hemeroteca_1193 by mijas.semanal

MIJAS PUEBLO TO HOST THE

3rd Gastrolatino Festival

The festival, taking place from June 18th to 21st, will feature live music, performances and cuisine from many countries

OPENING SPEECH

FAIR2026 Las Lagunas

The municipal auditorium

to host a Night of Blues

The singer will deliver the opening speech for the festivities at an event taking place on Melody Saturday 13th of June at 20:30 at Parque Andalucía NEWS/10

its 50th anniversary

EThe event takes place on 17t July at 22:00; with admission by donation and performances by Vargas Blues Band and Noe Sakura

SSPANISH. 36-37

The section of the Coastal Path linking La Cala with El Sheriff beach is now open

cd cala mijas celebrates Mijas achieves the sixth-best average payment period since 2020, at 53.28 days

The project, with a 4.1 million euro investment, also includes the stretch between El Faro and Fuengirola, set for completion in July NEWS/2-3

62 lifeguards watching over our coastline

From Monday 1st of June until the 30th of September, a team of 62 full-time lifeguards will monitor the entire coastline in what, according to the council, is “the best-staffed service in the whole of Andalusia”.They are joined by a further 24 personnel assigned to support roles, resulting in a lifesaving and rescue service comprising 86 people, “90 per cent of whom are registered residents of Mijas”, as the mayoress, Ana Mata, pointed out. An ambulance, three jet skis, a drone, a buggy and seven first-aid posts complete the operation, alongside twelve watchtowers and public address systems across all beaches / NEWS/04-05 / J. Perea.

Mijas tops hotel occupancy forecasts for June

According to Aehcos, bookings will hit almost 98% at the start of the peak tourist season

On the 2nd of June, the El Compás shrine hosted a mass and a kissing of the mantle in her honour

440 years since the apparition of the Virgen de la Peña

Romería de la

The red-and-whites commemorated their halfcentury on Sunday 31 May, celebrating the club's past, present and future

Local government highlights internal audit report confirming “a return to budgetary stability and spending rule compliance”

NEWS/09

The town wins the Ecólatras Andalucía award with the highest score in the province

The accolade recognises the municipalities most actively involved in this regional glass recycling and awareness campaign

NEWS/06

Seven companies bid to carry out remodelling work on the La Cala football pitch

Virgen de la Paz

On Sunday 31st, the Brotherhood of Jesús Vivo undertook the traditional pilgrimage to Esparragal

The project includes replacing the turf and constructing a new building with covered stands, a café and changing rooms

NEWS/08

SPANISH /06

Beaches and Infrastructure

Coastal Path section linking La Cala and

El Sheriff enters service

The project, with a 4.1 million euro budget (nearly one million from the provincial authority), also includes the stretch between El Faro and Fuengirola

Report by Ed. Dept. / Info: M.J.Gómez / Design: I.Merino

On Monday 1st, the Mijas Town Hall opened the section of the Coastal Path linking La Cala de Mijas with El Sheriff restaurant, a 700-metre stretch covering an area of 21,000 square metres. This opening marks a decisive step forward in the project to connect the entire Mijas coastline via this wooden walkway, a sustainable infrastructure.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the president of the Málaga Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, toured this section, which joins the one currently under construction between the Calaburras Lighthouse and the boundary with Fuengirola, due to be completed in early July. Both sections have a construction budget of 4.1 million

euros, of which the Provincial Council is contributing 993,000 and the remainder, 3.15 million, is being provided by the Town Hall.

A 2.3-kilometre

section between El Sheriff and El Faro restaurants remains to be completed

Mata, who was accompanied by the councillor for Infrastructure, Juan José Torres Trella (PP) and the councillor for Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), explained that the Coastal Path is a facility that serves residents, vi-

“COMMITMENT”

to the maintenance

of this infrastructure

sitors, tourists and sports enthusiasts alike, and benefits beachside businesses, “so its importance is beyond doubt”.

For his part, the president of the Provincial Council, who was accompanied by the provincial councillor for the Environment, Cristóbal Ortega, highlighted that the good working relationship with Mijas has green-lit the progress of this project. “This project is now a reality, and it will benefit not only those visiting the

The mayor, Ana Mata, and the president of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, visited the structure / M.J.G.

The lintel wraps around both sides of the pillars supporting the handrail, which has been given an additional finish with copper-red paint, giving it its characteristic uniform appearance along the entire coastline.

Beaches and Infrastructure

This section, like virtually the entire length of the Coastal Path, consists of walkway with clear width of three metres, supported on Nordic pine piles driven to depth of at least one metre below sea level.

“This section is now open to the public and we will continue working on the next one, which will reach Fuengirola. One section is still awaiting authorisation from the Coastal Authority, but we hope for a prompt response so that the entire Mijas coastline can be connected”

The Coastal Path, with 6.7 kilometres built between Marbella and La Cala, will be completed with further 5.3 kilometres, of which one sub-section is already ﬁnished and another is under construction, leaving only 2.3-kilometre sub-section pending tender.

“The Coastal Path is progressing at a good pace; we have already invested 16 million euros, plus the contributions from each local council. There have been 44 projects across 11 municipalities, and in Mijas we have collaborated with the Town Hall to make this project a reality.”

THIRD SUB-SECTION

SECOND SUB-SECTION PENDING TENDER

2.293 KM

BETWEEN EL FARO AND FUENGIROLA

The mayoress emphasised that this commitment “is total, as demonstrated by the fact that we have already completed the repair of the El Capricho section, which was destroyed by the winter storms, thanks to an emergency contract worth 223,000 euros; and the repair of the Las Mimosas section, also affected by the storms, in which we have invested 304,000 euros, is nearing completion”.

Costa del Sol, but also local residents seeking a high-quality area for recreation, leisure and environmental restoration”, he said, adding that “we are already processing the permits to complete the connection with Fuengirola”.

2.377 KM

BETWEEN EL SHERIFF AND EL FARO RESTAURANTS

FUENGIROLA

ANA MATA Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

FRANCISCO SALADO President of the Provincial Council

Municipal and provincial officials visited the newly opened section on Monday 1st / M.J.G.

Mijas activates its beach lifeguard service

The Town Hall highlights that the operation comprises 62 fulltime lifeguards and is the “beststaffed in Andalusia”

Report by Ed. Dept. and Jacobo Perea / Design: Cristina Bejarano

The Mijas Town Hall has activated its full-time lifeguard and rescue service, operating daily between 11;00 and 20:00, to ensure the safety of bathers and users across the municipality’s 16 beaches. From this past Monday, 1st of June, until the 30th of September, 62 lifeguards will monitor the entire coastline in what the council highlighted “is the best-staffed service in the whole of Andalusia. Not all municipalities have such a comprehensive team of professionals, and we can be proud of that

Lifeguards

have twelve watchtowers and a public address system at all the beaches

in Mijas”.

For his part, the coordinator of Socorrismo Málaga in Mijas, Gonzalo Botta, emphasised that, once again this year, “our main objective is zero casualties, and that is why all efforts, training and all the necessary work are being carried out across the entire service”.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), visited the operation on Wednesday 3rd, which was based at El Torreón beach. There, she was shown the technical equipment and met the team, which, in addition to the 62 full-time staff, includes a further 24 support personnel, making a total of 86 people. The mayoress highlighted that “90 per cent of the staff are registered residents of Mijas, because the Town Hall prioritises local employment in municipal services; many of them are young people who combine their studies which allows them to save up a bit of money”.

Furthermore, the mayor emphasised that this deployment is the result of a two-year contract awarded to the company Socorrismo Málaga, at an annual cost of 1.56 million euros, with the possibility of a two-year extension.

Personnel

Of the 86 staff members, 62 make up the permanent team and a further 24 carry out support duties. The permanent team comprises a service coordinator, 40 lifeguards assigned to the various beaches, a nurse with two emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in the ambulance, ten lifeguards on accessible beaches equipped for assisted swimming, three lifeguard skippers assigned to the rescue boats, three lifeguards accompanying them, and two lifeguards assigned to the Coastal Path. Mata highlighted that all members of this rescue and lifesaving team are trained and certified in nursing, lifesaving, adapted lifesaving, boat skippering or emergency medical care, depending on their professional role. “Every year we improve a little more, based on the needs we see on the beaches and also by addressing the issues raised by the users themselves”, said the mayoress.

Bathers

At each accessible beach, amphibious equipment is available to ensure safe swimming for people with reduced mobility or disabilities, consisting of two amphibious chairs with an integrated structure to ensure buoyancy for users weighing up to 130 kilos, an electric hoist for highly dependent individuals with a maximum load capacity of 200 kilos, a set of adapted crutches and a pair of life jackets.

Cooperation

Botta also called for the cooperation of visitors: “Please respect the instructions of the lifeguards, pay attention to the flags indicating sea conditions, and let’s all enjoy this season and Mijas”.

It is worth noting that the service was already fully operational during Easter, and that every weekend in May (with the same to apply in October) the coastline was monitored between 11:00 and 19:00. Furthermore, every weekend of the year the coastline is monitored from the Coastal Path by two lifeguards.

1 public address system

messages in multiple languages. It is already operational across the municipality’s 16 beaches.

1 ambulance

The departments of Beaches, Environment, Health, Operational Services, Mijas Complementary Services, the Local Police and the auditors took part in the coordination meeting / J.P.

Coastline safety, lifeguarding, health and cleaning services coordinated

The Beach Management Board, chaired by the mayoress, Ana Mata, reviewed the quality and sustainability certificates J.Perea. On Friday, the 29th of May, the departments of Beaches, Environment, Health, Operational Services, Mijas Complementary Services, Local Police and the auditors took part in the coordination meeting of the Beach Management Board, chaired by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP). Also in attendance were the councillors for Security, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox); Beachess, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), and Environment and Health, Marco Cortés (PP), to discuss the objectives, challenges and improvements for our coastline this summer. “This meeting allows us to take note of the improvements we need to make across the various departments and operational services so that everyone who enjoys our beaches,

One of the main new features of this contract is the installation of a public address system to manage any emergency or alarm through pre-programmed

Until the 30th of September, the beaches in Mijas will be monitored every day / J.Perea

skis 1 rescue drone

THE SERVICE

This deployment is the result of two-year contract awarded to the company Socorrismo Málaga, at an annual cost of 1.56 million euros, with the possibility of two-year extension.

Until the 30th of September Monday to Sunday, 11:00 to 20:00 62 full-time lifeguards plus 24 support staff, making total of 86 people

2 bicycles

Based at La Luna, La Cala and El Charcón Used for surveillance along the Coastal Path

Equipped with a waterproof and moisture-resistant loudspeaker to alert bathers to any incidents at sea; it will also carry two self-inflating life jackets. The landing pad will be clearly marked to protect public safety.

and those who come to visit, can do so safely, with confidence and peace of mind”, said the mayoress.

Accolades

Among these objectives is securing the certifications that add value to the Mijas coastline, both for its environmental quality and the services it offers, including accessibility. These include the Blue Flags, already renewed alongside the Blue Trail and Blue Centre; the nine ‘Q for Quality’ and ‘S for Sustainability’ awards for La Luna-Royal Beach, Alhamar, Calahonda, Riviera, El Bombo, La Cala, La Dorada, El Chaparral and El Charcón beaches; as well as

Season launch

ANA MATA

Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

1 rescue buggy

A rescue buggy adapted for medical care and rescue operations,it is equipped with a trauma pack, oxygen therapy equipment, a spinal board, a cervical collar, a rescue tube and a lifebuoy.

“Every year we improve a li le m e, based on the needs we see on the beaches”

The mayoress emphasised that this deployment is the result of two-year contract awarded to the company Socorrismo Málaga, at an annual cost of 1.56 million euros, with the possibility of two-year extension.

“90 per cent of the staff are registered residents of Mijas, because the Town Hall prioritises local employment in municipal services; many of them are young people who combine their studies with this summer season, which allows them to save up bit of money”, explained Mata.

the special ‘Soludable’ mention, awarded for work in preventing risks related to high temperatures and the sun. “All these awards are the result of the ongoing work carried out by all departments, especially Beaches, which operates not just in summer but throughout the year”, said Mata.

During the meeting, issues relating to safety, lifeguard and rescue services, cleaning, environmental conservation, and coastal protection, among other matters, were discussed. These services operate at full capacity, continuously and with all personnel in place, since Monday 1st of June,

the official start date of the high season. Regarding expectations for this summer, Mata emphasised that “it looks set to be like previous years, with a significant influx of people, not only residents, but also those coming to visit our beaches”.

A recurring concern for the local executive this summer is the Asian seaweed; to combat it and minimise its impact on our coast, the Town Hall has taken measures. “It is a serious problem; we are making a significant effort, financially as well as in human and material resources, to ensure our beaches are in perfect condition”, stated Gómez Teruel.

The mayor also thanked “the entire team across the various de-

partments, because their proactive work means that every year we improve our cleaning, maintenance, safety, conservation, and sustainability services…”

Security

In terms of security, the operation will once again feature the bicycle unit along the coastal path, as confirmed by Cuevas Dawson. “We’re sure to see another record year for tourism here in Málaga, and we’re going to reinforce all our units over the summer to respond as quickly and effectively as possible to any incident”, he said, adding that “Mijas continues to improve safety; we’re the only municipality in the whole of Málaga whe-

re the crime rate has fallen”. He also urged the public to report any safety-related issues or incidents by calling 092.

Environment

The Mijas Beach Management Board also reviewed major developments regarding the overall coastal offering, such as the high level of user satisfaction during the previous season, the progress of the Coastal Path construction along La Cala, environmental education campaigns, the cultivation of native plants for coastal planting, collaboration with the Aula del Mar Mediterráneo Foundation, and accessibility upgrades to be rolled out this season.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, with part of the lifeguard team and some of the equipment / J.Perea

The mayoress with some of the lifeguards last Wednesday, the 3rd / J.P.

‘Ecolólatras Andalucía’

prize awarded to Mijas

The town also achieved the highest score in the entire Málaga province

The Mijas Town Hall has been recognised by Ecovidrio with the ‘Ecolólatras Andalucía’ award, a distinction given to the most committed local authorities in each Andalusian province as part of this regional glass recycling and awareness campaign. Mijas also achieved the highest score in the entire province of Málaga.

In this edition, the initiative promoted by Ecovidrio in collaboration with the Junta de Andalucía and the Andalusian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP), saw the participation of 80 Andalusian municipalities and over 150 initiatives linked to recycling, public involvement and environmental care.

Award for hard work

The award was collected by the councillor for Street Cleaning, Eloy Belmonte (Vox), who highlighted that “this award recognises the constant effort made in Mijas to continue improving

selective waste collection and to encourage responsible habits among residents, visitors and the sector”.

Belmonte explained that “Mijas is a particularly complex municipality due to its size, its three urban centres, residential developments and the significant population increase it experiences for much of the year, which makes achieving this kind of result all the more commendable”. In this regard, he assured that “achieving the highest score in the province demonstrates the commitment in Mijas to keeping the town clean and continuing to improve together”.

The councillor also took the opportunity to thank “the daily cooperation of thousands of residents and hospitality professionals who recycle correctly and help keep Mijas cleaner”, while also noting that the Cleaning Department “continues to develop awareness campaigns and initiatives to achieve a cleaner Mijas every day, through our collective efforts”.

Mijas leads the Costa del Sol in hotel bookings with a 98% occupancy rate in June

Seeking

CITIZEN

INVOLVEMENT

The initiative, PROMOTED BY ECOVIDRIO ALONGSIDE THE JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA AND THE ANDALUSIAN FEDERATION OF MUNICIPALITIES AND PROVINCES (FAMP), has featured the participation of 80 ANDALUSIAN MUNICIPALITIES AND MORE THAN 150 INITIATIVES linked to recycling, citizen participation and environmental care in this edition.

Ed. Dept. Mijas continues to establish itself as one of the leading tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol. This is reflected in the latest figures published by the Costa del Sol Hotel Entrepreneurs Association (Aehcos), which show the municipality with a hotel occupancy rate of 92.13% during May and the best forecast in the entire province for June, reaching 97.61%. These figures place Mijas among the best-performing tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol and confirm the positive outlook for the summer season.

The councillor for Tourism in Mijas, Francisco Jerez (Vox), highlighted that “these figures demonstrate Mijas’ strength as a tourist destination and the enormous appeal our municipality continues to hold for visitors from both within and outside Spain”.

The councillor explained that “tourism is a source of employment and prosperity for thousands of families in Mijas, so we must continue working to offer a high-quality, safe and well-maintained destination with an increasingly competitive range of attractions”.

Domestic market

Jerez also spoke positively of Mijas’ ability to attract international visitors, though he

“Domestic

tourism has historically been fundamental to the Costa del Sol and we must continue to promote measures that allow us to maintain its strength”

stressed the importance of not neglecting the domestic market. “We are concerned that many Spanish families are finding it increasingly difficult to enjoy their holidays due to the rising cost of living. Domestic tourism has historically been fundamental to the Costa del Sol and we must continue to promote measures that allow us to maintain its strength”, he added.

Finally, the councillor noted that the Tourism Department will continue to work on promoting Mijas in strategic markets and on constantly improving the visitor experience to continue generating wealth, employment and opportunities in the municipality.

Ed. Dept / Diseño: A.G.

FRANCISCO JEREZ Councillor for Tourism (Vox)

Tourists at the craft market in Plaza Virgen de la Peña, in Mijas Pueblo / Archive.

SEGURIDAD CIUDADANA Safety

The Junta steps up prevention measures to coincide with the start of the high-risk

Open fires banned in forest areas in Andalusia until the 15th of October

I. Pérez / M.J. Gómez / M. Fernández

On Monday 1st of June, the Junta de Andalucía activated the maximumrisk forest fire season, which will run until the 15th of October; a period during which restrictions associated with the high danger of wildfires come into force. The regional government is asking the public to take extreme precautions when visiting natural spaces and wooded areas, as human activity is behind 94 per cent of the fires that occur in the region.

To prevent forest fires, lighting

any type of bonfire or barbecue in natural spaces, including recreational areas, designated zones and camping facilities equipped for this purpose, is prohibited during these months. Here in Mijas, the councillor for Parks and Gardens, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), reported that the barbecues in El Esparragal Park have already been sealed off so they cannot be used until mid-October. The same does not apply to Los Olivos Park, the councillor clarified, “which can be used because it is considered an urban park, but even so we ask residents to be very

careful, because any carelessness can cause a fire, and although we are vigilant and act quickly, it is always better to be safe than sorry at this time of year”. Gómez reminded residents that any burning of natural vegetation, agricultural or forestry waste is also prohibited, stating that “it has rained a great deal this year, so the risk is even greater”. The restrictions apply to all woodland, agricultural and urban areas within the forest’s zone of influence, meaning those located less than 400 metres from woodland.

The Junta de Andalucía establishes these prohibitions in the regional order of 21 May 2009 and stipulates that: the following are prohibited:

· The use of fire and the transit of motor vehicles in forest areas and their zone of influence (including riverbanks and streams), meaning within a 400-metre strip around these areas.

· Barbecues, even in designated areas such as recreational or camping sites, alongside the burning of agricultural or plant waste. In the case of Mijas, the barbecues in El Esparragal Park have been sealed off as a preventive measure, as this area is considered a fores zone.

In the event of an emergency, call Avoid

“Motor vehicles are also not permitted off the road network, ‘because a spark from a spark plug or a hot exhaust pipe can cause fires’”

DANIEL GÓMEZ TERUEL

Councillor for Parks and Gardens (PP)

Seven companies bid to remodel the La Cala football pitch

The project includes replacing the turf and a new facility with covered stands, a café and changing rooms

The Mijas Town Hall has received bids from seven construction firms to carry out the extension and remodeling of the La Cala football pitch. This project has a 10.3 million euro budget and includes, in addition to replacing the turf in the first phase, a new building with covered stands, a café and changing rooms, alongside improvements to the external landscaping and car park, and repairs to the adjacent road.

The seven companies that have submitted their bids in due time

GROUPS

and form are Sando, SAU; Gestión y Ejecución de Obra Civil, SAU; Guamar, SA; Innovaciones Técnicas y Recursos Constructivos, SA; Servimar 2008, SLU; the joint venture (JV) formed by Jiménez y Carmona, SA, Herysan 2007, SL and Sardalla Española, SA; and the JV formed by Grulop 21, SL and AFC Construcciones y Contratas, SL. The Infrastructure Department is currently analysing the documentation submitted by each bidders to move forward with the contract award process, with the works set to take 14 months from the

start date.

Turf replacement

The replacement of the pitch will be the first phase of the project, with a specific budget of 1,180,694 euros within the overall total. State-of-the-art turf will be installed to offer improved performance and quality, with high resistance to abrasion and UV rays, facilitating control over the ball’s bounce and roll. The project includes replacing the 11-aside and 7-a-side goals, as well as new dugouts for substitutes and officials, and corner flags. It also covers the renewal of the drainage system. The pitch must meet the regulatory dimensions for 1ª RFEF (third tier of Spanish football).

Covered stands

The second phase, with a 5.2 million euro budget, features a functional design with covered stands, ticket offices, reception and administration areas, a meeting room, and changing rooms with showers and lockers. It will also include a storeroom, accessible public toilets, a café and a terrace. In addition, there will be a multi-purpose space for training and weightlifting. The new building will feature covered seating on the upper floor with a capacity for 960 spectators, plus 11 spaces for people with reduced mobility, all designed to ensure excellent visibility of the pitch.

Casa Luna and the Ukrainian-Spanish Association join forces for peace

N.L.. They want to bring everyone together, which is why the leaders of the Ukrainian-Spanish Cultural Space Association invited the Casa Luna Women’s Association to a special charity event at their headquarters.

“I had wanted a venue for this project for a long time, to serve as a centre for cultural exchange. We must promote and raise awareness of all the cultures and nationalities living together here in Mijas and on the Costa del Sol”, said Galyna Lisnycha, president of the Ukra-

Both organisations set an example of intercultural coexistence at local event

inian-Spanish association, during the event.

United for peace in Ukraine and demonstrating that coexistence between different cultures is indeed possible, they called for world peace, especially for their country, which has been at war for years. Saturday was a highly emotional day, filled with an exchange of cultures and folk traditions.

The initiative for this gathering

was conceived a few months ago by the two presidents: “She and I were together at an important meeting, where we shared all the work we are doing, and she suggested creating a synergy and forming an alliance between her association and our women to have a cultural exchange, and that is how this event was born”, explained Silvia Mengíbar, president of the Casa Luna Women’s Association.

Mijas honours the Virgen de la Peña on the 440th anniversary of her apparition

I.Pérez. On Tuesday 2nd of June, Mijas commemorated the anniversary of the apparition of the Virgen de la Peña to the shepherds Juan and Asunción, 440 years ago in 1586. The religious ceremony took place at El Compás, following the recitation of the dawn rosary, the Angelus at midday and the ringing of bells prior to the liturgy.

The parish priest of Mijas, Hermán Marcel Lunar, presided over this moving mass, attended by the new elder brother of the Virgen de la Peña Brotherhood, Raúl Fernández, and his entire governing board, as well as the mayoress Ana Mata (PP), a large part of the municipal corporation,

That is how this special day came about, a gathering which took place on the 30th of May with the help of another important group: “Today, the El Juncal Neighbourhood Association is also collaborating; they are the ones who have come to cook this paella, a traditional Spanish dish. Here in Mijas, there is a

many residents and visitors. It was an afternoon of celebration and gratitude towards the Virgin, who for centuries has been a beacon and refuge for Mijas residents. As Fernández emphasised: “The patron saint is a source of comfort in times of difficulty and joy on days of celebration, such as today, when we have experienced a very moving moment. Even though the weather has not been as we would have liked, the people of Mijas, come rain or shine, are always with their Virgin”. Following the Eucharist, the traditional kissing of the Virgin’s mantle took place, bringing to a close the celebrations, which also included a triduum.

great deal of synergy between community groups, and they regularly help one another”, said Silvia Marín (PP), councillor for Citizen Participation in Mijas.

In short, it was a special gathering; and indeed, since this association was founded, they have not stopped organising events.

Render of the project / Mijas Press.

Ed. Dept. / Design: Isabel Merino

Councillors Silvia Marín and Melisa Ceballos alongside a woman dressed in traditional Ukrainian costume / M.C.

Galyna Lisnycha, president of the Ukrainian-Spanish Association, alongside Silvia Mengíbar, president of Casa Luna / M.C.

Economy and

Mijas records the sixth-best

average payment period since 2020 at 53.28 days

Report by Ed. Dept. / Design: Carmen Martín

The Mijas Town Hall reported on Wednesday 4th that it is continuing with the gradual reduction of the average payment period to suppliers, “one of the most important indicators of municipal financial management”. The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), announced that this timeframe had been reduced to 53.28 at the close of May, the sixth-best figure since 2020, and continues to move towards the 30 days set by law as the optimal period.

Mata, accompanied by the councillor for the Economy, Mario Bravo (PP), explained that the reduction in the average payment period to suppliers is the result of streamlined municipal management, thanks, she explained, to the fact that the government team has implemented basic tools such as the Budgetary Management and Accounting Department, e-government, the Municipal Organic Regulations and the Anti-Fraud Plan.

“Since May 2020, there have only been five months with a lower average payment period to suppliers. And this is key because paying promptly means boosting the local economy and generating employment, and because companies contracting with Mijas Town Hall are being paid sooner”, the mayoress emphasised.

Positive impact

As explained by the local government, one of the consequences of this improvement is that “an increasing number of companies are bidding for tenders, and more major companies in terms of size and turnover are submitting bids

The mayoress states that companies contracting with the Town Hall “are being paid increasingly quickly thanks to sound financial management”

to the Mijas Town Hall for largescale projects”, such as the recent comprehensive refurbishment of the La Cala football pitch or the completion of the Las Lagunas sports complex.

Measures

The mayoress highlighted that the launch of the Budgetary Management Body last October has been key to this economic improvement. “This body should have been operational since 2013, as required by the Local Government Act for large municipalities, but no previous administration created it”.

COUNCILLOR FOR ECONOMY (PP)MAYORESS OF MIJAS

MARIO BRAVOANA MATA

“The ComptroMunicipal er’s Office f ecasts that we wi continue to comply with budgetary stability and the spending rule throughout this financial year”

This turnaround in the municipal economic situation, Mata stressed, has been underpinned by executive decisions such as the aforementioned Municipal Organic Regulations and the Anti-Fraud Plan, but above all by the approval of the budgets for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 financial years, “something that did not happen every year under previous administrations”.

I have always maintained that the best employment policy a local authority can adopt is to pay suppliers on time and in full, because it is the private sector that creates jobs, and it cannot

“This is key because paying promptly contributes to the local economy and generates employment, and because companies that contract with the Mijas Town Ha are now being paid sooner”

Average payment period to suppliers

53.28 days

be left depending on delays by the public administration”, said the mayoress. “This has changed and I can tell you it will get much better”, emphasised Mata.

Positive report

For his part, the councillor for Economy and Finance explained that at the end of the 2025 financial year, the Municipal Comptroller’s Office produced a comparative report with previous years, “highlighting several aspects we consider very positive”.

In this regard, the councillor referred to compliance with bud-

getary stability (that is, having more revenue than expenditure) and compliance with the spending rule (not increasing it above the percentage set by law). “The Municipal Comptroller’s forecast is that this will continue to be met throughout this financial year”, Bravo emphasised.

Furthermore, Bravo highlighted as a milestone the fact that budget execution in the first quarter of 2026 was significantly higher than in the first quarter of 2025, “which demonstrates that the management structure at the Mijas Town Hall is bearing fruit”.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), announced the figures alongside the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo / Beatriz Martín.

for the Las Lagunas Fair Melody to be town crier

The artist, a resident of Mijas for over 20 years, emphasises her pride in announcing her town’s festivities

Beatriz Martín

The artist Melody will be responsible for delivering the opening speech for the 2026 Las Lagunas Fair. This was announced on Thursday 4th of June by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the singer herself during a visit to the Town Hall.

Her connection to the town, particularly to Las Lagunas, reinforces the significance of her selection as the town crier. “I’ve always, of course, championed my homeland, my city, my town, which is Mijas, so, in a way, being able to serve as the town crier for this fair is a privilege for me; and may the festivals never end”, she added.

For her part, the mayoress, Ana Mata, highlighted the artist’s suitability to open these festivities, emphasising both her career and her deep roots in the town: “She is an artist, a fighter, a woman of great strength, and we

have known her since she was a little girl. We have seen her career unfold and now that she is at this important peak in her career, she simply had to be here in her homeland, here at home, in Mijas, because we are lucky enough to have her as one of our neighbours, a neighbour with a capital N”.

The opening speech will be delivered next Saturday, the 13th of June, in Andalucía Park at 20:00, where Melody revealed she will give a performance full of energy

LAS LAGUNAS FAIR OPENING SPEECH

by Melody

Saturday 13th | 20 h

Parque Andalucía, Las Lagunas

and enthusiasm: “We’ll be there spreading a bit of joy, we’ll give it our all, we’ll let there be a surprise, but I’ll be there delivering that opening speech and I invite you all to come along because we’re going to have a spectacular evening”.

‘El bosque encantado Tour 2026’ This announcement comes at a high point in the artist’s career, as she is currently immersed in her new tour, ‘El bosque encantado Tour 2026’, which kicks off

Blues Night with the Vargas Blues Band and Noe Sakura on July 17th in Mijas

The event will take place at the Miguel González Berral Auditorium in Mijas Pueblo at 22:00, with admission by donation

C.L./ C.B. We now have a date for the next Mijas Blues Night. It will take place on the 17th of July at the auditorium in Mijas Pueblo, featuring the Vargas Blues Band as the headline act and Noe Sakura from Málaga as the support act.

The concert will begin at 22.00 at the Miguel González Berral Municipal Auditorium in Mijas Pueblo, an event that forms part of the programme organised by the Mijas Town Hall’s Tourism Department. The councillor for the department, Francisco Jerez (Vox), highlighted during the presentation of the event, on Thursday 4th, that “this is an event open to everyone, designed to bring blues and classic rock to residents and visitors during the summer season”. It is also worth noting that this will be a charity

concert and, although admission is free, “attendees are invited to bring non-perishable food or personal hygiene products, which will be donated to Caritas”. He added that this event “serves a dual purpose: it livens up the nightlife in Mijas and helps ensure Caritas has the supplies it needs to continue its humanitarian work”.

The concert

Once again, Mijas will experience a night of blues, and as previously mentioned, this year’s headline act will be the Vargas Blues Band, one of the most iconic groups in Spanish blues with over 30 years’ experience performing on stages across Europe and America. Alongside Jerez was Rubén Gar-

on the 15th of July in Fuengirola and will tour Spain until January 2027. The announcement is accompanied by the release of her new single ‘Ilarié’, an updated version of the 1991 classic by Xuxa

Speaking about the show, Melody said, “It’s a show not to be missed, from the new choreography, the projections, the screens, the musicians, the sound, and the effects we’ve brought in and created. We’ve really gone all

PUBLIC SPACE

out”.

And although the concert schedule is practically finalised, who knows if, between one show and the next, we might soon see Melody back in Mijas. “Who knows if I’ll be able to bring that enchanted forest here nearby so that you can enjoy it too”, she said with a mischievous smile. Well, let’s hope we can venture into that forest and experience that magic, which is, in itself, Melody.

Mijas Pueblo to host Gastrolatino Festival from June 18th to 21st

cía, creative and project director at the company Más Animación, who explained that “Javier Vargas, of the Vargas Blues Band, will offer a review of his repertoire, with a very classic, very authentic blues style”. Furthermore, as is the case every summer, the event will bring together renowned artists from the national and international scene, such as A Piece of Janis, a tribute show to the American blues singer Janis Joplin, led by Noe Sakura, who will take the audience on a journey through some of her most iconic songs. According to García, she “will perform a set of well-known covers and greatest hits, ensuring that everyone will enjoy the evening”.

Ed. Dept./B.M. Mijas will once again showcase its multiculturalism from the 18th to the 21st of June, as the town hosts the 3rd Gastro Latino Festival, bringing together a several Latin American countries. The event will take place in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo. This was announced on Thursday 4th by the councillor for Public Space, Melisa Ceballos (PP), and the event promoter, Rafael Urquiza, who explained that music will be one of the main highlights. Ceballos invited “all residents to come along and enjoy this great festival, featuring Latin cuisine and music. We want to bring the atmosphere of a massive Latin party to Mijas Pueblo”.

Tributes are planned for Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Juan Luis Guerra and La 440, Romeo Santos and international salsa groups. The artists have appeared on well-known television talent shows such as Tierra de Talento and The Voice. The festival will feature a food area where attendees can sample dishes from different countries at both food stalls and food trucks. In addition, Urquiza revealed that the Latino of the Year award is set to be presented during the festival. ““The first hour will be dedicated to children’s entertainment and some rides for the little ones. It will be four days of bachata, salsa, merengue, vallenato and cuisine, filled with joy”, concluded Urquiza.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, with the artist Melody at the Mijas Town Hall / B.Martín.

The councillor for Public Space, Melisa Ceballos, with the organisers / B. Martín.

The councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (right), alongside Rubén García, creative and project director at Más Animación / Mijas Press.

‘Somos Uno’ Festival

From Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st of May, the La Cala boulevard was transformed into a major hub of diversity with the celebration of the 2nd ‘Somos Uno’ Festival. The venue hosted 12 stalls representing different nations, forming a large open-air showcase where the local international community could display their heritage through live music, folk performances, crafts and gastronomy.

The event, officially backed by the Town Hall, was born with the aim of breaking down barriers and building community. The coordinator and organiser from the ‘Cubanos Unidos’ Association, Mariolis González, explained the project’s core philosophy, noting that “at one of the meetings we realised that we shouldn’t just organise events focused on Cubans, but that we could try to bring together ideas from different cultures so that everyone could understand our roots and integrate them into society. We are a town with many residents from other countries, and we thought it would be wonderful to have a place to come together. It is an event full of colour, flavours and people sharing

GROUPS

The La Cala boulevard hosted this massive cultural gathering designed to promote coexistence and integration

customs, designed not only for dancing and eating, but to bring cultures together in general”.

For her part, the councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos (PP), praised the institutional partnership established with the group: “The association got in touch with us and, of course, we have supported the proposal from our department. The public has really enjoyed it and we’ve seen a huge turnout both day and night. What’s more, we already have a few more surprises lined up from

Public Spaces for this coming summer”, but the councillor chose to keep them under wraps.

A great culinary journey

Visitors made the most of the weekend to sample culinary creations from both the European and American continents. At the Spanish stall, Carlos López and Sandra Sánchez championed the quality of national produce, while, across the Atlantic, the manager of Viñedos Calchaquíes, Martín Fabián Ossola, brought

The La Cala Lions Club holds its summer charity fair

Since it began operating, the club has raised over 1.5 million euros for various charitable causes

I.P. On Sunday 31st of May, the La Cala Lions Club held its summer charity fair to welcome the warmer weather. The event took place in La Butibamba Park and featured musical performances, food and a second-hand market. It was a day of socialising, entertainment and, solidarity, during which the club raised funds to continue its charitable work. “Today there are numerous shops and other associations from Mijas collaborating with the

Lions by setting up stalls, supporting the wonderful work they do”, said Mario Bravo (PP), councillor for Foreigners, a department that once again collaborated with the group, as did the Local Police. Club member Caroline Lloyd recalled that “the money we raise through activities of this kind allows us to help, schools and sports groups. We have a list of people who need some form of support, and we are delighted to

do our bit wherever necessary”. According to the group’s president, David Kay, “since the La Cala Lions began 26 years ago, we have managed to raise just over 1.5 million euros for various charitable causes”. Bravo also took the opportunity to “thank the Lions Club for everything they do for the people of Mijas, and for the foreigners who struggle to integrate due to language barriers, acting as a bridge to healthcare and our community”.

Argentina’s unmistakable touch: “I’ve brought wine from the north of my country, grown at 2,000 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Andes. It is a full-bodied Malbec reserve, aged for twelve months in oak barrels, which is ideal to accompany meat and a good barbecue”. And from

Colombia, the representative of the ‘Pacto de Sal para la Tierra’ Association, Ivonne Sandoval, added her specialities to the extensive menu.

Huge turnout

The generous range of entertainment attracted a highly diverse audience, cementing the event’s status as a clear driving force for the local economy. The festive atmosphere took hold among the attendees and, for many foreigners, the fair represented a nostalgic, emotional reunion with their roots.

Councillors Melisa Ceballos and Silvia Marín attended the event / M.C.

Francisco M. Romero

Music and a great atmosphere set the tone throughout the four days / M.C.

Gastronomy was one of the highlights / M.C.

Around 25 stalls were set up at this summer charity fair / M.C.

Councillor Mario Bravo thanked the La Cala Lions Club for their involvement / M.C.

WHAT´S ON

FRIDAY

5TH

Conference: ‘Talento, Inteligencia

Artificial y Marco Legal: El futuro de los recursos humanos en hostelería y turismo’

CioMijas, 10 to 13 h

Free admission

Exhibition by the arts and crafts workshop led by Mª Lourdes Ruiz

Las Lagunas Cultural Centre, 19:00 hours

Until the 19th of June

Exhibition: ‘40 Years of Environmentalism in Defence of Nature’

Mijas Pueblo Folk Museum, 19:30 hours

Until the 29th of June

Santi Clemente Spring Literary Series

Town Hall branch in La Cala, 19:00 hours

José Ponce Barrientos and Paco Vicario Free admission

Recital by Ana Sorrentino’s piano workshop (UP)

La Cala Cultural Centre, 18 h

SATURDAY 6TH

Inclusive and charitable chair yoga in Mijas El Esparragal Park, 10 h

Comfortable clothing recommended Interactive activities, a charity stall and a lively musical atmosphere Free event in aid of the ‘Casa Luna’ Women’s Circle

1st Living Seagrass Meadow Festival

Plaza del Torreón, La Cala, 17 to 21h

Workshops, games, marine science lab, theatre, concerts, short talks, crafts and much more for all ages

Under Mijas Fest

Cortijo Don Elías in Las Lagunas, 19:00 to 23:00 hours

Charity event featuring shows, artists (Ertttipier, Vinker, Deke, Type, Deus Kahim, Hache GZ, Adri O, Bassy, Josek and Jairo Merino) and DJ set

SUNDAY 7TH

Corpus Christi

Las Lagunas, 9:00 h. Mass and procession

La Cala, 11:00 h. Mass and procession Calahonda, 12:30 h. Mass and procession

Mijas Pueblo, 18:00 h Mass and 19 h procesión

17th Enfoca Mijas Photography Marathon Mijas Pueblo, 10 to 23 h Registration: until Friday 5th at 14:00 at mijas.es

Performance by Berni Gabriel’s Spanish dance groups Manuel España Theatre, 19 h

WEDNESDAY 10TH

Conference: ‘De la idea al mercado: Cómo usar la IA para validar tu negocio y conseguir clientes’ Las Lagunas Employment Promotion Building, 10 h

Places are limited, Register at c ade.mijas@andaluciaemprende.es

Talk: ‘Hábitos saludables todo el año. Traumatología y fisioterapia como solución definitiva’ Study room at the Manuel España Theatre Library in Las Lagunas, 19:30 h Free admission

Portuguese Communities Day. Dedicated to the writer Luís Vaz de Camões

La Esquina Portuguesa (calle San Benjamín, 11), 19:00 There will be traditional Portuguese music and dancing

Photography and bodypainting exhibition ‘Between Two Souls’ by María Márquez and Luisa Machen CAC Mijas, Mijas Pueblo, 19:30 h Free admission. Until the 9th of July