The 1st Beer, Ham and cured Meats Festival comes to Mijas
The seaside village will once again experience one of its most eagerly awaited days with the Mass and procession of the Virgen del Carmen on Thursday 16 July. Furthermore, the Queen of the Seas will once again bless the Mediterranean waters
CARD COLLECTING fans set
Plaza Virgen de la Peña will host this culinary event from 17th to 19th July, featuring food and drink stalls alonside musical performances
SMijas Costa Beach Soccer
for unmissable event in Mijas secures promotion to top flight
On Sunday 12th, the Regino Hernández sports centre will host the Costa del Sol Card Show, featuring 134 exhibitors where visitors can buy and sell cards
The scheme steps up all three work shifts to cope with the population increase during the summer season NEWS/04
Mijas rolls out special summer cleaning operation until September
La Cala de Mijas decked out for the fair
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, accompanied by the councillor for Festivities and Traditions, Silvia Marín, unveiled the poster on Thursday 9th of July, featuring the Queen of the 2025 Pageant, alongside the programme for the upcoming La Cala Fair. The festivities, taking place from the 21st to the 26th of July and will feature some new additions such as a horse parade through the streets of the seaside village and the opening speech on the first night of the fair next to El Torreón. They also announced some of the artists who will perfom on stage at the Municipal Booth, including Melody, Nancys Rubias, Sergio Contreras and Las Carlotas / NEWS/02-03 / María José Gómez
The 17th Enfoca Mijas Marathon presents its awards
The Folk Museum is hosting an exhibition featuring 30 of the 700 entries until the 3rd of August
For the first time in its history, Mijas will have a team in the top tier of Spanish beach soccer following their victory in Cádiz
Asian seaweed returns to Mijas beaches this summer with record collection figures
So far this year, the Town Hall has removed around 1,600 tonnes of this waste from the Mijas coastline, incurring significant financial costs
The Junta invests over one million euros in healthcare in Mijas and speeds up the future CARP project NEWS/05
The regional government has praised the budgetary efforts made in recent years in the field of healthcare
With this funding, Acosol will modernise water infrastructure and rehabilitate critical points in the sanitation network NEWS/06
Mijas set to upgrade wastewater treatment plants thanks to a 75 million euro investment on the Costa del Sol
SPANISH PAGE
SPANISH PAGE
Actualidad
La Cala Fair 2026
The mayoress, Ana Mata, and the councillor for Festivities and Traditions, Silvia Marín, presented the programme of events and performances for the seaside village’s fair on Thursday 9 July
María José Gómez / Ed. Dept. / Design: Cristina Bejarano
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), accompanied by the councillor for Festivities and Traditions, Silvia Marín (PP), unveiled on Thursday 9th of July the poster and programme for the upcoming La Cala Fair, which will take place from the 21st to the 26th of July. “This fair is presented as the summer event, where everyone who comes to enjoy our surroundings, but also to go for a stroll or spend days at the beach, can count on a programme of events to enjoy with their families”, emphasised the mayoress.
On this occasion, the opening speech will take place on the first day of the fair at 21:00. Immediately afterwards, at around 22:30, the festivities will be officially inaugurated with the switching on of the fairground’s decora-
TUESDAY 21ST
Special Children’s Day
ALL CHILDREN’S RIDES AT THE FAIRGROUND WILL BE PRICED AT €2.50. From 19:00 to 21:00, the background music will be turned off.
19:00H. OPENING OF THE FAIRGROUND
22:30H. INAUGURATION OF THE FAIRGROUND AND SWITCHING ON OF THE ARTISTIC LIGHTING by local authorities.
TORREÓN DE LA CALA
20:30H. PERFORMANCE BY THE UP DANCE GROUPS, led by instructor Víctor Rojas.
21:00H. OPENING ADDRESS BY RAFAELA CUEVAS QUERO.
MUNICIPAL BOOTH
23:00H. Presentation of the candidates for QUEEN, KING, LADIES-IN-WAITING AND ESCORTS of the 2026 La Cala Fair.
00:00H. Performance by MECAMELA , tribute to Camela.
La Cala de Mijas set for dress up
fair week from 21 to 26 July
tive lighting. “On that day, the focus will be on the children who want to visit the fairground and enjoy the rides, as it is Children’s Day”, explained Mata; in other words, the rides will be available at a reduced price, as the mayoress explained. The performance that evening will be by the group Mecamela, a tribute to Camela.
The highlight of Wednesday
WEDNESDAY 22ND
19:00H. OPENING OF THE FAIRGROUND MUNICIPAL BOOTH
21:00 H. TRIBUTE DINNER FOR OUR ELDERLY. They will be treated to a glass of Spanish wine as a welcome.
During the dinner, the Grandfather and Grandmother of the 2026 Fair will be presented with a gift.
23:30H. Headline performance by Mujeres por sevillanas, María de La Colina, Las Soles and Las Carlotas.
THURSDAY 23RD
19:00H. OPENING OF THE FAIRGROUND.
MUNICIPAL BOOTH
20:00H. Children can sign up for the Children’s King and Queen draw a few minutes before the party begins.
21:00H. PERFORMANCE BY THE UP DANCE GROUPS led by instructor Víctor Rojas
21:30H. Show KPOP DEMON HUNTERS. CHILDREN’S AND BABY KING AND QUEEN CONTEST OF THE 2026 LA CALA FAIR.
22nd will be the tribute dinner for the elderly. “It’s an evening organised with great care by all the Town Hall departments, so that the elderly in this district can also enjoy the La Cala de Mijas Fair”, emphasised the mayoress.
During the event, the Grandfather and Grandmother of the La Cala Fair will be presented with gifts. “They deserve it for everything
23:00H. PLAYSTAR 80s-90s PARTY FRIDAY 24TH
DAY FAIR
14:00H. OPENING OF THE DAY FAIR at El Torreón in La Cala.
The Day Fair will be entertained by: 14:00H. Performance by DJ GALIANO
15:00-19:00H Opening of the free children’s play area.
16:00H. Performance by TRENZAO party band.
17:00H. Performance by DJ GALIANO
17:30H. Performance by TRENZAO party band.
18:30H. Performance by DJ GALIANO
19:00H. Performance by the cover band ALEJADOS
20:00H. CLOSING OF THE DAY FAIR.
19:00H. OPENING OF THE FAIRGROUND MUNICIPAL BOOTH
21:00H. PERFORMANCE BY UP DANCE GROUPS led by instructor Feli Gabriel.
22:30H. Performance by MALAMANERA.
they have done and continue to do for us”, added the councillor for Festivities. That evening, the concert will be performed by Mujeres por Sevillanas, featuring María de La Colina , Las Soles and Las Carlotas, starting at 23:30. On the 23rd, children will once again take centre stage. On that day, the Children’s King and Queen will be drawn from among
SATURDAY 25TH
DAY FAIR
14:00H. OPENING OF THE DAY FAIR at El Torreón in La Cala.
The Day Fair will be entertained by:
14:00H. Performance by DJ VICENTE 15:00-19:00H Opening of the free children’s play area. 16:00H. Performance by KALIMA party band.
17:00H. Performance by DJ VICENTE 17:00H. Election of the ‘Most Lively’ men and women, Best Flamenca Dress and ‘Mr Ugly’ of the 2026 Day Fair.
17:30H. Performance by KALIMA party band.
18:30H. Performance by DJ VICENTE Tug-of-war competition: married vs. single (men’s and women’s categories).
20:00H. CLOSING OF THE DAY FAIR.
MUNICIPAL BOOTH
20:00H. HORSE PARADE. Setting off from El Chaparral School, Bulevar de La Cala, Calle Marbella, Calle Cártama, and Paseo Costa del Sol, ending at the Peña Flamenca del Sur.
those who have registered in advance. At 21:30 there will be a children’s show by KPop Demon Hunters and at 23:00, the Playstar Party from the 80s and 90s.
Day Fair
On Friday 24th of July, the Day Fair will be officially inaugurated at El Torreón in La Cala from 14:00. As well as a bar, there will
23:00H. Performance by LAS RODES.
00:30H. Headline performance by SERGIO CONTRERAS.
SUNDAY 26TH
DAY FAIR
12:00-16:00H. WATER PARTY.
14:00H. OPENING OF THE DAY FAIR at El Torreón in La Cala.
The Day Fair will be entertained by: 14:00H. Performance by DJ VICENTE 16:00H. Performance by A-COMPÁS party band 17:00H. Performance by DJ VICENTE 17:00H. Election of the bestdecorated business, and the most beautiful courtyard, façade or porch of the Day Fair. 17:30H. Performance by A-COMPÁS party band
18:30H. Performance by DJ VICENTE
19:00H. Performance by the cover band TRUENO AZUL MUNICIPAL BOOTH
21:00H. PERFORMANCE BY UP DANCE GROUPS led by instructor Juan Jesús Leiva.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, with the councillor for Festivities and Traditions, Silvia Marín, and the star of the poster, Claudia Mendo, at the presentation of the programme / M.J.Gómez
Actualidad 03
La Cala Fair 2026
be live music and a children’s play area from 15:00 to 19:00. That evening, from 22:30 at the Municipal Booth, the band Malamanera will perform, followed at midnight by Nancys Rubias.
On the 25th, the Day Fair will continue and, from 20:00, there will be a horse parade starting from El Chaparral School. “We’ll set off from Avenida El Limonar, heading towards the boulevard where we’ll make several stops at the shops supporting this initiative, and we’ll finish at the Peña Flamenca del Sur, where the riders will stay for a while”, explained Marín. The performances that evening will be by Las Rodes and Sergio Contreras
On the 26th, from 12:00, there will be a water fun party, and the Day Fair will continue with live music. At 23.00, Melody will take to the stage at the Municipal Booth, where admis-
sion will be free every night.
“This programme is designed for audiences of all ages and aims to create a family-friendly, inclusive and safe atmosphere”, concluded the mayoress, who also wished to thank “the Festivities Department, as well as the Operational Services Department and all those staff members who make it possible for all residents of Mijas to enjoy the La Cala de Mijas Fair for a few days”. For her part, Silvia Marín wished to “thank local businesses for their collaboration and invite them to decorate their shopfronts, as there will be a prize for the best one, as well as for the best courtyard or porch”, added the councillor for Festivities and Traditions.
“We invite everyone to take part and enjoy the La Cala Fair from the 21st to the 26th of July”, concluded Marín.
THE FAIR’S POSTER
Furthermore, the event was attended by Claudia Mendo, Queen of the 2025 La Cala Fair, who is the star of this year’s fair poster, featuring an image taken from the Coastal Path and produced by Mijas Comunicación, something for which the mayoress wished to “thank them for their participation and creativity”. “I’m grateful for this opportunity because I’m so proud to be the face of my La Cala fair, so I’m absolutely delighted. I love the poster and I’m already really looking forward to the fair starting”, Claudia emphasised during the presentation.
KING AND QUEEN CONTEST
The Mijas Town Hall announced that registration for the Fair’s King and Queen Contest had opened on Monday 6th. Those interested may submit their applications until Friday 17th via the town hall’s register, at the La Cala and Las Lagunas branch offices, or via online registration. Those eligible to enter this contest must be residents of Mijas and registered on the municipal roll, aged between 16 and 30. Furthermore, they must not have been chosen as winners in any category in previous editions, nor have they received an award in the most recent contest.
To complete the registration process, applicants must provide a photocopy of their ID Card (DNI). In the case of minors, the application must be accompanied by the relevant authorisation and the identification document of their legal representative.
The candidates’ parade and the coronation of the winners will take place on Tuesday 21st at the Municipal Booth, one of the main venues for the celebrations.
SILVIA MARÍN, COUNCILLOR FOR FESTIVITIES
“I would like to thank local businesses for their collaboration and invite them to decorate their shopfronts, as there will be a prize for the best one, as well as for the best courtyard or porch.We invite everyone to take part and enjoy the La Cala Fair”
ANA MATA, MAYORESS OF MIJAS
"This fair is presented as the summer event, where everyone who comes to enjoy our surroundings, but also to go for a stroll or spend days at the beach, can count on a programme of events to enjoy with their families”
Take note of the programme organised by the Festivities Department for six days packed with events
*You can also check it out on our website www.mijascomunicacion.com
Claudia Mendo, Queen of the 2025 La Cala Fair, features on this year’s poster / M.J.Gómez
23:00H. Headline performance by MELODY
special summer cleaning operation Mijas rolls out
ELOY BELMONTE
“During the summer, Mijas welcomes thousands of visit s, and this requires us to adapt the service to a reality that is very different om the rest of the year. We have planned a specific operation to ensure that the population increase does not affect the cleanliness of our streets and public spaces”
The scheme steps up all three work shifts to cope with the population increase during the summer season
Report by Ed. Dept. / Design: Carmen Martín
The Mijas Town Hall’s Cleaning Department has launched a special summer scheme, which has been in operation since the 1st of July and will run until the 15th of September, with the aim of adapting the service to the population increase experienced by the municipality during the high season. The plan includes additional staff on morning, afternoon and night shifts, as well as the introduction of new street cleaning and waste collection routes.
“During the summer, Mijas welcomes thousands of visitors, and this requires us to adapt the service to a reality that is very different from the rest of the year. We have planned a specific operation to ensure that the population increase does not affect the cleanliness of our streets and public spaces”, explained the
councillor for Cleaning, Eloy Belmonte (Vox).
Forty young people learn
about sun protection and
avoiding
vape
use
This is the ‘Mójate y cuídate’ campaign, held for the second consecutive year at AquaMijas
The operation increases the service’s workforce by 20 per cent and distributes this extra staff throughout the day, bolstering morning, afternoon and night shifts. In addition, it incorporates new street-cleaning routes, manual jet washing, pressure washing, waste collection, the removal of excess waste and action against fly-tipping to provide coverage across the entire municipal area, including Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas, La Cala, urbanisations and outlying areas.
It includes new routes for street cleaning, jet washing, pressure washing and waste collection throughout the municipality
is not simply a matter of increasing the number of workers, but of organising resources where they are most needed and when they are most effective”. In this regard, he pointed out that the operation has been designed to adapt the service to the increased activity typical of the summer season, strengthening both street cleaning and waste collection throughout the municipality.
B.M../J.P. The aim of the campaign is to teach young people the importance of sun protection and avoiding the use of vapes.
Belmonte emphasised that “it
The councillor concluded by stating that “this initiative represents a significant planning and coordination effort to keep Mijas in the best possible condition throughout the summer. We have increased staff numbers by 20 per cent and reorganised resources to cover the entire municipal area more effectively. We want both residents and visitors to enjoy a clean, well-maintained town that lives up to the standards expected of a top-class tourist destination”.
The mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), attended the first session, held on Friday 3rd of July, accompanied by the councillor for Youth, Melisa Ceballos (PP). Mata emphasised that this educational workshop “focused on the necessary precautions and the essential use of sunscreen to avoid the harmful effects of the sun”. Regarding vaping, she said: “It also has harmful effects on health. We must not make it easy for them to use these devices”. “We have nearly 40 young people taking part, including young mothers, in a very dynamic activity designed to raise awareness of sun protection and to discourage the use of vapes, as ever younger children are using them”, explained Ceballos.
The initiative is carried out in partnership with the water park, the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) and influencer
and pharmacist Aixa Galán, who said that “the best sunscreen is the one we put on every day, it doesn’t matter which one we use, the important thing is to use it”.
Elena Ybarra, Health Prevention and Promotion specialist at the AECC, said: “The sun is always there, even on cloudy days”. The president of the Mijas
To apply,
scan the QR code on the campaign poster or via the link shared on Juventud Mijas’ social media
AECC, Mari Carmen Gómez, highlighted that “prevention is the cure for cancer”.
The campaign is aimed at young people aged 14 and over. Participants must be registered residents of Mijas and complete all the activities. The next session will be on the 17th of July and the registration period closes on the 13th of July at 12:00.
COUNCILLOR FOR STREET CLEANING
La alcaldesa de Mijas, Ana Mata, dirigiéndose a los jóvenes / Jacobo Perea.
The councillor for Youth, Melisa Ceballos (2nd right), Aixa Galán (1st right) and members of the AECC / J.P.
LA CALA PREPARES TO WELCOME
the Queen of the Seas
La Cala de Mijas will once again turn its gaze towards the sea on Thursday 16 July to mark the feast day of the Virgen del Carmen, one of the most deeply-rooted celebrations in Mijas’ Christian calendar.
The Virgen del Carmen Ecclesiastical Association is already working on preparations for a religious event that features some new elements this year: “We are going to hang some pennants on the church door bearing the image of our Virgin. For the procession, we have changed the bearers’ attire: they used to wear white, but now they will wear blue and white,” highlighted the group’s president, Rosa Espada
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana
Mata (PP), congratulated the parish association, “which is showing great strength and is keen to contribute to the enhancement of a seafaring tradition so deeply rooted in our coastline”. A tradition which, as the mayoress pointed out, adds significance to the beach bars, businesses and trades linked to the coast: “Mijas is fortunate to have a coastline that represents all those people”, she said.
The schedule of events
The events will begin on Wednesday 15th of July with a Mass at 20:00 in the Santa Teresa parish church. The parish priest of La Cala, Fernando Luque, explained that “we will bless some scapulars and celebrate this devotion tto the Virgen del Carmen”.
The town centre will once again experience the Virgen del Carmen procession on Thursday 16 July
The main day will be Thursday 16th, with Mass, also at 20:00, followed by the procession of the patron saint of sailors through the streets.
Mass in Calahonda
Furthermore, as a prelude to the festivities, San Miguel church in Calahonda will also pay homage to Stella Maris with a Mass on Alhamar beach on Frida 10 July at 20:00.
Live
The Mass and the procession will be broadcast live on Mijas 3.40 TV on the 16th of July from 19:55. The celebration can also be followed via mijascomunicacion.com.
BEACHES Asian seaweed returns to Mijas beaches with record collection figures
J.A./B.M./Ed. Dept. Asian seaweed has appeared once again this summer on the shores of the entire Andalusian coastline, and Mijas is no exception to this problem. The Mijas Town Hall, in fact, dedicates eight hours of nighttime work every night to remove this waste.
The councillor for Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), stated that “around 1,600 tonnes have already been collected since Easter along the entire Mijas coastline, which points to a new record, as last year some 2,700 tonnes were removed from the beaches”.
Teruel also stated that all these collection and clean-up
tasks come at a financial cost: “In fact, last year alone we invested more than 1.2 million euros in this work”, he said.
Volume of waste
According to data released by the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol, the volume of waste collected by the vessels responsible for cleaning coastal waters fell significantly last June. According to the organisation, the total accumulated amount fell from 33.36 cubic metres recorded in June 2025 to 29.26 cubic metres in 2026. In the municipality of Mijas, 4.52 cubic metres were collected.
Alberto Lago / María José Gómez
Removal of Asian seaweed on El Chaparral beach / Beatriz Martín.
The presentation of the events was attended by the mayoress, Ana Mata (2nd right); the association’s president, Rosa Espada (2nd left); and the parish priest, Fernando Luque. / M.J.G.
The Junta invests over one and speeds up plans for the future CARP million euros in healthcare in Mijas
The regional administration has praised the budgetary efforts made over the last seven years in healthcare
Editorial Department
The delegate of the Andalusian Regional Government in Málaga, Patricia Navarro, highlighted the budgetary commitment made by Juanma Moreno’s government to healthcare to continue improving coverage and services in the province of Málaga, particularly in primary health care “which is the gateway to our public healthcare system”. Over 67 million euros have been invested in the sector since 2019 for improvements, extensions, maintenance and new equipment.
Navarro visited the Las Lagunas health centre in Mijas, accompanied by the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), and the manager of the Costa del Sol Primary Care District, Elena Ayllón, where refurbishment works are currently being carried out. During her visit, Navarro pointed out that in Mijas alone, over 1.05 million euros have been allocated to the healthcare system, “resulting in refurbishments, extensions and new equipment to expand the services offered by health centres, thereby improving diagnoses”. Na-
B.M. Acosol will modernise water infrastructure on the Costa del Sol thanks to 75 million euros in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This investment will enable the rehabilitation of critical points in the sanitation network currently suffering from leaks and seawater infiltration. In Mijas, the work will focus on upgrading the wastewater treatment plants at La Cala and Cerros del Águila. These measures will represent a significant step forward in the efficiency of the municipal water system, as highlighted
HEALTHCARE INVESTMENTS AND PROJECTS
Over 1,05 million euros allocated to the Mijas healthcare system for refurbishments, extensions and new equipment.
Over 450,000 euros earmerked in 2023 for the installation of a mammography machine and two X-ray units at the Las Lagunas health centre.
Improvement works worth 206,000 euros currently underway to refurbish the admissions area, the Patients Services Unit and the inner courtyards.
Development of the future High-Resolution and Process Centre (CARP) on a municipal plot in Las Lagunas, designed to serve 180,000 residents.I
Regional funding injection of over 67 million euros euros into primary healthcare in the province of Málaga since 2019.
A 91 million euros allocation for healthcare in Málaga in the current financial year, representing a 20 millon increase compared to 2025.
varro explained that, at the Las Lagunas health centre, over 450,000 euros were allocated in 2023 for the installation of a mammography machine and two X-ray units, “which have since increased diagnostic capacity and provided a greater resolution capacity”. In addition, improvements are being made to its facilities with an investment of over 206,000 euros. This is being carried out in phases so as not to disrupt medical care, and includes refurbishment work on the admissions area, the Patient Services Unit and inner courtyards.
Future CARP Navarro highlighted the institutional cooperation of the Mijas Town Hall and its mayoress to drive forward new healthcare projects. She cited the future High-Resolution and Process Centre (CARP) as an example, which will be located on a plot ceded by the Town Hall in Las Lagunas and will serve a population of around 180,000.
Thanks to the agreement signed between the Regional Ministry of Health, the Presidency and Emergencies, and the Town Hall, the delegate noted, “these new facilities
will very soon become a reality, with the local authority managing its construction and the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) providing the necessary staff and equipment”. Finally, Mata thanked the Regional Government for its commitment to driving this project forward, “providing Mijas with the healthcare it deserves given the population growth it is experiencing, as we will very soon reach 100,000 inhabitants”.
Investments in the province
The delegate acknowledged the work of the professionals in the
Primary Care Health District in this part of the province, where population growth “is happening very rapidly”, particularly during the summer months, while noting that the regional government maintains a constant effort to improve the infrastructure network. “Today, there is practically no health centre or clinic that has not been modernised or improved”, she emphasised, adding that “the over 67 million euros allocated to primary care form part of a much larger investment totalling 360 million euros for the improvement of hospital infrastructure”.
The Regional Government also pointed out that this year’s budget allocates 91 million euros to healthcare in Málaga for new infrastructure and improvements, as well as staff reinforcements, investments in health plans, the vaccination schedule and research.
Mijas set to upgrade water treatment plants thanks to a 75 million euro investment
by the councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella (PP): “These improvements will mean that, through the new reclaimed water supply networks, it will be possible to irrigate different areas of the municipality more efficiently and in a healthier way”.
In addition to these projects, the municipality will also benefit from the planned upgrade to the Marbe-
lla desalination plant, a key piece of infrastructure for the water supply on the Western Costa del Sol. According to the councillor, this desalination plant “will be upgraded to reduce consumption through the use of energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels, thereby improving the water supply in the area, including Mijas”.
These investments are comple-
mented by other measures under the sanitation improvement plan funded by Acosol’s water levy. Of particular note is the project to supply drinking water to Mijas Pueblo from the southern part of Las Lagunas, an initiative he described as “very important”, adding that “we are talking about a project involving an investment of over 10 million euros”.
“These improvements will enable irrigation of various areas of the municipality to be carried out more efficiently and in a healthier manner, given that the treatment plants have been upgraded”
Elena Ayllón, manager of the Costa del Sol Primary Care District; Patricia Navarro, the delegate of the Andalusian Government in Málaga; and Ana Mata, the mayoress of Mijas / Patricia Murillo.
JUAN JOSÉ TORRES TRELLA Councillor for Infrastructure and Works (PP)
The 1st Craft Beer, Ham and Cured
Meats Festival comes to Mijas
Plaza Virgen de la Peña will be the venue for this culinary event from 17 to 19 July
The Mijas Town Hall, through its Public Spaces and Economic Development departments, together with the Mijas Shopkeepers and Business Owners Association, is organising the 1st Craft Beer, Ham and Cured Meats Festival. Plaza Virgen de la Peña will host the event on 17th, 18th and 19th of July, from 18:00. “Seventeen shopkeepers from Mijas will be taking part”, said the councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos (PP), at the event’s presentation on Tuesday 7th in the square itself. “We’ll have beer, cured meats and tapas, as well as live performances. The aim is for people to come here and enjoy themselves”, she added. For their part, the business community welcomes the idea: “Whenever there are events, festivals or concerts here in the square, it attracts people and that benefits the whole town centre, because people come up, have a stroll, have an ice cream, spend money in the shops… and that, ultimately, is always a good thing”, said the president of the association, Álex
TOURISM
17 SHOPKEEPERS
from Mijas
And a wide programme
and aromas, thanks to the products on offer from a total of 17 establishments, all of them local.
Mijas gearing up for its traditional Blues Night
A.L. Mijas will once again be filled with blues music this coming Friday 17th of July, with a new edition of its traditional Blues Night. The event will begin at 22:00 at the Miguel González Berral Municipal Auditorium in Mijas Pueblo and will feature performances by the Vargas Blues Band and the Málaga-
based singer Noe Sakura Admission to the concert is free, although it has a charitable purpose. Attendees are encouraged to contribute by bringing a kilo of non-perishable food or personal hygiene products, which will be donated to Cáritas to support its work.
Blues Night forms part of the summer cultural programme organised by the Mijas Town Hall’s Department of Tourism. The event is aimed at audiences of all ages.
“We’ll be offering a range of different, artisan beers that you don’t usually find in bars or supermar-
EVENTS
kets”, explained Jaime. “We’ll try to bring the variety we have in our shops; we’ll select the best hams for you to sample that weekend”, added Fran Ortiz, owner of Corte de Autor, one of the participating businesses. “Initiatives like this give us a showcase where we can
will start at 18:00 each day, with food and drink available from around twenty local shops alongside live performances Activities
raise our profile; we’ll do our very best to explain and advise customers and, above all, ensure they have a great time”, added Ortiz.
Live music
The atmosphere will also be livened up by musical performances and cultural events, including flamenco dancing. The music programme will kick off on Friday 17th with a performance by ZiryaB, who will pay tribute to Andalusian rock from 22:30. On Saturday 18th, it will be the turn of the band Miranda, also at 22:30, while on Sunday 19th, the line-up will be closed by the artist Francis León with a concert scheduled for 23:00.
One of the main attractions will be the installation of a giant screen on Sunday 19th at 21:00, where the World Cup final can be watched live, offering a collective experience for attendees. “We invite you all to come and visit the town to enjoy this festival with friends and family”, concluded Ceballos.
The Village to pay tribute to Pink Floyd with Im-Pulse on 12 July
A.L. Mijas Pueblo is gearing up for an evening dedicated to one of the most influential bands in rock history. On Sunday 12th of July, the Miguel González Berral Municipal Auditorium in Mijas Pueblo will welcome Im-Pulse, a Pink Floyd tribute band.
The concert will begin at 22:00 as part of the ‘Wish You Were
Here Tour’, a show that recreates on stage the atmosphere that characterised the legendary British band. Im-Pulse will take the audience on a journey through some of the best-known songs from Pink Floyd’s repertoire. Tickets are available at lacocheraentradas.com at an advance price of 25 euros.
Jaime The festival will fill Plaza Virgen de la Peña with the finest flavours
María José Gómez / C.M.
The councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos (PP), highlighted that 17 shopkeepers from Mijas will be taking part in this event, which will feature beer, cured meats and tapas, as well as musical performances.
The councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos, alongside members of the Mijas Shopkeepers and Business Owners Associations / M.J.G.
‘Mijas con alma a la luz de las velas’
The village applauds the third edition of
‘Mijas with soul by candlelight’
Report by Alberto Lago
From 2nd to 5th of July, Mijas Pueblo hosted the third edition of ‘Mijas with soul by candlelight’, an event that once again transformed the most iconic spots of the town’s historic centre with the magic of 15,000 candles, medieval-themed stalls, shows, concerts, workshops and activities for the whole family.
The event brought together numerous locals and visitors drawn by a programme that placed a strong emphasis on candlelit illumination. As night fell, the figures created with candles and the rows of them lining the streets offered a magical and unique view of Mijas Pueblo.
Official opening
The event began on Thursday 2nd with the opening of the first craft and food stalls and with musical parades winding their way
LARGE CROWDS
According to the organisers, Saturday 4th saw the largest turnout. The councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos (PP), highlighted the high turnout: “It’s wonderful to see the village so full of people enjoying themselves and appreciating just how beautiful Mijas is”, she said. For his part, Leandro Losa promoter of the event, described the outcome of this third edition as “success. I believe this cultural project has undoubtedly come into its own this year and is now establishing itself”, he said.
through the streets of the village centre. The official opening took place on Friday 3rd with a grand parade. On Friday evening, atten-
15,000 candles LIGHTING UP THE VILLAGE
dees were able to “contemplate Mijas by the light of those candles that guide the way through the village and make it an even more
The initiative has cemented its reputation thanks to the high level of participation between the 2nd and the 5th of July, drawing large numbers of locals and visitors
pkeepers who get involved in the organisation, particularly by taking part and decorating their premises with candles and torches”, said the mayoress.
More than fifty stalls
In its third edition, the themed market featured more than fifty stalls spread around La Muralla and other areas of the village.
Leandro Losa, the promoter from Malik Culture, who organised the event alongside the Mijas Town Hall’s Public Spacs Department, explained that, over the last three years, the event “has been growing little by little. “This year, the number of stalls has increased, with different zones, including the children’s area, which is located in Plaza de la Constitución and features handson attractions, a wooden boat, a wooden Ferris wheel and various children’s activities”, said Losa.
A well-established event
The final day featured a tribute concert to The Beatles by the band Silver Beats at the Miguel González Berral Municipal Auditorium, as well as workshops, food and the market’s final activities.
special place”, said the mayoress of the town, Ana Mata (PP), who attended the opening ceremony. Mata also thanked “the sho-
The councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos (PP), highlighted the turnout over the four days of the event: “The number of people we’ve had here in the town has been truly marvellous. All these people have been enjoying not only the candles, but also the food, the workshops and everything this event has had to offer”, she emphasised.
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, alongside some members of the local government team and municipal advisers / Mijas Comunicación.
Photos: Mijas Comunicación.
Solidarity from Mijas reaches Piache Association Venezuela through the
This Venezuelan NGO was founded in 2004 and provides medical care, humanitarian aid and disaster relief such as following the earthquakes that occurred on the 24th of June
Report by Cristina Bejarano and Nuria Luque
This week we have seen first-hand the work carried out by the Piache Venezuela Association, a charity led by intensive care specialist Dr Reymar del Valle Lunar, which also offers support to the Venezuelan people from Mijas. This NGO provide medical care, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, as in the case of the recent earthquakes that struck Venezuela on the 24th of June, leaving nearly 4,000 dead and more than 16,000 injured. Piache also continues the work begun by the parish priest Hermán Marcel Lunar, who is in charge of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mijas Pueblo.
Venezuela earthquake “In the initial emergency phase,
Piache joined forces with Caritas. In Mijas, the effort has been enormous. We have received a great deal of support, including from the Mijas Town Hall. We are very grateful”, explained Reymar del Valle.
We are also going to begin fundraising to send financial aid to those affected by this earthquake so that they can buy food, water, medicines or whatever else is needed”. Alongside
Reymar, we met the president of the Piache delegation in Spain, María Pacheco Piache is asking us to join its project; they need financial support, as shipments are becoming increasingly expensive. For this reason, Pacheco stated that “our mission is to raise funds”.
You can find out more on their social media and via asociacionpiache@gmail.com.
SOLIDARITY
Soroptimist members visit the Ödos Centre
Thanks to
Elena Enciso, an architect specialising in emergency housing for refugees
Ed. Dept. On Sunday 21st of June, members of Soroptimist International Costa del Sol, based in Mijas, visited the Ödos Centre thanks to Elena Enciso, an architect with a PhD from the University of Málaga who specialises in emergency housing for refugees. On arrival, the members were welcomed by Auxiliadora Fernández, the director at the Ödos Centre, a pioneering humanitarian receptopn facility in Spain run by the EMET Foundation. It is aimed at sub-Saharan women who arrive in Spain on small boats with children in their care, or who are pregnant, providing them with a
safe rural environment for physical and emotional rest.
Raising awareness of this situation is also part of the support these women need. With this aim in mind, Daphne Theunissen and Lene Thygesen, members of Soroptimist International Costa del Sol, will travel to Nairobi at the end of the summer to attend the Soroptimist Convention, where they will meet with Soroptimists from across Africa. During the meeting, they will invite delegates to donate fabric that can be used in the Ödos Centre’s ‘Sanando Costuras’ (Healing Seams) project.
From left to right: The president of the Piache delegation in Spain, María Pacheco; the parish priest, Hermán Marcel Lunar; the president of Piache, Reymar del Valle Lunar; and volunteer Peña Leiva / N. Luque.
The members during the visit / Soroptimist.
Mijas revives the spirit of
San Fermín
with 36 years of tradition far from Pamplona
The traditional chupinazo at Casa Navarra marked the start of a now longstanding festival
Report by Beatriz Martín/ Design: C.Bejarano
Mijas proved once again that you don’t have to be in Pamplona to experience San Fermín. On Monday 6th, the town celebrated the start of the festivities with a floral tribute at the roundabout honouring the people of Navarre, followed by the ‘chupinazo’ rocket at Casa Navarra.
Here, Navarrese residents from across the Costa del Sol, locals and authorities came together to share this tradition, which is now in its 36th year in the municipality. The day began at the roundabout dedicated to Navarre, where, at the foot of its flag, local authorities and Navarrese residents laid bouquets of flowers as a sign of twinning, a symbolic act that set the festive tone characteristic of this time of year.
Following the floral tribute, the celebrations moved to Casa Navarra, where the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), was responsible for setting off the chupinazo, accompanied by Carlos Herrero, the owner of the venue and promoter of this annual event.
“I believe there are around 2,000 people from Navarre living on the Costa del Sol, and most get emotional because it reminds us of Pamplona and our people, but the town of Mijas has welcomed us very warmly. Neither the Town Hall nor the local people have ever let us down; we are delighted to be here”, Herrero emphasised.
Unity between communities
“Today, the people of Navarre and Mijas are one; just like the rest of Spaniards, we are united in our cultures, our traditions and in preserving everything that brings us together”, noted the mayoress, who also wished to acknowledge Herrero’s efforts to keep this tradition alive: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the person
who has made this unity possible”.
Malagueñas and Navarrese jotas Music and dance also took centre stage, featuring improvised Navarrese ‘jotas’ and others performed by stude from the UP, directed by Feli Gabriel
Institutional support
The local council encouraged people to join in this tradition. “Today we are not only celebrating San Fermín, but also a day of community that will include not only ‘chistorras’ and ‘zurracapote’, but also Malaga-style sardines, Spanish beer and the joy of a community”, said Mario Bravo, the PP spokesperson at the Mijas Town Hall. .
“The Town Hall offers its full support because this puts us on the map not only on the Costa del Sol but also across Spain and abroad, as this event projects our image and thus contributes to our cultural and gastronomic appeal”, noted Juan Carlos Maldonado, spokesperson for Por Mi Pueblo.
Meanwhile, the Mijas PSOE also wished to thank Carlos Herrero and his family. The party’s general secretary, Josele González, said: “They continue to ensure we have this small Navarrese gastronomic hub in our municipality, and it should make us proud that they choose to be in Mijas, so thank you and congratulations”.
It is a celebration that, year after year, proves the spirit of San Fermín knows no distance.
CULTURE
Mijas set for a night of passion and tango at the Manuel
España Theatre
‘Popular Dance: Tango and Other Rhythms’ takes place on 18th of July from 20:30 in the theatre courtyard
J.Ayara / P.Murillo / C.M.
The beat, the rhythm and elegance embrace in a new cultural event. The courtyard of the Manuel España Theatre in Las Lagunas will host ‘Popular Dance: Tango and Other Rhythms’ on Saturday 18th of July from 20:30 to 23:30.
The event stems from an initiative by the Mijas Tango and Dance Association, a proposal taken up by the Department of Culture. The councillor responsible for the area, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), stated that “we rely on cultural associations to offer a very diverse programme that appeals to everyone. The Department of Culture tries to meet residents’ needs, despite the sheer volume of proposals we receive”.
During this open-air dance showcase, the public can come along, take part and enjoy the
experience alongside tango enthusiasts, with the chance to give free rein to body expression through ‘ochos’ and ‘boleos’. Admission is free and no prior registration is required. Councillor for
MANUEL ESPAÑA
THEATRE
SATURDAY 18TH
Free admission
‘Baile popular: tango y otros ritmos’ THE SHOW
From 20:30 to 23:30 h
Culture, Juan Carlos Maldonado / Patricia Murillo.
WHAT´S ON
Valtocado get-together
Community Days in honour of Ntra. Sra. Inmaculada Concepción
Friday 10th
21:00: UP Dance Group led by Remedios Fernández; 21:55: Progress Dance Group; 22:00: Magic Mota (Magician); and 23:00: Katrina
12:00: Transfer of the Virgin from the chapel to the venue, where a mass will be held accompanied by the Unión del Cante choir. Followed by paella. The traditional pilgrimage route has been cancelled this year.
FRIDAY 10TH
Exhibition ‘Miró’ CAC Mijas, inauguration at 19:30
Organised by the Remedios Medina Foundation
Villa de Mijas Choral Concert Folk Museum, 20 hours
Free admission until full capacity is reached
SATURDAY 11TH
Summer Fundraising Dinner. Caribbean Style Evening Miraflores golf restaurant. Bobby Jones & Spikes 11th of July, from 19:00 Tickets and more information: 711 039 124 / 647 647 671
La Cala Resort Market
La Cala Resort, from 18 to 23 h Crafts from Mijas, fashion, design, wellbeing and a mindful lifestyle
Flamenco Soy featuring Carlos Brías singing, Manuel El Yunke on guitar, and Susana Solera and Azahara Alcaine dancing Peña Flamenca del Sur, 21:30
FOREIGNER’S DEPARTMENT MIJAS TOWN HALL
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
SALUD RESPONDE (Doctor’s prescriptions etc.)
EMERGENCY/DOCTOR, AMBULANCE ANDALUSIAN HEALTH
LOCAL POLICE - MIJAS
EMERGENCIES 24H
OFFICE, MON - FRI 8:00-14:00
FIREBRIGADE 24H
CIVIL GUARD 24H
MIJAS
FOREIGNERS
SUNDAY 12TH
Costa del Sol Card Show
Las Lagunas Sports Centre, 10:00 to 20:00
Tickets available at ticketing.cat
Im-Pulse. A tribute to Pink Floyd
Miguel González Berral Municipal Auditorium, 22 hours
Tickets: lacocheraentradas.com
Organic market
La Cala Boulevard, in front of the branch office. Second and last Sunday of the month, 09:00 to 14:00
WEDNESDAY 15TH
Summer Cinema: ‘Minecraft’
Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo, 22 h
Free admission until full capacity is reached
VIRGEN DEL CARMEN
Friday 10th: Mass, 20 h Alhamar Beach, Calahonda
Wednesday 15th: Mass, 20 h
Santa Teresa Church in La Cala
Thursday 16th: Mass and Virgen del Carmen procession, 20:00 h
Santa Teresa Church in La Cala
FRIDAY 17TH
Blues Night Mijas Pueblo Municipal Auditorium, 22 h Vargas Blues Band and A Piece of Janis featuring Noe Sakura (a tribute to Janis Joplin). Charity admission: bring one kilo, litre or pack of non-perishable food or personal hygiene products for the food bank
1st Craft Beer, Ham and Cured Meats Festival Plaza Virgen de la Peña, from 17th to 19th of July, 18 hours
Food, drink and performances
DO NOT MISS
Territorio Juventud
Torreón Beach, Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, from 17:00 to 20:00 Free registration every Wednesday from 10:00 at experiencias.es. For further information, call 606 417 609
‘Professions’ group photography exhibition, by Nuevo Enfoque Mijas Nuevo Enfoque premises (urb. El Coto. Conjunto residencial Los Olivos fase, local 25) Free admission
Exhibition ‘Between Light and Colour’, by Livia Yolanda MolinaBailén Luque
La Cala Cultural Centre, 20:00 Until the 19th of July
Exhibition: 17th Enfoca Mijas Photography Marathon Folk Museum in Mijas Pueblo Until the 3rd of August
Dancing at Active Participation and Senior Citizens’ Centres
Mijas Pueblo Active Participation Centre, every other Sunday from 19:00 to 21:30. Next session: 19th July
Las Lagunas Active Participation Centre. Fridays, 20:00 to 22:30
La Cala Senior Citizens’ Centre, every other Sunday, from 19:30 to 22:00. Next session: 12 July No prior registration required
Charity Watercolour Exhibition by Emilio Guitián in aid of Adimi Las Lagunas Cultural Centre Until the 3rd of August. Open from 08:00 to 14:30, Monday to Friday
Solidarity Tables Square in front of the La Cala Branch Office, 11:00 to 14:00 15 and 18 July, and 26 and 29 August
