hemeroteca_1168

XXXIII HOLY WEEK PROCLAMATION 14th March / 20:00 h La Inmaculada Parish Church

By Isabel Sedeño, presented

by María de la Peña Leiva and accompanied by the Villa de Mijas Choir

W E E K LY

Free Copy. Nº 1.195. From the 13th to the 19th of March 2026

Mijas ceramic artisans

achieve certification

E NEWS 07

They have been selected as a Protected Geographical Indication by the EU, a label that certifies the origin of products

Second Training and Job

Opportunities Fair

S SPANISH NEWS 21

Economic Development is promoting this initiative, which will bring together 55 companies at the CRN Hospitality CentreCIOMijas on Wednesday 18th

NEWS/11

The foreigners department

presents its activities for March

E NEWS 05

The talk 'Living in Spain with Assets Abroad?' on the 24th and the second waiters' race on the 28th are the main initiatives

COASTLINE

Mijas allocates 247,000 to regenerate beaches affected by the storms “The Town Hall also begins reconstruction work on the section of the Coastal Path that collapsed during storms NEWS/06 8M

The Town Hall speeds up the renovation of the swimming pool and Sports Complex roofs The works, worth 1.2 million euros, will be contracted to shorten deadlines and ensure that the reopening takes place as soon as possible SPANISH PAGE / 11

The Town Hall offers land to the regional government to expand the La Cala de Mijas Health Centre This is a 2,394-squaremetre plot of land adjacent to the health centre where a 24-hour emergency department could be installed SPANISH PAGE /14

A ward for work in favour of equality The 18th ‘Mijas en Femenino’ Gala, held on Friday 6th of March, was a tribute to freedom and equal opportunities, as set out in the manifesto drawn up by the Mijas Town Hall and read at the Manuel España Theatre by representatives of women’s associations in the municipality. Following the reading of the manifesto, the event, organised by the Department for Family and Equal Opportunities, headed by the mayoress, Ana Mata, continued with the presentation of awards. On this occasion, recognition was given to nine women and entities who, through their professional, educational, or cultural work, have contributed and continue to contribute to achieving a more egalitarian society / Alberto Lago. NEWS 02-04

The Town Hall awards the

Tribute to the soul of the brotherhoods

Archicofradía del Nazareno

with the 1st Holy Week

the Town Medal

BROTHERHOOD MEETING

The recognition commemorates their more than three centuries of presence in the San Sebastián hermitage in Mijas Pueblo

The screening of a documentary and the recognition of members were the focus of the event held on Thursday 12th

SPANISH PAGE /22-23

SPANISH PAGE /24-25

The municipality joins the 'Ecólatras Andalucía' campaign to promote glass recycling Ecovidrio, in collaboration with the Junta and the FAMP, is promoting this initiative to protect the environment, which will run until May NEWS/07

Mijas News

02 International Women’s Day

Mijas honours commitment to equality at the

18 t h ‘Mij as en Femenino’ Gala

On Friday 6th of March, the Manuel España Theatre hosted the event, organised by the Department of Family and Equal Opportunities to mark International Women’s Day

M A N IFE STO

The manifesto, drawn up by the Mijas Town Hall, was read by representatives of women’s associations in the municipality, including Mujeres Mijitas, Mujeres en Igualdad, Círculo de Mujeres Casa Luna, Mujeres de Nuestro Tiempo and Soroptimist.

Report by Beatriz Martín and Alberto Lago / Design: Cristina Bejarano

The 18th ‘Mijas en Femenino’ Gala, held on Friday 6th of March, was a true celebration of freedom and equal opportunities, as stated in the manifesto

drawn up by the Mijas Town Hall and read by representatives of women’s associations in the municipality. Among them was Juana Bueno, president of the Mijitas Women’s Socio-Cultural Association, who noted while

reading the document that “current challenges focus primarily on the consolidation of real and effective opportunities, the balance between personal, family and working life, shared responsibility, access to and retention of employment, and balanced participation in all areas of social, economic and institutional life”.

Awards After the reading of the manifesto, the event, organised by the Department of Family and Equal Opportunities, headed by the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), continued with the presentation of awards. This year, nine women and organizations were recognised

for their professional, educational or cultural work, in contributing to a more egalitarian society. The first distinction, in the Social category, went to Rafaela Navarro, a retired employee of the Women’s Centre, who said, “I have always tried to work with a smile, not because life doesn’t hurt, but because I believe in hope and in the strength to get up every day”.

The ceremony also recognised the Civil Guard’s Viogen System for its work against the most extreme form of inequality a woman can suffer: gender-based violence.

Senior corporal Daniel Ronquillo spoke of the women they assist: “When you hear them say ‘thank you for being there, thank you for

not failing us’, that is our greatest satisfaction, our greatest prize is the sense of a duty fulfilled”.

In the Sporting field, mentions went to the Club Polideportivo Mijas Gimnasia Rítmica and the Club Deportivo Gimnasia Rítmica Sohail Mijas. Nina Gett, an instructor at the former, spoke of the power of such organisation, saying that “we can help to build a woman who is valuable and self-confident, an authentic woman who lives by her truth and self-love”. Meanwhile, Sohail instructor Sue Alisson Ventura said she felt “proud to educate in equality, working with both boys and girls, teaching them that respect and camaraderie come before any differences”.

Mijas News

03

The government team, with the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, at the centre, with the individuals and organisations honoured at the gala / A.L.

Mujeres sin

The awards ceremony was followed by a speech from the mayoress of Mijas and head of the D epartment of F amily and E qual O pportunities, A na Mata ( P P ) , who emphasised that “ the 8 th of March is not about partisan or political struggles; it is a real social struggle for effective and genuine equality. W e are not talk ing about privileges, we are talk ing about balance, trust, shared responsibility and respect” .

The individual award winners were R afaela Navarro, B elé n P iz arro, A na A renas, María J osé Calvente, A ix a G alá n and B elé n Cruz . The organisations recognised were V iogen System, the Mijas R hythmic G ymnastics Sports Club and the Sohail Mijas R hythmic G ymnastics Sports Club

In the Business category, tribute was paid to Belén Pizarro, from Club Raquetas de Mijas, for, among many reasons, incorporating a charitable element into many of the competitions she organises: “To all the women who fight every day to break glass ceilings and build a much fairer community”.

Ana Arenas, representative of Communication and Social Media on behalf of the Official Association of Social Graduates of Málaga and Melilla, was recognised in the Professional category as a staunch defender of labour rights. Arenas

ANA MATA MAYORESS OF MIJAS

“The award winners were chosen as examples of constant work towards real equality; they are a true reflection of today’s society in Mijas”

T H E HO NO UR E E S

Some socialist councillors also attended the event / A.L.

M

International Women’s Day

The Manuel España Theatre was packed with people who came to enjoy the gala event / A.L.

explained that “this is not about quotas or anything else. From here, I advocate for real equality, which is possible in all areas of law. Long live social justice!”.

The Culture award went to artisan dressmaker María José Calvente, who has turned sewing into a passion as much as a profession, embroidering dreams into every fabric. Her talent has graced stages and life’s most vivid moments. An emotional Calvente simply said: “Mum, this is for you” before blowing a kiss.

Pharmacist Aixa Galán was honoured in the Science category for going beyond conventional pharmacy to focus on women’s health from a 360º perspective.

Singer Mami Courl performed at the gala / A.L.

She stated: “This award is not just mine, it belongs to every woman who ever felt her pain was not important enough; it belongs to women who balance family, work and passion and still find the strength to keep going”.

Finally, in the Education category, the award went to Los Campanales school teacher Belén Cruz for her work in spreading values. She gave a fond overview of her career: “I was a swimming teacher at the indoor pool, at the Entrerríos Youth Hostel, a basketball and athletics coach, and presenter of the show ‘Grandes y pequeños’ on 3.40 TV, this is for you José Miguel”, she added referring to the former presenter of

Members of the government team and authorities alongside Mata / A.L.

Mijas Comunicación José Miguel Fernández.

Respect The awards were followed by a speech by the mayoress of Mijas and head of the Department of Family and Equal Opportunities, Ana Mata (PP), who emphasised that these tributes “are a reflection of today’s society in Mijas. The winners were chosen as examples of constant work for real equality, and I am convinced they will continue to break barriers”. The mayoress also stressed that “the 8th of March does not represent a partisan or political struggle; it is a real social struggle for effective equality. There can be no more

legitimate aspiration nor a purer demand. We are not talking about privileges, we are talking about balance, trust, shared responsibility and respect”.

Furthermore, Mata highlighted the Town Hall’s commitment to equality as a “cross-cutting effort involving all municipal departments”.

The event opened and closed with music by Sara Ramírez, known artistically as Mami Curl.

Once again, the gala served as a tribute to the dignity, strength, and future of all women, ensuring that everyone, men and women alike, understands that equality is not just a goal, but a shared responsibility.

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13th to 29th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

International Women’s Day

The I n t e r v i e w Ana Mata, mayoress of Mijas

“We must all fight to ensure that younger generations do not revert to what previous generations have already lived through” María José Gómez / Carmen Martín

Mijas commemorated International Women’s Day not only with an awards ceremony but also with an extensive programme of activities.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), who is also responsible for the Family and Equal Opportunities Department, highlighted the work carried out by the Town Hall to achieve real equality between men and women, not just on the 8th of March, but 365 days a year.

Mijas Semanal. March is a date to mark achievements, but also to identify goals still to be worked towards.

Ana Mata. Yes, we have moved from commemorating International Working Women’s Day, which is what March 8th was called until it was pointed out that women are always “working” because they do so at home and, often, both inside and outside the home, to International Women’s Day. This is a day where men and women must continue to work together so that society offers the same opportunities and equality when it comes to achieving our goals. It is true that we have achieved a lot. We always value the right to universal suffrage, which women had to fight so hard for, but that is now in the past. In the present, there are still many needs that we must continue to advocate for and, above all, we must demand legislative protection, because the conditions women face simply by being women are totally different from those of men. I would particularly emphasise motherhood.

It is one of the hurdles we still need to refine.

M.S. Mijas commemorates this

The mayoress highlights the work carried out by her department in favour of equality and emphasises the achievements yet to be won

THE MIJAS WOMAN

is an empowered individual with a strong sense of purpose” day with an extensive programme involving various local women’s groups.

A.M. Yes, we have had a programme that is traditionally organised by all these entities and associations, primarily women’s groups. In recent years, we have been placing the emphasis on women’s self-care, as they have often neglected themselves to care for others. These activities have been very well received.

Regardless, it must be said that the Family and Equal Opportunities Department works 365 days a year to ensure that equality and the joint effort between men and women are developed on a daily basis. It is also very important for us to take these talks and workshops to young people, who are the present and future of a society in which, I hope, the obstacles that women have faced throughout history will be corrected so that men and

women have equal opportunities.

M.S. A total of 1,324 actions were carried out in 2025 by Family and Equal Opportunities, a department you chose to lead personally.

A.M. Working for and on behalf of women is one of the goals I set for myself when I started in politics at a very young age. Back then, the situation was completely different, and I have wanted to take on that responsibility wherever I have been, from the Provincial Council as vicepresident, to the Andalusian Regional Government, and now having the opportunity to be mayoress. On this path, I have always wanted to count on men, because they are also a primary and necessary agent in achieving progress on those issues that, because we are women, we perhaps face more complications than they do.

M.S. Services are not only offered to women. Men and children of women who are victims of genderbased violence are also assisted.

A.M. When inequality exists, its most extreme expression is always gender-based violence. Minors are also within that circle of those affected. That is why it is important to work with them too, so that they do not face difficulties growing up with the trauma that sometimes comes from living within toxic families or rela- tionships. We also

Since taking office, the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, has decided to personally lead the Department of Family and Equal Opportunities / Miguel Lacalle.

assist men, and I should mention that the department goes further.

We help our young people to develop the tools to be socially adept at recognising unhealthy relationships. We also want to reach those women with an interest in entrepreneurship. We face the challenge of motherhood; for nine months, we are pregnant. Sometimes this limits us depending on the pregnancy, and then there is the upbringing, which means we must establish support systems for these women.

Fortunately, men are now joining in with this work-life balance. We must work on this path together, because what we must demand is that no father or mother is penalised when the burden of care falls on them.

M.S. Other actions carried out include co-education workshops for five-year-olds, sexual violence prevention workshops for secondary school students, and initiatives to combat LGBTIphobia.

A.M. Young people must be given the tools to have healthy relationships, to be respectful, and to tolerate sexual diversity, so that everyone has the freedom to choose who we want to be with without any problems or, above all, without criticism. We focus on the youth

because there are trends on social media that lead men and women to occupy roles we thought we had moved past. When you look at the results, you see that pornography is commonplace among the young people. Furthermore, existing mental health problems are partly based on what is consumed on social media, those stereotypes that sometimes haven’t evolved.

Women are still being treated as objects for men, and there is the idea that we must be submissive, especially in interpersonal relationships. We must all fight so that the younger generations do not return to what other generations have already lived through. We took a leap forward, yet now we find situations on social media where women are back in roles we had already overcome. It is worrying.

M.S. Finally, how do you see the figure of the Mijas woman?

A.M. She is an empowered woman with with a great deal of purpose. I see the women of Mijas as being very eager to get things done, very active and proactive in everything they set out to achieve. We also see women who have reached great heights and who bring immense value to our municipality.

MijasNews 05

13th to 29th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

Under the title ‘Make it happen’, the meeting, held at the CIO, aimed to encourage women to fulfil their professional dreams

Costa Women gathers around a hundred businesswomen in Mijas Ana Mata (PP), Mayoress of Mijas

Irene Pérez

The international group Costa Women brought together more than a hundred female entrepreneurs from various countries of origin on Friday 6th at the National Reference Centre for Hospitality and CIOMijas, all keen to learn and discover new work experiences. “Here we see many brave women who, despite the challenges, have fulfilled their dreams of entrepreneurship, also generating economic growth and creating jobs in our municipality and the rest of the Costa del Sol”, said the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), who opened the event.

Under the title ‘Make it happen’, the meeting attracted the interest of up to 111 businesswomen, “and I am sure that many of them have

Municipal authorities, with the mayoress at the front (3rd from right), and representatives of the Costa Women group / I.Pérez.

not had it easy when it comes to starting a business, especially if they did not speak our language, but their efforts have brought them here today to this forum, a true example of real integration”, said Mario Bravo (PP), councillor for Foreigners in Mijas, a department that also collaborated in organising the event.

This is the second year that Costa Women has held its annual series of conferences in Mijas, this time

with a total of eight presentations.

Georgina Shaw, MC of the event explained that “today’s talks will cover different personal and business aspects so that, at the end of the day, all the participants will feel even more inspired, ready for action and for success”. In this regard, Kristiina Tahtinen, coordinator of event sponsor Mijas Natural, pointed out that these types of events “are very good for growing as a company and as an individual, to see what is hap-

pening in the business world or the latest trends in work tools, such as artificial intelligence”.

The director of the National Reference Centre for Hospitality and CIOMijas, Raquel Hidalgo-Barquero, also shared her experience as an entrepreneur a few years ago, “at first it’s hard to get people to know you, until you make a name for yourself and gain prestige, but it’s hugely satisfying, and it really helps to connect with many other

“ Here we see many B R A V E W O ME N W HO , D E SP ITE THE CHA LLE NG E S, HA V E F U LF ILLE D THE IR D R E A MS O F E NTR E P R E NE U R SHIP , also generating economic growth and creating jobs in our municipality and the rest of the Costa del Sol” people in the business community”.

Catalina Fernández also took advantage of this event to promote her company, Silverspring, which offers activities for people over 55, “such as hiking routes, cultural visits to Málaga, gastronomy and cinema sessions, and we even want to set up a choir for those who want to socialise with others”.

FOREIGNERS

The Foreigners Department presents its activities for March

MARIO BRAVO

Councillor for Foreigners (PP) Members of the Foreigners Department alongside Kevin Birtles from Skybound Wealth Management and Caroline Zartash Lloyd, member of the La Cala Lions Club / B.Martín.

M.J.Gómez /B.Martín. The Foreigners Department has presented several upcoming activities it is either organising or supporting.

These include a talk on legal and financial matters for foreign residents, taking place on Tuesday 24th at 16 hours at the La Cala Branch Office.

Living in a foreign country requires careful financial planning, which involves understanding the tax system and inheritance laws, among other things. To provide residents with this essential information, the Foreigners Department, in collaboration with Skybound Wealth Management, is organising an informative talk. “Many residents have chosen to live in Mijas while still holding assets abroad, and the tax situation can be complicated. Therefore, together with the tax specia-

lists at Skybound, we are offering this informative session”, explained the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP), during the presentation. He emphasised that “offering the advice, help, and information needed by those who have decided to make our town their home is precisely why this departmentt, a pioneer in our country, was created”.

Planning According to SkyBound, the talk is aimed at residents living in Spain who hold financial assets in more than one country and need information. “Our goal is to provide information to residents of all nationalities regarding life in Spain. We want to advise them on the best way to plan their finances to ensure they are protected and safeguarded, and to make them aware of any potential

“Many residents have chosen to live in Mijas while still holding assets abroad, and the tax situation can be complicated, which is why we are offering this talk”

complications”, said Kevin Birtles of Skybound Wealth Management.

The talk will be held in English and is open to the general public, though registration is recommended. You can register by emailing aiga.fraser@skyboundwealth.com or by calling 951 84 05 30.

Second Waiters’ Race The Foreigners Department, together with the La Cala Lions Club, is also organising the second edition of the Lions Club Waiters’ Race. It will be held on Saturday 28th of March from 15:00 hours, starting from the branch office and running along the coastal path to the Plaza del Torreón in La Cala.

“The event assesses the skills of participating waiters, usually from establishments in the area, who

24th March 16 HOURS a Cala ranc O fice

Talk: Living in Spain with Assets Abroad? must carry a tray at speed without dropping anything”, explained the councillor, who added that “last year was the first edition and it attracted a lot of attention from residents and visitors; this year we are sure it will be a great success. Our aim is to recognise the professionalism of those who take part”. “This year we have prizes, trophies and diplomas for the participants. We currently have 10 people signed up, but of course we want many more, the more the merrier”, said Caroline Zartash Lloyd, a member of the La Cala Lions Club, at the presentation of the event on Wednesday.

The day’s activities will begin at 11:00 hours with a craft market and children’s activities in El Torreón Square. “The Lions have stalls, in-

28th March 15 HOURS a Cala ranc O fice

Second Waiters’ Race cluding a table with activities for children”, added the representative of the group, who also noted there will be live entertainment: “We have the Barakatum ‘batucada’ drums and the Fama dance academy”.

The La Cala Lions Club and the Foreigners Department encourage local professionals to sign up. Those interested can contact the organisers on 663 52 92 80 or register on the day.

Solidarity Tables Finally, the Foreigners Department reminds us that we can support local charitable associations at the Solidarity Tables market. This is held on the last Wednesday and Saturday of each month, from 11:00 to 14:00 hours, in the square in front of the La Cala Branch Office.

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13th to 19th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

Coastline

The mayoress, Ana Mata, visited the works on El Bombo beach together with the councillor for beaches, Daniel Gómez; the department coordinator, Juan Antonio Peinado; and the president of the Association of Beach Businesses, Carlos Morales / M.J.G.

Mijas invests 247,000 euros

TO regenerate beaches

affected by the storms The project involves the replenishment of 14,000 cubic metres of sand to ensure the coastline is in perfect condition before Easter Ed. Dept., M.J.Gómez / Design: Amanda Gijón

The Town Hall has already begun work to replenish sand and regenerate the beaches most affected by the storms that hit between late December and early February. The machinery is on-site to move and deposit up to 14,000 cubic metres of sand, aiming to have the coastline in perfect condition before the Easter holidays. The work, which has a cost of 247,000 euros and an execution period of 19 days, is focused on the beaches of El Bombo, Calahonda (El CaprichoAlhamar), and Las Doradas, with planned contributions of 8,000, 3,000, and 3,000 cubic metres, respectively.

The mayoress Ana Mata (PP) visited El Bombo on Thursday 11th, where the machines have already been working at full capacity for two days, bringing in and depositing sand. “The significant loss of sand following the recent

succession of storms meant we had to act quickly ahead of one of the most important seasons of the year”. “Easter is just around the corner and we found ourselves unable to set up sun loungers, parasols, or water activity areas”, said the president of the Mijas Beach Business Association, Carlos Morales, who stressed that “it is a pity that other administrations are not taking care of this and that it has to be the Town Hall, which has been quick to get to work”.

“The machinery specified in the emergency contract for the beach works consists of three articulated dumper trucks, a 20-tonne excavator, a 9-tonne excavator, two bulldozers and a wheel loader”, reported the councillor for beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP). “Part of the aggregate is being sourced from the mouth of the La Cala stream and the eastern side of the beach of the same name,” the councillor added.

THE CO NTR A CT

T e project is di ided into t o lots T e first as een a arded to erosa Proyectos y er icios or , euros, and t e second to Transportes y E ca aciones Arroyo A or , euros, rin in t e total in estment to , euros

The resources currently deployed for this project include a 22-tonne excavator and a wheel loader / B.M.

Reconstruction underway on the section of Coastal Path collapsed by storms B.Martín. The Town Hall has already begun reconstruction work on the section of the Coastal Path next to the El Capricho beach bar, which collapsed due to the sea storms in January and February.

VGC Global, the company awarded the emergency contract by the Infrastructure Department, is now on-site working to restore the walkway.

The mayoress and the councillor for Beaches visited the area on Tuesday 10th, where the Town Hall is investing 223,000 euros to restore the stability of the collapsed section, guarantee user safety, prevent further erosion or future collapses, and return the coastline to its full use as a public space.

Specifically, the works involve the total dismantling of the wooden walkway in the affected area, ground remediation, the driving of wooden piles to a depth of at least one metre below sea level, and the protection of these piles with rock armour below the sand line. The project also includes the reassembly of the structure, decking, railings, and wooden seating, as well as the restoration of the existing rock-fill wall and fencing.

Mata recalled that after being battered by a succession of storms since late December, the affected area finally collapsed on the 4th of February due to the heavy seas brought by Storm Marta.

The damage affected a 50-metre stretch that had already been closed to the public since midJanuary, when the Town Hall first detected initial structural flaws. “The Town Hall has acted

The Town Hall waited for the storm alerts to subside before commencing these works

quickly to ensure that the Coastal Path remains a safe route and a key environmental and tourist asset for the municipality”, said Mata.

At the same time, Mijas Town Hall has spent recent weeks carrying out cleaning, clearing, maintenance, and repainting work on the unaffected sections of the path via Renta Básica, with the aim of ensuring that the infrastructure is in the best possible condition for the Easter holidays.

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Mijas Weekly

07

RECYCLING

Mijas joins the ‘Ecólatras Andalucía’ campaign to promote glass recycling An initiative by Ecovidrio in collaboration with the Junta and the FAMP to protect the environment and encourage citizen participation

ECONOMIC IMPACT

MORE RECYCLING = more savings

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata; the provincial delegate for Industry, Antonio García; councillor Mario Bravo, representatives of the Mijas Craft Association and ceramist Pascual Cózar / B.M.

“Every glass container deposited in the green bin is waste that does not have to be treated as conventional rubbish. This represents a saving for the Town Hall in waste treatment costs and, consequently, a direct benefit for all the residents of Mijas”

E loy B elmonte

Councillor for Street Cleaning(Vox) Ed. Dept. The Mijas Town Hall is participating in the second edition of the ‘Ecólatras Andalucía’ campaign, an initiative promoted by Ecovidrio in collaboration with the Andalusian Regional Government and the Andalusian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP), which will run from the 4th of March to the 5th of May across 80 Andalusian municipalities. Its goal is to recognise citizen-led initiatives that contribute to environmental care and promote glass recycling. Through this campaign, residents, associations, schools and businesses can submit projects related to environmental education, responsible consumption, the cleaning and protection of natural spaces, or waste reduction and reuse. Participants will also compete for regional recognition and a 2,000 euros grant to further develop the winning initiative.

The councillor for Street Cleaning, Eloy Belmonte (Vox), encouraged the residents of Mijas to take an active part in this initiative, highlighting the importance of

involving the whole of society in environmental care. “In Mijas, we believe in initiatives born from common sense and the involvement of our neighbours. Recycling glass is a simple gesture that helps keep our municipality clean and protects the environment we enjoy every day”, he said.

Savings Belmonte explained that recycling also has a direct impact on public accounts and, therefore, on the pockets of local residents. The councillor reminded everyone that small everyday actions can have a significant effect when carried out collectively. “Recycling is a simple action that has a double positive effect: we keep our municipality cleaner and reduce the costs associated with waste treatment. That is why it is so important for more and more residents to get involved”, he added.

The Town Hall invites the public to participate in this campaign and to present initiatives that help continue building a cleaner municipality committed to its surroundings.

Initiatives can be registered on the campaign website

www.ecolatras.es

Mijas and its artisans to achieve the European Union’s

Protected Geographical Indication This label will certify the origin of products and help eliminate unfair competition Report by Beatriz Martín / Design: Isabel Merino

A few days ago, the Junta de Andalucía presented the campaign ‘El poder del origen’ (The Power of Origin), an initiative aimed at extending protected designations to industrial products of artisanal origin. As part of this initiative, the ceramic artisans of Mijas have been selected for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, making them the only artisans in the province of Málaga to hold this designation.

The Málaga

flowerpot has been the artisanal product chosen to represent the province of Málaga This was announced on Thursday 12th by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the provincial delegate for Industry, Energy and Mines, Antonio García, at an event attended by artisans from the Mijas Craft Association, including the potters whose craft, specifically the traditional ‘Málaga flowerpot’, was selected to be protec-

A guarantee

A SE A L O F Q U A LITY

of quality

The ‘ P ower of O rigin’ campaign aims to reach every sector of craftsmanship and industry across A ndalusia.

It emphasises that in A ndalusia, and more specifically in Mijas, products are not simply made, they are built with a heritage of origin.

Ceramist Pascual Cozar manufactures this type of flowerpot / J.A.

ted under this new umbrella.

Protected Geographical Indications The initiative follows the entry into force of a new European Union directive designed to protect Geographical Indications (GI) for industrial and craft products manufactured in specific regions.

This label will certify the origin of products and eliminate unfair competition, thereby promoting fair competition with similar products from other geographical areas.

“For Mijas, its artisanal tradition is one of its most important hallmarks. A town that has managed to maintain, improve and strengthen its artistic creation through ceramics, and that effort is being rewarded today with the PGI. I particularly welcome the step forward that this distinction represents for our

artisans, because since 2018, Mijas has been recognised as an Area of Artisan Interest, distinguishing our specialised trades”, explained the mayoress.

She added that “Through the combined will of various administrations, we can ensure that Mijas remains a benchmark, not only here in our own land but on an international level”. “Barely three months after Brussels opened the application window for this seal of origin and quality, several sectors are already preparing their requests with the guidance of the Regional Ministry, most notably the ‘Málaga flowerpot’”, said García, who pointed out that the Regional Ministry is working with all these artisanal activities “to accelerate their recognition in Andalusia, a process with great potential, as 62 potential beneficiaries have already been identified”.

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Mijas Weekly

Day of Persons Missing Without Apparent Cause

Mijas once again remembers

those missing

without apparent cause In the centre, the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, during the reading, alongside Popular Party councillors Mario Bravo and Mari Francis Alarcón, and Juan Antonio’s family / I.P.

MISSING PERSONS

in Spain A manifesto was read in front of the Town Hall dedicated to those who are missing and those who continue to search for them Irene Pérez / Micaela Fernández

On Monday 9th of March, Mijas joined in the commemoration of National Day of Persons Missing Without Apparent Cause, a day for remembrance and solidarity, but also for reinforcing collective commitment. This was expressed on Monday 9th by the family of Juan Antonio Gómez, one of the five long-term missing persons from Mijas. “It is our duty not to allow the passage of time to turn absence into oblivion, therefore, on a day like today, we say loud and clear: forbidden to forget”, said Carmen Gómez, Juan Antonio’s sister and family spokesperson, who read a manifesto for the occasion alongside the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP).

The text recalled that the 9th of March is a day dedicated to those who are missing, more than 6,700 people in Spain last year, but also to those who continue to search and wait. In this regard, Mata expressed the Town Hall’s firm and unanimous

support for all families experiencing the disappearance of a loved one. “We reiterate the importance of effective coordination between all administrations involved, as well as with the security forces, so that every disappearance is handled with speed, rigour and sensitivity, without downplaying any case or delaying essential actions”, said the mayoress of Mijas.

In this regard, the councillor for Local Police, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), added that “we have included in our procurement plans a special drone for searching for missing persons, as many disappearances are due to accidents and, if we act quickly and in time, we can achieve the outcome we all desire”.

At a municipal level, the council is also committed to further actions to raise social awareness of this problem in society, “such as the celebration of the Mountain Film Festival in memory of Juan Antonio, which allows us to keep his memory alive

through what he loved most: the mountains and adventure”, said the councillor for Culture at the Mijas Town Hall, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP).

The manifesto read also highlighted the QSD Foundation’s proposal to create a Statute for Persons Missing Without Apparent Cause, “which, at the very least in legal terms, would clarify the situation of the family and their circum-

FO R U M

A CCO R D ING TO THE MINISTR Y O F THE INTE R IO R ’S 2 0 2 5 A NNU A L R E P O R T O N MISSING P E R SO NS A ND D A TA F R O M THE NA TIO NA L CE NTR E F O R MISSING P E R SO NS, THE R E A R E CU R R E NTLY A TO TA L O F 6 ,7 2 2 P E O P LE IN SP A IN in Spain whose whereabouts are unk nown. F ive of them are from Mijas: A my F itz patrick and María Isabel Corté s, both missing since 2 0 0 8 ; J uan A ntonio G ó mez A larcó n, whose trail went cold in J uly 2 0 1 0 ; F rancisco R uiz G alá n, missing since 2 0 1 1 ; and J ohn Martin Leach, who disappeared in 2 0 1 2 .. stances, as well as their potential rights and obligations”, said Mario Bravo, spokesperson for the PP at the Mijas Town Hall.

Juan Antonio Gómez’s family received support from relatives and friends, many of them Town Hall employees, “so that they can continue with their efforts

to locate Juan Antonio, given the exhaustion, suffering and pain caused by such absences”, said Nicolás Cruz, PSOE councillor in Mijas, to which Carmen Gómez added, “we understand that our struggle is somewhat solitary, but this support gives us the fuel to keep going”.

IN THE IR NA ME

SHA R E D CR E A TIO N TO CO P E W ITH A B SE NCE

The QSD Global Foundation, founded by Paco Lobatón, holds an annual conference to support the families of missing persons. This year’s gathering, titled ‘In their name. Shared creation to cope with absence’, was held in Córdoba on March 4th, 5th and 6th. Each family brought an object belonging to their loved one to create a striking commemorative mural in tribute to them all. Juan Antonio Gómez’s family was among those who gathered for the event

13th to 19th of March 2026

MijasNews 09 Mijas Weekly

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MijasNews

13th to 19th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

The Idiliq Foundation

presents Cudeca with

a 2,800 EUROS CHEQUE

Part of these funds were raised on the 21st of February during a Zumba event attended by over a hundred participants Nuria Luque / Irene Pérez

On Wednesday 11th, the Idiliq Foundation presented Cudeca with a cheque for the 1,800 euros raised during a Zumba masterclass held on the 21st of February at Cortijo Don Elías. Idiliq added a further 1,000 euros of its own to the total. Ten Zumba instructors took part in the charity event, which was organised by the Idiliq Foundation, an organisation that provides support to groups and entities across the Costa del Sol and Tenerife. The cheque presentation took place at the Mijas Town Hall.

“Around 130 people took part, all dressed in sportswear and ready to give it their all. It was a fantastic, joyful day; the instructors had so much energy and the people were

The foundation

is an important regular collaborator with Cudeca, and this donation reinforces its commitment.

eager to dance. It was really lovely”, said Marieke Van Der Velde, an Idiliq volunteer.

The Idiliq Foundation is a regu-

The mayoress (third from right) attended the presentation / I.P.

lar collaborator with Cudeca, and this significant financial contribution reinforces its commitment to palliative care. “We are always grateful, but it is true that there are organisations that have been with us for a long time for whom we have a special affection. In this case, Idiliq has been with us since the beginning, since they were Club la Costa, so it is a relationship of many years”, said Cudeca’s manager and medical director, Marisa Martín. She explained that the funds “will help us provide home care for two patients, that is the average cost depending on the time required and where they

2,800 euros TO P R O V ID E

MEDICAL CARE live. The money will also cover a few days for one patient in the inpatient unit. It may seem like a lot, but having doctors, psychologists, nurses, and social workers in a 24hour centre is like running a small hospital, and the costs are high”.

Fundraising Improving the quality of life of patients in their final days is the goal of Cudeca, which offers specialised care to the terminally ill and support to their families.

Cudeca also has a crowdfunding campaign that has raised 165,000 euros in three months. The councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), was among those who took part in the Zumba class: “Ultimately, you go to have a good time while supporting an association that performs an undeniable service in Mijas. It is hard to describe because these are the most difficult moments a family can face, and there they are, helping”.

CULTURE

CULTURE

GROUPS

Liana Popa and María José Calvente exhibit at the Tourist Office

Lilholt fills the Mijas Arts Centre with her work

Soroptimist International joins the 8M march in Málaga

Trabajos de Mª José Calvente / F.M.R.

Piezas de Liana Popa / F.M.R.

N.L. / F.M.R. Until the 30th of March, tourists visiting the Mijas Pueblo tourits office in search of information will find added value in an exhibition of works by two female artisans. “It is a public space through which hundreds of people pass in winter, in summer the numbers are countless. Ha-

ving this type of exhibition here is very beneficial for them and for us; it is a symbiotic relationship that benefits the town of Mijas”, explained the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox).

Tourism is showcasing the work of María José Calvente, a dressmaker specialising in flamen-

co dresses, who was recently honoured on International Women’s Day for her work. Alongside her creations, visitors can also admire the work of Liana Popa, who specialises in handmade jewellery and leather goods. The display offers a glimpse into the talent of the Mijas Craft Association.

C.M. Paintings inspired by the signs of the zodiac, with the unique feature that each work was accompanied by its own soundtrack. This was the scene on Saturday 7th at the opening of the exhibition ‘The Zodiac’ by visual and musical artist Tine Lilholt, which runs until 21st March at the Mijas Arts Centre.

At the inauguration, the artist gave an opening concert, playing the flute and harp accompanied by her husband Klaus Thrane on percussion.

The couple performed several “live musical pieces selected to accompany the different works and zodiac signs featured in the exhibition”, explained the centre’s president, Pernille Knudtzon. This exhibition marks the Mijas debut for the multi-talented Lilholt, following years of visiting Spain.

Soroptimist International group that attended the demonstration in Málaga / Soroptimist Internacional.

C.L. The demonstration was organised by ‘Plataforma Violencia Cero’ and was held under the slogan ‘For women’s rights, health and peace’. According to Soroptimist, “our participation reflects a commitment that extends throughout the year, defending women’s rights and fighting against gender-based violence every day”. The president of Soroptimist International Costa del Sol, Daphne Theunissen, highlighted the importance of advocating for clear and precise language when addressing women’s rights. “There are voices in society that try to convince us that words don’t matter, or even that gender-based violence doesn’t exist. This puts women in danger; naming the problem is essential in the fight for a fairer society”. The group emphasises that “progress begins with awareness”.

MijasNews

13th to 19th of March 2026

Mijas Weekly

WHAT´S ON FRIDAY 13TH Presentation of the Good Friday poster Parish Church of the Inmaculada Concepción, 18:30 hours The unveiling of the poster will be followed by a Mass, the presentation of medals to members and the Civil Guard to mark their 30-year bond with the brotherhood, and the Stations of the Cross Brotherhood of Nazarenos del Santísimo Cristo de la Paz, María Santísima de la Soledad and San Juan Evangelista Gathering Priest’s house (Calle Carril), 18:30 hours Exhibition by Héctor Ponce Las Lagunas Cultural Centre, 18 hours Live music at 19 hours: La Rama Visits until the 6th of April

Tribute by the Peña Flamenca La Unión del Cante to its members over the age of 80 Cortijo Don Elías, 17 hours Tributes to Juan Hormigo, Manuel Martín, Juan Cobos and Sebastián Fuentes With performances by Paqui Corpas, El Petro, Ismael Tamayo and Carlos Haro on guitar. Presented by Francisco Reina

SUNDAY 15TH The Passion of Mijas From Calle Muro to Plaza de la Libertad, Mijas Pueblo, 19 hours Featuring saeta singer Araceli González Organised by Festivities and Traditions in collaboration with ‘La pasión de Cajiz’ as the closing event of the exhibition of items.

THURSDAY 19TH Exhibition of Holy Week photographs Folk Museum, opening 19:30 hours Until the 6th of April Organised by: Mijas Comunicación and the Mijas Town Hall

DO NOT MISS Transfer of Cristo de la Paz La Inmaculada Parish Church, Saturday 28th Mass at 11 hours and transfer at 11:30 hours Exhibition of Holy Week items Folk Museum in Mijas Pueblo Participating groups: Brotherhood of Cristo de la Paz, Archconfraternity of Dulce Nombre de Jesús Nazareno and Parish Association of Santa Teresa Until the 15th of March

SATURDAY 14TH 33rd Holy Week Proclamation by Isabel Sedeño Parish Church of the Inmaculada Concepción, 20 hours Presented by María de la Peña Leiva. The event will be hosted

by Alonso Javier Roca. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Villa de Mijas Choir Organised by the Parish Group of Santísimo Cristo de la Columna, Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and San Pedro Apóstol

Community Day La Cala Boulevard, 12 h Live: Dj Tony Organised by the Brotherhood of Santa Teresa de Jesús and the La Cala de Mijas Youth Association. All proceeds will go towards the costs of organising Holy Week

UK Mother’s Day Donkey Dreamland Price: 29 euros. Includes guided tour and English afternoon tea Times: 11, 12:30 and 14 h TAPAS choir performance at 14:30 h Tickets: donkeydreamland.com

Saturday 28: Danish Club Spring Party Club Danés, urb Haza del Algarrobo (ctra. Mijas-Fuengirola, km. 2,2) Rosted suckling pig and delicious buffet. With performances by Aida Garner at 16 hoyrs, Lesley Harrison at 18 hours and Jesús Cabal at 21 hours.

Tickets: 35 euros at clubdanes.dk Exhibition The Zodiac, by artist Tine Lilholt 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. 11 to 14 h Price: 65 euros (32 for one day).

WhatsApp: +45 21466037

Second-hand market Las Lagunas fairground and Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa Sundays from 9 to 14 h

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Solidarity Tables Square in front of the La Cala Branch Office. 11 to 14 h Last Wednesday and Saturday of each month until the 30th of May Ecological market La Cala Boulevard, opposite the branch office on Sunday 15th and 29th of March Exhibition ‘Echoes beyond mind’

by Victoria Tsekidou and Shirin Moarefi La Cala Cultural Centre ‘Verso Libre’ painting exhibition,

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

Photography exhibition ‘Macro, de lo ínfimo a lo enorme’, by the Asfoalh Photography Association Asociación Nuevo Enfoque Mijas, urb. El Coto; residencial Los Olivos, bloque b, portal 2, local 25, 20 h Until the 10th of April

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

Talk: ‘Living in Spain with Assets Abroad?

Tuesday 24 th, Mijas Town Hall, 16 hours Free admission until full capacity is reached. Reserve your place by calling 951 840530 or emailing aiga.fraser@skyboundwealth.com