hemeroteca_1165

Happy anniversary!

mijas semanal

W E E K LY

Free Copy. Nº 1.193. From the 27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Town Hall and PEÑA CABALLISTA

organise an equestrian outing

It will take place on Saturday 28th at 11 hours, departing from El Esparragal. Upon return, there will be food, SPANISH. 12 singing and gifts for members

S

The municipality commemorates

Andalusia Day celebration

28-F with an awards ceremony

The 'Mijas, Andalusian Soul' awards will be presented at 11:30 hours at the theatre in an event open to the public, which SPANISH. 14 Mijas 3.40TV will broadcast at 22 h

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Our weekly newspaper celebrates its 23rd anniversary and features the works of the Mijas Craft Association on its cover wrap

with the Rural Race This is a new cycling route and running race in an incredible setting; the start time is 10:30 SPANISH. 33 hours

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Mijas reduces average payment period for suppliers to 58 days

Tourism in Mijas closed 2025 with more accommodation, businesses and workers

FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS

workforce in its leading sector

ECONOMY AND FINANCE

exceeds 70,500 According to the Executive, it is already at one of its lowest levels since January 2020 Mijas beds and accounts for and will allow companies invoicing the council to be paid sooner NEWS/02-03 5% of the province’s total

NWES/04

The 'Junta' highlights the "historic growth” in employment in Mijas and its economic dynamism The delegate for Employment praised the municipality’s “positive” progress regarding business creation, the selfemployed, and Social Security registrations NEWS/09

Mijas already has its official poster for Holy Week The work by Marbella restorer Martín Zamora is a highly expressive, vertical, and ascending composition that gives a nod to the ‘Santísimo Cristo de la Columna’ parish group, organiser of the event. Its former Elder Brother, Francisco Núñez, received recognition, as did the artist of the poster, which was unveiled by the mayoress of the city, Ana Mata, and the parish priest of Mijas Pueblo, Hermán Marcel Lunar. After the ceremony, during which the Holy Week programme published by Mijas Comunicación was distributed, the Mijas Music Band performed its Lenten concert. / M.C. NEWS 10

Local Police step up surveillance against

illegal dumping

In the last month, 38 proposed penalties have been processed for the dumping of rubble, furniture, and household goods; fines can range from 750 to 3,000 euros NEWS/08

MIJAS WILL CELEBRATE WOMEN’S DAY

M

with an extensive programme of activities

Workshops, talks, poetry recitals and a video forum are all part of this programme SPANISH/19

NEW BOOK ACQUISITIONS

with an investment of almost €10,000 The batch includes 662 titles on various subjects for the four municipal libraries SPANISH/24

Eight companies bid for the contract to draft the construction project for the new health centre Infrastructure Department and Tendering Committee are sutying the different proposals before awarding the contract NEWS/05

Mijas News

02 Town Hall

Report by Ed. Dept. / Design: Carmen Martín / Translation: C. Arroyo

The Mijas Town Hall has reduced the average payment period to suppliers to 58 days, one of the lowest figures in the last six years, since January 2020, thereby reinforcing, it notes, “its return to the path of budgetary stability reached in November 2025.

This milestone also allows for the removal of the municipal warning required by law whenever payment delays exceed 60 days”.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), stressed that this “notable improvement in the economic management of the government team” will continue in the coming months, when, she announced, the average payment period can be lowered to under 30 days, “something that has never been achieved in the last ten years in Mijas”. The launch of the Budget Management Body last October, led by Cristina Martí-

The mayoress affirms that the improvement in management will allow companies that invoice the Town Hall to be paid sooner

Mayoress Ana Mata announced the reduction in the average payment period alongside the councillor for Economy, Mario Bravo / Irene Pérez.

MEASURES Mijas reduces the UNDERWAY

average payment period 1 Management Budget

for council suppliers to 58 days

According to the local Executive, it is already at nez, “has proved key to this mu- one of its lowest levels since January 2020 nicipal achievement”, according to the Executive.

“This body should have been operational since 2013, as required by the Basic Law of Local Government for large-population municipalities, but no previous administration created it”, recalled the mayoress last Monday 23rd, accompanied by the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo (PP). The implementation of digital administration, they asserted, has also been key in reducing the average payment period to 58 days.

To put the figure into context, Mata explained that since January 2020, six years ago, the Mijas Town Hall has only been be-

low the 60-day average payment period on nine occasions, “that is, 9 months out of 72, which means that the Comptroller’s Office has been forced to issue a non-compliance alert 63 times”.

Further measures According to Mata and Bravo, this situation has been brought under control through various executive decisions such as those mentioned, plus the approval of the Municipal Organic Regulations and the Anti-Fraud Plan, “also required by law but not promoted by previous government teams”. Likewise, the Mijas Town Hall has approved

Bravo: “The

objective is not only to reach the legal 30-day payment period but to fall below it”

budgets for 2024, 2025 and 2026, “something that did not happen every year prior to the current administration”, the Executive recalls.

Objective For his part, Bravo emphasised that the average payment period to suppliers is a key indicator for assessing the performance

of economic management in local councils, and he thanked the companies that invoice Mijas for their commitment to the municipality: “The objective is not only to reach the legal 30-day payment period but to fall below it, because since June 2015, the Mijas Town Hall has systematically failed to comply, and that is going to end”.

Finally, Bravo added that the Mijas Town Hall will shortly fill the vacant positions for the heads of IT, Tax Management and Festivities, and will strengthen the Procurement Department, “which will contribute to further reducing the average payment period to municipal suppliers”.

Body

The launch of the Budget Management Body last October, led

by Cristina Martínez, “has proved key to this municipal achievement”, said the local Executive.

t

Mijas News

03 Town Hall

Anti-fraud plan and

3 regulations

The approval of the Municipal Organic Regulations and the Anti-Fraud Plan “also required by law but not implemented by previous administrations”, according to the mayoress and the councillor for the economy, have also contributed to the reduction in processing times.

4 Approved budgets The Mijas Town Hall has approved budgets for 2024, 2025 and 2026, “something that did not happen every year previously”, they said.

Electronic Upcoming 2 administration 5 appointments The implementation of electronic administration, according to the government team, has also been key to reducing the average payment period to 58 days.

The Council will shortly fill the vacant Head of Department positions in IT, Tax Management and Festivities, and will strengthen the Procurement Department, “which will help to further reduce the average payment period”.

MAYORESS OF MIJAS

ANA MATA

The best employment policy is to, “pay in due time and form” “I have always maintained that the best employment policy a local authority can pursue is to pay suppliers in due time and form, because it is private initiative that creates jobs, and it cannot be dependent on delays by the public administration”, said the mayoress, adding that “this has changed, and I anticipate it will improve significantly”.

€ The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, in conversation with Cristina Martínez, head of the Budget Management Body launched last October / Mijas Press.

A body established UNDER THE LARGE POPULATION

Population Cities Law

THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT BODY SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE 2013, as required by the Basic Law of Local Government for municipalities with large populations, but no previous government team created it,” said the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata.

04 MijasNews

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

2025 Tourism Review

Tourism in Mijas closed

2025 with more

accommodation, businesses and workers Mijas exceeds 70,500 beds and accounts for 5% of the province’s total workforce in its leading sector

According to data provided by the government team, holiday rentals lead the statistics, but the number of beds in hotels, country houses, apartments, campsites and hostels is also growing.

“This means that Mijas is growing as a tourist destination and is becoming an increasingly key player on the Costa del Sol because it is increasingly in demand”, said Mata.

Irene Pérez Design: Micaela Fernández

Mijas’ tourism sector grew in 2025 in terms of accommodation capacity, businesses and employees. These are the main figures from the report presented on Tuesday 24th by the mayoress of the city, Ana Mata (PP), and the councillor for the department, Francisco Jerez (Vox), using final figures provided by Turismo y Planificación Costa del Sol, a public company under the Málaga Provincial Council.

The mayoress described the current situation as “very satisfactory”, as the number of beds has increased by 9% compared to 2024. In this regard, Jerez pointed out that there are now more than 70,580 accommodation places in the municipality, while the number of establishments has risen by 11% to the current 10,277. “This reflects a diversified structure that allows us

The number of

establishments increased by 11%, reaching the current figure of 10,277

to adapt to different visitor profiles and new market demands”, explained the councillor. Holiday rentals lead these statistics, but the number of beds in hotels, country houses, apartments, campsites and hostels is also growing, meaning that the entire acco; in other words, the entire accommodation spectrum is expanding. “This means that Mijas is growing as a tourist destination and is becoming increasingly prominent on the Costa del Sol as it is increasingly in demand”, said Mata.

Four and five stars In terms of purely hotel accommodation, practically all the

In the photo, the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox) / I.P.

There are over

The current SITUATION IN

TOURISM is “very

satisfactory”

7,000

PEOPLE

registered with Tourists in Mijas Pueblo / I.P.

beds in service in the municipality (96%) are four and five-star, “which reflects the high quality of the establishments located in Mijas”, said the mayoress, who pointed out the need to increase the hotel stock; consequently, the Urban Planning Department will prioritise applications for construction investments or hotel category upgrades.

2.9%

9%

IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

NUMBER

of companies

Looking ahead to 2026, the municipality will intensify its presence in major tourism forums

of the activity and employment.

We are talking about thousands of families in Mijas whose stability depends directly on the health of the sector”, said Jerez.

The number oF BEDS ROSE BY

K ET

INCREASE IN THE

Employment In addition, Jerez highlighted that tourism employment is also growing in Mijas, with more than 7,000 people registered with Social Security in this sector. This figure represents 5% of all tourism workers in the province as a whole. The main increases have occurred in the travel agency, tour operator and car rental sectors.

Businesses Regarding the number of businesses, the figure is nearing 800, a 2.9% increase compared to 2024, representing 5.5% of the provincial total, the councillor noted. “Tourism remains an essential pillar of our local economy, especially in catering, tourist transport and accommodation, which account for most

Social Security

TIC

compared to 2024

Looking ahead to this year, Mijas will step up its presence at major international tourism forums. In March, it will attend ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading trade fairs, to roll out its new promotional campaign on a global stage, “as part of a strategy that seeks to strengthen our position in key European markets and consolidate Mijas’ image as a year-round quality destination”, according to Jerez.

The provincial context has also been highly positive. MalagaCosta del Sol Airport exceeded 13.2 million arrivals in 2025, a 7.2% increase. “This reinforces our international connectivity and the strength of key markets such as the United Kingdom, Spain

and Germany, which are essential for Mijas”, added the councillor.

Furthermore, forecasts for the first four months of 2026 point to a 6.2% increase in seat capacity to Málaga airport, exceeding 4.4 million seats. “This scenario requires us to continue planning

Jerez: “It’s

about consolidating Mijas’ image as a yearround quality destination to ensure growth is orderly and compatible with our residents’ quality of life. Our objective is clear: to grow, yes, but with balance, quality and a vision for the future”, concluded the councillor.

MijasNews

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

05

Infrastructure and Procurement

Eight companies bid for the contract to draft the CARP construction project

Representatives of the government team, led by mayoress Ana Mata, at the meeting last January with the Minister of Health, Antonio Sanz / Mijas Press.

THE CENTRE

12,365

SQUARE METRES

for increased

HEALTHCARE CAPACITY The mayoress states that “the Mijas health centre is progressing at a good pace, as planned, and we will soon be able to see what the building will look like” Report by Ed. Dept. / Design: Isabel Merino

A total of eight companies are bidding to carry out the construction project for the high-resolution process healthcare centre (CARP) promoted by the Mijas Town Hall. Once the deadline for submitting bids has passed, the Infrastructure Department and the Tendering Committee will study the various proposals before awarding the contract, following the administrative procedures and deadlines required by

The health centre will be built on a councilowned plot in Las Lagunas, bounded by Benajarafe, Algatocín and Antonio García Moreno streets and Comares Avenue, and located between La Vega secondary school and Miramar Park.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTS

in a single centre

The Málaga College of Physicians endorsed the CARP project. Its president, Pedro Navarro, visited Mijas to learn more about the project / Archive.

law.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), highlighted the interest that this project has sparked among specialised companies, given the high number of bidders.

“The Mijas health centre is progressing at a good pace, as planned, and we will soon be able to see what the building will look like, its main features, the details of the exterior design and the interior layout”, she said.

Specifically, the eight companies that have submitted bids for the public tender called for this

purpose are: Argenia Energía e Infraestructura, SL; Cemosa Estudio; DTR Fresneda & Zamora; Planho Consultores; Santiago Dorronsoro Arrigo; Spaniarq T10 Servicios de Arquitectura; UTE Lahoz e INGHO, and UTE Argola-Promec-Mijas.

The contract for which the eight bidders are competing has a budget of 625,000 euros, allocated in the Mijas Town Hall’s municipal budget for 2026, which is already in effect after being definitively approved on the 4th of February in a plenary session.

This health centre will improve care for Mijeños through an integrated system of primary care, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments, all in one place and in a single visit.

Medical specialities Cardiology

Speech therapy

Pulmonology

Major and minor outpatient surgery

Paediatrics Gynaecology Ophthalmology Dermatology

Midwives 24-hour emergency

The new CARP will provide several improvements: Expanded clinical spaces Reduced waiting times Greater service integration Enhanced sustainability and accessibility Improved infrastructure for the Primary Care Emergency Service

06 MijasNews

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

February Ordinary Plenary Session

The Town Hall and Acosol to

“improve” water

supply and sewerage The government team during the February plenary session / I. Pérez.

The Executive insists that the increase in rates is due to a mandatory annual update of the bylaws in line with the CPI Report by Beatriz Martín / Design: C.M.

In February, the Town Hall approved the amendment of the bylaws governing sewerage and drinking water supply. This measure, they stressed, is part of the mandatory annual update of the bylaws relating to both services, based on the CPI (Consumer Price Index), a process which had only occurred once since 2010 (in 2022). According to the Executive, this represents an “important commitment to improving both services”. It will be carried out through the public company Acosol, which operates under the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol, and includes the implementation of digitalisation through remote meter reading (designed to facilitate consumption management); improved customer service with new facilities in Las Lagunas –already completed– and a customer service point in Mijas Pueblo.

“The proposal is to adapt the tariff in the bylaw to the CPI. In compliance with this, it would come into force on the 1st of July.

Therefore, July and August will be the first time that the bill is paid every two months, and this represents an average monthly increase of two euros for every household in the municipality of Mijas”, said the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo (PP).

This means a 19% increase in the water bill, Bravo pointed out, but he assured that Acosol will implement various improvements, such as replacing a third of the current meters with remote management systems, opening new customer service points, and the construction of a drinking water supply main to Mijas Pueblo, a project expected to be carried out in different phases with a budget exceeding 13 million euros. The opposition did not interpret it the same way, claiming that the increase is disproportionate. PSOE

Improvements WATER REPLACING A THIRD OF THE CURRENT METERS with remote management systems BETTER SERVICE FOR CITIZENS with new facilities in Las Lagunas (now completed) and a customer service point in Mijas Pueblo

ANA MATA

MARIO BRAVO

“If the commitment is to update the water rate in line with the CPI, we must do so. We cannot tell residents, because we are in an election period, that we will leave the water rate as it is because it doesn’t suit us now, only for everything to hit them at once later”

““The proposal is to adapt the tariff in the bylaw to the CPI. It would come into force on the 1st of July. Therefore, July and August will be the first time that the bill is paid every two months, and this represents an average monthly increase of two euros for every household”

FRANCISCO JEREZ

JUAN CARLOS MALDONADO

“It is a political, moral and institutional responsibility and obligation to comply with what others signed.

We don’t like it, but there is no other choice. They talk about a ‘blow’; if this is a ‘blow’ now, then back in 2022, it was a ‘slashing’”

“In this case it is not a tax, it is a fee, stemming from a management mandate that this council entered into at the time to pay suppliers. Obviously, this entails an obligation”

Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

Councillor for Economy and Finance (PP)

Construction of a DRINKING WATER SUPPLY MAIN TO MIJAS PUEBLO

SEWERAGE CONNECTING HOMES to the network CLEANING OF THE SEWERAGE network and storm drains

councillor Josele González said that “this increase, this blow to the water bills of Mijas residents, is incomprehensible. If Acosol has such losses, if the Mijas Town Hall is causing so many problems in paying for the structure, which is what we are talking about: paying for the organisation, not for works or investments, then they should hand over the keys to water management to the Town Hall”.

Obligation The government team insisted that this is a mandatory annual update of the bylaws based on the CPI, something that has only happened once since 2010, in 2022.

Vox councillor Francisco Jerez stated that “it is a political, moral and institutional responsibility and obligation to comply with what others signed. We don’t like it, but there is no other choice.

They talk about a ‘blow’; if this is a ‘blow’ now, then back in 2022, it was a ‘slashing’”.

The spokesperson for Ciudada-

Vox councillor

JOSELE GONZÁLEZ

Spokesperson for Por Mi Pueblo

JOSÉ CARLOS MARTÍN

PSOE councillor

Spokesperson for Ciudadanos

“This increase is incomprehensible. If Acosol has such losses, if the Mijas Town Hall is causing so many problems in paying for the structure then they should hand over the keys to water management to the Town Hall”

“Explain to us how you can say the increase is 19%, when going from 0.24 to 0.49 there is a 104% increase. This 20% increase is not to improve any infrastructure, it is to improve, in my view, the day-to-day running of Acosol”

nos, José Carlos Martín, maintained that the increase in the water bill is inexplicable: “Explain to us how you can say the increase is 19%, when going from 0.24 to 0.49, which is pure mathematics, there is not a 19% increase, but a 104% increase. This 20% increase is not to improve any infrastructure, it is to improve, in my view, the day-today running of Acosol or its bottom line. This is a management mandate; if they lose money, then let them

lose it”.

Martín also lamented that water prices are being increased when Juan Carlos Maldonado, during his time as mayor, prevented them from rising. To this, the current PMP councillor replied that “in this case it is not a tax, it is a fee, stemming from a management mandate that this council entered into at the time to pay suppliers. Obviously, this entails an obligation and a com-

mitment by this Town Hall within that mandate to carry out an annual CPI review, which has not been applied annually and which I did not apply during my term”.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), closed the debate on the drinking water supply, a point that was approved with the opposition against it. The mayoress concluded by saying that “if the commitment is to update the water rate in line with the CPI, then we must do so.

We cannot tell residents, because we are in an election period, that we will leave the water rate as it is because it doesn’t suit us now, only for everything to hit them at once later, as we are perhaps accustomed to under another management model currently seen in the Spanish Government”.

Sewerage With regard to the amendment of the regulatory bylaw for sewerage, the municipal corporation maintained the same arguments and voting positions. The opposition criticised the increase in the fee, while the government team defended the effort Acosol will make to implement this service more widely, allowing for the connection of homes that are currently not linked to the network.

Furthermore, according to a press release, more advanced management of the sewerage network and storm drains is planned to prevent blockages, particularly during the first rains of the season.

Responsibility “I believe it has been made sufficiently clear that what we are presenting today is the result of management that took place in 2010, when this government team was not in power, but you were. Furthermore, in 2022, a 10% increase was introduced which you voted for, committing yourselves and all Mijas residents to comply with a document. In the responsibility of governing, there are parties and then there are parties, and you are already revealing your true colours in many places”, stressed the mayoress.

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

MijasNews Mijas Weekly

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08 MijasNews

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

Acosol executes the second phase

of works to supply water to Majadilla del Muerto The estimated timeframe for the Acosol has begun the second expansion is four months Ed. Dept. / Design: I.Merino

phase of works to install the domestic water supply network in the Majadilla del Muerto area.

This project was designed and put out to tender by Acosol and, according to the utility company, “is being financed by the beneficiary residents themselves”.

This second phase involves an extension, under a revised project, with a budget of 1,606,880 euros. This includes a 2,081-metre extension of the network, bringing the total installed network to 7,781 metres with 262 service connections.

The estimated timeframe for the execution of this extension is four months.

The works include a pumping station, the distribution net-

SECURITY

In the last month, officers have issued 38 proposed sanctions

work, a regulating reservoir, earthworks and paving.

According to Acosol, the aim of this project is to provide re-

the main supply network, a pumping system and a 350-cubic-metre regulating reservoir, located on Calle Tramo de Unión, to the north of the settlement.

7,781 metres Growth

of distribution piping and 262 service connections will be installed

sidents with a water supply to guarantee the quality and safety of domestic drinking water while preventing the depletion of underground aquifers.

The works involve the construction of a general supply system consisting of a connection to

To this end, a network of 110mm diameter polyethylene pipes approximately seven kilometres long will be built, allowing for the future growth of the settlement. The service connections for each owner who has requested a supply will be linked to this distribution network. Once this network is completed, Majadilla del Muerto will no longer need to rely on the Sierra de Mijas aquifer as it has until now.

THE WORKS

GENERAL WATER

In the centre, the councillor for Operational Services, Daniel Gómez Teruel / Acosol Press.

Second phase

SUPPLY SYSTEM €1,606,880 Pumping system via a pumping station

budget

Distribution network, which will be extended by 2,081 metres 350-cubic-metre regulating reservoir, located on Calle Tramo de Unión, north of La Majadilla del Muerto

Police step up surveillance against illegal dumping JUAN CARLOS CUEVAS DAWSON

Ed. Dept. Over the coming weeks, the Local Police will step up surveillance and control of illegal dumping and non-compliance with municipal waste regulations across the municipality. This work is already ongoing and will now be intensified following repeated reports from residents. The councillor for Local Police, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), explained that “the Local Police take action and imposes penalties for this type of behaviour. With this campaign, we want to increase our presence while also informing residents that these practi-

Councillor for Security (Vox)

“The Local Police take action and imposes penalties for this type of behaviour. With this campaign, we want to increase our presence while also informing residents that these practices have consequences”

Surveillance is being conducted in urban areas as well as in settlements and rural districts / Mijas Town Hall Press.

ces have consequences”.

In the last month, the Local Police have issued 38 proposed sanctions related to the dumping of rubble, the abandonment of furniture and household items on public roads or rural paths, and for disposing of rubbish outside established hours

or in unauthorised areas. Cuevas Dawson stressed that “this is not about revenue, but about coexistence and respect”. Especially, he added, “since the collection system works like clockwork; you only need to request it by phone or via the Gecor app, and it’s free”.

Surveillance is being carried out in both urban and rural areas, with special attention to hotspots where repeated dumping has been detected. The councillor also noted that “the Cleanliness Department is closely monitoring the service to ensure it fulfils its duties, but it

is essential that residents respect the rules. If waste is not disposed of correctly, it hinders the operators’ work and the problem multiplies”.

Offences can result in fines of up to 3,000 euros, depending on the severity of the incident, and the Local Police have warned that they will continue to act firmly against any breaches.

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27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

Employment

MEASURES

During the visit, the delegates from the Junta also reported on updates regarding employment and the promotion of craftsmanship / I.P.

The regional government is working to “support and reinforce THIS BOOST TO THE ECONOMY”

Los delegados de Empleo e Industria, Carmen Sánchez Sierra y Antonio García, junto al edil de Economía, Mario Bravo e integrantes de la Asociación Artesanal de Mijas / I.P.

The ‘Junta’ cites Mijas as an example

of economic and labour dynamism

in the province

According to COMMITMENT the delegate for Employment, Carmen to craftsmanship Sánchez, the town is showing “very positive” growth in business creation and selfemployment figures Reprot by Irene Pérez / Design: Isabel Merino / Translation: C.Arroyo

The councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo (PP), accompanied by the regional delegate for Employment, Business and Self-Employment of the Junta de Andalucía in Málaga, Carmen Sánchez Sierra, and the delegate for Industry, Antonio García, visited the headquarters of the Mijas Craft

The ‘Junta’,

has pledged to continue supporting employment, economic growth, and the creation of wealth

Association on Thursday 26th.

According to the Town Hall, the visit aimed to highlight the “solid performance” of employment and the economy in the province of Málaga at the close of 2025, a period that yielded “historic” Social Security enrolment figures and consolidated the province as one of the “most dynamic economic drivers in Andalusia”. In this regard, the councillofor Finance

The Junta de Andalucía, they explained, is working to ensure that craftsmanship is both tradition and future, promoting its professionalisation, innovation, commercialisation and generational renewal.

pointed out that Mijas recorded the third-highest growth in the province for new companies and the self-employed, as well as the fourth-highest growth in Social Security registrations and the eighth-largest drop in unemployment.

“This shows that Mijas creates jobs, that Mijas is a municipality where the economy is thriving, progressing, and generating wealth. Currently, unemployment in Mijas is at its lowest level in recent history, at 5,524 people. At the close of 2025, we had almost 27,000 Social Security contributors and 9,000 self-employed people, alongside 2,768 new companies. Notably, over the last seven years, unem-

Sánchez Sierra emphasised that in recent years, the ‘Junta’ has “implemented public policies aimed at facilitating job creation, supporting entrepreneurship and providing stability to the business sector, especially in strategic sectors for the region”.

Measures promoted to ensure that economic growth translates into quality employment and greater well-being for citizens:

Hiring incentive programmes Support for the self-employed

Employment schemes

The regional delegate for Employment, Business and Self-Employment,

CARMEN SÁNCHEZ SIERRA

wished to focus specifically on craftsmanship, a sector closely linked to the identity of Mijas and its touristic and economic appeal. “Supporting craftsmanship means supporting employment rooted in the area, creative talent, and activities that cannot be outsourced”, she said.

The regional delegate for Industry,

ANTONIO GARCÍA,

announced that “protected geographical indications” are being promoted for specific handcrafted products. One product has been selected per province; in the case of Málaga, Mijas craftsmanship has been chosen. “They will be able to showcase what is produced in Mijas. We are focusing on all those jobs that are being lost, and we are going to try and help them”, he summarised.

The president of the Mijas Craft Association,

SONIA LEKUONA,

expressed the concern within the craft sector regarding the lack of generational renewal. Similarly, Lekuona stated that the vast majority of these trades “are not regulated in Andalusia, so we are fighting for regulation so that it may also serve as an incentive for anyone wishing to pursue further studies or vocational training in the world of crafts”.

ployment in Mijas has fallen by 20%”, he explained.

He also stressed that in Mijas “we generate opportunities for everyone”, which is why the municipality has just approved the largest budget in its history. “We are able to generate more income through increased economic activity. This activity is widespread; we are not just referring to tourism, but also to the arts and crafts,such as those of these artisans, who are an example of hard work, effort, and dedication”, the councillor added.

Sustained growth For her part, the Employment Delegate stated that the indicators confirm sustained growth

in employment, placing Málaga among the provinces with the highest job creation in the country, exceeding both the Andalusian and national averages. This progress reflects “the resilience of Málaga’s productive sector and its ability to attract the active population”, she argued.

Similarly, she stated that this positive performance is supported by the strength of traditional sectors, such as tourism and services, which are increasingly oriented towards experiential tourism, gastronomy and innovative accommodation, as well as the rise of emerging activities diversifying the provincial economic base, including tech startups, the green economy linked to

renewable energies and advanced logistics.

During her speech, Sánchez Sierra highlighted Mijas as an example of a municipality that is succeeding in terms of employment and economic activity, emphasising its entrepreneurial dynamism and its ability to generate opportunities in a challenging economic context.

Over the last seven years, the delegate noted, Mijas has recorded a “very positive” trend in indicators such as business creation, the number of self-employed workers, and Social Security enrolment, consolidating its position as one of the most active municipalities for job creation on the Costa del Sol.

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27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

Holy Week 2026

Mijas unveils the image of its

passion for Holy Week The event included an award presentation to the poster’s artist, Martín Zamora, and to Francisco Núñez, former Elder Brother of the ‘Columna’ brotherhood

Acknowledgements to

Martín Zamora and Francisco Núñez

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During the ceremony, two awards were presented: one to the poster’s artist, Martín Zamora, and another to the former Elder Brother of ‘La Columna’, Francisco Núñez, in recognition of his long-standing service to the parish group. Núñez, grateful for the tribute, recalled his early days in the brotherhood: “We were the first to meet at the headquarters, I was the Elder Brother of the Brotherhood Cristo de la Columna, president of the Peña Santana, and president of the parents’ association; I have always enjoyed being involved in everything that goes on in the village”.

Reportaje de Beatriz Martín / Diseño: Carmen Martín

We now have the poster announcing Mijas Holy Week 2026. On Saturday 21st, it was presented at the parish church of La Inmaculada by Francisco Núñez, a member of the Parish Group Santísimo Cristo de la Columna, the group responsible for organising the event this year. The poster is the work of Marbella restorer Martín Zamora, who, together with the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the parish priest Hermán Marcel Lunar, unveiled it in front of a church packed with locals and the music of the Mijas Music Band, which closed the event with its Lenten concert.

The poster reveals many details, including one of the ‘Nazarenos’ in the procession carrying a prayer card of the Lord tied to the Column; this year, his parish group has been responsible for providing the image for Holy Week in Mijas. The spokesperson for this brotherhood, Josefa Quero, said, “We are delighted with it. Martín is a friend of our parish group, so we contacted him, he agreed, and we got to work”.

Assessment of the poster The presentation of the Holy Week poster was attended by authorities and residents, who gave a very positive assessment of the image.

The parish priest of Mijas, Hermán Marcel Lunar, said that the poster “can be very significant and can call us all to reflection, which is precisely what Lent and Holy Week seek to achieve”.

The mayoress emphasised that it is “a very beautiful poster, one that faithfully captures what Holy Week means to believers and, above all, is also based on what our narrow streets in Mijas Pueblo used to be like, represented by the lady waiting with her chair

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A TRIBUTE to those who make

Holy Week great

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1. Mayoress Ana Mata and parish priest Hermán Marcel Lunar unveiled the poster alongside its creator, Martín Zamora.- 2. Group photo with the government team and attendees.- 3. Members of the Archicofradía del Nazareno.- 4. Mata, Lunar, Núñez and Zamora with councillors from the government team.- 5. Table in aid of the Piache Mental Health Cooperation Association.- 8. PSOE councillors with other attendees at the poster presentation / M.C.

Martín Zamora, a graduate in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Assets, aims to pay tribute to those who truly make Holy Week great: “This poster is a tribute to all those people in our Holy Week who, without seeking recognition, are an indispensable part of it and provide its true identity, both the woman who quietly offers her time and effort to help others, and the anonymous people who offer their penance behind a hood”. AESTHETICALLY, THE POSTER IS A VERTICAL, ASCENDING, CONTEMPORARY, HIGHLY EXPRESSIVE AND SYMBOLIC COMPOSITION, BASED ON COLOUR CONTRAST AND EMOTION. Chromatically, it is divided into two parts. Red is the colour of the blood shed by the Lord. On the other hand, green is the colour associated with the Parish Group of La Columna, but it is also the colour of hope, a colour related to life and, consequently, a reminder of the promise of eternal life that gives meaning to Holy Week. The poster introduces a human and emotional dimension: the representation of the people, memory and the care taken to maintain a tradition through the figure of an elderly woman, who is none other than the late Paca Alarcón. “She was a woman who always gave everything she had so that no neighbour would ever lack anything”, explained Zamora.

The 2026 Mijas Holy Week programme of processions and liturgical acts, published by Mijas Comunicación In addition to being available online, physical copies can be found in public buildings, municipal offices, and local shops.

Lenten Concert The deputy director of the Mijas Music Band, Salvador Fernández, explained that they were going to “premiere ‘Aniversario Macareno’, which is a very beautiful march; ‘Reina, Madre y Capitana’; and one that I really like, ‘Coronación de la Amargura’, which is a very Malaga-style march”. for each of the processions to pass by. It is a very beautiful poster and, moreover, created by someone so young who feels Holy Week in a very special way”.

Mata also had words of gratitude for Francisco Núñez, better known

as Paco Fiesta, who, like the author of the poster, received recognition and was praised by the rest of the municipal corporation. PP councillor Daniel Gómez Teruel said that Núñez “is a person who has done a lot for the town and conti-

nues to do so. He is a symbol in the Santana neighbourhood, he was a councillor in Mijas and greatly promoted the festivities. The culmination of the event, with such a beautiful poster like the one Martín has made to mark the beginning of Holy Week this year 2026, has been very exciting”.

The council is looking forward to Holy Week with respect and devotion. Vox spokesperson, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, recalled that “Wednesday 18th was Ash Wednesday and we are now in Lent, eagerly awaiting the beautiful poster that will be unveiled today to announce Holy Week, so we are really looking forward to it”.

For his part, the councillor for Culture (PMP), Juan Carlos Maldonado, wanted to send a message “from the Town Hall’s Department of Culture to all the people of Mijas, a message of gratitude for always joining in our traditions and, above all, for making Holy Week in Mijas a benchmark and an icon in our province”.

PSOE councillor Belén Roca congratulated “the creator for wanting to recreate the essence of the women of Mijas who wait at their front doors for the floats to arrive and who organise Holy Week behind the scenes, but are the ones in charge... Thank you for capturing that essence”.

MijasNews

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

11

The Ark School marks another

Andalusia Day

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, joined the school community for the celebration Jacobo Perea

At Ark School, a British international school located in El Juncal, Andalusia is also felt and breathed: its traditions, customs, and roots... That is why last Friday, 20th of February, it joined in the celebration of 28-F, the day of all Andalusians, before starting its ‘White Week’ holidays.

“In our Spanish classes, we are working on everything related to Andalusia and its provinces so that they understand where they live”, said headteacher Katie Bertrán De Lis Jones, who highlighted the collaboration

of parents in organising this activity. “We have many Spanish, English, Irish and Scottish mothers who participate and enjoy it very much, and I am surprised by how much they love this Andalusian breakfast”, said the headmistress.

In addition to breakfast, the students attended a flamenco performance, sang, and received a visit from the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP). The mayoress, who had the opportunity to greet the students and tour the facilities, highlighted the importance of

Andalusian breakfast for students / J.P.

The students sang during the ceremony / J.P.

this event at the international school. “Today we have seen girls and boys dressed in fla-

EXHIBITION F.M.R. The Mijas Arts Centre, located in the Algarrobo building in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña, will host the exhibition ‘The Zodiac’ by the multifaceted Danish artist Tine Lilholt from the 7th to the 21st of March. This exhibition, which marks her debut in our municipality after years of visiting Spain, offers an immersive experience where painting, collage and mixed media merge with music.

The visual artist and musician presents a collection of paintings inspired by the signs of the zodiac, with the unique feature that each work is accompanied by its own soundtrack. The opening will take place on Saturday 7th of March at 18:00 hours and will include an opening concert

Danish artist Tine Lilholt brings her musical zodiac to the Mijas Arts Centre

menco costumes in honour of Andalusia Day, celebrating the tradition that represents us all,

regardless of nationality, and we appreciate this gesture by the school’s management”.

+NEWS

La Cala hosts the 1st ‘Estrellas de Iberia’ Festival, set to attract over 400 artists.Danish artist Tine Lilholt / Mijas Arts Centre.

in which Lilholt herself will play the flute and harp, accompanied

by Klaus Thrane on percussion.

In addition to the exhibition, the

artist will give a ‘Gelli print’ workshop on the weekend of the 14th and 15th of March, priced at 65 euros.

SUPPORT

Fund and the La Cala Lions Club. During this first meeting of the new phase, available services and aid were updated, and several recent cases of residents requiring support with bureaucratic procedures, medical transfers, or companionship to mitigate extreme loneliness were discussed. The councillor for Volunteering, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), attended the meeting and personally thanked the groups for their selfless work.

Apemex was founded in 2022

La Cala has been transformed into a global stage. The ‘Estrellas de Iberia’ International Festival held its first and second days, bringing together art, dance and tradition in a gathering that will attract more than 400 artists from various corners of the world. This is an event where culture meets solidarity; promoted by the Bulgarian-Spanish Centre, it seeks to strengthen bonds beyond our borders.

Suspiros de Cuatro Patas party for rescued dogs to mark Studio Primero’s anniversary.-

Apemex resumes its activity after three years to combat loneliness among elderly foreigners F.M.R. The Apemex work group (Appoyo a las Personas Mayores Extranjeras, Support for Elderly Foreigners) met again this week after more than three years of inactivity to reactivate its assistance network in Mijas. Coordinated by the Town Hall’s Foreigners Department, this multidisciplinary team includes Social Services, the Red Cross, the SIMA group of the Local Police, Age Care, Age Concern, the Royal British Legion, the British Benevolent

The mayoress, Ana Mata, during her visit to Ark School / J.P.

Participants in the meeting / Foreigners Department.

with the aim of ensuring that no retired resident, regardless of their language, feels neglected in the municipality.

Solidarity and a love for animals will come together on Saturday, 7th of March, at the Fuengirola fairgrounds.

Studio Primero hair salon is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in style by organising a fantastic charity party in aid of the Suspiros de Cuatro Patas animal shelter. The charity event will take place at the Diana booth (caseta) from 17:00 to 23:00 hours. For a 10 euro donation entry fee, which includes a drink, attendees will enjoy a full entertainment programme. After learning about the shelter’s vital work through a talk featuring several dogs available for adoption, the afternoon will be enlivened by troubadour Marcus Zachrisson, a dance performance by Riina Leppäkangas, music from Mita i Mita Band and a musical finale with a DJ set.

12 MijasNews

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

Zumba, a ‘key piece’ for Cudeca A total of 130 people took part on Saturday 21st in a charity event to raise funds for the palliative care unit

only for cancer patients, but also for people with advanced illnesses and their families. Through this cause, everyone participating here today is a key piece”.

The event brought together over 130 people and involved instructors from all over the Costa del Sol / M.C.

C.B. On Saturday 21st of February, Cortijo Don Elías hosted a Zumba masterclass in aid of Cudeca. The event brought together more than 130 people, with instructors from all over the Costa del Sol collaborating to offer two hours of sport. The aim was to support the ‘You are a key piece’ campaign, which funds the palliative care hospitalisation unit.

This campaign is entering its final week and needs our support to achieve its goal of maintaining this unit, a challenge that aims to reach 355,000 euros by the 28th of February.

The spokesperson and volunteer for the Cudeca Foundation Grissell Gerena explained that “all the funds will go directly to the hospital where we care not

Masterclass The event took place in an outdoor setting filled with physical activity, dancing, community spirit and, of course, solidarity.

“It’s been a while since we organised a Zumba masterclass with the help of the Idiliq Foundation, so it was about time we put something together. We have a team of Zumba instructors from across the Costa del Sol and I can always count on them to collaborate. They are always willing to

GROUPS

There were also stalls selling items to raise funds. On the right, the Mijas Town Council also contributed to the event, with councillors Mari Francis Alarcón and Juan José Torres Trella alongside members of Idiliq / M.C.

help, which is truly wonderful”, said Zumba instructor and Idiliq Foundation spokesperson Marieke Van Der Velde.

The masterclass was a great success, and to make it possible, the Mijas Town Hall also played its part, according to the councillor for Sports, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), “we provide the logistics, the space, and the equi-

pment they need to carry out this activity. From the Town Hall, we must collaborate with these companies and associations that need to raise funds. In addition, this is an event that also benefits the people of Mijas”. Helping has never been so easy, or so healthy, and by supporting this cause, everyone who participated in the event became a key piece.

TALK

Studio Olé: a new lens to capture the soul of flamenco Photographer Ángela Rijsbergen launches a themed photography studio in Plaza de la Constitución

On Sunday 22nd, the Ukrainian association Espacio Cultural held a ceremony in memory of the victims M.F. Although they live each day with a deep wound in their hearts, Ukrainian refugees in Mijas refuse to normalise the war their country is suffering. That is why, on Sunday 22nd, the Ukrainian-Spanish association Espacio Cultural organised an event in memory of the victims in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña, marking the fourth anniversary of the conflict with Russia.

“Unfortunately, we have been at war for four years now, although in reality it has been 12 years since the conflict with Russia began”, commented the president of Espacio Cultural, Galyna Lisnycha. “In a way, we have become accustomed to carrying this pain within us, in our hearts and in our souls, because we have to live, we have no other choice but to live, fight, and stand

Mijas and Ukraine, united on the fourth anniversary of the war

4 years of terror

together, which is precisely what we are doing here today in Mijas”, she added.

During the gathering in Mijas Pueblo, a photography exhibition of the conflict was displayed, the victims and the missing were remembered, the flags of Ukraine and Spain flew in unison, and words of encouragement were offered to the refugees living in the municipality.

The councillor Mario Bravo (PP) attended the event, stated: “We wanted to stand with the Ukrainian people today. There are seve-

ral million refugees across various European countries, many women and children who have fled the war while their husbands and fathers have stayed behind. In Mijas, we have taken in several hundred, and the local population has been especially affectionate and welcoming, reminiscent of 1992 when we did the same for those fleeing Yugoslavia. Many of them are still here among us. We thought that would never happen again, but it has”.

The gathering also showcased Ukrainian culture, with several women dressed in traditional costumes singing songs from their homeland. “Our intention is to denounce Russian aggression, express the difficult situation our country is currently enduring and raise awareness of the reality of the war among both the Spanish people and all local residents”, according to the association.

Councillors Torres Trella y Alarcón with Rijsbergen / N.L.

N.L/F.M.R. Taking a little piece of Andalusia home with you will now be easier in Mijas Pueblo.

Plaza de la Constitución adds a new business to its commercial offering, one with an international accent but a soul that is very much our own: Studio Olé. This new establishment, launched by Dutch photographer Ángela Rijsbergen,, was created with the aim of immortalising tourists’ visits to our town through themed photography.

The concept is simple but yet full of symbolism: offering visitors the chance to dress up in flamenco or bullfighter costumes for a professional photo shoot. Rijsbergen, , who has drawn inspiration from successful inter-

national models for this project, explained that the idea is for “people to take home a souvenir through a fun and visual experience”.

Institutional support The presentation of this original project was attended by councillors Juan José Torres Trella (PP) and Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), who turned out to support the entrepreneur ahead of her official opening, scheduled for next week.

MijasNews

27th of February to 5th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

Andalusian breakfast at AV Tamisa Association headquarters, from 9:30 a 11:30 hours Open to all residents. There will be a flag-raising ceremony and a traditional breakfast of coffee, hot chocolate and bread with olive oil

WHAT´S ON FRIDAY 27TH Way of the Cross of the Archicofradía del Dulce Nombre de Jesús Nazareno San Sebastián Hermitage (after the 19 hour mass) The Way of the Cross will pass through Carril, Del Pilar, Alegre and San Sebastián streets, ending at the chapel

SATURDAY 28TH

SUNDAY 1ST

Equestrian outing Departure from El Esparragal at 11 hours Food and drink at affordable prices, a performance by Fátima Burgos and her group, and a gift for members

‘Mijas, Andalusian Soul’ Gala, to mark Feb 28 Manuel España Theatre, 12 hours Honourable mentions will be awarded to various individuals and organisations in the municipality. Free admission until full capacity is reached Tripe lunch in El Juncal to celebrate Andalusia Day Calle Virgen de la Concepción, starting at 13:30 hours Organised by AV El Juncal. Free for members; 3 euros, for non-members Andalusia Day Celebration Fernán Caballero Park, 13:30 h Organised by AV Nueva Laguna.

Flag-raising ceremony, free rice for members, sevillanas competition and a raffle, as well as a variety of food and drinks at affordable prices

International Festival ‘Estrellas de Iberia’ Auditorium of the La Cala Branch Office, 18 h Free admission

Thursday 5th

saturday 7th Anniversary of Studio Primero in aid of Suspiros de Cuatro Patas Fuengirola fairground, Caseta Diana, from 17 to 23 h Ticket: 10 euros (includes drink) at studioprimero.com and apuakoirille.fi.

With performances, food and a market Exhibition The Zodiac, by artist Tine Lilholt Mijas Art Centre. Opening concert on the 7th of March from 18 to 20 hours, with Tine Lilholt and Klaus Thrane Exhibition open from the 7th to the 21st of March. More information via WhatsApp on 614 616 240.

Gelli Print Workshop March 14th and 15th from 11th to 14 hours.

Price: 65 euros. Further info: +45 21466037 (WhatsApp)

DO NOT MISS ‘Verso Libre’ painting exhibition,

by Jorge Rivas Mijas Folk Museum, 18 hours Until the 15th of March

Traditional Andalusian breakfast at the active participation centres Mijas Pueblo Active Participation Centre, from 9 to11 h Las Lagunas Active Participation Centre, from 9:30 to 11:30 hç La Cala Senior Citizens Centre, from 9:30 to 11:30 h Free for members

Ecological market La Cala Boulevard, opposite the branch office, on the second and last Sunday of each month

Exhibition: ‘War Generation’ Ukrainian Cultural Centre ‘Familia Unida’, Calle Río Darro, Las Lagunas, premises 20/21 Organised by the ‘Espacio Cultural’ Association and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre ‘Familia Unida’ Until the 8th of March Second-hand market Las Lagunas fairground and Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa Sundays from 9 to 14 h

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 Exhibition ‘Echoes beyond mind’

by Victoria Tsekidou and Shirin Moarefi La Cala Cultural Centre Until the 23rd of March

Conference ‘Autoestima: un gran superpoder para nuestros hijos’,

by Rafa Guerrero, psychologist specialising in emotions and neuroeducation Manuel España Theatre, 19:30 h Part of the Attendis Talks series

FOREIGNER’S DEPARTMENT MIJAS TOWN HALL USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS SALUD RESPONDE (Doctor’s prescriptions etc.)......................................... 955 54 50 60 EMERGENCY/DOCTOR, AMBULANCE ANDALUSIAN HEALTH ............................ 061/112 LOCAL POLICE - MIJAS EMERGENCIES 24H........................................................... 952 46 08 08 / 952 46 09 09 OFFICE, MON - FRI 8:00-14:00.................................................................. 952 19 70 97 FIREBRIGADE 24H...................................................................................... 952 58 63 82 CIVIL GUARD 24H....................................................................................... 952 47 40 30 MIJAS TOWN HALL - MIJAS VILLAGE......................................................... 952 48 59 00 TOWN HALL BRANCH LAS LAGUNAS......................................................... 952 59 36 44 FOREIGNERS DEPARTMENT (MON - FRI 9:00 - 14:00).............................. 952 58 90 10 SENIOR CITIZEN’S DEPARTMENT ............................................................. 951 06 20 05 SOCIAL SERVICES (MON - FRI - 8:00 - 14:00)........................................... 952 47 66 91 WOMEN’S CENTRE..................................................................................... 952 58 90 01 FREE FURNITURE COLLECTION .................................................................. 648 960 541

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EMERGENCY 24H............................................. 016 HELPLINE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - ANDALUSIAN GOVERNMENT 24H........................................... 900 20 09 99 MIJAS TAXI....................................................... 952 47 82 88

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Mercadillo Mesa Solidaria Plaza frente a la Tenencia de Alcaldía de La Cala. 11 a 14 h Todos los últimos miércoles y sábados del mes hasta el 30 de mayo