municipality during an emotional ceremony attended

by the associations Afesol, Sembrando Sonrisas, AECC, Adimi, AFA Mijas, AFA Fuengirola-Mijas Costa, Avatés, Soroptimist, Apaffer, Fundación Cudeca, Cruz Roja Mijas, Mayores para Mayores and Mejor en Familia.

“We are dedicated to caring for people, visiting them, taking them for walks, helping them with their shopping, going to the pharmacy”, said Juan Manuel Huertas , a volunteer with the Mayores para Mayores Association. One of the most emotional awards went to volunteer María Isabel Fernández , from the Sembrando Sonrisas Assonominated volunteers to receive these awards

ciation, which was collected by her friend and colleague Maribel Alonso, who also received a well-deserved award. “It is for a colleague, Isabel Fernández, who is going through a very difficult time, struggling between life and death. She is in the Cudeca residence. As for my award, to be honest, I didn’t expect it because I don’t think I’m doing anything out of the ordinary”, said Alonso.

All of them belong to associations that stand out for their commitment and solidarity. It was an important day to thank and celebrate so many people for the help they provide in different areas.

a pleasure to be able to count on people who give more than time sometimes allows. And the time you devote to others helps ensure that our society’s needs are met in some way”

“It was very moving because they didn’t know they were going to be awarded; it was the associations themselves that nominated one or more volunteers. We want to thank them for the work they do and encourage people in their free time to help others.”

“Personally, I spent eleven years with two people; I taught one of them to read, write, and do maths. He never left his house, but little by little I got him to take a short walk every day. Now, at 85, I’ve stopped”

MARIBEL ALONSO

with Sembrando Sonrisas

“I’ve been away from volunteering for a few months for personal reasons, I have a difficult problem... but people at Sembrando Sonrisas, Casa Luna, Afesol and Avatés support each other and that’s what I take away from it, you realise that you’re not alone”

The volunteers honoured pose with the mayoress, Ana Mata, and councillors Mari Francis Alarcón and Melisa Ceballos / M.C.

“It is

ANA MATA Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

The event took place on Friday 5th in the upper hall of the Manuel España Theatre / M.C.

MARI FRANCIS ALARCÓN Councillor for Volunteering (PP)

JUAN MANUEL HUERTAS Volunteer with ‘Mayores para Mayores’

Volunteer

The 10th Solidarity Tree Route begins

with increased participation

The initiative, organised by the Mijas Town Hall Tourism Department together with Cáritas, will run until the 11th of January

F.M.Romero / Design: C.Bejarano

Christmas arrives in Mijas Pueblo with one of its most endearing and participatory traditions. The Solidarity Tree Route celebrates its tenth edition by inviting residents and visitors to stroll through the streets of the historic centre to discover the most original Christmas creations and, at the same time, contribute to a good cause.

From Saturday 6th of December until the 11th of January, a total of 25 trees, five more than last year, decorate different areas of the town, from the Virgen de la Peña Square to the Siete Caños Square.

These trees are the result of the creativity of schools, families and neighbours who have put their hearts and souls into making them. The initiative, organised by the Tourism Department of the Mijas Town Hall together with Cáritas, has a dual objective: to boost visits to the historic centre and to raise funds for the organisation’s social work. The councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox), explained the mechanics of the initiative during its presentation, which is very simple: “Anyone who wishes to participate and collaborate buys a leaflet and indicates which trees they liked the most. There

are more than 30 establishments in Mijas Pueblo that are donating gifts that will be raffled off among those who have participated”.

To enter the raffle and be eligible

to win these gifts, simply purchase the route map for a donation of one euro. The collection and delivery points for the leaflet are the Mijas Pueblo Tourist Office, the Bootello

1. Mijas: Regalo de Reyes

2. Lee tus pensamientos

Pharmacy and Calzados Moreno. The tree with the most votes will receive a commemorative plaque.

Neighbourhood creativity

Until the 11th of January

3. Estrellas que siempre brillan

4. Mijas Natural

5. Recuerdos

6. El milagro de lo olvidado

7. El árbol de la añoranza

8. Nostalgia 9. Entre aparejos 10. Una dulce Navidad 11. La alegría de los niños 12. Nadie sin hogar 13. Arre borriquito 14. Del coro al caño 15. Mensajeros de la esperanza

16. Hecho a mano

17. Campanitas

18. Tras sus huellas

19. Uniendo voluntades

20. Los pompones 21. Navidad 22. Respeto 23. Madroño 24. Tejiendo raíces 25. Primavera

María Jesús Moreno, a Caritas volunteer, highlighted the originality of the proposals and said that “they are all worth visiting because they are all beautiful. Some are crocheted, others have been revamped from previous years by changing their location and adding new elements”. The tree that receives the most votes will receive a plaque recognising it as the best in this edition.

“It’s another reason to come to Mijas Pueblo: to stroll around, enjoy the lights and walk through every little street enjoying these creations, which are the efforts of many people”, said Jerez.

Get your map at the Mijas Tourist Ofﬁce with the location of all the trees for just a one euro donation. Vote for your favourite tree; all proceeds will go to Caritas.

The councilor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez, with Caritas volunteers at the presentation of the initiative / F.M.Romero.

Christmas in Mijas

J. Perea / N.Luque / Design: C.Bejarano

Under the nickname ‘Camino de Belén’ (Road to Bethlehem), the councillor for Culture at the Mijas Town Hall, Juan Carlos

Nativity Scene Route

Maldonado (PMP), encourages the residents of Mijas and visitors to enjoy the Villa de Mijas Nativity Scene Display, now in its 27th year. “I must thank all the participants for allowing us

Mijas Pueblo

1 PARISH NATIVITY

SCENE. AMIGOS DEL BELÉN

Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception. La Muralla. Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 h.

The XXVII Villa de Mijas Nativity Scene Display

is now open to visitors

The initiative, organised by the Culture Department, is now in its 27th year, with seven groups, families and organisations from the municipality taking part this year

to enjoy once again this very special expression of ours: the nativity scenes. There are seven participants, and all residents of Mijas can find out more at the Tourist Office in Mijas Pueblo or La Cala, or at the theatre library in Las Lagunas”. In Mijas Pueblo there are three: the Parish Nativity Scene of the Amigos del Belén; the one by the Virgen de la Peña Youth Group; and the one by the Moreno García Family. In Las Lagunas, there are another three: the

MORENO GARCÍA FAMILY

VIRGEN DE LA PEÑA YOUTH GROUP

C/ Muro nº 21. Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00 h.

C/ Herradura nº 2 (next to Día supermarket). Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 12:30 and from 17:00 to 18:30 h.

one by the Jesús Vivo Group, the one by the El Juncal Neighbourhood Association and the one by Las Cañadas School. And in La Cala, you can visit the one by the Santa Teresa Brotherhood.

This year, a calendar of public visits to the nativity scenes, called ‘Camino de Belenes’ (Nativity Scene Route) will be organised, subject to prior authorisation from each applicant. The visiting period will be

JESÚS VIVO, NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA PAZ AND NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA PIEDAD DE LAS LAGUNAS GROUP

Brotherhood premises at Avda. Los Lirios S/N (next to San Manuel Church). Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 17 to 19:30 and Sundays from 10 to 13 h. Closed on December 24th and 25th and from December 29th onwards.

“I must thank all the participants for allowing us to enjoy once again this very special expression of ours: the nativity scenes. There are seven participants, and all residents of Mijas can find infor-

Las Lagunas

EL JUNCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION

C/ Virgen de la Concepción 6. Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:30 hours and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 17:30 to 20:30 hours

CEIP LAS CAÑADAS SCHOOL

C/ Palomar nº 9. Monday to Friday from 9:45 to 11:30 until the 19th of December.

La Cala

7 SANTA TERESA BROTHERHOOD

Santa Teresa Parish Church, Calle Cártama No. 5. It can be visited during the church’s opening hours.

JUAN CARLOS MALDONADO Councillor for Culture (PMP)

This year, a calendar of public visits to the nativity scenes, called ‘Camino de Belenes’ (Nativity Scene Route), will be organised, subject to prior authorisation from each applicant. The visiting period will run from the 18th of December 2025 to the 5th of January 2026.

Mijas celebrates the

1978 Constitution

The town regards it as a symbol of unity and consensus in Spain

On Saturday 6th of December, Mijas celebrated Constitution Day with an event held in the Virgen de la Peña Square, which highlighted the 1978 Constitution as a symbol of unity and consensus in Spain.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), delivered the institutional speech. In her statement, she emphasised that “the 1978 Constitution guarantees our peaceful existence within a democratic system that protects childhood, the market economy, public education and healthcare, and full equality between men and women”. Mata also noted that the day was an opportunity for reflection and respect for all political parties. “Let’s refocus our priorities on public service and improving people’s

Beatriz Martín / Design: C. Martín lives”, she said. In addition, four students from San Sebastián School, Johana, Aroa, Julieta and Mía, read selected articles from the Constitution and accompanied the mayoress in raising the flag while the national anthem was performed by the Mijas Municipal Band, which brought the event to a close with popular songs. Afterwards, fritters and hot chocolate were served for everyone.

Political assessments

FESTIVAL

J.P. On the initiative of the Cubanos Unidos association, in collaboration with the Town Hall, the Andalucía Park in Las Lagunas hosted the Somos Uno Festival from the 5th to the 8th to mark International Tolerance Day. “We are trying to bring the Cuban community closer to our association by organising festivals where our culture blends with that of other countries”, said the president of the association, Mónica Delgado

The event was attended by the councillor for Public Roads, Melisa Ceballos (PP), and the first deputy mayor of Las Lagunas, Eloy Belmonte (Vox). “With this festival, we wanted to convey the unity of all countries”, said Ceballos. Belmonte added that the festival “is a mix of cultures and an example of the partnership and unity we have in Mijas with different towns”.

Mayoress of Mijas

“Let’s refocus our pri ities on servicepublic and people’simproving lives”

After the institutional ceremony, the government team underscored the importance of the Magna Carta. Mata said that, “unfortunately, we have a Prime Minister who is in constant confrontation, and we are also seeing this in many leaders of that party. Therefore, today’s reflection is for everyone, for all political groups. We may disagree or agree on certain issues, but in those disagreements we must be patient, treat each other

GROUPS

Music and gastronomy for International Day for Tolerance

with respect, and exercise the freedom that we all enjoy, because that is what our Constitution guarantees”.

The La Cala Lions Club celebrates a Christmas lunch

C.M. The La Cala de Mijas Lions Club returned to Cyrano Bar & Grill in La Cala on Saturday, 6th of December to celebrate its Christmas lunch, attended by around 100 guests. Cyrano Bar & Grill served a three-course menu that combined creativity and tradition. Well-known artist Ricky Lavazza provided live musical entertainmaent. In addition, guests enthusiastically supported the raffle and auction, which featured a variety of local prizes donated by businesses and friends of the club.

The funds raised from these activities will go directly towards the Lions’ ongoing commitment to supporting people in need within the community.

1. The mayoress raised the flag alongside four young girls.- 2. The mayoress was responsible for delivering the institutional speech.3. Mata, alongside members of her government team and representatives of the security forces.- 4. PSOE councillors.- 5. The Mijas Music Band closed the event / Mijas Comunicación.

Councillors from the government team Melisa Ceballos (6th right), Eloy Belmonte (5th right) and Juan José Torres Trella (3rd right), together with participants / M.C.

Attendees / Lions Club.

J. Perea and N. Luque / Design: C.M.

With a repertoire of traditional Czech carols, sung in unison around the world on the same day and at the same time, the Czech community in Mijas welcomed Christmas in La Cala. This initiative is supported by the Foreigners’ Department. “Today in our country there are a thousand places where people will gather to sing these five carols and it’s all very beautiful”, explained the organiser, Eva Brown. In this regard, the councillor for the Foreigners Department, Mario Bravo (PP), pointed out that “it is a traditional event that has been taking place for many years in Czechoslovakia, and this community joined them in 2019, 2022, and again in 2025”.

In addition, the audience was able to enjoy a food market with typical Czech products. “There is food and drink typical of the Czech Republic, such as mulled wine, we also have sausages with mustard and bread, meat pie, and cakes made with cottage cheese”.

The Foreigners Department

The Czech community

welcomes Christmas in unison

On Wednesday 10th, they gave a Christmas carol recital, sung simultaneously in over a thousand cities in their country and abroad

is grateful to them for choosing Mijas. “It’s not just the climate we have, it’s also the opportunities for development and finding work”, said Bravo, adding that

“here they see a freedom, a level of activity that they didn’t have in their countries of origin, especially in Eastern Europe”. The event was attended by

the Czech Republic’s consul in Andalusia, Francisco Puerta, who said: “There is a population of around 300 or 400, they are very active people, as you can see, and they contribute a lot to

CHRISTMAS SHOW GROUPS

Dance, colour and

festive spirit

at the Christmas gala of the Fama Academy

La Cala hosted the performance of its students on Saturday 6th

F.M.R. Christmas is also a time for dancing, and on Saturday 6th of December the Fama Academy presented its traditional Christmas show at the La Cala Branch Offce. The event, full of rhythm, colour and festive spirit, brought together numerous families who did not want to miss the students’ talent.

The director of the academy, Manuela Veronese, highlighted the enthusiasm of the youngest students. “At Christmas, there has to be a little show where the children can shine and be happy. For me, it is a joy to put these little ones on stage; they enjoy it so much”, she said.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Foreig-

ners Department of the Mijas Town Hall. Katja Thirion, a technician in the department, highlighted the academy’s ability to bring the international community together. “We have been working with Manuela for many years. She is a woman who always brings us dancing children, which is a joy. Many foreign residents have come, because it is a programme run by our department, and of course all the parents”, said Thirion.

The municipal technician also praised the atmosphere of conviviality that reigns in La Cala at this time of year. “Apart from this, we also had the charity market in the morning. It’s a whole season in which we really come together”, she added.

this municipality”. And the Czechs are delighted to live in our municipality, as Brown emphasised: “Mijas and the people of Mijas are very nice and life here is incredible”.

ACE Shin organises Christmas dinner to raise funds

C.M. ACE Shin has organised a Christmas dinner to raise funds.

The event will take place at El Olivo restaurant (La Cala) on Saturday 20th, starting at 19 hours.

The dinner will include a welcome drink on arrival, a three-course menu of your choice and a bottle of wine per person, beer and soft drinks during the meal. The price to attend this charity dinner is 49 euros, which includes a 10 euro

donation to ACE Shin. The event will feature a raffle and a performance by Laura Elen Places are limited, so it is recommended to reserve tickets by calling 711 039 124 (Martyn) and 647 647 671 (Carolyn) or by sending an email to info@acecharity.org. Tickets can also be purchased directly at the restaurant or at Ibex Insurance (Fuengirola).

The students showcased their artistry on stage / M.C.

1. Attendees enjoyed a food market featuring typical products from the Czech Republic.- 2. The community sang a repertoire of traditional Czech Christmas carols, performed in unison in different cities around the world at the same time on the same day.3. The councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo, together with organiser Eva Brown (left) and technicians from the Foreigners Department / Nuria Luque.

WHAT´S ON

FRIDAY 12TH

‘Papá Noel. El musical’

Manuel España Theatre, 18 hours

Tickets from 10 euros. In aid of AFA Mijas, Afesol and Avatés

AV Tamixa Christmas Tea Party Parque Andalucía, 17 h

Presentation of the book ‘Batiburrillo’, by Julio Conejo Folk Museum, 19 horas

Photography exhibition ‘La Necrópolis del Olvido’, by Jesús Valle Corbacho

Nuevo Enfoque Mijas Association, El Coto residential area; Los Olivos residential complex, block b, entrance 2, premises 25, 20 hours

SATURDAY

13TH

Assembly and Christmas tea party organised by the Camino de las Cañadas NA

Las Cañadas Civic Centre, 17:30 h

Play ‘Hora de la risa’

Manuel España Theatre, 20 hours Tickets: lacocheraentradas.com

Christmas concert Santa Teresa de Jesús Church, 20:15 hours

Conductor: Francesca Fesil. Free admission. Toy donations welcome.

Zambombá flamenca by Caletero El Juncal, 19 hours

SUNDAY 14TH

III Christmas Concert for Seniors Manuel España Theatre, 11:30 h

Christmas lunch in aid of Caritas El Olivo Restaurant, 14:30 h

Contribution: 40 euros. Organised by the parish of Santa Teresa de Jesús

Blessing of the nativity scene by the Virgen de la Peña Youth Group C/ Muro, 21, Mijas Pueblo, 12:30 h

Until January 6th. Visits Monday to Sunday from 11 to 14 and 16 to 18 h

Christmas Party with the La Rosa Pastoral Group Peña Flamenca del Sur, 15 h

Mijas Reforesta reforestation

Departure: Los Arenales quarry, 9 h

Registration: medioambiente@ mijas.es

Christmas craft market La Cala Resort Clubhouse

From 12 to 17 hours. Visit from Father Christmas from 12:30 to 14:30 hours; live performances from 13 to 16 hours. Later, the Pastoral group Vecinos del Camorro will perform. Creative workshops throughout the day. Sunday Roast, from 12 a 18 hours

WEDNESDAY

17TH DO NOT MISS

Santa Claus Village in Mijas Pueblo

Plaza Virgen de la Peña, from 16 to 20 hours

Christmas Concert by the Costa del Sol Professional Music Conservatory

Manuel España Theatre, 19 hours

Meeting of the Patio de Ensueño Poetry Circle

Manuel España Theatre, 18 hours

THURSDAY

18TH

Punto Danza Christmas Gala Manuel España Theatre, Act I at 18 hours and Act II at 19:30 hours

Tickets: 4 euros

Santa Claus Village in La Cala Boulevard car park, from 16 to 20 h

Route of the XXVII Villa de Mijas Nativity Scene Display

Visiting period from the 18th of December to the 5th of January

SATURDAY 20TH

Christmas Fundraiser

Restaurante El Olivo, 19 hours

Ticket: 49 euros (includes a 10 euros donation to ACE Shin)

Live music

For more information, call 711 039 124 and 647 647 671, email info@ ace-charity.org, or visit www.acecharity.org.

Christmas light shows Mijas Pueblo and La Cala, 19, 20:30 and 22 hours, Monday to Sunday

Las Lagunas, 19, 20:30 and 22 hours, Friday to Sunday, and 19 and 20:30 hours, Monday to Thursday

Until the 6th of January

Christmas Market

Plaza de la Constitución, Mijas Pueblo

The 11 stalls will be open until the 5th of January from 11 to 19 hours

Make solidarity your gift this Christmas

La Cala Branch Office Square, 11 to 14 h

Every Wednesday and Saturday until January 3rd

Exhibition of traditional nativity scenes

Mijas Town Hall, 9 to 14 hours. Closed on weekends and public holidays

Work by Paco Pérez. Until the 5th of January

Nativity scene of the Inmaculada Parish

Inmaculada Parish

Regular opening hours of the church

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, the Bootello Pharmacy, and Calzados Moreno for one euro. Final draw with prizes and an award for the tree with the most votes.