12 matches on Saturday 17th to Mijas her big day this weekend
Nurse Patri Cañamero will deliver this presentation on Monday, 26th of January, at hours, at the a a a ranch ffice ‘Más allá del síntoma. Participa en tu proceso de salud’
For more information and registrations at:
www.patricanamero.com
Viogenex meets again to
Unicaja Basketball dedicated its tackle gender-based violence
The town took centre stage at this event held at Martín Carpena, where female players from Mijas were also able to take to the court to play for a few minutes
The patron saint of Las Lagunas will be carried in procession on Sunday 25th, and the day before, a mass will be held in her honour at the church of San Manuel González
The Works and Infrastructure Department is evaluating two bids from companies interested in drafting the underground car park project
The Town Hall promotes a car park in Andalucía Park with up to 500 spaces
Mijas observes a minute’s silence for the victims of Adamuz
Monday
to the victims and families of the railway accident that occurred on Sunday afternoon in
Córdoba. Authorities, including the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, municipal staff, and local residents gathered in front of the Town Hall to observe a minute’s silence in mourning and respect for those affected by this tragedy, which at the time of going to press had left 45 dead and more than a hundred injured /I.Pérez. NEWS 03
Toastmaste Costa del Soul Speakers now has a venue for its meetings
This group, present in more than 150 countries worldwide, meets every Tuesday from 20 to 21:30 hours at the Las Lagunas Cultural Centre NEWS/13 Las Lagunas Cultural Centre Tuesdays from 20 to 21:30 hours.
The quarterly meeting analysed the situation and measures taken to help foreign victims of gender-based violence in the municipality
Piling begins on the Coastal Path subsection between La Cala and El Sheriff stop
The works on these 700 metres of the path were awarded together with another 2.3-kilometre subsection worth 4.1 million euros
NEWS/08
The municipality highlights the strength of its tourism and consolidates a "more diversified" model
The Town Hall considers that in 2025 the municipality reinforced “its position as a competitive destination” NEWS/02
Mijas, represented at Fitur by its tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs
The municipality has cancelled its institutional presence and the presentation of its campaign as a sign of mourning for the railway accident
NEWS/04-05
19th, the town expressed its condolences
this municipality of
2025 SECTOR ASSESSMENT
Tourism in Mijas strengthens and consolidates a “more diversified” model
Report by Ed. Dept. and Cristina Bejarano / Translation: C.Arroyo
The Mijas Town Hall gave a very positive assessment of the evolution of the tourism sector during 2025, a year in which “the municipality consolidated its position as a competitive destination, capable of maintaining high levels of activity throughout the year and generating sustained employment”.
The councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox), pointed out that the figures for 2025 “confirm the strength of Mijas as a destination and reflect the results of a strategy aimed at diversifying the offer, reducing seasonality and continuously improving the tourist experience”.
According to the assessment of the tourism sector in Mijas in 2025, the municipality currently has 10,277 tourist establishments and 70,589 beds, representing an
increase of 11.4% in the number of establishments and 8.9% in beds compared to the previous year. These figures demonstrate the dynamism of the sector and the municipality’s ability to adapt to tourist demand.
Hotel occupancy
With regard to hotel occupancy, Mijas recorded an especially positive performance in 2025, even in months traditionally considered to have lower demand. The year started with an occupancy rate of 50.98% in January, exceeded 65% in February and maintained figures above 60% in March. The trend strengthened in spring, with 82.90% in April, and reached one of its peaks in June, when occupancy stood at 92.48%. In addition, November recorded 72.07%, confirming greater stability in tourist activity throughout the year.
The Town Hall considers that in 2025 the municipality reinforced “its position as a competitive destination”
Jerez highlighted that “these figures show that Mijas is no longer dependent exclusively on the high season and is moving towards a more balanced tourism model, capable of attracting visitors throughout the year”.
In this regard, the vice-president of Aehcos Mijas, Juan Miguel Marcos, pointed out that “we have increased the total number of beds by 8.9%. Although it is true that most of these new beds are in tourist accommodation and represent almost 80% of the total beds in the municipality, Mijas is the municipality in the province with the highest proportion of private tourist accommodation”.
Employment
The positive impact of tourism is also reflected in employment. During 2025, the tourism sector in Mijas had an average of 7,190
70,589
hotel beds
This represents an increase of 8.9% over the previous year
777 tourism companies
That is to say, in 2025 there was an increase of 3.51%
92.48%
hotel occupancy
This figure was reached in June, and was the highest of the year
employees affiliated with Social Security, representing growth of 3.15%, and 777 tourism businesses, an increase of 3.51%. The restaurant sector accounts for nearly 50% of tourism employment, followed by accommodation and leisure activities, highlighting the sector’s importance to the local economy.
Air connectivity
The councillor for Tourism also stressed the importance of air connectivity for the destination. Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport closed 2025 with more than 13.2 million passengers, 7.2% more than the previous year, and forecasts for the first four months of 2026 point to additional 6.2% growth in seat capacity, reinforcing positive expectations for the start of next year. “The airport’s connectivity is excellent, we have increased
the number of arrivals, especially from the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. In addition, we are very pleased to highlight the rise in other nationalities such as Americans and Canadians”, Marcos pointed out.
Jerez pointed out that “the strength of tourism in Mijas is the result of joint efforts between the sector, the local administration and a commitment to a diverse offer that combines sun and beach, nature, gastronomy, sport and culture”.
The councillor concluded by stating that “the challenge now is to continue consolidating this growth in an orderly manner while guaranteeing the quality of the destination, as well as reinforcing those aspects that will maintain Mijas’ competitiveness in an increasingly demanding tourism context”.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (4th from left), with the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (3rd from left), the Vice-President of Aehcos, Juan Miguel Marcos (5th from left), and other authorities and employees last summer at the presentation of the Blue Flags / Archive.
“The strength of tourism in Mijas is the result of joint efforts between the sector, the local administration and a commitment to a diverse offer that combines sun and beach, nature, gastronomy, sport and culture”
FRANCISCO JEREZ
Councillor for Tourism (Vox)
Railway accident
Mijas observes a minute’s silence for the victims of the Adamuz accident
The council suspends institutional activity and joins the national and regional mourning decreed
On Monday 19th, Mijas expressed its condolences to the victims and families of the railway accident that occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Cordoba municipality of Adamuz. At 12 noon, municipal authorities and employees, as well as local residents, gathered in front of the Town Hall to observe a minute’s silence as a sign of mourning and respect for all those affected by this tragedy, which at the time of going to press, had left 45 dead and more than a hundred injured. “Since last night [Sunday night, 18th], all the mayors of Andalusia have been closely monitoring what was happening in this town in Córdoba, and the first thing we want to do from here is to convey our condolences to the families in a situation in which, for now, we do not know the causes of what happened, but we hope that it will soon be known and resolved”, said the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), at the end of the minute’s silence. It is worth noting that, at the time of going to press, several hypotheses about the incident were still being considered.
The local executive has no record of any residents of Mijas among the victims of this tragic accident, the mayoress added, “yet we continue to closely monitor all the information being provided to us by the Regional Ministry of Presidency and Emergency of the Junta de Andalucía, and from here we once again send all our support and affection, especially to those who are still trying to locate their relatives”.
Likewise, in response to this disaster, the Mijas Town Hall chose to suspend all institutional events scheduled for Monday, “because now is the time to be with those affected and their families, to show them our support and respect, and also our commitment that we will do everything possible from the institutions to help them. Next week the time will come to address other details”, said the spokesperson for the Partido Popular in the council, Mario Bravo
Regarding this sad event, the spokesperson for Vox at the Mijas Town Hall, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, said that “last night we were all very attentive to all the news coming in until very late, and we can only wait and support all the families in any way we can, but it is difficult to overcome these moments”. The councillor for Por Mi Pueblo in Mijas, Juan Carlos Maldonado, used this minute’s silence to “thank the emergency teams and security forces for their work, which has enabled this immediate response despi-
The Mijas
Town Hall shows its support for those affected by the accident and their families
te the difficulties and obstacles they are encountering, because the full extent is still not known”.
Socialist councillor Laura Moreno also pointed out that “the train is a widely used means of transport here in Malaga, we all have relatives who travel to and from Madrid for work or study, so it is impossible not to think about how the victims’ families must be feeling, because they must be going through a truly terrible time right now”.
Railway service
The Adamuz accident is the first fatal accident on Spain’s highspeed rail network. A tragedy that also affects thousands of people who, since the accident, have faced cancellations on trains connecting Madrid with the provinces of Córdoba, Seville, Málaga and Huelva. The line
Three days
OF mourning
The Mijas Town Hall decided to suspend all institutional events scheduled for Monday and announced on social media that same day that it was cancelling its institutional presence at Fitur as a sign of mourning for the accident. In addition, on Tuesday 20th, the mayoress also explained on social media that the Town Hall flags were flying at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the deceased. “I have signed the decree of adherence of this Town Hall to the declaration of national mourning agreed by the Government of Spain until midnight on Thursday 22nd of January. The decree urges all municipal departments to show the utmost institutional respect at events that, for reasons that cannot be postponed, must go ahead. It has also been published on the municipal notice board”, said the mayoress. The council also joined the mourning declared by the Junta de Andalucía.
closure, Renfe confirmed on Monday, could last several days, so other alternatives were offered to passengers. The central government and the Junta de Andalucía declared three days of national and regional mourning, which ended at midnight on Thursday 22nd. On Tuesday 20th, the mayoress announced that Mijas was joining the three days of official mourning, with flags flying at half-mast.
Fitur 2026
On Monday, The Mijas Town Hall also announced on its social media accounts that it was suspending its institutional presence at Fitur as a sign of mourning. The mayoress announced that Mijas would be “represented from a professional and technical point of view at the Costa del Sol Tourism promotional stand”.
“I would like to once again express my deepest condolences to all the families of those who died in this national tragedy and my support for the injured and those affected, wishing them a speedy recovery”
MARIO BRAVO Spokesperson for the PP Municipal Group
“Now is the time to be with those affected and their families, to show them our support and respect, and also our commitment that we will do everything possible from the institutions to help them”
JUAN
“Last night [Sunday 18th] we were all very attentive to all the news coming in until very late, and we can only wait and support all the families in any way we can, but it is difficult to overcome these moments”
“Thank the emergency teams and security forces for their work, which has enabled this immediate response despite the difficulties and obstacles they are encountering, because the full extent is still not known”
LAURA MORENO PSOE Councillor
“The train is a widely used means of transport here in Malaga, we all have relatives who travel to and from Madrid for work or study, so it is impossible not to think about how the victims’ families must be feeling”
Irene Pérez / Diseño: C.M.
JUAN CARLOS MALDONADO Spokesperson for the PMP Municipal Group
CARLOS CUEVAS DAWSON Spokesperson for Vox Municipal Group
ANA MATA Mayoress of Mijas (PP)
On the left, councillors from the government team from PP and Vox alongside municipal staff and neighbours / Irene Pérez.
Mayoress, Ana Mata (3rd from left), with councillors from the government team from PP, Vox and PMP during the minute’s silence / I.P.
On the right, PSOE councillors alongside municipal staff and neighbours / I.P.
In this edition, Mijas has cancelled its institutional presence and the presentation of its tourism campaign as a sign of mourning for the victims of the railway accident
Report by Isabel Merino / Info: J. Perea, C. Bejarano, C.Luque, N.Luque and A. Lago
Strictly professional and business activities are governing Andalusia’s presence at the 46th edition of Fitur this year. A few days ago, administrations such as the Regional Ministry of Tourism of the Andalusian Regional Government and the Malaga Provincial Council announced the suspension of their institutional agenda at the Madrid Tourism Fair, a decision that was suppor-
The
fair began with a minute’s silence for the train accident in Adamuz
ted by various municipalities and cities, such as Mijas, thus showing their respect and solidarity with the victims of last Sunday’s train accident in Adamuz (Córdoba).
However, although the institutional and political agenda has been suspended for the duration of the fair (21st to 25th of January), the technical meetings already scheduled have been maintained and promotional information about the municipality has been available at the Costa del Sol stand. Therefore, the promotion of the local offer has mainly fallen to the private sector, tourist establishments and hotels that have travelled to Madrid to showcase their offerings. This is the case of representatives from La Zambra, Vik Gran Hotel Costa del Sol, Idiliq Group and Macdonald
through its entrepreneurs in Mijas present at Fitur tourism and hospitality
Hotels & Resorts, among others, who are currently in the Spanish capital establishing contacts with tour operators and travel agents in order to attract customers to their establishments and, consequently, to the town.
Focus on domestic tourism
In this edition, the Costa del Sol Tourism strategy is aimed at increasing the presence of domestic tourists in Andalusia, whose presence generated an economic impact of 6.369 billion euros in 2025, 1.3% more than in 2024. The region has invested 4.4 million euros in a 7,200-square-metre stand, where more than 200 Andalusian companies are coming together to promote the region from a sustainable perspective. For its part, Malaga has an exhibitor focused
on the image of La Alcazaba, and its presence at the tourism fair is centred on its ability to attract visitors with greater purchasing power. As for the Mijas campaign, the Tourism Department is expected to present the municipality’s promotional strategy for the coming months in the next few days.
Fitur 2026
Despite the suspension of the agenda of events and presentations, Fitur has once again brought together numerous companies and agents linked to the tourism sector. The organisers expect up to 9,500 companies, 156 countries, 155,000 professionals and more than 100,000 visitors to attend this edition, in which Mexico is the partner country, with a unique space where
Operating Officer, Idiliq Group
The Idiliq group, which manages the Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol hotel in Mijas, was present at Fitur; its chief operating officer, Juan José Millán, pointed out that “this is the most important tourism fair and, for us, it is a way to remain in contact with tour operators and meet new ones”. Millán added that “it’s a good time because banks, consultants and others are all gathered in one place, which is great for talking to everyone in just a couple of days”.
visitors can discover tourist regions, magical towns, emerging destinations and exclusive tourist products. In addition, Fitur is incorporating a new pavilion, Pavilion 12, known as the Knowledge Pavilion, the epicentre of digitalisation, innovation and trends in the sector, hosting conferences and debates on the most current and inspiring content.
Meeting point
The vice-president of Aehcos Mijas, Juan Miguel Marcos, expressed his opinion on this event, saying that “it is a fantastic meeting point for networking, from a commercial perspective, with companies, associations and agencies that can help us increase our occupancy and improve our prices”.
As for the general atmosphere at the fair, the chief operating officer of the di i grou acknowledged that, at least on Wednesday, “there are fewer people than last year; think the train tragedy has had a lot to do with it because, in the end, many trips have been cancelled. This year, Fitur has been clouded by this tragedy, despite the fact that it is shaping up to be a very positive year for the hotel and tourism sector in Spain”.
Fitur is held at the IFEMA exhibition centre in Madrid from January 21st to 25th/ Fitur.
JUAN JOSÉ MILLÁN Chief
MAYTE URQUÍA MANUEL CAMACHOJOOST KRUISSEN
Managing Director, Macdonald Resorts
The Macdonald Hotels Resorts group has three holiday apartment complexes in Mijas. Its manager, Mayte Urquía, attended Fitur, an event she describes as “a showcase to the whole world that allows you to find otentia artners it s a win dow to the international world”. r u a s ecified that we co e to see potential partners, technology and tools that AI now offers”. As she explained, “right now, the marketing and advertising system has completely changed it s a artificia inte i gence and social media, and all of this is linked to getting more customers”. In this regard, the manager of the tourism group acknowledged that “we already implemented AI” and expressed her opinion that “100% of the sector has to implement it because it gives us information about potential customers, as well as about guests before they arrive, so we can offer them a better room, a golf package... AI is information”.
Director
The Vik Gran Hotel Costal Sol was also represented at Fitur by its director, Manuel Camacho, for whom these face-to-face meetings are essential. “As every year, this fair allows us to see all those tour operators in England, Germany, Sweden and Finand who we don t get to see on a daily basis, and to continue strengthening our ties with them. We do business, ut it s a ways good to see each other in person, to have human contact, to feel the connection we e had for 27 winters now”.
For Camacho, the large number of tour operators who attend this fair is key. “At the end of the day, it s a g o a meeting point where we can bridge the gap with those tour operators who are very interested in the Costa del Sol, as there are many companies and many receptive operators, which is ultimately what interests us”.
For Joost Kruissen, managing director of Hotel La Zambra, the hote s resence at itur is crucial “to promote our municipality and everything it has to offer”. “We were unsure whether to come because the connections were not easy. What has happened is terrible, but we must continue to promote and raise awareness of both Malaga and Mijas. That is why most of the private sector is attending and has been very well received”.
At Fitur, La Zambra has promoted a charity golf tournament that will take place in June in collaboration with the Mijas Town Hall and Turismo Costa del Sol. They have also continued to focus on the luxury sector, although aimed at Scandinavian, American and Eastern European clients. “The idea is to attract high-value tourists who stay longer and spend more at the destination, which is ultimately what we are looking for”, explained Kruissen.
WITH SCREENS TINTED BLACK, MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAIN ACCIDENT AND BLACK RIBBONS SYMBOLISING MOURNING
Fitur began on Wednesday 21st at the Andalusia stand, where a inute s si ence was a so o ser ed to coincide with the opening of the fair. The following day, King Felipe and ueen eti ia, on their officia isit to fe a, wanted to leave a message of affection for those affected by this tragedy in the book of condolences that was set up at the Andalusian Tourism stand.
RAQUEL HIDALGO-BARQUERO, IN TOURISM IN SPAIN among the 150 most influential people
The director of CIOMijas receives recognition from the consulting firm Sergestur as part of the Fitur celebration
A.L. Raquel Hidalgo-Barquero, director of CIOMijas, has been recognised as one of the 150 most in uentia eo e in the touris sector in Spain in the 7th edition of the list compiled by the consulting fir ergestur This recognition highlights her professional career and her commitment to training and rofessiona ethics in the fie d of tourism. The director of the Mijas training centre received the award during a ceremony held as part of Fitur, where the selected professionals were presented with a pin as a token of recognition. For Hidalgo-Barquero, “it has een a source of great ride a recognition that touches my soul”.
One of the pillars of her professional vision is the transformation of the traditional human resources model, “training people in both technical and social skills and competencies. In other words, people who have enough resources to be able to develop their professional careers and future aspirations. And that is achieved
through training and the desire to learn and continue evolving”, she argued.
Experience in the sector
With more than 25 years of experience in the tourism sector, Hidalgo-Barquero has held management positions in hotels and tourism companies both in Spain and abroad. For more than two decades, she has combined her experience with the design and management of training projects aimed at developing talent in hospitality and tourism, especially in Spain and Latin America. In addition, he has collaborated as a lecturer with universities and business schools.
SONIA LEKUONA AND MARÍA JURADO
to represent Málaga at Fitur
The artisans have been chosen by the ‘Junta’ to showcase their sustainable craftsmanship
C.B. The Andalusian Regional Government has once again chosen artisan Sonia Lekuona to represent Málaga at Fitur 2026. This esparto weaver and María Jurado, both members of the Mijas-based association Puerta del Ágora, will display their work at the Andalusia stand. Together, they will showcase the sustainable craftsmanship of our province with their esparto and eco rinting ecifica y, e uona will bring large pieces of esparto grass, similar to sculptures, and some will include interaction with the public thanks to three modules representing a path where esparto grass grows. Thanks to an audio recording
ade in an es arto fie d at sunset, visitors will be able to walk along the path while listening to the sound of esparto grass in Mijas. For her part, María Jurado will bring the dyes she works with, thus bringing together the two crafts, as Lekuona paints her esparto with these plant-based dyes. Jurado will also present garments she has made using eco-dyeing with different leaves and plants.
Anyone interested can visit these craftswomen on Saturday 24th from 10 to 20 hours and on Sunday 25th from 10 to 18 hours at the Andalusia stand in Hall 5 of the Ifema exhibition centre in Madrid.
Vik Gran Hotel Costa del Sol
Director Hotel La Zambra
Parking Plan
The head of Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), recalled that the underground car park in Andalucía Park is inclu ded in the Municipal Parking Plan, which aims to “create 4,000 parking spaces in different parts of Mijas”. In this regard, Torres Tre lla indicated that, “in addition to this project under Andalucía Park, in the first few onths of the year, ans wi a so e drafted for new car ar s in the a ega area, the as a adas neigh ourhood and the area around a uti a a ar in a a a
Other projects UNDERWAY
There are six other car parks that the Town Hall is currently working on, and the number of spaces is approximate
in Andalucía Park With up to 500 spaces Mijas promotes a car park
Works and Infrastructure evaluates two bids from companies interested in drafting the underground car park project
Report by Irene Pérez and Carmen Martín / Translation: C.Arroyo
The Mijas Town Hall is taking the first steps to develop an underground car park in Andalucía Park in Las Lagunas, which will create up to 500 parking spaces spread over four floors. “This project will alleviate congestion in a densely populated area with a shortage of parking spaces, where residents waste a lot of time driving around looking for a spot to park their cars. This car park will improve residents’ lives and the project will respect green spaces and leisure areas”, said the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP). As explained on Friday 16th by the
councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), it will be built on an area of around 3,500 square metres, mainly under the sports court in this park, as the government team’s idea is to preserve much of the trees and vegetation in this area, “which has many years of history, so we would not want to touch many trees in the construction of the car park”, said the councillor, adding that “in any case, any trees that are removed will be relocated to another green space in the municipality”.
As for the number of parking spaces planned, the councillor pointed out that “as established by current legislation, spaces will also be reser-
ved for electric vehicles and people with reduced mobility, among others”, and regarding the outdoor and surface area, “the idea is to keep all the sports facilities and the different elements in the park, but completely remodelled”.
Bids submitted
The Town Hall has already received two bids from companies interested in drafting this project, with an investment of just over 85,000 euros and a completion period of four months. “Then, in October approximately, the works will be put out to tender, so they would start in 2027”, estimated the councillor. The initiative will alleviate the lack of parking in this central area of Las Lagunas, “and as it is located within the park, it will make the work much easier and will not affect the daily lives of citizens as much”.
The councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella, in Andalucía Park / Irene Pérez.
Andalucía Park
It will be built mainly under the sports courts Up to 500 3,500 m2 spaces
ANDALUCÍA
ANA MATA
Mayoress of Mijas
“This project will alleviate congestion in a densely populated area with a shortage of parking spaces, where residents waste a lot of time driving around looking for a spot to park their cars. This car park will improve residents’ lives and the project will respect green spaces and leisure areas”.
PROJECT
280 spaces 480 spaces
Two companies are interested in drafting it, with an investment of 85,000 euros and a completion period of four months.
WORKS
The tender for the works is expected in October, with construction due to begin in 2027, according to councillor Juan José Torres Trella.
spaces
Infrastructure and Beaches
the Coastal Path
Work on the new section of the Coastal Path is beginning to take shape with the installation of piles and other infrastructure that will allow the path to continue from La Cala to the El Sheriff restaurant. However, although work is now visible in this area, construction on this subsection began in October with other activities. “The Ministry of Transport and Mobility did not allow this section to be built earlier, as it was the summer season and they did not permit the motorway to be closed, which is necessary in order to bring in the machinery to drive the piles”, explained the councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), who announced that “since last week” they have been “driving the piles” in this 703-metre subsection, a project that joins the work already carried out in the El Faro area and the El Sheriff restaurant.
Due to the proximity of the coast to the motorway, this subsection runs partly alongside the road, so the work is being carried out between midnight and six in the morning. “Since last week we have begun the piling work, which is carried out at night by order of the Ministry so as not to obstruct traffic on the A-7”, added the councillor for Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), who stated that the works are progressing “at a good pace”. In this regard, Torres Trella added that they could be completed “by the end of April”.
Second phase
During this week, Torres Trella stressed, the decking will be installed on this 700-metre subsection and the stamped concrete will be laid in the Sheriff area. This subsection and another 2.293 kilometres between El Faro and Fuengirola were awarded for 4,150,643 euros to the joint venture Sardalla Española and Herysan 2007, with another 2.3-kilometre subsection between them remains pending and will be carried out in a second phase: “We are in negotiations with Costas and reviewing the project for this second phase in order to complete the 5,300 metres needed to link the path to Fuengirola”, said the councillor for Infrastructure and
The works on these 700 metres of the path were awarded together with another 2.3-kilometre section for 4.1 million euros
Works. “This governing team is fully committed to ensuring that this project, which bears our hallmark, continues, and we are going to make it a reality” concluded the councillor for Beaches, who
SUBSECTIONS
under construction
FIRST SUBSECTION THIRD SUBSECTION
explained that with the works currently under way and the remaining 2.3 kilometres yet to be tendered, Mijas “will be linked” to Marbella and Fuengirola by the Coastal Path.
to connect La Cala and Fuengirola
The Coastal Path, with 6.7 kilometres already built between Marbella and La Cala, will be completed with another 5.3 kilometres, of which three are already under construction, leaving only a 2.3-kilometre subsection pending tender.
2.377 KM
BETWEEN LA CALA AND EL SHERIFF
703 metros 2.293 KM
BETWEEN EL FARO AND FUENGIROLA
BETWEEN EL SHERIFF AND EL FARO RESTAURANTS PENDING
INVESTMENT
4.1 millon funded by the Town Hall and the Provincial Council, which is contributing 993,000 euros
SUBSECTIONS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
SUBSECTION PENDING TENDER PROCESS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Report by Carmen Marín / Info: Beatriz Martín
LA CALA DE MIJAS
The councillors for Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel, and Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella, at the work site / B. Martín.
On this 703-metre stretch between La Cala and El Sheriff, the piles are being laid / B.M.
Stamped concrete work in the El Sheriff area / B.M.
Mijas takes centre stage at Unicaja Basketball’s latest event
The municipality was promoted on Saturday 17th during the matches played by the Malaga men’s team against Covirán in the ACB league and the women’s team against Tenerife Adareva in the Challenge league at the Martín Carpena Stadium
Cristóbal Gallego / Cristina Bejarano
It was a big day for Mijas at Martín Carpena last Saturday 18th in two ways. On that day, Unicaja played Covirán in the ACB league, and Mijas Unicaja Women’s team played in the Challenge league, the latter dedicated to our municipality. In addition, female players from Club Polideportivo Mijas Baloncesto and Mijas Unión Basket were invited to take part in this sporting event.
A series of parallel activities were organised in the outdoor marquees, featuring competitions and information areas with leaflets about the town. The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), the councillor for Sports, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), and Juan José Torres Trella (PP), councillor from the local government team, accompanied the teams during these exciting moments before they took centre stage on the court. “Mijas’ commitment to sport is clear. In such an important setting as this Sports Palace and in the thousands of homes where these matches are watched, the promotion of Mijas is magnificent, as is our commitment to sport, to healthy lifestyles and to the values that are conveyed through sport”, said the mayoress of Mijas.
The president of Unicaja Baloncesto, Antonio Jesús López Nieto, welcomed the group from Mijas just before the senior men’s team match. The mayoress of Mijas was also interviewed on the court by the club’s media to continue talking about the promotion of Mijas on its day. In addition, promotional videos of Mijas were shown during the match on both the central screens and the hoardings.
Unicaja played against Covirán Granada, a very difficult game that was decided in the final minutes, with three local three-pointers securing Ibón Navarro’s team a place in the Copa del Rey.
An unforgettable opportunity
A moment the Mijas players from both clubs will never forget came at half-time, when they took to the court to play against each other in front of 8,000 spectators. “We’re having a great time. It’s a really
Ana Mata, mayoress of Mijas
“This is yet another commitment by the Mijas Town Hall to sport, because sport is life. It is the best habit we can have, not only because it is healthy, but also because it teaches values that we must demonstrate every day in our relationships with others” .
At the same time, a series of activities were organised in the outdoor marquees, with competitions and information areas with brochures about the
cool experience because playing here with lots of people is a lot of fun and watching the game is really exciting”, said Mijas Unión Basket player Lea Pérez, who added, “I’m a fan of Unicaja because they play a really nice game and know how to share the ball”. Another lucky person who was able to attend was CP Mijas Baloncesto player Mara Espinosa, who explained that “what we like
most about this experience are the hoops, the players and being able to go out and play. It was really cool to do it in front of so many people”.
Joining them were CP Mijas coordinator Jesús Vara and Mijas Unión Basket president Daniel Moreno, who said: “We are grateful that Unicaja dedicates a day to municipalities and that we can have an experience like this.
They are enjoying it very much, which is the best thing, it’s very nice for them. Watching a professional game, you can draw many conclusions and it’s very positive for them”. He also added that “the excitement of a child going down to the stadium for a professional game is amazing. They pay a lot of attention to the players, they look up to them, and then you see those little details that the chil-
dren try to imitate on the court”, he explained.
End of the match
A happy ending, but the afternoon wasn’t over yet for Mijas, as Unicaja Mijas Women’s team played against Tenerife Adareva. Mijas played an outstanding first half to secure their thirteenth victory of the season with a convincing performance, winning 78-49.
Female players from Club Poli deportivo Mijas Baloncesto and Mijas Unión Basket were invited to participate in this sporting event at Martín Carpena.
town.
During the match, promotional videos of Mijas were shown on both the central screens and the advertising hoardings / M.C.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, alongside the players of the Unicaja-Mijas women’s team / M.C.
Around 8,000 people enjoyed these matches dedicated to Mijas / M.C.
The mayoress of Mijas and councillors with young Mijeños before the matches / M.C.
CP Mijas Baloncesto / M.C.
Mijas Unión Basket / M.C.
Traditions
Massive celebration of
San Antón in Mijas
The Stewards of San Antón Abad, patron saint of animals, once again highlighted the traditions in Osunillas, making the 17th of January a special day once again
Micaela Fernández / Mónica López
Early in the morning, the conch shell sounded on the Osunillas hill, announcing the festivity of the patron saint of animals, San Antón Abad. The president of the Mayordomos (Stewards), Toñi Barranquero, continues this tradition: “It would be lovely if it were never lost”. Little by little, the church began to fill with parishioners. The parish priest, Hermán Marcel Lunar, celebrated a mass, followed by the eagerly awaited blessing of the animals. Pets of all kinds attended.
The celebration of San Antón in Mijas dates back to the 18th century, when the Osunillas chapel was built by sailors. In recent centuries, San Antón blessed farm animals, cows, horses, donkeys and other livestock so that they would remain healthy throughout the year and be able to work in the fields without falling ill. Today, it is mainly pets such as dogs, cats, birds and stable horses that receive the blessing. “We come to this celebration every year, but this is the first time we have brought our pets”, said a young couple from Mijas who attended with their newly adopted dogs.
“We’re doing a hiking trail, because we usually take this route and visit the chapel, but by chance today we came across this celebration that we didn’t know about”, said two hiking friends who also happened to be walking their dog. “I’m here with Lola, she’s seven years old and she’s not very well behaved”, joked another Mijas resident who came to the event with his African grey parrot on his shoulder to be blessed.
The event was attended by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), along with members of the government team: “Not all municipalities are lucky enough to maintain their traditions, which is why it is so important that we continue to uphold them and reinforce them year after year, because this is the history of our municipality, it is the history of the people who have contributed to Mijas’ continued existence, and we have a responsibility to maintain that legacy”.
“We know that the stewards have been working for many years and we are honoured that the new generations are also getting involved, and here we are once again
Blessing of the animals
Preserving traditions
in San Antón supporting this celebration”, said the councillor from the government team Lourdes Burgos (PP). The spokesperson for Vox in the Town Hall, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, also praised this celebration: “The people of Mijas have always depended heavily on animals, and this shows the love they have for animals. The people of Mijas are proud to have maintained this tradition”. “It’s an important day in Osunillas. Many people
Mijas, a town that that loves animals
always gather around San Antón, and we are grateful that these traditions and respect for animals are maintained”, added the spokesperson for PMP in the council, Juan
“If there is one thing that identifies Mijas, and Osunillas in particular, it is the feast of San Antón. I think it is one of the most traditional celebrations. We have been celebrating it in different ways since the 15th century”, said Socialist councillor Josele González Another custom of San Antón is the wheel. Single men and women join together in a circle while
singing popular songs to find a partner. And if you are unlucky in the wheel, legend has it that if you throw a little stone at the saint and hit him in the crotch, you will also find a partner. The traditional San Antón tripe stew was not missing, and this year, as a novelty, fritters were also made. In short, the 17th of January was a day of community spirit. No one can remember a San Antón as crowded as this year’s.
The parish priest of Mijas, Herman Marcel Lunar, officiated Mass in honour of San Antón and blessed the animals / B.M.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), at the moment of the blessing, alongside the stewards of San Antón and local residents / B.Martín.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), with members of the government team. Below, on the right, socialist councillors with neighbours / B.M.
Carlos Maldonado.
T. Barranquero blowing the conch shell / B.M.
Photo report / Beatriz Martín.
New Viogenex meeting to coordinate efforts against gender-based violence
Editorial Department
On Thursday 22nd of January, the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), and the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP), chaired the quarterly meeting of the Viogenex group, which analyses the situation and measures taken to assits foreign victims of gender-based violence. The meeting was also attended by municipal staff, representatives of social groups, the Local Police and the Civil Guard.
Viogenex is a working group set up to support foreign women who are victims of gender-based violence in Mijas and, as the Town Hall points out, “it is a pioneering initiative in Spain that arose at the request of the Mijas Foreigners Department during the Local Security Board meeting held in November 2016, due to the need and lack of information for foreign women and to coordinate assistance and prevent violence in general”.
RESPECT
The
The meeting was attended by municipal staff, representatives of social groups, the Local Police and the Civil Guard
Housing solutions
In this latest meeting, participants included representatives from the Red Cross, Lions Club,
Málaga Acoge, Local Police, Civil Guard, Social Services and members of the Foreigners Department.
Among other issues, they discussed offering housing solutions for the first 48 hours for victims of gender-based violence, as foreign women often lack a family support network and are unfamiliar with the language.
“The Town Hall is doing everything it can to help victims and, of course, we support the organisations that assist them. From Social Services we offer comprehensive assistance”, explained Bravo.
British Legion
on the Costa del
Sol remembers its fallen and wounded soldiers
A two-minute silence was observed, extended to the victims of Adamuz
I.P. Representatives of the Royal British Legion of the Costa del Sol met on Thursday 22nd at the Club La Naranja in Calahonda for their annual meeting. During the meeting, the 2025 accounts were approved and the objectives for 2026 were set out. In addition, the group held a ceremony in memory of soldiers who died or were wounded in conflicts since the First World War. The ceremony was attended by members from Mijas, Coín and Alhaurín de la Torre.
Neal Toplis, president of this group’s southern district, led two minutes of silence: one for the fallen and one for those still suffering from the aftermath. The councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP),
stressed the importance of caring for the mental and physical health of veterans. This year, the tribute was also extended to the victims of the train accidents in Córdoba and Barcelona, with the group joining in the three days of official mourning as a sign of support.
With 40 years of history in southern Spain and a thousand members, the organisation focuses its activity on the Poppy Appeal to raise funds. Toplis explained that this aid is vital for retired military personnel with low pensions or housing problems. The Royal British Legion thus maintains its commitment to those suffering the consequences of war, seeking to repair damage and offer support in situations of vulnerability.
PIONEER in protection leading
Viogenex was created in November 2016 as a pioneering initiative in Spain, developed by the Mijas Local Security Board at the proposal of the Foreigners Department. Its creation responded to a critical need: the lack of information and specific support for foreign women who are victims of gender-based violence, who often face language and cultural barriers that increase their vulnerability. This multidisciplinary working group meets quarterly to analyse the situation of victims and coordinate effective protection measures. These meetings are attended by staff from Social Services, the Local Police, the Civil Guard and groups such as the Red Cross, the Lions Club and Málaga Acoge. One of its current challenges is to guarantee emergency housing solutions for the first 48 hours, a vital resource for women who lack family support networks in the country. With almost ten years of experience, Viogenex has established itself as a model of comprehensive assistance and safety for the large foreign population in our municipality.
Ways to collaborate
The foundation has provided various channels. The most direct method is Bizum using code 07761 (option donate to NGOs). Donations can also be made online at www.erespiezaclave.org.
Cudeca seeks to raise 355,000 euros to maintain its palliative care services
F.M.R. The campaign ‘You are a key player’ by the Cudeca Foundation is entering its decisive phase to raise 355,000 euros. These funds will cover the costs of its Hospitalisation Unit, ensuring dignity for terminally ill patients in Mijas and the province. Although 110,000 euros have already been raised, this amount is insufficient to sustain the service.
The medical director, María Luisa Martín Roselló, is appealing to the public to help maintain the team that cares for 240 families every year, including psychologists and physiotherapists who are essential to completing this specialised care puzzle.
ASSOCIATIONS
The councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo, also took part in this tribute / I.P.
Candela Arroyo
The public speaking, leadership and communication club Toastmasters Costal del Soul Speakers arrived in Mijas just over a year ago and meets every Tuesday with the aim of helping people gain self-confidence, improve their public speaking skills and create a community based on respect and collaboration.
According to the secretary and treasurer, Soledad Rivero, “we are fortunate to have a room at the Las Lagunas Cultural Centre, where we meet once a week, on Tuesdays, from 20 to 21:30 hours”.
These meetings are held in both English and Spanish, alternating weekly between the two languages, and follow a fixed structure.
“Although the structure is always the same, what changes are the people who take on each role. This improves leadership skills, as we learn by doing”, explained the secretary. Toastmasters has an online educational system with manuals, explanations and objectives.
The club encourages those interested to attend one of the sessions without any commitment.
“It’s good for them to come, learn how it works and even, if they dare, participate with a short speech”, said Rivero.
For her part, Minerva Quijera, vice-president of Costa del Soul Speakers, stressed that “if there is
Toastmaster Costa del Soul Speakers
now has a permanent venue for its sessions
This
group, present in more than 150 countries worldwide, meets every Tuesday from 20 to 21:30 hours at the Las Lagunas Cultural Centre
a safe environment to practise public speaking, whether you have a high level, are just starting or are terrified of doing it, it is a Toastmasters club, where everyone is in the process of learning and nobody judges or criticises”.
Contact
Toastmasters Costa del Soul Speakers assure us that they are growing and will soon need a larger space to carry out their activities. For more information, please
contact the club by telephone on 685 965 867 or by email at costadelsoulspeakers@gmail.com.
In addition, they are organising a special meeting on Tuesday 27th of January at La Catedral Restaurant in Las Lagunas. The event will begin with a social gathering to get to know each other a little better at 19 hours, followed by a regular session in the same venue. To attend this special meeting, there is a fee of 20 euros per person, which includes tapas and drinks.
Las Lagunas Cultural Centre
Where do they meet?
When are the sessions?
Tuesdays from 20 to 21:30 hours.
How does it work?
The meetings are held in both English and Spanish, one week in each language.
For more information, call 685 965 867 o or email costadelsoulspeakers@gmail.com
Soledad Rivero and Minerva Quijera during their visit to Mijas Comunicación / C.Arroyo.
WHAT´S ON
FRIDAY 23RD
Rotary post-Christmas party in aid of AFA Mijas
La Sierra Restaurant, 19:30 h
Reservations: 60 euros via WhatsApp on 711 079 419
AI Workshop: ‘Impulsa tu empleabilidad con Inteligencia Artificial’
Employment Promotion Building, 9 hours
Inauguration of the
by
Moya Las Lagunas Cultural Centre, 19:00 h Until the 26th of February
Inauguration of the exhibition ‘War Generation’
Ukrainian Cultural Centre ‘United Famuly’, calle Río Darro, Las Lagunas, local 20/21, 19 hours
Organised by the ‘Espacio Cultural’ Association and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre ‘United Family’ Until the 8th of March
SATURDAY 24TH
Mass in honour of the Virgen de la Paz
San Manuel González Church, Las Lagunas, 19 h
Play ‘EmpodeRaras’ Manuel España Theatre, 20 h
Tickets 15 euros at lacocheraentradas.com
SUNDAY 25TH
Procession of the Virgen de la Paz Casa Hermandad Jesús Vivo, Las Lagunas, 11:30 h Afterwards, there will be a social gathering with food and drinks at affordable prices
MONDAY 26TH
Talk: ‘Más allá del síntoma’, by Patricia Cañamero
La Cala Branch Office, 17 h Registration at patricanamero.com/ mas-alla-del-sintoma
FRIDAY 30TH
‘Charlie y la fábrica de chocolate’, by DanzaManía
Manuel España Theatre, 19:30 h Tickets: 10 euros. Can be purchased at the DanzaManía dance academy and at the theatre two hours before the start of the show. All proceeds will go to Cudeca
SATURDAY 31ST
Miss Grand Málaga Pageant Final Gala
Manuel España Theatre, 17:30 h
Tickets between 15 and 20 euros. They can be purchased through the pageant’s social media channels and at the theatre two hours before the event. Proceeds will go to Hogar Pozo Dulce
DO NOT MISS
Second-hand market
Las Lagunas fairground and Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa Sundays from 9 to 14 h
Juanjo Castro Painting Exhibition ‘De cal, añil y salitre’ Arts Centre, 18 hours
Until the 23rd, from 18 to 20 hours
Exhibition of paintings and resin art by Ivica Jurikova La Cala Cultural Centre, 19 h
Until the 9th of February
Ecological market
La Cala Boulevard, opposite the branch office, on the second and last Sunday of each month
Wednesday 28th and Saturday 31st
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
Solidarity tables
La Cala Branch Office Square
Last Wednesday and Saturday of each month until the 30th of May
photography exhibition
Enrique
Photography exhibition ‘The Necropolis of Oblivion’ by Jesús Valle Corbacho
Nuevo Enfoque Mijas, El Coto residential area; Los Olivos residential complex, block b, entrance 2, premises 25
